Variable article holder

Abstract

A multifunctional holder for receiving and removably securing a variety of different articles having various shapes, sizes and dimensions. The holder generally comprises a base member and a pair of L-shaped clamping members for receiving an article therebetween, wherein the clamping members are oriented towards one another at upward angles, and wherein gravity and the weight of the article forces the clamping members together to facilitate grasping of the article therebetween. The holder further comprises a support member disposed between the clamping members to provide additional support and stabilization to the article retained between the clamping members.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to article organizational products, and more specifically to a variable article holder for receiving and retaining articles having a variety of different shapes, sizes and/or cross-sectional dimensions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Article-holding devices for receiving and retaining particular articles for display and/or storage are readily available. Many such devices may be mounted to a wall surface, wherein articles to be held therewithin may be conveniently retained and stowed away until needed. Accordingly, such article holders may be advantageously utilized as space-saving and organizational tools.

However, many article holders comprise slots and/or holes that are dimensionally-limited to particular articles having fixed or conventional shapes and/or sizes. That is, a cylindrically-shaped article, such as a broom stick, would not properly fit within, and be retained by, a square-shaped slot better suited for receiving a cube. Similarly, a cube-shaped article would not properly fit within a circular-shaped hole. Additionally, apertures having fixed shapes and sizes are typically formed from inflexible and non-resilient materials and are therefore not suitably adapted to conform to the particular size and shape of a selected article. Moreover, apertures that do possess flexible or resilient physical properties often lose such resiliency or become stretched when articles that do not conform to the specific shape and/or size of such apertures are forced therein.

Accordingly, article holders have been developed which comprise adjustable clamps, wherein the clamps allow for some flexibility as to the size and shape of the article to be stored therewithin. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,923 to Skeels ('Skeels '923”) discloses a soap holder having a pair of clamping arms rotatably connected to a housing, wherein a bar of soap may be inserted between the rotatable clamping arms and frictionally held therebetween. In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,183,164 to Heinzle ('Heinzle '164”) teaches a snow ski holder comprising two clamping jaws, wherein the clamping jaws are pivotally bolted to a support plate and are configured to hold and retain a pair of snow skis therebetween.

Despite their advantages, the above-referenced patents nevertheless suffer from several inherent structural limitations. For example, the variety of articles that may be effectively retained by the holders is limited by the spacial gap between the clamping members as well as the actual size of the clamping members. Further, apart from the pivotal rotation of the clamping members, most clamping members do not conform to the physical dimensions of the article to be stored; and, as such, the articles that may be held by a particular clamping device are limited to a discrete range of sizes. Thus, most clamping devices will not properly hold articles that fall outside of a predetermined size range, wherein articles that are too large will not fit between the clamping members, and wherein articles that are too small will not be properly secured within the clamping members and, thus, fall therefrom. As a consequence, multiple holders and/or a holder comprising multiple pairs of clamping mechanisms are needed to stow articles having an assortment of shapes and sizes.

In addition to the above-mentioned disadvantages, many article holders suffer from poor or inadequate gripping strength, especially where the holder is not specifically customized to receive and retain a particular sized and/or shaped article. Moreover, many article holders comprising clamping members, such as those taught by Skeels '923 and Heinzle '164, require a large number of moving parts, thereby increasing the cost and difficulty of manufacture, assembly and maintenance of same.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a variable article holder that may be utilized to receive and retain articles having varying shapes, sizes, and cross-sectional areas; thereby, eliminating the need for the purchase and utilization of multiple article holding devices. Moreover, there is a need for such a holder that creates a strong gripping force to securely retain articles, thereby preventing such articles from slipping and falling from the holder.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing a variable article holder designed to receive and retain a variety of articles comprising varying dimensions, wherein the variable article holder prevents slippage of articles held therewithin by creating and maintaining a strong frictional grasping force on such articles.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is an article holder comprising a base member, a pair of L-shaped clamping members, and a support member.

More specifically, each clamping member comprises a post and an arm, wherein the posts are affixed to the base member, and wherein each arm is integrally formed and perpendicularly disposed to each post. The arms of the clamping members are oriented upwardly and toward one another wherein, in such a configuration, an article may be inserted between the clamping members, and wherein gravity and the weight of the article forces the upwardly angled arms together, thereby securing the article therebetween. Furthermore, the support member is disposed on the base member and proximal to the clamping members to provide additional support and stabilization to the article retained therebetween.

