Two-piece beverage holder assembly particularly for use in a dynamic environment

Abstract

A two-piece beverage supporting apparatus for use with a beverage container including a first disk-shaped element having a circumference and thickness and secured to a bottom-facing side of the beverage container. A second disk-shaped element is secured to a secondary support surface, such as associated with a dynamic and occupant carrying compartment. Opposing surfaces of the first and second disk elements matingly align and, upon the first disk element being rotated relative to the second disk element, resistively interengage theretogether to secure the beverage container upon the secondary support surface.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/677,047, filed May 3, 2005, for a “Two-Piece Beverage Holder Assembly Particularly for Use in a Dynamic Environment”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to beverage holder assemblies. More specifically, the present invention discloses a two-piece assembly including a beverage container with a first bottom secured disk element which is interengageable with a secondary and surface mounted disk-shaped element for resistively retaining the container, particularly in a dynamic environment.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The prior art is fairly well documented with examples of gripping supports/docking stations for use with beverage containers and the like. In particular, such assemblies are particularly useful in dynamic environments, such as the inside of a car, boat, etc., and to prevent the overturning of the container and spillage of its interiorly held components.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,031, issued to Lin, discloses a docking station disposed on a coffee mug for use in a vehicle cup holder. Of note, the docking station includes an integral flat base with a cavity on the inside and a number of partial female threads protruding outwardly from vertical walls formed in the cavity. Likewise, a number of partial male threads protrude outwardly from a raised pedestal for receiving and resistively engaging the female threads. A resilient pad attaches to the bottom of the body to increase stability of the container upon a flat surface. When used in a vehicle, the body is removed and stored in a convenient place.

Bridges, U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,156, teaches a holder having a base support for a beverage container and a wall which extends around the base and defines a cavity for receiving the beverage container. Of note, a wedging structure includes an annular rib disposed in the cavity and projecting upwards from the base support. Upon the beverage container being tipped, the annular rib contacts the concavity on the bottom surface of the beverage container, whereby the same is wedged between the annular rib and a low sidewall.

Morony, U.S. Pat. No. 4,771,911, teaches a holder for beverage containers (cans) for tightly gripping the same when positioned therewith but which is readily releasable is allow for easy removal. Of note, a rotatable locking ring and a deformable elastomeric clamping sleeve create a desired compressive force causing a portion of the sleeve to deform radially inwards to grip against the container to frictionally retain the container therewith. Reverse rotation of the locking collar releases the compressive force, thereby allowing release of the container.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention discloses a two-piece beverage supporting apparatus for use with a beverage holding container, such as in particular a plasticized, metallic or other durable container capable of holding either hot or cold beverages. In particular, the present invention provides such a two-piece apparatus for securing a beverage container in a secure fashion, such as particularly within a dynamic (moving) environment such as a car, boat, or the like.

A first substantially disk-shaped element is provided and includes a circumference and thickness and which is adapted to being secured to a bottom face of the beverage container. A second substantially disk-shaped element is secured to a secondary (fixed) support surface. Opposing surfaces of the first and second disk elements are matingly aligned and, upon the first disk element being rotated relative to the second disk element over a limited rotational distance, the first and second disk elements interengage to secure the beverage container upon the fixed support surface in both a fixed and vibration prevented fashion.

To assist in establishing the desired rotative engagement, the first disk element further includes least one, and typically a plurality, of circumferentially extending and spaced recesses communicable with a bottom disposed face opposing the second disk element. The second disk element likewise includes at least one, and typically a like plurality, of circumferentially extending finger portions matingly aligning with the recesses.

The first and second disk elements each further include at least one opposing and tapered surface established therebetween for resistively engaging the surfaces together. It is envisioned that, in one application, the respective finger and recess portions can provide the opposing tapered surfaces.

In a further variant, the second disk element includes a centrally projecting and circular portion exhibiting a tapered circumferential profile. The first disk element incorporates a mating and level recess for receiving and rotatively biasing against the tapered profile of the extending circular portion.

As is shown by additional variants, the secondary support surface may further include a cup holder surface associated with the vehicle. A rubberized and vibration dampening element may further be inter-disposed at a selected location between the beverage container and the secondary (fixed) support surface.

