Article Support Apparatus

Abstract

A support apparatus to retain an article relative to a support surface, the article having an end portion with a perimeter and an adjacent neck portion having a perimeter less than the end portion perimeter. The support apparatus includes a base secured to the support surface and a support arm extending from and supported by the base. The support arm includes a proximal end portion with a flange, the proximal end portion being adjacent to the base, and a distal end portion opposite the proximal end portion. The distal end portion terminating into a pair of fingers, each having an inside edge that form a slot defined by the flange and each finger inside edge, wherein each inside edge is adapted to slidably engage the neck portion of the article through an open end of the slot, with the article end portion perimeter retained by the pair of fingers.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of support apparatus that are adapted to retain an article relative to a support surface, more particularly to support apparatus that retain an article having an end portion with a perimeter and an adjacent neck portion having a perimeter less than the end portion perimeter. Specifically, a support apparatus retaining an article such as a toothpaste tube or other bathroom articles, in addition to creams, medicines, ointments, insect repellents, gels, lotions, lubricants, glues, and epoxies, also kitchen articles such as food pastes, pates, and spices for example that are removably retained by the support apparatus for the purpose of organizing these articles for convenient access and freeing up shelf space.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] The bathroom area of many dwellings typically has a large number of smaller type articles for personal use such as toothpaste tubes, toothbrushes, hair-care products, skin-care products, colognes, shaving products, medical care products, bathing products, and the like that not only consume a considerable amount of space for storage, but also come in an infinite variety of shapes and sizes further complicating the ability to efficiently store, find, and conveniently retrieve these bathroom area articles. Also, there has been a long identified problem of a lack of storage space for the aforementioned bathroom area articles, as most dwelling bathroom areas have a singular wall mounted medicine storage cabinet that is typically fairly small in volume, in addition to the bathroom area usually having very limited table or countertop type storage space. In addition, these articles tend to become more specialized and numerous over time leading to the problem increasing of a way to efficiently store these bathroom area articles and to keep these articles organized such that a user can easily find and conveniently retrieve their desired bathroom area article. Further, there are a number of non-bath type articles such as lubricants, glues, epoxies, and kitchen area products such as food pastes, pates, spices, and other similar type products that also come in an infinite variety of shapes and sizes causing the same previously identified storage problems, say for instance in the garage, workshop area, or kitchen of a dwelling.

[0003] Given that the identified problems of efficiently storing and organizing a multitude of different sized smaller type articles and especially the storage of these articles in the bathroom area wherein storage space is usually a minimum there have been a number of prior art attempts at solving this issue. Starting with U.S. Pat. No. 2,753,054 to Becher, which discloses an article holder that has a stepped width between fingers forming a multi width slot that is mounted on the underside of a cabinet shelf with a closed in support at each fingers termination. Becher "stacks" the articles, one in front of another to store multiple articles in a single article holder, however, easy and convenient access to the article at the rear of the holder is difficult due to the fact that a user would need to remove all the articles in front of the desired article to retrieve the desired article. Another prior art example is in U.S. Pat. No. 2,248,916 to Opper that discloses an under the shelf holder designed to hold a plurality of tubes in finger type slots with the holder clipping on or hooking within a medicine cabinet. Opper identifies the problem of securely retaining the tubes in the finger slots by angling the fingers upward at the free end or distal end of the fingers to urge the tube to rest against the proximal end of the slot and against the back wall of the medicine cabinet. Also, the finger slots are wedged together at the attached or proximal end of the finger slots to facilitate wedging of the necks of the tubes that are suspended. Note, that at the time of the filing of the Opper patent which is 1939 most tubes were constructed of a thin flexible metallic material that better allowed wedging of the tube necks, wherein today most of the tubes are constructed of a hard or highly resilient plastic material that would either resist wedging of the tube neck or could possibly have severing damage caused to the tube neck by wedging the tube neck in the proximal end of the slot resulting in a leakage, hardening, or drying of the product contained within the tube. Additionally, Opper relies on the tube cap design common in 1939 wherein the tube cap was in the cross section of a "T" having an expanded upper portion and narrow lower portion which had a considerable gap between the top of the tube and the tube cap upper portion that allowed the finger slots to be angled with the tube suspended vertically (see FIG. 2). This would not be possible with a present day tube cap having a very narrow gap between the tube cap and the top of the tube without a "T" section, with a present day tube cap assuming a frustroconical shape, which would in effect cause the tube to protrude at an angle possibly hitting the cabinet wall in using Opper's angled fingers with a present day tube and tube cap assembly.

