CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/543,500 filed on Oct. 5, 2006, hereby incorporated by reference, which claims priority to provisional application No. 60/779,982 filed on Mar. 7, 2006, also hereby incorporated by reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a holder for beverage containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a holder for beverage containers which is capable of being hung from a fence or other appropriate structure.
Many people commonly consume beverages while attending or participating in outdoor activities, such as sporting events, that take place at parks, athletic fields, and backyards across the country. The beverages are kept in various containers, such as metal cans, plastic bottles, or cups. However, there is seldom any convenient place to set down the beverage containers when not drinking. As a result, the containers are oftentimes placed on the ground where they are subject to being knocked over, stepped on, on contaminated with dust or insects.
Many parks, athletic fields, and backyards have chain-link fences located in various areas. For example, baseball fields typically have chain-link fences around the dugout areas and behind home plate. Likewise, many residential homes have chain-link fences enclosing the backyard area. It would be convenient to secure or hang beverage containers on the fence.
Therefore, what is needed is a holder for a beverage container that can be removeably secured to a chain-link fence.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification:
FIG. 1A is a front elevation view of a first embodiment of a beverage container holder secured to a fence, in accordance with and embodying the present invention;
FIG. 1B is a side elevation view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 1A holding a beverage container;
FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 2A is a front elevation view of a second embodiment of the beverage container holder secured to the fence;
FIG. 2B is a rear elevation view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 2A;
FIG. 2C is a top view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 2A;
FIG. 2D is a side elevation view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 2A;
FIG. 2E is a front elevation view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 2A;
FIG. 2F is side elevation view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 2A holding the beverage container;
FIG. 3A is a front elevation view of a third embodiment of the beverage container holder secured to the fence;
FIG. 3B is a rear elevation view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 3A;
FIG. 3C is a top view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 3A;
FIG. 3D is a side elevation view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 3A;
FIG. 3E is a front elevation view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 3A;
FIG. 3F is side elevation view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 3A holding a beverage container;
FIG. 4A is a front elevation view of a fourth embodiment of the beverage container holder secured to the fence;
FIG. 4B is a rear elevation view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 4A;
FIG. 4C is a top view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 4A;
FIG. 4D is a side elevation view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 4A;
FIG. 4E is a front elevation view the beverage container holder of FIG. 4A;
FIG. 4F is side elevation view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 4A holding a beverage container;
FIG. 5A is a front elevation view of a fifth embodiment of the beverage container holder secured to the fence;
FIG. 5B is a rear elevation view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 5A;
FIG. 5C is a top view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 5A;
FIG. 5D is a side elevation view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 5A;
FIG. 5E is a front elevation view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 5A;
FIG. 5F is side elevation view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 5A holding a beverage container;
FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the beverage container secured to the fence as shown in dotted line;
FIG. 6B is a rear elevation view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 6A holding a beverage container;
FIG. 6C is a top view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 6A; and
FIG. 6D is a cross-section view of the beverage container holder along line F-F of FIG. 6B;
FIG. 7A is a rear elevation view of view of a seventh embodiment of a beverage container holder secured to a fence;
FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 7A;
FIG. 7C is a top view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 7A;
FIG. 7D is a side elevation view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 7A holding a beverage container;
FIG. 8A is a rear elevation view of the engagement member of FIG. 7A;
FIG. 8B is a top view of the engagement member of FIG. 7A;
FIG. 8C is a front elevation view of the engagement member of FIG. 7A;
FIG. 8D is a bottom view of the engagement member of FIG. 7B;
FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of the beverage container;
FIG. 9B is a rear elevation view the engagement member of FIG. 9A;
FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of the beverage container;
FIG. 10B is a rear elevation view of the engagement member of FIG. 10A;
FIG. 10C top view of the engagement member of FIG. 10A; and
FIG. 10D is a side elevation view of the beverage container holder of FIG. 10A in a contracted position.
Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, a first embodiment of the present invention, generally referred to as a beverage container holder 10, includes a frame 12, a base 14 associated with the frame 12 for supporting a beverage container “A”, a retaining member 16 associated with the frame 12 for retaining the beverage container “A” on the base 14, and engagement members 18 and 20 associated with the frame 12 for removable engagement with a linked structure, such as a chain-link fence “B”. The various components, particularly the retaining member 16 and frame 12, can be varied in size to accommodate various size containers.
The chain-link fence “B” (FIG. 1A), as is well known, is comprised of a plurality of wires 22 arranged in a diagonal grid pattern that defines diamond shaped openings 24. Each opening is defined by a pair of upper wire segments 26 and 28 and a pair lower wire segments 30 and 32. This configuration sometimes is employed in screening, for example, a screen positioned behind a batter's box or a backyard fence. Other embodiments and structures can be as employed as such a screen (i.e. spaced with links, or decorative lattice).
In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C, the frame 12 is generally Y-shaped having a upright support 34 with two arms 36 and 38 extending generally diagonally from the upright 34 at intersection point “C”. The arms 36 and 38 also are angled rearwardly such that the tops of the arms are horizontally spaced from the upright 34 (FIG. 1B). The angle of each arm 36 and 38 is approximately the same.
The retaining member 16 is a generally cylindrical ring that extends generally perpendicularly from the upright support 34 of the frame 12 at intersection “C” (FIG. 1C). The retaining member 16 can be attached to the frame 12 by any suitable means, such as welding, adhesive, or with fasteners, or can be unitary with the frame 12.
The base 14 is shown to be a generally cylindrical disc that extends generally perpendicularly from a lower end of the frame 12, but can be any desired shape or size capable of supporting the container “A”. The base 14 can be attached to the frame 12 by any suitable means, such as welding, adhesive, or with fasteners, or can be unitary with the frame 12. The position and orientation of the base 14 is generally concentric with and generally corresponds with the position and orientation of the retaining member 16 (FIG. 1B). In addition, the base 14 is approximately the same circumference as the retaining member 16, but it does not have to be. The base 14 and retaining member 16 are sized, spaced, and configured apart at a distance to support and loosely contain a standard sized beverage container “A”, such as a soda or beer can, a mug, and the like. Accordingly, the beverage container “A” can be inserted through the retaining member 16 to rest or seat upon the base 14 for supporting the container “A”. In this position, the retaining member 16 prevents the beverage container “A” from moving completely off the base 14.
The holder 10 of FIGS. 1A-1C is illustrated as being shaped, sized, and configured to receive beverage container “A”, which is shown as a typical twelve ounce can. However, the holder 10 can be a size, shape, or configuration to receive a container of any capacity, including, but not limited to a 20 ounce bottle, 750 ml bottle, 1 quart carton, and the like. In addition, the holder 10 can be sized, shaped, or configured to receive a container of any shape, including, but not limited to cylindrical bottles, rectangular cartons or boxes, or some other shape (FIG. 1A).
In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C, each engagement member 18 and 20 is an elongated hook-shaped catch positioned at the upper end of respective arms 36 and 38. The engagement members 18 and 20 are orientated to engage respective lower wire segments 30 and 32, with the engagement member 18 facing forward respective to the frame 12 and the engagement member 20 facing rearward respective to the frame 12.
In operation, the holder 10 engages the fence “B” so that it is suspended from the lower wire segments 30 and 32 of two separate diamond-shaped openings 24. The forward facing engagement member 18 engages a corresponding wire segment 30 and the rearward facing engagement member 20 engages a corresponding wire segment 32. The weight of the frame 12, base 14, and retaining member 16 pull generally downwardly by gravity on the engagement members 18 and 20 along the longitudinal axis of the arms 36 and 38 to maintain engagement with the fence “B” and so that the holder will lie flat against the fence “B”. In this way, the Y-shape of the frame 12 enhances the stability of the holder 10 making it less likely to disengage from the fence “B” when it is bumped.
Many variations of the beverage container holder 10 can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Several alternate embodiments of the holder 10 are shown in FIGS. 2A-6D. For ease of understanding, components common between the various embodiments are identified with similar reference numbers, except the reference numbers in the alternate embodiments include a numerical prefix, such as “100”. For example, the frame of the first embodiment is identified as 12, while a second embodiment with a similar base device is identified as 112. Naturally, any new components are identified with unique reference numbers.
