BEVERAGE CONTAINER HOLDER

Abstract

A beverage container holder includes an elongate tubular receptacle defining a hollow cavity therein and having a lateral cross-sectional area and a longitudinal length adapted to hold a beverage container, a closed liquid impermeable base end coupled to the tubular receptacle at one end. The tubular receptacle defines an open end opposite the base end. The open end communicates with the hollow cavity. The tubular receptacle includes a funnel section adjacent the open end. The funnel section is flexible, accordion-pleated or both flexible and accordion-pleated.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to beverage container accessories, and more specifically to beverage container holders.

2. Description of the Related Art

With the popularity of purchasing beverages such as coffee, soft drinks, juices and the like as take-out items, beverage container holders have become a common item available in a large variety of configurations. Holders may be portable such as sleeves and cozies, or permanent such as cup holders installed in boats and automobiles.

Holders may function for increasing stability in holding a beverage container, for insulating a beverage container and its associated beverage from the outside environment, or for containing splashing or condensation from the beverage container. Examples of beverage container holders include beverage container sleeves, insulators, and cozies.

Although a beverage container holder may not be intentionally designed to insulate a beverage container, they will generally afford some level of insulation simply because they surround some of the beverage container's surfaces. Most beverage container holders are designed to insulate the beverage in the beverage container so it stays warm or cool longer. Another desirable feature of beverage container holders includes providing an improved surface for an individual to hold or grip a beverage container. Alternately, the beverage container holder may provide a handle for an individual to hold. The beverage container holder allows an individual to hold a beverage container without being exposed to its temperature or any condensate on the beverage container. The beverage container holder can protect any surfaces on which the beverage container may be placed from direct exposure to the beverage container, so the surface will not be damaged by the beverage containers temperature, any condensate on the beverage container, or any sharp or hard surfaces on the beverage container. Beverage container holders have also been used to decorate a beverage container or to provide advertisements or marketing messages directed to the individual using the beverage container holder. Beverage producers may give away beverage container holders to individuals to advertise their products.

Examples of beverage container holders may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,071,096, 7,516,931, 7,731,144 and US Patent Application Publication Nos. 2002/0121104 and 2003/0210141. These and other beverage container holders suffer from a lack of ability or limited ability to accommodate containers of differing dimensions.

Accordingly, there is a continuing need for alternative beverage container holders.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an aspect, there is provided a beverage container holder comprising:

an elongate tubular receptacle defining a hollow cavity therein and having a lateral cross-sectional area and a longitudinal length adapted to hold a beverage container;

a closed liquid impermeable base end coupled to the tubular receptacle at one end;

the tubular receptacle defining an open end opposite the base end, the open end communicating with the hollow cavity; and

the tubular receptacle comprising an accordion-pleated funnel section adjacent the open end, the accordion-pleated funnel section being retractably extendible by increments between a retracted position and an extended position.

In another aspect, there is provided a beverage container holder comprising:

an elongate tubular receptacle defining a hollow cavity therein and having a lateral cross-sectional area and a longitudinal length adapted to hold a beverage container;

a closed liquid impermeable base end coupled to the tubular receptacle at one end;

the tubular receptacle defining an open end opposite the base end, the open end communicating with the hollow cavity; and

the tubular receptacle comprising a funnel section adjacent the open end, the funnel section made with a flexible material having a Young's Modulus of less than 2 GPa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a beverage container holder;

FIG. 2 shows an axial cross-section view of the beverage container holder shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a top view (A) and an axial cross-section view (B) of a variant of the beverage container holder;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the beverage container holder shown in FIG. 1 in use placed in an automobile cup holder;

FIG. 5 shows a top view (A) and a perspective view with a partial axial cross-section cut out (B) of a variant of the beverage container holder shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 shows a top view (A) and an axial cross-section view (B) and partial axial cross-section views (C), (D) of a variant of the beverage container holder shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the beverage container holder shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows an axial cross-section view of a variant of the beverage container holder shown in FIG. 6 adapted for reversible attachment to a platform; and