Preferably, the holder is formed from rubber, wherein the physical characteristics of rubber permit the clamping members to bend, and thus the spacial gaps between the clamping members to be adjusted. Further, the flexible arms of the clamping members allow articles to be fitted and received therebetween, wherein the resilient memory of rubber subsequently forces the arms back toward one another to grasp and hold such articles.

Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to effectively function as an all-purpose, variable holder for retaining an infinite variety of articles, thereby eliminating the need for the purchase and utilization of-multiple article holding devices.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its rubber clamping members, which enable the retention of articles having varying shapes, sizes and dimensions.

Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its utilization of gravity and the weight of the article held therewithin to force the arms together, thereby creating a powerful gripping force, allowing the holder to retain articles of great mass.

Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to quickly and easily receive and retain an article between its clamping members.

A further feature and advantage of the present invention is its small and compact size, which allows the holder to be discretely installed at different locations on varying types of wall surfaces.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Selected Alternative Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a variable article holder according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a variable article holder according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a variable article holder according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a front view of a variable article holder according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred and selected alternative embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, the present invention in a preferred embodiment is a variable article holder 10, wherein holder 10 generally comprises base member 20, clamping members 30, 40, and support member 50. Base member 20 preferably comprises rear side 22, front side 24, top side 26, bottom side 28, left side 21 and right side 23. Base member 20 preferably generally comprises a rectangular-shape; however, it is recognized that base member 20 could embody other alternatively suitable shapes and/or sizes, such as, for exemplary purposes only, triangular, circular or semi-circular. Rear side 22 preferably comprises and adhesive coating to facilitate mounting of same to a wall surface. It is recognized in an alternative embodiment, however, that other means for mounting rear side 22 of base member 20 to a wall surface may be provided, such as, for exemplary purposes only, mounting apertures and/or slots, magnets, hooks, or hook-and-loop fasteners. Base member 20 is preferably formed from rubber, although it is contemplated, in an alternative embodiment, that base member 20 could be formed from other suitable materials, such as, for exemplary purposes only, wood, glass, metal, metal alloys, plastic, fiberglass or other composite materials.

Clamping members 30, 40 are preferably L-shaped, wherein clamping members 30, 40 preferably comprise posts 60, 70 (not shown), respectively, and arms 80, 90, respectively. Preferably, posts 60, 70 are cylindrical-shaped, wherein posts 60, 70 comprise first ends 62, 72 (not shown), respectively, and second ends 64, 74 (not shown), respectively. First ends 62, 72 of posts 60, 70, respectively, are preferably integrally formed to base member 20. It is contemplated in an alternative embodiment, however, that first ends 62, 72 of posts 60, 70, respectively, could be attached to base member 20 via other suitable means, such as, for exemplary purposes only, frictional fit, threaded engagement, a tab and slot system, adhesives, pegs, pins, clamps, clasps, hooks, screws, bolts, or the like.

Preferably, arms 80, 90 comprise first ends 82, 92, respectively, second ends 84, 94, respectively, top sides 86, 96, respectively and bottom sides 88, 98, respectively. Preferably, first ends 82, 92 of arms 80, 90 are integrally formed to second ends 64, 74, respectively, of posts 60, 70, respectively, of clamping members 30 and 40, respectively. Preferably, arms 80, 90 are arcuate shaped, wherein arms 80, 90 collectively function to receive and hold an article therebetween, as more fully described below. It is contemplated, in an alternative embodiment, however, that arms 80, 90 could embody other suitable shapes and/or sizes, such as, for exemplary purposes only, rectangular, triangular, circular or semi-circular. As best seen with reference to FIG. 1, clamping members 30, 40 are preferably positioned on front side 24 of base member 20, wherein second ends 84, 94 of arms 80, 90, respectively, are preferably directed upwards and toward one another. More specifically, second end 84 of arm 80 is preferably directed toward top side 26 and right side 23 of base member 20 and second end 94 of arm 90 is preferably directed toward top side 26 and left side 21 of base member 20.