[0004] Other prior art examples would be U.S. Pat. No. 2,449,197 to Benziger that discloses a tube holder that has a plurality of "V" shaped converging tube holder slots that are suspended in a row in the holder with a lateral reinforcing rib adjacent to the converging tube holder slots. These "V" shaped slots allow different sizes of items or tubes to be vertically suspended in the slots with Benziger specifically stating that the "V" shaped slots provide for a "biting" of the neck by the "V" shaped slot to help retain the tube. This is similar to Opper in that it is assumed that the tube neck is deformable to wedge into the "V" shaped slot, which of necessity would require the tube neck material to also be a thin flexible metallic material that Opper requires. Also, note that Benziger was filed in 1946 being a point in time relatively close to Opper's 1939 file date. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 1,998,232 to Gould discloses the use of a channel to retain the tube cap flange in a holder thus retaining the tube itself, Gould assumes the use of a cap with a flange at the top of the cap by having a very close clearance between the channel edges and the supporting base of the holder. Again, as Gould was filed in 1933 this special style cap was commonly in use at that time that has the flange at top of the cap, however, this type of cap is not in use currently as most current tube caps have a frustroconical shape without a flange at the top, also most current tube caps are taller in height and would not fit into Gould.

[0005] A further prior art U.S. Pat. No. 2,035,749 to Knauss utilizes a special inverted frustum cap for supporting a tube in a holder that is specially designed to receive the special cap to eliminate the need for a threaded to cap requirement. Another feature of Knauss is that the special cap has a closure on it for sealing the contents of the tube. A similar disclosure made in the prior art in U.S. Pat. No. 1,915,671 to Hyer, like Knauss utilizes a special cap for the tube wherein the cap is designed to fit into the holding bracket to not only support the tube but also to seal the open end of the cap that effectively seals the contents of the tube. Again, in this same vein U.S. Pat. No. 1,247,600 to Priddy also utilizes a special cap for the tube wherein the cap is also designed to fit into a tube holder with the tube holder again sealing the contents of the tube. The problem with Knauss, Hyer, and Priddy is the requirement for a special cap to fit the multiplicity of different tube types and the necessity to clean the special cap for proper hygiene.

[0006] What is needed is a support apparatus that is adapted to retain currently used articles relative to a support surface that has the universal ability to retain the article at or near the articles neck and cap area without the need of special caps or a retaining mechanism, wherein the remainder of the article container could assume a multitude of shapes and sizes that would not interfere with the ability of the support apparatus to retain the article relative to a support surface.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is a support apparatus that is adapted to retain an article relative to a support surface, the article having an end portion with a perimeter and an adjacent neck portion having a perimeter less than the end portion perimeter. Broadly, the present invention includes a base member that is adapted to be secured to the support surface and a support arm extending from and supported by the base member. The support arm includes a proximal end portion with a flange, with the proximal end portion being positioned adjacent to the base member, also the support arm includes a distal end portion opposite the proximal end portion. The distal end portion terminating into a pair of fingers that each have an inside edge that form a rectangular slot with an open end defined by the flange and each finger inside edge, wherein each inside edge is spaced apart and adapted to freely slidably engage the neck portion of the article through the open end of the rectangular slot, with the article end portion perimeter retained by the pair of fingers.

[0008] These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which;

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the support apparatus adapted to be secured to a support surface;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a 1st alternative embodiment of the support apparatus adapted to be secured to a support surface;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the 1st alternative embodiment of the support apparatus adapted to be secured to a support surface;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the support apparatus;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the support apparatus;

[0014] FIG. 6 is an end elevation view of the support apparatus;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a 2nd alternative embodiment of the support apparatus adapted to be secured to a support surface;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a 3rd alternative embodiment of the support apparatus adapted to be secured to a support surface;

[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the 1st alternative embodiment of the support apparatus in use retaining an article with the support apparatus adapted to be secured to a support surface;

[0018] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the 2nd alternative embodiment of the support apparatus in use retaining an article with the support apparatus adapted to be secured to a support surface;

[0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the 1st alternative embodiment of the support apparatus in use retaining an article with the support apparatus adapted to be secured to a support surface;

[0020] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the 4th alternative embodiment of the support apparatus on the non taper side;

[0021] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the 4th alternative embodiment of the support apparatus on the taper side;