FIGS. 2A-2F depict a second embodiment of the present invention, generally referred to as a beverage container holder 110, which is generally similar to the first embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C. The holder 110 includes rearward-facing engagement members 118 and 120 that engage respective lower wire segments 130 and 132 to suspend the holder 110 from two separate diamond-shaped openings 124 (FIG. 2A). Each engagement member 118 and 120 is an elongated hook-shaped catch having a channel 140 with a tapered entrance 142 (FIG. 2F). The entrance 142 is slightly less than the diameter of the wire segments 130 and 132 so that engagement members 118 and 120 “snap” onto the wire segments 130 and 132. In this way, the wire segments 130 and 132 are secured within the channels 140. Also, the engagement members 118 and 120 are slightly offset in different planes from each other to accommodate for the offset between the wire segments 130 and 132. This is accomplished by having each arm 136 and 138 at different angles relative to the upright 134. In the depicted embodiment, one arm 136 is generally planar with the upright 134 while the other arm 138 is at approximately a 15° angle from the upright 134.
In this second embodiment, the base 114 is shown as generally rectangular. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that any desired shape can be used that is capable of supporting the container “A”, such as cylindrical, hexagonal, elliptical, oval, square and the like. In addition, the base 114 is angled slightly upwardly, such as approximately 5°, to compensate for the weight of the beverage container “A” (FIG. 2D). Therefore, when the container “A” is placed in the holder 110, the base 114 bends at point “D” under the weight of the container “A” (FIG. 2F). The base 114 may bend until the it is generally perpendicular with the frame 112. When the container “A” is removed, the base 114 returns to the original angled position (FIG. 2D).
FIGS. 3A-3F depict a third embodiment of the present invention, generally referred to as a beverage container holder 210, that includes a frame 212, a base 214 associated with the frame 212 for supporting a beverage container “A”, a retaining member 216 associated with the frame 212 for retaining the beverage container “A” on the base 214, and an engagement member 218 associated with the frame for engaging the chain-link fence “B”.
The frame 212 comprises a generally rectangular upright support 234 (FIG. 3B). The retaining member 216 is a generally cylindrical ring that extends generally perpendicularly from an upper end of the frame 212 (FIG. 3D). The retaining member 216 can be attached to the frame 212 by any suitable means, such as welding, adhesive, or fasteners, or can be unitary with the frame 212.
The base 214 is generally rectangular with a rounded end 215 and extends generally perpendicularly from a lower end of the frame 212 (FIG. 3C-3D). However, the base 214 can be any size, shape, or configuration capable of supporting the container “A”. The base 214 can be attached to the frame 212 by any suitable means, such as welding, adhesive, or with fasteners, or can be unitary with the frame. The position and orientation of the base 214 generally corresponds with the position and orientation of the retaining member 216. In addition, the base 214 has a length generally extending up to the diameter of the retaining member 216 and is preferably greater than the radius of the retaining member 216. The base 214 and retaining member 216 are sized, spaced, and configured apart at a distance to support and loosely contain a standard sized beverage container “A”, such as a soda or beer can, a mug, and the like (FIG. 3F). Accordingly, the beverage container “A” can be inserted through the retaining member 216 to rest upon the base 214 for supporting the container “A”. In this position, the retaining member 216 prevents the beverage container “A” from moving completely off the base 114.
The holder 210 is illustrated in FIGS. 3A-F as being shaped, sized, and configured to receive beverage container “A”, which is shown as a typical twelve ounce can. However, the holder 210 can be a size, shape, or configuration to accommodate any size or shape container. For example, the holder 210 can be sized, shaped, or configured to receive a container of any capacity, including, but not limited to a 20 ounce bottle, 750 ml bottle, 1 quart carton, and the like. In addition, the holder 210 can be sized, shaped, or configured to receive a container of any shape, including, but not limited to cylindrical bottles, rectangular cartons or boxes, or some other shape.