Clamping members 30, 40 are preferably formed from rubber, wherein the physical characteristics of rubber permit clamping members 30, 40 to bend, and thus the spacial gaps between clamping members 30, 40 to be adjusted. Further, the flexibility of clamping members 30, 40 allow articles to be fitted and received therebetween, wherein the resilient memory of rubber subsequently forces arms 80, 90 back toward one another to grasp and hold such articles.

Support member 50 is preferably wedge-shaped, wherein support member 50 preferably provides additional support and stabilization to an article retained between clamping members 30, 40 via frictional engagement. Support member 50 is preferably integrally formed to base member 20, wherein support member 50 is preferably centrally disposed between posts 60, 70 of clamping members 30, 40, respectively. Preferably, support member 50 is formed from rubber, wherein the resilient physical properties of rubber permit support member 50 to bend and adapt to the article held within holder 10. It is contemplated in an alternative embodiment, however, that support member 50 could be formed from other suitable materials, such as, for exemplary purposes only, wood, glass, metal, metal alloys, plastic, fiberglass or other composite materials.

To operate holder 10 for receiving and securing article A, second end 84 of arm 80 of clamping member 30 is preferably bent upwards and towards left side 21 of base member 20, and second end 94 of arm 90 of clamping member 40 is preferably bent upwards and toward right side 23 of base member 20, thereby creating a gap for receiving article A therebetween. Preferably, article A is positioned between clamping member 30 and clamping member 40, wherein the resilient rubber memory of clamping members 30, 40 forces second ends 84, 94 of arms 80, 90, respectively, back toward one another to secure article A therebetween. As previously described, arms 80, 90 are preferably directed upwards and toward one another, wherein gravity and the weight of article A preferably collectively force second ends 84, 94 of arms 80, 90, respectively, together for securing article A therebetween. In such a configuration, holder 10 is preferably capable of securing and maintaining articles of great mass.

As best seen with reference to FIG. 3, it is contemplated in an alternative embodiment, that arms 80, 90 could comprise slits 100 and curves 110, wherein slits 100 are situated on top sides 86, 96 of arms 80, 90, respectively, and wherein curves 110 are situated on bottom sides 88, 98 of arms 80, 90, respectively. In such an embodiment, slits 100 and curves 110 facilitate flexing of arms 80, 90 for receiving and securing an article therebetween.

In another alternative embodiment, second ends 84, 94 of arms 80, 90, respectively, could comprise grasping members for providing additional support to the article held therebetween. In such an embodiment, the grasping members could embody grooves, channels, bumps, dimples, protrusions and/or adhesives.

In still another alternative embodiment, clamping members 30, 40 could be formed from other suitable materials, such as, for exemplary purposes only, wood, glass, metal, metal alloys, plastic, fiberglass or other composite materials. In such an embodiment, either arms 80, 90 are pivotally mounted to posts 60, 70, respectively, and/or posts 60, 70 are pivotally mounted to base member 20. To utilize such an embodiment for stowing articles, second ends 84, 94 of arms 80, 90, respectively, are directed upwards and toward one another to receive an article to be placed therebetween, wherein gravity and the weight of the article held therebetween collectively force second ends 84, 94 of arms 80, 90, respectively, together to facilitate grasping of the article.

In still yet another alternative embodiment, clamping members 30, 40 could be removably secured to base member 20 via frictional fit, threaded engagement, a tab-and-slot system, adhesives, pegs, pins, clamps, clasps, hooks, screws, bolts, or the like.

In yet another alternative embodiment, as best seen with reference to FIG. 4, holder 10 could comprise two or more pairs of clamping members 30, 40 for receiving and retaining multiple articles within holder 10.

In a further alternative embodiment, holder 10 could comprise an adjustable base member 20, wherein the length of base member 20 could be altered to adapt to the size and shape of the article to be held therein. In such an embodiment, base member 20 could comprise a left segment and a right segment, wherein the left segment and right segment are attached to one another via one or more connection rods, and wherein the left segment and right segment may be secured at different positions along the one or more connection rods, depending on the size and shape of the article to be held therewithin.

