BEVERAGE CONTAINER HOLDER

Abstract

The subject beverage container holder is comprised of the central sections of natural bamboo plants or parts of thermoplastic materials molded to comprise cylinders, selected and configured to have a width (w) to accommodate a beverage container and a depth (d) to accommodate the selected beverage container, while leaving a sufficient portion of the container available for a user to grasp. The natural bamboo is cut to a desirable length having a plurality of segments as may be desired in assembling beverage holders of varying height. The plastic materials may comprise molded sections designed to simulate the bamboo sections. The bottommost segment of the natural bamboo or molded thermoplastic is configured to secure the beverage holder to a base or to anchor the beverage container holder in sand or the like.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority filing date of provisional application Ser. No. 61/558,222 filed Nov. 10, 2011, the entire content of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a beverage container holder device and more particularly relates to a beverage container holder device for holding a beverage container in a stable, upright and portable position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A beverage is usually consumed from a beverage container. The beverage container may be a glass or a cup into which the beverage is poured, or the beverage container may be packaging in which the beverage is sold. For example, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are often packaged in cans or bottles, which function as single or multi-serving, disposable beverage containers.

Beverages are often consumed outdoors, in which case the beverage container may be placed directly on the ground when the beverage is not being consumed. For example, at a beach the beverage container may be placed on the sand, and at a park the beverage container may be placed on the dirt or in the grass. In such cases, not only is the beverage container subject to tipping over, but the bottom of the beverage container may become coated in sand or dirt, which may be undesirable.

Beverages are just as frequently consumed indoors, in which case the beverage container may be placed directly on the floor, including on carpeting, where it is predisposed to tipping over, which is undesirable in that it wastes the beverage and creates a mess requiring cleaning. It is furthermore frequently undesirable to place the beverage on carpeting, wood flooring, stone and tile flooring as, in addition to the possibility of being tipped over, the moisture formed by a cold container is harmful to fine wood furniture, carpeting and wood flooring, and leaves stone and tile flooring wet and slippery. If the beverage is hot, rings and other undesirable markings remain as a residue.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

The use of beverage container holder devices is known in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,417 describes a device for engaging the ground and holding a beverage container for the user having a body member designed for holding the beverage container and a support member coupled to the body member. The outside wall of the body member defines an interior space having an open end for insertion of the beverage container. The support member is designed for being inserted into the ground whereby the support member supports the body member above the ground when the free end of the support member is inserted into the ground. The wall of the body member is provided with an insulating interior portion for inhibiting thermal transfer between the beverage container and the environment.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,334,661 is directed to a holder for containers of fluid drinks having a mounting ground stake with a pointed bottom and blunted top having a laterally extending drink container support that supports a drink container from the bottom and a ring aligned with a space above the ring to provide lateral support to the drink container.

In U.S. Pat. No. 7,516,931, a beverage container holder is disclosed that includes a retaining member for retaining a beverage container in an upright position and a stabilizing member designed for insertion into a ground surface for reducing the likelihood that the retaining member may tip over.

A drink holder device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,207,450 which includes a leg extending from a ground support at one end of the leg, which ground support may be a spike, plate, auger or tripod, or a combination of any or all of these elements. A plurality of arms also extend from the leg. At the end of each arm, which is movable between a raised and lowered position, are one or more beverage container holders.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,985 discloses a beach utility pole having a multi-segmented central post member with upper, middle and lower sections and having a cup holding element, a utility member and a clothes hanging element. The bottom segment is tapered for facilitating insertion into sand or turf.

While the disclosed devices may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be suitable for objectives of the present invention as hereinafter described.

It would be desirable to have an easily transportable drink holder device made in one piece from a section of a readily available and attractive column of a natural plant, or simulated plant or wood structures, or from durable plastic parts made by extrusion and injection molding for possibly resembling the column fashioned from a plant source, in any case being provided with a ground support at one end, which support may be a flat plate or platform for placement directly on a floor, grass or carpeting, or it may be a spike, auger, tripod, stake or the like for being driven into the ground or sand. The beverage container or drink holder device at the other end, opposite the ground support, and at the top of the plant derived or plastic extruded and molded section forms a beverage container holder adaptable to hold various beverage containers such as tumblers, glasses, beverage cans and bottles, wine glasses and wine bottles.

The natural plant column sections are most preferably sections of the bamboo plant. Bamboo designates a group of perennial evergreens in the true grass family Poaceae, subfamily Bambusoideae, tribe Bambuseae. Giant bamboos are the largest members of the grass family. In bamboo, the intermodal regions of the stem are hollow and the vascular bundles in the cross section are scattered throughout the stem instead of in a cylindrical arrangement. The dicotyledonous woody xylem is also absent. The absence of secondary growth wood causes the stems of monocots, even of palms and large bamboos, to be columnar rather than tapering.