In this third embodiment, the engagement member 218 is generally L-shaped with an upper portion 250 extending rearward from the upper end of the frame 212 and lower portion 252 extending downwardly from the upper portion 250. (FIGS. 3D and 3F) Although the upper portion 250 is shown as generally flat, it can also be curved. The upper portion 250 includes offset slots 254 and 256 for engaging corresponding lower wire segments 232 or 230 (FIG. 3A-3C). The slots 254 and 256 have a length generally less than half the width of the upper portion 250. The slots 254 and 256 have a width greater than the diameter of the wire segments 232 and 230 and are horizontally spaced apart from each other at a distance approximately equal to the horizontal offset between the wire segments 232 and 230. In this way, the holder 210 will lie generally flat against the fence “B” when suspended from the wire segments 232 and 230. (FIG. 3A)
In operation, the holder 210 engages the fence “B” so that it suspends from the lower wire segments 232 and 230 of one of the diamond-shaped openings 224. Each slot 254 and 256 engages a corresponding wire segment 232 and 230. The weight of the frame 212, base 214, and retaining member 216 pull generally downwardly by gravity on the engagement member 218 along the longitudinal axis of the frame 212 to maintain engagement with the fence “B”.
FIGS. 4A-4F depict a fourth embodiment of the present invention, generally referred to as beverage container holder 310, which is generally similar to the third embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3F. The holder 310 includes a frame 312, a base 314 associated with the frame 312 for supporting the beverage container “A”, a retaining member 316 associated with the frame 312 for retaining the beverage container “A” on the base 314, and an engagement member 318 associated with the frame 318 for engaging the chain-link fence “B”.
In this fourth embodiment, the retaining member 316 and the frame 312 include respective ornamental elements 360 and 362 (FIG. 4E). While the ornamental element 360 depicted is a generally diamond shape and the element 362 is a generally triangular shape, those skilled in the art will recognize that the ornamental elements 360 and 362 can be any desired shape. Additionally, the base 314 comprises an arm 364 which extends from the bottom of the frame 312 and a plate 366 at the free end of the arm 364 (FIG. 4C). The plate 366 is generally circular, as shown, but can be any desired shaped, including, but not limited to cylindrical, hexagonal, elliptical, oval, square and the like. The plate 366 is positioned to be generally concentric with the retaining member 316. The position and orientation of the base 314 generally corresponds with the position and orientation of the retaining member 316. In addition, the base 314 has a length generally extending up to the diameter of the retaining member 316 and is preferably greater than the radius of the retaining member 316. The base 314 and retaining member 316 are sized, spaced, and configured apart at a distance to support and loosely contain a standard sized beverage container “A”, such as a soda or beer can, a mug, and the like (FIG. 4F). Accordingly, the beverage container “A” can be inserted through the retaining member 316 to rest upon the base 314 for supporting the container “A”. In this position, the retaining member 316 prevents the beverage container “A” from moving completely off the base 314.
FIGS. 5A-5F depict a fifth embodiment of the present invention, generally referred to as beverage container holder 410, which is generally similar to the fourth embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4F. The holder 410 includes a frame 412, a base 414 associated with the frame 412 for supporting the beverage container “A”, a retaining member 416 associated with the frame 412 for retaining the beverage container “A” on the base 414, and an engagement member 418 associated with the frame 412 for engaging the chain-link fence “B”.
In this fifth embodiment, the holder 410 includes a hanger element 470 that can be used to hang articles weighing up to about twenty pounds therefrom, such as a jacket or a glove. The hanger element 470 is generally triangular and extends from the lower end of the frame 412 in a vertical orientation (FIG. 5D). A raised portion 472 at the end of the hanger element 470 helps prevent hanging articles from slipping off the hanger element 470. When an article is hung from the hanger 470, it exerts a downward cantilever force on the hanger 470. A convex fillet 474 located at intersection “E” between the hanger element 470 and the frame 412 enhances the hanger element's 470 ability to cantilever forces. Additional convex fillets 476 and 478 are located at intersection “D” between the base 414 and the frame 412 to enhance the base's 414 ability to handle loads from the beverage container “A”. As shown, the ornamental element 460 is generally circular, but can be any desired shape.