FIG. 9 shows an axial cross-section view (A) of the beverage container holder shown in FIG. 8 without the platform, an axial cross-section view (B) of the platform, and a bottom perspective view (C) of the platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings, a beverage container holder will now be described.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a beverage container holder 2 comprising a tubular receptacle 4 with the inner surface of the tubular receptacle 4 defining a hollow cavity 6 for receiving a beverage container (not shown). The tubular receptacle 4 has a longitudinal axis extending between two opposing ends. One end of the tubular receptacle 4 is integrally closed with a base 8 that is impermeable to consumable liquids, while the other end defines an opening 10 that communicates with the hollow cavity 6.

The tubular receptacle 4 comprises a generally cylindrical section 12 adjacent the base 8 and a funnel section 14 adjacent the open end 10. The funnel section 14 is located between the generally cylindrical section 12 and the open end 10. The smallest radial cross-section of the generally cylindrical section 12 is integral with base 8, while the largest radial cross-section of the funnel section 14 defines opening 10. The generally cylindrical section 12 and the funnel section 14 are both axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the tubular receptacle 4. The generally cylindrical section 12 and the funnel section 14 may be coupled together or may be integrally molded as one-piece.

The funnel section 14 has a frusto-conical shape with a rim 16 and a plurality of concentric annular accordion-pleats. The accordion-pleats are molded corrugations of alternating ridges/crests 18, 22 and valleys/troughs 20, 24 interconnected by annular side-walls 26, 28, 30. The accordion-pleated funnel section 14 is retractably extendable between an extended position (shown) and a retracted position (not shown). The funnel section is made of a flexible material such as elastomers or plastics to allow for both axial and radial deformation of the funnel section.

The generally cylindrical section 12 has a shape that will generally be perceived as being cylindrical in nature by most observers. A geometry that can be bounded by a truly cylindrical shape at its exterior and does not deviate from the bounding cylindrical shape by more than about one quarter of the true bounding cylinder's shape will generally be viewed as cylindrical in nature by most observers. Thus, the diameter of the generally cylindrical section will typically not vary from that of a bounding cylindrical shape by more than about one quarter of that of the bounding cylindrical shape. The generally cylindrical section 12 may be made of flexible, semi-rigid or rigid material.

All radial cross-sections along the axial length of the tubular body are substantially circular in shape. The change in radius (delta radius) per unit of axial length for the funnel section is greater than the delta radius per unit of axial length for the generally cylindrical section. The largest radial cross-section defines the size of the opening 6, while the smallest radial cross-section defines the size of the base. The opening 6 is sized to be larger than the largest radial cross-section of beverage container, typically the rim, to be held in the holder 2, and therefore allows free passage of the entire beverage container (not shown). The base 8 is sufficiently large to provide free standing stability from abutting support of a horizontal surface. When beverage container holder 2 is intended for use in a vehicle the base 8 and the portion of the generally cylindrical section 12 proximal to the base will be sized to fit into permanent cup holder found in vehicles, such as cars and boats.

FIG. 2 shows an axial cross-section view of the beverage container holder shown in FIG. 1. The accordion pleats of the funnel section 14 are shown to have a triangular shape with interconnecting side-walls diverging in a triangular V-shape from the apex of each ridge 18, 22 and the nadir of each valley 20, 24. The thickness at each apex and nadir is less than the thickness of the interconnecting side-walls. The thickness at each apex and nadir is 1 mm, while the thickness of the interconnecting side-walls is 2 mm. The wall thickness of the generally cylindrical section is also 2 mm.