Bamboos are some of the fastest growing plants in the world, as some species are capable of growing 100 cm (39 in.) or more per day due to a unique rhizome-dependent system. However, the growth rate is partially dependent on local soil and climatic conditions.

In this specification, bamboo generally refers to all such grass species having suitably sized and strength column segments. Also, as will be described in further detail below, the preferred natural bamboo columns may be simulated with a variety of other materials which are included within the definition.

The beverage container holder can also be made of polyvinylidine chloride (PVC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, as well as other thermoplastic polymers that offer both strength and hardness, toughness, impact resistance and abrasion resistance. The holders made from these aforementioned materials can be formed from separate parts or as entire units by the conventional extrusion and injection molding processes. In the case they are to be made from parts, the necessary parts will be assembled together and joined in the conventional manner to form the desired holder. The holder at this point will be in the form of a cylinder. The uppermost end of this cylinder will have been formed to serve as a beverage container holder and more specifically so that the upper end of the cylinder defines an interior space having an upper open end for insertion of the beverage container, the interior space at its lower end terminating in a laterally extending support member for supporting a drink container from the bottom. The upper end of the interior space being aligned with the support member for holding the beverage container so as to provide lateral support thereto.

It would be advantageous to have an easily transportable drink holder stand for holding a container for a drink. Such a stand or device could be used outdoors as part of the patio or beach furniture when provided with a ground support such as a spike, or indoors when provided with a plate as ground support.

SUMMARY

The subject beverage container holder can be comprised of the central sections of natural bamboo plants or from cylinders made from plastic materials such as PVC or ABS resins selected and configured to have a width (w) to accommodate a beverage container and a depth (d) to accommodate the selected container, while leaving a sufficient portion of the container available for a user to grasp. The natural bamboo plant is cut to a desirable length having a plurality of segments as many as may be desired in assembling beverage container holders of varying height. The beverage container holder can also be made of plastic or metal. The bottommost segment of the natural bamboo or the bottommost portion of the plastic cylinder is configured to secure the beverage container holder to a base or to anchor the beverage container holder in sand or the like. Preferably, the beverage container holder has a depth (d) of about 3½ inches and a width (w) of about 4 inches in diameter. The bottommost portion of the cylinder, if it is in the form of a plate, having a depth of about ⅜ inches to about 1 inch and is in the shape of a tile, square or round, of about 6 inches in diameter to about 11 square inches in the case of a square or rectangle, or having a diameter of about 6 to 11 inches. The height of the device is preferably about 8 inches to about 24 inches, but can be larger depending on the intended use. The combined height of the beverage container holder device can be up to about 30 inches.

The objects of the invention along with various features of novelty which characterize the invention will be described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a detail of a portion of the subject beverage container holder.

FIG. 2 is a further detail of the subject design.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of one method of assembling the subject beverage container holder.

FIG. 4 is another embodiment of the subject beverage container holder.

FIGS. 5a and 5b are further embodiments of the subject beverage holder.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the subject design configured to secure a beverage bottle.

FIGS. 7a and 7b are further embodiments of the subject beverage container holder.

FIG. 8 is an optional embodiment wherein an aperture in a segment housing is configured to provide access to an interior storage area.

FIG. 9 is a further embodiment wherein breast plates are applied to the exterior of the central cylinder.

FIG. 10 shows the embodiment wherein interior storage space is provided in the cylinder and in particular for storing additional cold beverage containers.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the subject beverage container illustrating an interior storage area adapted for storing additional beverage containers.

The beverage container holder assemblies of the invention are comprised of a beverage container holder having means, and namely a flat plate or a stake, spike or screw device for engaging the ground. The beverage container holder may be the upper segment of a bamboo column, preferably natural or constructed of an artificial material, i.e., plastic, to simulate natural bamboo, or it may be in the form of a hollow column constructed of plastic such as PVC or ABS resin comprising an upper segment being designed for holding the beverage container. The upper segment defines an interior space having an open end for permitting insertion of the beverage container. A support member is coupled with the upper segment at its free end opposite the beverage container holder. The free end of the support member is designed for being placed on the ground or for being inserted into the ground. The perimeter wall of the upper segment is preferably provided with an insulating interior portion for maintaining the temperature of the beverage container to be placed therein. The beverage container holder at the uppermost end of the cylinder can be provided with an opening which may or may not be closable to provide access to a storage space within the cylinder below the segment for holding the beverage container. The storage space may be adapted for storing small valuable items such as a watch or other jewelry, eye glasses, a wallet, small electronic devices and the like or adapted for storing larger items, such as additional beverage containers, a towel, a small radio, etc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts the uppermost segment of a beverage container holder 101 having a width (w) to accommodate a beverage container such as a bottle, can, glass or the like, and a depth (d) to accommodate the container while leaving a sufficient portion of the container available for a user to grasp. The main segments of the design are made from naturally growing bamboo or similar tropical grasses having a generally circular and hollow stem or culm region and segments separated at each intermodal region.