All of the components of the beverage container holders 10, 110, 210, 310, or 410, described above can be made from any suitable material, preferably polypropylene, ABS or other plastic, but also can be a metal or a composite material. The holders 10, 110, 210, 310, or 410 can also include a protective or decorative coating, such as a paint, sealant, sticker, or the like.
FIGS. 6A-6D depict a sixth embodiment of the present invention, generally referred to as beverage container holder 510, which is generally similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-5F. The holder 510 includes a frame 512, a base 514 associated with the frame 512 for receiving and supporting the beverage container “A”, the base 514 including a retaining member 516 for retaining the beverage container “A” on the base 514, and an engagement member 518 associated with the frame 512 for engaging the chain-link fence “B”.
The frame 512 comprises a generally rectangular upright support 534 (FIG. 6A-6B) and an attachment member 535 that attaches to the base 514. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6D, the attachment member 535 comprises a generally rectangular member that extends upwardly and is generally parallel with the upright support 534. The attachment member 535 engages with the base 514 by inserting and securing within a pocket 537 of the base 514, which is located within the retaining member 516 (FIG. 6D). In the present embodiment, the attachment member 535 is secured within the pocket with stitching 539 (FIG. 6B), but any appropriate securing means can be used, for example, stitching, fasteners such as rivets, adhesive, elastic, and the like. In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that the attachment member can comprise any shape or size that allows for attachment with the base.
The base 514 and retaining member 516 are generally cylindrical with the retaining member 516 extending upwardly from the base 514 to define an opening 561 for receiving the container “A” (FIGS. 6A-6D). However, the base 514 and retaining member 516 can be any size, shape, or configuration capable of receiving and supporting the container “A”. The base 514 can be attached to the retaining member 516 by any suitable means, such as stitching, adhesive, or with fasteners, or can be unitary. The height of the retaining member 516 is preferably less than the total height of the container “A” in order to facilitate access to the container “A”. Accordingly, the beverage container “A” can be inserted through into the opening 561 to rest within the retaining member 516 and upon the base 514 for supporting the container “A” (FIGS. 6B and 6D).
The holder 510 is illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D as being shaped, sized, and configured to receive beverage container “A”, which is shown as a typical twelve ounce can. However, the holder 510 can be any size, shape, or configuration to accommodate any size or shape container. For example, the holder 510 can be sized, shaped, or configured to receive a container of any capacity, including, but not limited to a 20 ounce bottle, 750 ml bottle, 1 quart carton, and the like. In addition, the holder 510 can be sized, shaped, or configured to receive a container of any shape, including, but not limited to cylindrical bottles, rectangular cartons or boxes, or some other shape.
The base 514 and retaining member 516 preferably comprise an insulating material to reduce heat transfer from the container “A” to the surrounding environment. This allows containers placed within the holder 510 to remain cool or warm for longer period of time than without the insulating material. Any suitable insulating material can be used, such as neoprene, rubber materials, nylon, foam, foam polymers, and any combinations thereof. In alternative embodiments, the insulating material can comprise layers of different insulating and non-insulating materials. For example, a layer of foam polymer can be placed between outer layers of decorative or protective nylon. In another example, a layer of any synthetic or natural materials, such as leather, can be placed between outer layers of synthetic or natural materials.
An adjustable mouth 560 at the upper end of the retaining member 516 can be adjusted to select the size of the mouth 560 and cinch the mouth 560 to the external sides of the container “A”. This allows the holder 510 to accommodate different size containers placed within the opening 561. In this way, the adjustable mouth enhances the insulating effects of the holder 510 by limiting the entrance of air from the surrounding environment into the opening 561. In addition, the adjustable mouth 560 helps secure the container “A” within the holder 510. In FIGS. 6A-6D, the adjustable mouth 560 includes a cord or string 564 extending through a sleeve 562, which extends generally around the perimeter of the opening 561. To reduce the size of the mouth 560, the string 564 is partially pulled out of the sleeve 562 to cinch the mouth 560 to the container “A”. A securing member 566 removeably engages the string 564 to release the mouth 560 from the container “A”. To enlarge the size of the mouth 560, the securing member 566 releases the string 564 and uncinch the mouth 560 from the container “A”. Other embodiments of the adjustable mouth can be used, such as snaps, string ties, elastic, Velcro®, and the like.