FIG. 3 shows a top view (FIG. 3A) and an axial cross-section view (FIG. 3B) of a variant of the beverage container holder 2 having an additional corrugation of an alternating ridge and valley in the accordion-pleated funnel section. Additionally, the beverage container holder comprises four risers 40 that extend an equal axial distance from the inner surface of the base 8 and which together combine to form a platform to provide abutting support for the base of a beverage container (not shown). By resting on the risers 40, the base of the beverage container is axially displaced from the base 8 of the beverage container holder defining a reservoir for pooling of liquids, such as splashed beverage or condensation. The pooled liquids do not touch the base of the beverage container so long as the volume of the pooled liquids is less than the volume of the reservoir.

FIG. 4 shows the beverage container holder in operation. Two beverage container holders 2 each holding a disposable coffee cup 50 are placed inside adjacent cup holders in an automobile. The funnel section 14 has a large enough radius at its open end to capture coffee splashes that may occur as a result of a sudden movement or braking of the automobile. Given the radial cross-section size at the open end of the beverage container holder and proximity of a typical paired cup holder arrangement in an automobile, beverage container holders with rigid funnel sections would not be able to be placed in adjacent automobile cup holders. As shown in FIG. 4, the accordion-pleated funnel section can be partially retracted to be axially deformed along a portion 60 of its circumference to allow spacing for beverage container holders to be placed in adjacent automobile cup holders. Since a portion 62 of the funnel section remains in its extended position it retains the ability to capture splashes that may exit an opening in the coffee cup lid.

FIG. 4 clearly demonstrates the advantage of having accordion-pleats adjacent the open end as compared to other locations in the beverage container holder. As accordion-pleats are located further from the open end, the lower the resultant spacing achieved by a partial retraction that results in axial deformation along a portion of the circumference. The further the accordion-pleats are located from the open end the longer the section between the accordion-pleats and the open end that will become angled relative the longitudinal axis with a retraction along a portion of the circumference of the accordion-pleats. The longer the angled section adjacent the open end of the beverage container holder, the more likely the angled section will abut the funnel section of the adjacent beverage container holder or abut the coffee cup held in its own cavity. Still considering accordion-pleats located distal to the open end, sufficient spacing may be achieved by retraction along the full circumference of the accordion-pleats. However, such spacing occurs by lowering the entire brim of the beverage container holder and thus reducing the splash guard efficacy.

Placement of beverage container holders in adjacent automobile cup holders may also be achieved without retraction of the funnel section. If the funnel section is made of flexible material then mutual radial pressure of funnel sections abutting each other will cause an equivalent radial deformation, more specifically, an equivalent flattening of the two funnel sections against each other. Typically, the funnel section is sufficiently flexible that funnel sections of two adjacent beverage container holders free standing (ie, not anchored within a permanent cup holder of an automobile) on a horizontal surface can be flattened or radially deformed against each other due to the mutual radial pressure exerted by the adjacent placement.

The beverage container holder comprising a flexible accordion-pleated funnel section at the open end allows for a retractable extension to adjust to different sizes of beverage containers while also allowing the consumer's lips or mouth to access the rim of the beverage containers.

Illustrative, non-limiting variations of the beverage container holder have been described above. Without intending to be limiting, further examples of variations and modifications will now be described. Still further variants and modifications will be apparent to the person of skill in the art.

For example, FIG. 5 shows a top view (FIG. 5A) and an axial cross-section view (FIG. 5B) of a variant of the beverage container holder shown in FIG. 3. The beverage container holder 2 shown in FIG. 5 comprises an additional splash guard 70 connected to brim 16. Splash guard 70 is a partial dome covering the open end defined by brim 16, with the partial dome connected to brim 16 and arcing inward towards the longitudinal axis of the tubular receptacle. Splash guard 70 is shaped to be less than half of a dome, and typically less than one-third of a dome. Splash guard 70 may be molded integrally with the funnel section or may be manufactured as a separate piece that may be coupled with brim 16, for example by reversible snap fit or clip fit. Splash guard 70 may be constructed from the same material as the funnel section, such as santoprene, neoprene, silicone, but could also be constructed from a more rigid material.