The dampening element may further include a rubber seal established between the first and second disk elements. Additionally, a closed cell rubber sleeve may be designed to extend upwardly from the first disk element, such as for supporting a Styrofoam or paperboard beverage holding container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the attached drawing, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like references refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a bottom plan view of a first inverted and beverage container secured disk element according to a first preferred variant of the present invention and exhibiting in phantom a circumferential array of twist-and-lock recesses associated with the disk;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the disk element illustrated in FIG. 1 and further showing the arrangement of circumferential recesses in a top face of the disk;

FIG. 3 is a side cutaway view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 and illustrating the profile of a selected twist-and-lock channel according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a secondary disk element, interengageable with a beverage container supporting first disk element, and which is in turn secured to a desired support surface;

FIG. 5 is a ninety degree rotated view of the secondary disk element illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the secondary disk element illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a beverage container, to an underside of which is secured the first disk element according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a second disk element according to a further variant of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a similar arrangement of a secondary disk element, such as which is shown in FIG. 8, and in use with the beverage container of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 illustrates a retractable tray such as associated with an automotive dashboard or console and to which may be mounted the disk element of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an overhead view of the cup holder of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an overhead illustration of the secondary disk element and such as which may be secured within a selected cup holder recess associated with the tray of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a side illustration of the secondary disk element illustrated in FIG. 12 and further showing a two-sided adhesive secured to an underside of the secondary disk element for seating the secondary disk element within a selected cup holder recess;

FIG. 14 is an overhead plan view of a given diameter of a sleeve and height of sleeve to be determined by a size of a beverage container;

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a first disk element secured to a base surface of a neoprene or other suitable type of closed cell rubber sleeve suitable for holding beverage contents;

FIG. 16 is a further illustration of a two-piece disk arrangement and further showing a rubberized ring or seal secured to a bottommost facing surface of the first beverage holder mounted disk and operable to assist in vibration dampening when secured in a twist-and-lock fashion to the secondary and base support surface mounted disk element; and

FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of a secondary disk element and illustrating a resistively interengageable material, such as Velcro, secured to the bottom-facing surface of the disk element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention discloses a two-piece beverage mounting apparatus for use in a dynamic environment. As will be further discussed throughout the following views, the two-piece system is designed to mount (such as adhesively, chemically or mechanically) or to mold a first disk element to a bottom-facing surface of a beverage container or cup. A secondary and likewise disk-shaped element is secured (again adhesively, chemically or mechanically) to a secondary surface (usually a fixed surface associated with a vehicle console, tray or the like) and in order to which is resistively and interengageably mounted the beverage container and associated first disk element.

Referring first to FIG. 1, a bottom plan view is shown at 10 of a first inverted and beverage container secured disk element according to a first preferred variant of the present invention. The first disk element has a given shape and thickness and is typically constructed of a plastic or other like material. In one preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the first disk element 10 includes a 2½″ diameter×⅜″ thickness (the overall size may vary for placement of the base) and exhibits in phantom a circumferential array of twist-and-lock recesses 12, 14, 16 and 18 associated with the disk.

Also illustrated are a plurality of angular offsets, see angle θ associated with a center point of the disk element 10 and the circumferential sweep of twist-and-lock recess 14. As will be further described, one feature of the invention is the ability to rotatably interengage the first and second disk elements utilizing a minimal degree of rotating twist, in a preferred application less than 45 degrees.