FIG. 2 depicts additional segments 107 and 113 of the beverage container holder, having a height (h) derived from a length of natural bamboo cut to provide a desired overlong height or length of the beverage container holder.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a method of assembling the subject beverage container holder, where the lowest segment 108 is engaged mechanically or by adhesive 111 to a lower attachment mechanism 110 which in this view is a cylinder of slightly smaller diameter which fits snugly within the bottom opening of the lowest segment. The attachment means may be separately affixed to a base or platform 109 by any secure means. Other means of securing the beverage holder are depicted in additional drawings below.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the subject beverage container holder, showing the assembly affixed to a portable platform 109.

FIGS. 5a and 5b depict alternative embodiments of the subject beverage container holder having pole-like fixtures adapted for use on the holder on a sandy beach. FIG. 6 is a detail of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5b further comprising a beverage bottle in the uppermost segment.

FIG. 6 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 5b with a beverage bottle installed in upper segment 101.

FIGS. 7a and 7b depict alternative embodiments of the subject beverage container holder having auger or screw-like fixtures 105, 106 respectively adapted for securing the base of the holder assembly in the sand or in the ground. FIG. 7b additionally depicts an optional opening 104 suitable for adding ballast to the device. Such ballast may include sand, pebbles, rocks or the like.

FIG. 8 depicts an optional embodiment wherein an aperture 106 is provided in one segment housing, here a lower segment, and is configured to provide access to an interior storage area, utilizing the natural bamboo section separating means as a shelf for holding one or more removable objects, such as an ashtray, cordless telephone, keys, wallet and the like.

FIG. 9 depicts another embodiment of the subject beverage container holder preferably made of plastic to similar dimensions to those of the bamboo beverage cup holder embodiment, attached to a base 125 by means of a fastening trim ring 126 and having a cup holder 121 which is made so as to slide into the cylinder and twist lock into place or alternatively to snap lock into place, made according to conventional procedures. In the embodiment shown, there are two breast plates, an upper breast plate 123 and a lower breast plate 124, attached to the cylinder 120 using conventional fastening means. The breast plates are made using team or school colors or logos. Corporate colors, logos and/or trademarks may also be depicted.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 9 having a readily accessible beverage and in particular cold beverage interior storage space 127. The space is preferably provided with the conventional cooling elements for keeping additional beverage containers cold. It is possible to also maintain stored beverage containers cold by including sealed packets of ice or other cooling fluid.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the beverage container holder showing an arrangement for storing extra beverage containers. The interior storage space in this instance can store two additional beverage bottles. The base of the beverage container 128 sets the upper limit of storage space and together with cylinder base 130 the number of beverage containers to be stored. Preferably, a wedge-like separator 129 is provided for securely retaining the extra container(s) place. In the embodiment shown, a sliding door is provided and installed in the conventional manner for enclosing interior space. In place of the sliding door a hinged door, also conventionally attached, may be provided.

The subject beverage container holder may be painted or decorated as desired. The plastic parts or holder may utilize resins including a colorant. Suitable decorative paints may also include lacquers or waterproofing sealants. The beverage holder can also be decorated with decals and the like, such as sport team logos. Occasional splitting or checking in the case of natural bamboo may be left as-is, or may be sealed over to prevent further splitting.

As noted, preferred embodiments will utilize natural bamboo or similar grasses. However, inasmuch as part of the functionality of the subject design derives from the segmentation structure of the columns, this structure can be simulated with manufactured parts molded or otherwise fabricated to duplicate the desired shapes. Thermoplastic molding resins, ceramics, fiberglass, molded glass and even carved wood products can all be so fabricated.

The container support provided at the uppermost end of the plastic cylinder may be made removable so as to provide access to a storage space formed in the bottommost portion of the cylinder.

Further, the uppermost end of the plastic and/or bamboo cylinders can be adapted so they can be chilled in a freezer and slip-fitted into the beverage cup holder which has been so dimensioned as to provide sufficient room to surround, maintain cold and chill the various beverage containers, bottles, glasses, cans and the like to be inserted therein.