In another example, ribs, struts, spacers, projections and the like may be adapted to extend radially inward from the inner surface of the tubular receptacle so as to engage side wall(s) of a beverage container and prevent lateral motion of a beverage container within the beverage container holder.

Similarly, ribs, struts, spacers, projections and the like may be adapted to extend axially inward from the inner surface of the base to form a platform to provide abutting support for the base of a beverage container. As such, the base of the beverage container is axially displaced from the base 8 of the beverage container holder with the length of axial displacement defining a reservoir for pooling of liquids, such as splashed beverage or condensation. A sponge material may be included in the reservoir or the ribs, struts, spacers, projections and the like may be made of sponge material to absorb the pooled liquids. The sponge material may be reversibly coupled to the inner surface of the base so that it can be removed from the tubular receptacle for wringing and/or washing of the sponge. Ribs, struts, spacers, projections and the like may also be adapted to extend radially outward from the outer surface of the tubular receptacle to engage a horizontal surface and/or a side wall of a cup holder such as found in an automobile or boat.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a further variant that provides for a reservoir between the outer surface of the base of a beverage container and the inner surface of the base 8 of the beverage container holder.

FIG. 6 shows a top view (FIG. 6A) and several axial cross-section views (FIGS. 6B, 6C, 6D) of a variant of the beverage container holder shown in FIG. 3 where the risers 40 are replaced with an accordion-pleated column 80 positioned centrally in the base 8. Accordion-pleated column 80 has one end connected to the base 8 and an opposing end that is integral with a closed flat circular end wall 82 for providing abutting support to the base of a beverage container (not shown). Accordion-pleated column 80 is retractably extendable by increments between an extended position and a retracted position. An opening in the base 8 is sized to allow a finger or rod-like instrument to be inserted to manually apply pressure to extend column 80. FIG. 6B shows an extended position, FIG. 6D shows a retracted position, and FIG. 6C shows an intermediate position. An annular reservoir surrounding accordion-pleated column 80 increases in volume capacity as column 80 is extended from a retracted position to an extended position.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective of the beverage container holder shown in FIG. 6 with the generally cylindrical section made transparent to show accordion-pleated column 80 in a retracted position.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a variant of the beverage container holder shown in FIG. 6 providing a disc platform 90 that can be reversibly attached to accordion-pleated column 80. Disc platform 90 covers circular end wall 82 when attached to accordion-pleated column 80. FIG. 8 shows a cross-section view of disc platform 90 reversibly attached to accordion-pleated column 80. Disc platform 90 may be attached to accordion-pleated column 80 and/or circular end wall 82 using any convenient reversible fastener such as magnets, hook and loop fasteners, mating pegs and apertures and the like. FIGS. 8 and 9 show an example of a tongue and groove snap button reversible fastener to attach disc platform 90 to accordion-pleated column 80. FIG. 9A shows a cross-section view of a continuous groove 84 formed in the accordion-pleated column 80 adjacent to circular end wall 82. FIG. 9B shows a cross-section view and FIG. 9C shows a bottom perspective view of disc platform 90 configured as a snap button with tongue 94 extending radially inwards from the snap button side wall 93. Disc platform 90 can be attached to accordion-pleated column 80 by snap fit engagement and retention of tongue 94 within groove 84. Disc platform 90 functions to provide a greater surface than circular end wall 82 for abutting support of the base of a beverage container (not shown).

Accordion-pleated column 80 provides several advantages including adjusting the height of a beverage container within the beverage container holder, adjusting the reservoir for pooling liquid between the base of a beverage container and the base of the beverage container holder, and absorbing vibrations to provide greater stability for the beverage container. Repeated tests have shown that the accordion-pleated column 80 is a better shock absorber than a corresponding column without accordion-pleats. To provide a shock absorber function, a column made of flexible material is better than a column made of rigid material and a column comprising accordion pleats is better than a column devoid of accordion pleats.