In still a further alternative embodiment, holder 10 could comprise adjustable clamping members, wherein the distance between clamping members 30, 40 could be altered to adapt to the size and shape of the article to be held therebetween. In such an embodiment, posts 60, 70 of clamping members 30, 40, respectively, could be slidably affixed to base member 20, or posts 60, 70 of clamping members 30, 40, respectively, could be removably secured to base member 20 at various interchangeable positions.

In yet a further alternative embodiment, holder 10 could have any number of support members 50.

In still yet a further alternative embodiment, support member 50 could be removably secured to base member 20 via frictional fit, threaded engagement, a tab and slot system, adhesives, pegs, pins, clamps, clasps, hooks, screws, bolts, or the like.

In another and further alternative embodiment, clamping members 30, 40 could lack posts 60, 70, respectively, wherein first ends 82, 92 of arms 80, 90, respectively, would be directly affixed to base member 20.

In still another and further alternative embodiment, holder 10 could lack base member 20, wherein clamping members 30, 40 could be directly affixed to a work piece, such as, for exemplary purposes only, a wall surface, a door, a chair, a refrigerator, or a cabinet.

In yet another and further alternative embodiment, holder 10 could comprise extendable, telescoping arms.

Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A variable article holder, comprising:

a first clamping member formed from flexible material, wherein said first clamping member comprises a post and an arm; and

a second clamping member formed from flexible material, wherein said second clamping member comprises a post and an arm.

2. The variable article holder of claim 1, further comprising a base member, wherein said arm of said first clamping member and said arm of said second clamping member each comprise a distal end, wherein said distal ends are oriented toward one another.

3. The variable article holder of claim 1, wherein said arm of said first clamping member and said arm of said second clamping member each comprise a slit.

4. The variable article holder of claim 1, wherein said arm of said first clamping member and said arm of said second clamping member each comprise a curve.

5. The variable article holder of claim 1, further comprising a support member, wherein said support member is disposed proximate to said first clamping member and said second clamping member.

6. The variable article holder of claim 1, further comprising a base member, wherein said post of said first clamping member and said post of said second clamping member are affixed to said base member.

7. The variable article holder of claim 6, wherein said post of said first clamping member and said post of said second clamping member are integrally formed to said base member.

8. The variable article holder of claim 1, further comprising a base member, wherein said first post of said first clamping member and said post of said second clamping member are pivotally connected to said base member.

9. The variable article holder of claim 1, wherein said arm of said first clamping member and said arm of said second clamping member are affixed to each respective said post.

10. The variable article holder of claim 1, wherein said arm of said first clamping member and said arm of said second clamping member are pivotally connected to each respective said post.

11. A variable article holder, comprising:

a base member;

a first clamping member, wherein said first clamping member is affixed to said base member; and

a second clamping member, wherein said second clamping member is affixed to said base member.

12. The variable article holder of claim 11, wherein said first clamping member and said second clamping member are integrally formed to said base member.

13. The variable article holder of claim 11, wherein said first clamping member and said second clamping member each comprise a distal end, wherein said distal ends are oriented toward one another.

14. The variable article holder of claim 11, wherein said first clamping member and said second clamping member each comprise a slit.

15. The variable article holder of claim 11, wherein said first clamping member and said second clamping member each comprise a curve.

16. The variable article holder of claim 11, further comprising a support member, wherein said support member is disposed proximate to said first clamping member and said second clamping member.

17. The variable article holder of claim 11, wherein said first clamping member comprises an arm, and wherein said second clamping member comprises an arm.

18. The variable article holder of claim 17, wherein said first clamping member and said second clamping member each further comprise a post, wherein said posts of said first clamping member and said second clamping member connect said arms of said clamping members to said base member.

19. A method of utilizing a variable article holder to receive and removably secure articles therewithin, comprising the steps of:

obtaining a variable article holder comprising a base member, a first clamping member formed from flexible material, wherein said first clamping member comprises a post and an arm, and a second clamping member formed from flexible material, wherein said second clamping member comprises a post and an arm.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of:

directing said arm of said first clamping member towards a first portion of said base member;

directing said arm of said second clamping member towards a second portion of said base member, wherein said second portion of said base member is disposed opposite of said first side of said base member; and

inserting an article between said first clamping member and said second clamping member.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the steps of:

directing said arm of said first clamping member towards said second portion of said base member; and

directing said arm of said second clamping member towards said first portion of said base member.