[0022] FIG. 14 is a plan view of the 4th alternative embodiment of the support apparatus;

[0023] FIG. 15 is an end view of the 4th alternative embodiment of the support apparatus for the distal end portion of the support arm;

[0024] FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of the 4th alternative embodiment of the support apparatus;

[0025] FIG. 17 is a crossectional elevation view of the 4th alternative embodiment of the support apparatus;

[0026] FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the 4th alternative embodiment of the support apparatus in use retaining an article with the support apparatus;

[0027] FIG. 19 is an end elevation view of the 4th alternative embodiment of the support apparatus adapted to be secured to a support surface; and

[0028] FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of the 5th alternative embodiment of the support apparatus with a figurine superimposed upon the base member.

REFERENCE NUMBER IN DRAWINGS

[0029] 22 Article Support Apparatus

[0030] 24 Article

[0031] 26 Support surface

[0032] 28 Article support apparatus 1st alternative embodiment

[0033] 30 Article support apparatus 2nd alternative embodiment

[0034] 32 Article support apparatus 3rd alternative embodiment

[0035] 33 Article support apparatus 4th alternative embodiment

[0036] 34 Article end portion

[0037] 35 Article support apparatus 5th alternative embodiment

[0038] 36 Article end portion perimeter

[0039] 37 Article tube taper portion

[0040] 38 Article adjacent neck portion

[0041] 40 Article adjacent neck portion perimeter

[0042] 42 Base member

[0043] 44 Base member 1st alternative embodiment

[0044] 46 Base member 2nd alternative embodiment

[0045] 48 Base member 3rd alternative embodiment

[0046] 49 Base member 5th alternative embodiment

[0047] 50 Means for adapting base member to be secured to the support surface

[0048] 52 Support arms for the support apparatus and the 1st alternative embodiment of the support apparatus

[0049] 54 Support arms for 2nd and 3rd alternative embodiments of the support apparatus

[0050] 55 Support arm for the 4th alternative embodiment of the support apparatus

[0051] 56 Support arm proximal end portion flange

[0052] 58 Support arm proximal end portions for the support apparatus and the 1st alternative embodiment of the support apparatus

[0053] 60 Support arm proximal end portions for 2nd and 3rd alternative embodiments of the support apparatus

[0054] 61 Support arm proximal end portion for 4th alternative embodiment of the support apparatus

[0055] 64 Support arm distal end portion fingers for the support apparatus and 1st alternative embodiment of the support apparatus

[0056] 66 Support arm distal end portion fingers for 2nd and 3rd alternative embodiments of the support apparatus

[0057] 67 Support arm distal end portion fingers for 4th alternative embodiment of the support apparatus

[0058] 68 Projecting margin element shoulder 69 Support arm distal tapered segment for the b 4th alternative embodiment

[0059] 70 Support arm proximal portion frustroconical segment for the 4th alternative embodiment

[0060] 71 Support arm distal end finger inside edge for the support apparatus, and the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd alternative embodiments

[0061] 72 Support arm proximal portion inside edge radius for the 4th alternative embodiment

[0062] 73 Support arm distal end finger inside edge for the 4th alternative embodiment

[0063] 74 Support arm distal and proximal taper portion angle for the 4th alternative embodiment

[0064] 76 Support arm distal and proximal taper portion corner nose radius for the 4th alternative embodiment

[0065] 78 Support arm distal end portion or tapered segment length for the 4th alternative embodiment

[0066] 82 Support arm distal end portion finger surface for 4th alternative embodiment of the support apparatus

[0067] 84 Support arm distal end portion finger opposite surface for 4th alternative embodiment of the support apparatus

[0068] 86 Base member area for placement of a promotional message

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] With initial reference to FIGS. 1-6 shown is a perspective view of the article support apparatus 22, two perspective views of the first alternative embodiment 28 of the article support apparatus, a plan view of the article support apparatus 22, a side elevation view of the article support apparatus 22, and an end elevation view of the article support apparatus 22 respectively, all that are adapted to be secured to a support surface (not shown). The article support apparatus 22 broadly includes a base member 42 wherein the base member 42 is adapted to be secured to the support surface (not shown) and a support arm 52 extending from and supported by the base member 42. The support arm includes a proximal end portion 58 with a flange 56, the proximal end portion 58 is positioned adjacent to the base member 42. The support arm 52 also includes a distal end portion opposite the proximal end portion 58, with distal end portion terminating into a pair of fingers 64 that each have an inside edge 71 that form a rectangular slot with an open end defined by the flange 56 and each finger inside edge 71. Preferably the base member 42 is secured to the support surface (not shown) by a permanent means 50 for adapting base member to be secured to the support surface (not shown). The means 50 for adapting the base member 42 to be secured to the support surface (not shown) can be a two sided pressure sensitive adhesive tape, however, any alternative would be acceptable having sufficient strength to secure the article support apparatus 22 and the article (not shown) to the support surface (not shown) in a humid environment such as screws, bolts, and the like applying to all disclosed embodiments disclosed herein.