The axial cross-section of the accordion-pleats need not be limited to a particular shape. Triangular accordion-pleats are shown in the drawings. Other shapes such as sinusoidal, square, and sawtooth are contemplated.

Material used for the funnel section should not be rigid, and will typically range from flexible to semi-rigid. But the rigidity of the remainder of the tubular receptacle is not critical and may be any degree of desired rigidity, such as a flexible, semi-rigid or rigid construction. Young's modulus is a material constant that relates to rigidity of a material. Materials used for the funnel section will typically have a Young's Modulus less than 4 gigapascal (GPa), 3.5 GPA, 3 GPa, 2.5 GPa, 2 GPa, 1.5 GPa, 1 GPa, 0.9 GPa, 0.8 GPa, 0.7 GPa, 0.6 GPa, 0.5 GPa, 0.4 GPa, 0.3 GPa, 0.2 GPa, 0.1 GPa or less than any number therebetween. In an examples, the material used has a Young's Modulus less than about 2 GPa. In another example, the material used has a Young's Modulus less than about 1 GPa

For polymers, rubbers and foams hardness measurements can relate positively with rigidity. Material of the funnel should not be hard, and will typically range from soft to semi-hard. But the hardness of the remainder of the tubular receptacle is not critical and may be any degree of desired hardness, such as a soft, semi-hard or hard construction. Hardness of materials can be measured with durometers, for example a Shore durometer. Materials used for the funnel section will typically have a hardness on the Shore ‘D’ scale of less than 90, 85, 80, 75, 70, 65, 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20 or less than any number therebetween. More specifically, materials used for the funnel section will typically have a hardness on the Shore ‘A’ scale of less than 100, 95, 90, 85, 80, 75, 70, 65, 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20 or less than any number therebetween.

Thus, the funnel section, and more particularly portions of the funnel section with the largest radial cross-sections adjacent the open end, will not be made with rigid or hard materials, and will typically be made with flexible to semi-rigid or soft to semi-hard materials. This type of construction may be particularly useful for portions of the funnels having a radial cross-section diameter greater than 3 inches, 3.5 inches, 4 inches, 4.5 inches, 5 inches, 5.5 inches, 6 inches or greater than any number therebetween. The material used in these portions of the funnel section should be suitable for configuring accordion-pleats and/or should be sufficiently flexible that when two beverage container holders are placed in fixed adjacent cup holders such as in an automobile these portions of the funnel section can radially deform due to the mutual abutting radial pressure exerted by corresponding funnel portions/sections of the two beverage container holders.

Other than the funnel section, and more particularly other than the portions of the funnel section with the largest radial cross-sections adjacent the open end, the remainder of the tubular receptacle may be made of many different rigid or flexible materials. Examples of rigid materials include acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyvinylchloride (PVC). Examples of flexible materials include silicone, santoprene and neoprene.

Contemplated materials for the funnel section and the rest of the tubular receptacle are not limited to moldable plastic materials. For example, a portion or the entirety of the beverage container holder may be made of a paper product. The paper product may be a waterproof cardboard laminate as is conventionally used to manufacture disposable coffee cups. Additionally, the paper product may be recyclable.

Materials having heat insulating properties may also be used. For example, materials having air pockets such as neoprene may be used. In another example, air may be injected in a molding process so that the molded material has air bubbles in it.

An example of wall thickness is shown in FIG. 2. The wall thickness of the tubular receptacle is not critical to the operation of the beverage container holder and many variations of thickness for achieving accordion-pleats are known and contemplated. An example of a useful range of wall thickness is 0.5 millimetres (mm) to 6 mm. Other illustrative examples of a useful range of wall thickness include 0.5 mm to 3 mm, 1 mm to 5 mm, 1.5 mm to 4 mm, and 1 mm to 3 mm.