In this sixth embodiment, the engagement member 518 is generally L-shaped with an upper portion 550 extending rearward from the upper end of the frame 512 and lower portion 552 extending downwardly from the upper portion 550. (FIGS. 6A and 6D) Although the upper portion 550 is shown as generally flat, it can also be curved. The upper portion 550 includes offset slots 554 and 556 for engaging corresponding lower wire segments 530 or 532 (FIG. 6A). The slots 554 and 556 have a length generally less than half the width of the upper portion 550. The slots 554 and 556 have a width greater than the diameter of the wire segments 530 and 532 and are horizontally spaced apart from each other at a distance approximately equal to the horizontal offset between the wire segments 530 and 532. In this way, the holder 510 will lie generally flat against the fence “B” when suspended from the wire segments 530 and 532 (FIG. 6A).
For ease and comfort for carrying the holder 510, a shoulder strap 570 can be provided, which attaches to opposite external sides of the retaining member 516. The length of the strap 570 is preferably adjustable by using an appropriate device such as clasps 572 (FIG. 6A).
In operation, the holder 510 engages the fence “B” so that it suspends from the lower wire segments 530 and 532 of one of the diamond-shaped openings 524 (FIG. 6A). Each slot 554 and 556 engages a corresponding wire segment 530 and 532. The weight of the frame 512, base 514, and retaining member 516 pull generally downwardly by gravity on the engagement member 518 along the longitudinal axis of the frame 512 to maintain engagement with the fence “B”.
FIGS. 7A-8D depict a seventh embodiment of the present invention, generally referred to as beverage container holder 610. The holder 610 includes a receptacle 650, for receiving and supporting the beverage container “A” and an engagement member 618 associated with the receptacle 650 for engaging the chain-link fence “B”.
The receptacle 650 includes a base 614 for supporting the beverage container “A” and a retaining member 616 for retaining the beverage container “A” on the base 614. The base 614 and retaining member 616 are generally cylindrical with the retaining member 616 extending upwardly from the base 614 to define an opening 661 for receiving the container “A” (FIG. 7D). However, the base 614 and retaining member 616 can be any size, shape, or configuration capable of receiving and supporting the container “A”. The base 614 can be attached to the retaining member 616 by any suitable means, such as stitching, adhesive, or with fasteners, or can be unitary. The height of the retaining member 616 is preferably less than the total height of the container “A” in order to facilitate access to the container “A”. Accordingly, the beverage container “A” can be inserted through into the opening 661 to rest within the retaining member 616 and upon the base 614 for supporting the container “A”.
The holder 610 is illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7D as being shaped, sized, and configured to receive beverage container “A”, which is shown as a typical twenty ounce bottle. However, the holder 610 can be any size, shape, or configuration to accommodate any size or shape container. For example, the holder 610 can be sized, shaped, or configured to receive a container of any capacity, including, but not limited to a 12 ounce can, 750 ml bottle, 1 quart carton, and the like. In addition, the holder 610 can be sized, shaped, or configured to receive a container of any shape, including, but not limited to cylindrical bottles, rectangular cartons or boxes, or some other shape. The holder 610 includes a hanger element 680 that can be used to hang articles weighing up to about twenty pounds therefrom, such as a jacket or a glove. The hanger element 680 is generally a D-ring secured to the base with a stitched strap 682 (FIG. 7B). However, other types of hanger elements can be used, such as a hook, clasp, snap, cinch, fastener, tie, clip, clamp, buckle, latch, net, daisy chain, grommet, coupling and the like.
The base 614 and retaining member 616 preferably comprise an insulating material to reduce heat transfer from the container “A” to the surrounding environment. This allows containers placed within the holder 610 to remain cool or warm for longer period of time than without the insulating material. Any suitable insulating material can be used, such as neoprene, rubber materials, nylon, foam, foam polymers, and any combinations thereof. In alternative embodiments, the insulating material can comprise layers of different insulating and non-insulating materials. For example, a layer of foam polymer can be placed between outer layers of decorative or protective nylon. In another example, a layer of any synthetic or natural materials, such as leather, can be placed between outer layers of synthetic or natural materials.