The bottommost portion of the beverage container holder, which is formed in one embodiment as a part of the hollow cylinder and then serves as a storage area for holding wallets, keys, watches or the like, ultraviolet screening lotions and salves, food items including additional cans, bottles and the like of beverages. The storage area may be accessed by removing the beverage container set on the support plate arranged in the uppermost portion of the cylinder or by other access openings in the sides of the cylinder. These access openings may be provided with temporary sealing means such as conventional doors which may be left open or closed as is indicated and which are of the usual hinge and lock mechanisms and sliding doors provided in suitably installed channels.

The beverage container holder may at its bottommost end be affixed mechanically or by adhesive to a lower attachment mechanism, preferably a cylindrical ring of slightly smaller diameter into which the bottom opening of the lowest portion of the container holder can fit snugly.

Set up and take down of the device of the invention is quite easy. If the device is of a construction which must be placed on the ground, sand, carpeting, a wood or tile floor, it is simply brought to the site and placed thereon, the device being movable to other locations as desired. If the device is designed for being inserted into the ground, sand or the like, the spike, auger, screw or the like forming part of the device is pushed into the ground so that the user in either case can then put a beverage container into the interim space of the uppermost section for holding the beverage container when the owner is otherwise occupied.

The latter attachment means may be separately affixed to a base or platform by any conventional securing means.

Alternatively, the beverage container holder can have spike, auger or screw-like fixtures for securing the base of the holder assembly in the sand or ground.

Decorative medallions and similar decorative items may be affixed to the outside of the central cylinder using conventional fastening means and, alternatively in a cylinder/concentrically arranged structure, openings may be provided in the outermost cylinder for display of the decorations provided on the inner cylinder. A similar effect may be obtained by using decorative breast plates and attaching them to the central cylinder so that the combination of decorations on the central cylinder and the decorative breast plates provide to the viewer names, colors, logos, etc. of sports teams, fictional characters, advertising materials and the like.

Alternatively, decals may be applied to the external cylinder such as sports decals, animal and plant decals, advertising logos and the like using the conventional methods. A preferred method is in-mold decorating. The supporting base and beverage container holder in this embodiment are preferably made of colored plastic materials subjected to an injection molding process.

The invention having been described above, it will be recognized that those skilled in the art will be able to provide numerous variations, modifications and equivalents, all falling within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A beverage container holder comprising a generally circular hollow column divided into at least two segments, each of said segments being separated from the other by a platform extending crosswise across the column, the uppermost segment having a height and width adapted to engage and hold a beverage container in an upright position while leaving a sufficient portion of the container available for the user to grasp, the bottommost segment being configured to secure the beverage container holder to a base or to anchor the beverage container holder in the grass or sand.

2. A beverage container holder according to claim 1 wherein said hollow, generally circular column is fabricated from a member selected from the group consisting of natural bamboo, thermoplastics, resins, ceramics, fiberglass and wood.

3. A beverage container holder according to claim 2 comprising a segmented column of natural bamboo.

4. A beverage container holder according to claim 1 wherein the bottommost segment is secured to a portable platform.

5. A beverage container holder according to claim 1 where the bottommost segment is secured to a pole, spike, auger or screw for anchoring the beverage container holder in the ground, sand or flooring.

6. A beverage container holder according to claim 1 having an opening in the bottom most segment suitable for adding ballast to the device.

7. A beverage container holder according to claim 3 having an opening in one segment for providing access to an interior storage area using the bamboo's crosswise platform as a shelf for holding a removable object.

8. A beverage container holder according to claim 1 comprising a column of a thermoplastic material made to simulate natural bamboo.

9. A beverage container holder according to claim 1 having a sports team logo, corporate logo or decal applied on its external surface.

10. A beverage container holder according to claim 1 comprising a hollow column of thermoplastic material concentrically arranged within said external hollow column.

11. A beverage container holder according to claim 1 having a laterally extending support member arranged in the hollow column of thermoplastic material for supporting the beverage container.

12. A beverage container holder according to claim 10 wherein the external cylinder has an opening therein.

13. A beverage container according to claim 10 wherein said inner hollow column has a decorative decal or attachment mounted thereon which underlies said opening in the external cylinder and which may penetrate the overlying opening.

14. A beverage container holder according to claim 12 wherein said hollow column has an opening for admitting removable objects.

15. A beverage container holder according to claim 14 wherein said removable objects are additional cans, bottles and other containers for beverages.

16. A beverage container holder according to claim 1 wherein there is additional space provided in the uppermost segment to hold chilling means.