The typical locations of the largest and smallest diameters of the tubular receptacle have been described above. Typically, the largest diameter or the largest lateral cross-section area will be at or near the open end 10. Examples of diameters for the open end range from 5 to 10 inches. Typically, the tubular receptacle at or near the base 8 will have the smallest diameter or the smallest lateral cross-section area. Examples of diameters for the base range from 2 to 4 inches. Functionally, the diameter at the open end 10 need only be large enough to allow free passage of a beverage container and need not be the largest diameter of the tubular receptacle. Similarly, in a functional context the diameter of the base need only be small enough to fit into a permanent cup holder such as found in automobiles or boats and need not be the smallest diameter of the tubular receptacle.

The tubular receptacle has been described above as comprising a funnel section and a generally cylindrical section. Of the two sections, only the funnel section and its location at the open end of the tubular receptacle is necessary for the proper operation of the beverage container holder. The generally cylindrical section may be modified, for example by replacing it with a second funnel section such that the entire tubular receptacle has a frusto-conical shape with the accordion-pleated section located at the open end of the tubular body. The generally cylindrical section can be replaced with any desired columnar shape. Similarly, the funnel section may be any frusto-conical shape having a lateral cross-section shaped as an oval, triangle, square, rectangle, parallelogram, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon or any other polygon.

The lateral cross-section shape of the tubular body need not be circular. Square and other polygonal shapes can also be useful. For example, the lateral cross-sections of the tubular receptacle could be square such that the funnel section resembles an inverted pyramid and the remainder of tubular receptacle has a rectangular prism or column shape.

In addition to the open end, accordion-pleats may be added elsewhere along the tubular receptacle. If desired, the entire axial length of the tubular receptacle may be accordion-pleated.

In the drawings, accordion-pleats are shown in the context of a beverage container holder comprising a tubular receptacle having a closed end and an open end sized for free passage of a beverage container. Furthermore, accordion-pleats may be used with other types of beverage container holders. For example, an accordion-pleated section, such as an accordion-pleated funnel section may be useful in combination with any beverage container holder design including sleeves, insulators, or cozies.

Accordion-pleated section can be moved from a retracted position to an expanded position by increments. The number of increments is a linear correlation with the number of accordion-pleats.

Manual manipulation of an accordion-pleated section can achieve symmetrical or asymmetrical axial expansion or retraction as desired.

Annular accordion-pleats have been shown. Spiral or helical accordion-pleats are also contemplated.

Annular or spiral/helical accordion-pleats will typically be used in the funnel section to allow the funnel section to be collapsed or deformed asymmetrically as shown for example in FIG. 4, advantageously allowing easier access to a beverage container and allowing two holders to be brought into close proximity. However, many different methods may be used to allow for collapsing of the rest of the tubular receptacle. For example, annular or spiral/helical accordion-pleats may be used. Alternatively, the portion of tubular receptacle between the funnel section and the base may be split into a plurality (eg. 2 to 4) of concentric tapered pieces that can stack within each other when not in use, and can be expanded and mechanically locked together with mating pins and grooves when in use. For example, the generally cylindrical section may be split in 2 or 3 separate concentric cylindrical tapered pieces where the inside surface of an upper piece engages the outside surface of a lower piece with a pin and groove locking mechanism or gasket.

In another example of a variant, at least the funnel section and perhaps an adjacent portion of the rest of the tubular receptacle comprises a single axial or longitudinal slot cut out of a side wall. Slot cut outs may be marked for customers to remove as desired. The purpose of the slot is to accommodate a handle of a beverage container such as those commonly found on a flask, a cup or a mug.

In another example, the outer surface of the base 8 can be coupled to a means for anchoring the base to a horizontal surface. For example, a suction cup may be coupled to the outer surface of base 8 to engage a horizontal surface, with an actuator for releasing the suction engagement located on the exterior surface of the tubular receptacle side wall adjacent the base. In another example, magnets may be coupled to the outer surface of the base 8, for anchoring to metallic horizontal surfaces.