The engagement member 618 comprises a generally rectangular attachment member 635 that attaches to the receptacle 650 and V-shaped catch 652 (FIGS. 8A-8C). In the embodiment of FIGS. 7A-8D, the attachment member 635 comprises a generally rectangular member having a triangular securing member 654 at the end opposite the catch 652. The attachment member 635 secures to the receptacle 650 with a strap 656 stitched to the retaining member 616 (FIG. 7B). The triangular securing member 654 is sized to be larger than the slot created by the strap 656 so that the attachment member 635 cannot slip out. In the present embodiment, the attachment member 635 is secured by the strap 656 with stitching 639 (FIG. 7B), but any appropriate securing means can be used, for example, stitching, fasteners such as rivets, adhesive, elastic, and the like. In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that the attachment member can comprise any shape or size that allows for attachment with the receptacle 650. The engagement member 618 can be made from any suitable material, preferably waterproof, such as metals, polymers, wood, and any combinations thereof.
The arms of the V-shape catch 652 extend downwardly from a corner junction 658 for engaging an intersection “D” of the wire segments of the fence “B” the linked structure. The catch 652 includes two slots 631 and 633 that are offset at an oblique angle for engaging corresponding lower wire segments 632 or 630. The slots 631 and 633 have a width greater than the diameter of the wire segments 632 and 630. In this way, the holder 610 will lie generally flat against the fence “B” when suspended from the intersection “D” and wire segments 632 and 630.
In operation, the holder 610 engages the fence “B” so that it is suspended from the intersection “D” and lower wire segments 630 and 632 of a diamond-shaped opening 624. The slot 631 engages a corresponding wire segment 630 and the slot 633 engages a corresponding wire segment 632. The weight of the receptacle 650 pulls generally downwardly by gravity along the longitudinal axis of the engagement member 618 to maintain engagement with the fence “B” and so that the holder 610 will lie flat against the fence “B”.
In an alternate embodiment, the holder 610 of FIGS. 7A-8C can include an adjustable mouth, such as the one described herein and illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D.
FIGS. 9A-9B depict an eighth embodiment of the present invention, generally referred to as beverage container holder 710, which is generally similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 7A-8D. In the embodiment of FIGS. 9A-9B, the securing member 754 of the attachment member 735 comprises a bottle opener. The attachment member 735 secures to the receptacle 750 with a strap 756 stitched to the retaining member 716 (FIG. 7B). The securing member 754 is sized to be larger than the slot created by the strap 756 so that the attachment member 735 cannot slip out. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the securing member 754 can be any shape or design that prevents the removal of the securing member from the strap 756. For example, the securing member can comprise a can opener, key ring, coupling, LED light, or a compartment for a MP3 player, cell phone, jewelry, or sunglasses.
FIGS. 10A-10D depict a ninth embodiment of the present invention, generally referred to as beverage container holder 810, which is generally similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 7A-8D. In the embodiment of FIGS. 10A-10D, the holder 810 can expand and contract between an expanded position for use and a contracted position for storage and transport (FIG. 10D).
The attachment member 835 does not have a securing member at the lower end. In fact, a securing member is not needed because the attachment member 835 is secured to the receptacle 850 with a fastener 872, preferably a rivot. In the embodiment of FIGS. 10A-10D, the catch 852 includes hinges 874 that allow the catch 852 to move between an engagement position (FIG. 10B) and a flattened position (FIG. 10D). In the engagement position, the catch 852 is positioned to engage the fence “B”. In the flattened position, the catch 852 folds up to be generally parallel with the attachment member 835 and the receptacle 850 when in the contracted position. In other embodiments, the catch 852 can be made from a material that can bend, twist, fold, collapse or otherwise flatten so that the catch can flatten along with the rest of the holder in the contracted position.
The holders 610, 710, or 810 can also include ornamental features and indicia, such as stitching, sticker, advertising, trademarks, or the like.
Changes can be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