As further seen in combination with the top plan view of FIG. 2, showing the arrangement of circumferential recesses in a top face of the disk, as well as the side cutaway view of FIG. 3, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1, illustrated is a profile of a selected twist-and-lock channel according to the present invention. As illustrated, each of the circumferentially extending slots includes a recessed portion within the disk and which, as will be further explained in reference to the secondary and interengaging disk portion, provides for a resistive interengaging and twist-lock engagement. Also, and while four such circumferential extending recesses are shown, it is also understood that any greater or lesser number of recessed slots can be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a side view is shown at 20 of a secondary disk element, and such as which is interengageable with a beverage container 22 (see FIG. 7) supporting the first disk element 10. The secondary disk element 20 is illustrated in partial fashion and includes a central projecting and tapered projection 24, and in addition to a plurality of four outer 26, 28, 30 and 32 and circumferentially bayonet tabs interengaging with the associated slotted recesses 12-18 illustrated in the first disk element. It is envisioned that the secondary disk element 20 would include four such tapered circumferential engagement portions in order to provide a resistive and secure fitment between the opposingly interengaging disks.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the central projecting location 24 of the disk 20 may exhibit, in one preferred application, a ¼″ thickness and with the central tapered surface associated with each projecting circumferential tab having a 1/16″ slant or angle between a first edge at ¼″ height and a second edge at 1/16″ height. The secondary disk element 20 is likewise a circular piece of plastic or similar material which can also be 2½″ in diameter by ⅜″ thickness and which can include the four protruding finger (or bayonet tab) fingers 26-32 for inter-fitting with the slot recesses 12-18 of the first disk element 10. FIG. 5 illustrates a ninety degree rotated view of the secondary disk element 20 also illustrated in FIG. 4, and by which the configuration of the selected twist-and-lock bayonet tab is located in reference to the top surface of the secondary disk element 20.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a top view is illustrated of the secondary disk element 20 illustrated in FIG. 4, including an outer and annular extending guide wall 26 and upon a top surface of which extends the four interengaging tab (bayonet) elements, see at 26-32. Referring again to FIG. 1 in cooperation with FIG. 6, it is apparent as to how the individual tabs 26-32 associated with the secondary disk 20 are rotatable within the respective and circumferentially extending recesses (again requiring less than 45 degrees or rotative twist and, in some variants, as little as 10-15 degrees of twist) to securely interengage the disk elements.

FIG. 7 is a plan side view of the beverage container 22, to an underside of which is secured the first disk element 10 according to the present invention, this element 10 further including a central, circular shaped and underside facing recessed area 34 corresponding to the central projecting tapered surface 24 of the second disk element 20. The tapered projecting portion 24 and recessed surface 34 are both circular in outline to facilitate the rotative interengagement of the first and second disks. It is further envisioned that, alternative to the provision of the central projection with tapered surface 24 (disk 20) and opposing central recess 34 (disk 10), tapered inter-fitment locations can be built into the respective circumferential slots and bayonet fingers established between the first and second disk elements, or that both interfitting tapered centered and outer circumferentially arrayed portions may be established between the first and second disk shaped elements.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are respective side views of a second disk element 20, FIG. 9 in particular illustrated in use with the beverage container of FIG. 7 and in an opposing arrayed fashion relative to the bottom mounted and inverted first disk element 10, it being further understood that the first disk element 10 can be secured to the bottom of the beverage holder in any of a number of different applications, such as with adhesive tape and the like. FIGS. 8 and 9 further illustrate the provision of an annular and outer guide wall 36, and such as which may be associated with a recess defined within a retractable tray 38 such as associated with an automotive dashboard or console and to which may be mounted the disk element of FIG. 9.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a retractable or stationary cup holder 40 (such as extending outwardly from an automobile dash) is illustrated and which may include first 42 and 44 circular and recessed apertures for seating and securing a beverage container. According to the present invention, a selected secondary disk element 20 is sized such that it can be secured within a selected recess 42 or 44.

The secondary disk element 20 is again shown in FIG. 12, similar to that presented in FIG. 2, and as further illustrated in FIG. 13 includes a bottom attached and two-sided adhesive type tape 46 for affixing the secondary disk 20 within a selected cup holder recess (again 42 or 44). The tape 46 can be substituted by a two-piece Velcro attachment for releasably securing the secondary disk element 20 within the cup holder recess.

FIG. 14 is an overhead plan view 48 of a given diameter of a sleeve and height of sleeve to be determined by a size of a beverage container. Referring now to FIG. 15, an illustration 50 is shown of a first disk element secured to a base surface 52 of a neoprene or other suitable type of closed cell rubber sleeve 54, and such as which is suitable for holding beverage contents. The base surface 52 interengages the sleeve 54 with a first disk element 10 constructed in a manner such as which was previously described.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a further illustration is shown at 56 of a two-piece disk arrangement, as substantially described previously, and further showing a rubberized ring or seal 58 disposed between the planar and opposing surface portions of the first and second disk elements. The purpose of the rubberized seal is to assist in vibration dampening in a dynamic environment and it is also envisioned that the seal can be reconfigured such that it is secured at any planar extending location established between the first disk 10 and the bottom of the beverage container or between the disk element 20 and secondary support surface. A neoprene or other suitable type of closed cell rubber sleeve is again shown at 54 in FIGS. 15 and 16 and operates to support and retainer a conventional Styrofoam or other suitable paperboard type beverage container.