Still further examples of variants and modifications and combinations thereof are contemplated and will be recognized by the person of skill in the art.

Claims

1.-30. (canceled)

31. A beverage container holder comprising:

an elongate tubular receptacle defining a hollow cavity therein and having a lateral cross-sectional area and a longitudinal length adapted to hold a beverage container;

a closed liquid impermeable base end coupled to the tubular receptacle at one end;

the tubular receptacle defining an open end opposite the base end, the open end communicating with the hollow cavity, the radial cross-section of the open end sized to be larger than the largest radial cross-section of a beverage container; and

the tubular receptacle comprising an accordion-pleated funnel section adjacent the open end, the accordion-pleated funnel section being retractably extendible by increments between a retracted position and an extended position.

32. The beverage container holder of claim 31, wherein the funnel section has a frusto-conical shape and the remainder of the tubular receptacle has a generally cylindrical shape.

33. The beverage container holder of claim 31, further comprising a platform coupled to the inner surface of the base, the platform extending longitudinally into the hollow cavity and adapted to provide abutting support for the base of a beverage container.

34. The beverage container holder of claim 33, wherein the platform comprises a plurality of ribs. spacers, struts, risers, studs or projections.

35. The beverage container holder of claim 33, wherein the platform is an accordion-pleated column that is retractably extendible by increments between a retracted position and an extended position.

36. The beverage container holder of claim 31, wherein the funnel section is made of flexible material and the remainder of the tubular receptacle is made of rigid material.

37. The beverage container holder of claim 31, further comprising an arcuate splash guard coupled to the rim of the tubular receptacle at the open end, the arcuate splash guard covering less than one-third of the cross-sectional area defining the open end.

38. The beverage container holder of claim 37, wherein the arcuate splash guard has a partial-dome shape.

39. The beverage container holder of claim 38, wherein the partial-dome shape is less than one-third of a full-dome.

40. The beverage container holder of claim 37, wherein the arcuate splash guard is reversibly coupled to the rim.

41. A beverage container holder comprising:

an elongate tubular receptacle defining a hollow cavity therein and having a lateral cross-sectional area and a longitudinal length adapted to hold a beverage container;

a closed liquid impermeable base end coupled to the tubular receptacle at one end;

the tubular receptacle defining an open end opposite the base end, the open end communicating with the hollow cavity, the radial cross-section of the open end sized to be larger than the largest radial cross-section of a beverage container; and

the tubular receptacle comprising a funnel section adjacent the open end, the funnel section made with a flexible material having a Young's Modulus of less than 2 GPa.

42. The beverage container holder of claim 41, wherein the funnel section has a Young's Modulus of less than 1 GPa.

43. The beverage container holder of claim 41, wherein the funnel section is retractably extendible by accordion-pleated increments between a retracted position and an extended position.

44. The beverage container holder of claim 41, wherein the funnel section has a frusto-conical shape and the remainder of the tubular receptacle has a generally cylindrical shape.

45. The beverage container holder of claim 41, further comprising a platform coupled to the inner surface of the base, the platform extending longitudinally into the hollow cavity and adapted to provide abutting support for the base of a beverage container.

46. The beverage container holder of claim 45, wherein the platform comprises a plurality of ribs. spacers, struts, risers, studs or projections.

47. The beverage container holder of claim 45, wherein the platform is an accordion-pleated column that is retractably extendible by increments between a retracted position and an extended position.

48. The beverage container holder of claim 41, further comprising an arcuate splash guard coupled to the rim of the tubular receptacle at the open end, the arcuate splash guard covering less than one-third of the cross-sectional area defining the open end.

49. The beverage container holder of claim 48, wherein the arcuate splash guard has a partial-dome shape.

50. The beverage container holder of claim 48, wherein the arcuate splash guard is reversibly coupled to the rim.