Referring finally to FIG. 17, a bottom plan view of a secondary disk element is illustrated at 60 and illustrates a resistively interengageable material, such as again Velcro 62, secured to the bottom facing surface of the disk element 20. Alternatively, the Velcro type material can be substituted by a tape or other suitable material for securing the secondary disk element to the desired secondary support surface.

Having described the two-piece beverage supporting device for use in a dynamic environment, other and additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A two-piece beverage supporting apparatus for use with a beverage container, comprising:

a first substantially disk-shaped element having a circumference and thickness and which is adapted to being secured to a bottom face of the beverage container; and

a second substantially disk-shaped element secured to a secondary support surface, opposing surfaces of said first and second disk elements matingly aligning and, upon said first disk element being rotated relative to said second disk element, resistively interengaging to secure the beverage container upon the secondary support surface.

2. The apparatus as described in claim 1, said first disk element further comprising at least one circumferentially extending recess communicable with a bottom disposed face opposing said second disk element.

3. The apparatus as described in claim 2, said second disk element further comprising at least one circumferentially extending finger portion matingly aligning with said recess.

4. The apparatus as described in claim 3, said first and second disk elements each further comprising a plurality of aligning and rotatively interengaging finger and recess portions.

5. The apparatus as described in claim 1, said first and second disk elements each further comprising at least one opposing and tapered surface established therebetween for resistively engaging said surfaces together.

6. The apparatus as described in claim 5, said second disk element including a centrally projecting and circular portion exhibiting a tapered circumferential profile, said first disk element incorporating a mating and level recess for receiving and rotatively biasing against said tapered profile of said extending circular portion.

7. The apparatus as described in claim 1, said secondary support surface further comprising a cup holder surface associated with a vehicle.

8. The apparatus as described in claim 1, further comprising a rubberized and vibration dampening element inter-disposed at a selected location between the beverage container and the secondary support surface.

9. The apparatus as described in claim 8, said dampening element further comprising a rubber seal established between said first and second disk elements.

10. The apparatus as described in claim 1, further comprising a closed cell rubber sleeve extending upwardly from said first disk element and for supporting a Styrofoam or paperboard beverage holding container.

11. A two-piece beverage supporting apparatus for use with a beverage holding container, the container including annular and upwardly extending sides and a substantially flattened bottom, said apparatus comprising:

a first substantially planar shaped element having a circumference and thickness and which is adapted to being secured to the bottom of the beverage holding container; and

a second substantially planar shaped element secured to a fixed support surface, opposing surfaces associated with said first and second planar shaped elements matingly aligning upon said first element being rotated less than 45 degrees relative to said second disk element, resistively interengaging to secure the beverage container upon the fixed support surface.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, said first and second elements each further comprising at least one opposing and tapered surface established therebetween for resistively engaging said surfaces together upon relative rotation therebetween.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, said second element further comprising a centrally projecting portion exhibiting a tapered and circumferential profile, said first element further comprising a mating recess for receiving and rotatively biasing against said tapered profile of said extending portion.

14. The apparatus as described in claim 11, said first and second elements each further comprising a plurality of circumferentially disposed, aligning and rotatively interengaging finger and recess portions.

15. The apparatus as described in claim 15, further comprising at least one opposing surface associated with said finger and recess portions being tapered.

16. A two-piece beverage supporting apparatus for use with a beverage holding container, the container including annular and upwardly extending sides and a substantially flattened bottom, said apparatus comprising:

a first substantially planar shaped element having a circumference and thickness and which is adapted to being secured to the bottom of the beverage holding container;

a second substantially planar shaped element secured to a fixed support surface, opposing surfaces associated with said first and second planar shaped elements matingly aligning upon said first element being rotated less than 45 degrees relative to said second disk element, resistively interengaging to secure the beverage container upon the fixed support surface; and

a rubberized and vibration dampening element inter-disposed at a selected location between the beverage container and the secondary support surface, said dampening element further comprising a rubber seal established between said first and second elements.

17. The apparatus as described in claim 16, further comprising a closed cell rubber sleeve extending upwardly from said first disk element and for supporting a Styrofoam or paperboard beverage holding container.