[0070] FIGS. 1-6 also show each inside edge 71 and flange 56 further comprising a parallel projecting margin element shoulder 68 that is sized and configured to freely slidably engage the neck portion of the article (not shown), wherein the article (not shown) is retained by the support apparatus 22 using the article end portion perimeter (not shown) resting against the margin element shoulder 68. The parallel projecting margin element shoulder 68 is preferably constructed of any three hundred (300) series stainless steel, other materials would be acceptable that can meet the aforementioned requirements of freely slidably engaging the neck portion of the article (not shown), wherein the article (not shown) is retained by the support apparatus 22 using the article end portion perimeter (not shown) resting against the margin element shoulder 68. The attachment between the parallel projecting margin element shoulder 68 and the support arm 52 is preferably by tongue and groove utilizing an adhesive. Alternatively, a shrink fit, cast in place by making the parallel projecting margin element shoulder 68 integral with the support arm 52, or other attachment methods could be used that meet the strength requirements to secure the parallel projecting margin element shoulder 68 to the support arm 52 with the article (not shown) that is supported by resting against the parallel projecting margin element shoulder 68 in a humid environment. In the first alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, a base member 44 for the first alternative embodiment is shown to have an option to have the means 50 for adapting the base member 44 to be secured to the support surface (not shown) that is perpendicular to the support surface that is utilized in the article support apparatus 22 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0071] Moving next to FIGS. 7 and 8 shown are the second alternative embodiment 30 of the article support apparatus and the third alternative embodiment 32 of the article support apparatus respectively, all that are adapted to be secured to a support surface (not shown). FIG. 7 shows the second alternative embodiment 30 of the article support apparatus that broadly includes a base member 46 wherein the base member 46 is adapted to be secured to the support surface (not shown) and a support arm 54 extending from and supported by the base member 46. The support arm includes a proximal end portion 60 with a flange 56, the proximal end portion 60 is positioned adjacent to the base member 46. The support arm 54 also includes a distal end portion opposite the proximal end portion 60, with distal end portion terminating into a pair of fingers 66 that each have an inside edge 71 that form a rectangular slot with an open end defined by the flange 56 and each finger inside edge 71. Wherein each said inside edge 71 is spaced apart and adapted to freely slidably engage the neck portion of the article (not shown) through the open end of the rectangular slot, with the article (not shown) retained by the support apparatus 30 using the article end portion perimeter (not shown) resting against the pair of fingers 66. Preferably the base member 46 is secured to the support surface (not shown) by a permanent means 50 for adapting base member to be secured to the support surface (not shown). The means 50 for adapting the base member 46 to be secured to the support surface (not shown) can be a two sided pressure sensitive adhesive tape, however, any alternative would be acceptable having sufficient strength to secure the article support apparatus 30 and the article (not shown) to the support surface (not shown) in a humid environment, such as screws, bolts, and the like applying to all disclosed embodiments disclosed herein. In the third alternative embodiment 32 of the article support apparatus as shown in FIG. 8, a base member 48 for the third alternative embodiment is shown to have an option to have the means 50 for adapting the base member 48 to be secured to the support surface (not shown) that is perpendicular to the support surface that is utilized in the second alternative embodiment 30 of the article support apparatus as shown in FIG. 7.

[0072] Further to FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 shown is a perspective view of the first alternative embodiment 28 of the support apparatus in use retaining the article 24 with the support apparatus adapted to be secured to a support surface 26, a perspective view of the second alternative embodiment 30 of the support apparatus in use retaining the article 24 with the support system adapted to be secured to a support surface 26, and a first alternative embodiment 28 of the support apparatus in use retaining the article 24 with the support system adapted to be secured to a support surface 26 respectively. FIGS. 9 and 11 show the first alternative embodiment 28 of the support apparatus in use retaining the article 24 with the base member 44 adapted to be secured to one and/or two support surfaces 26 that are perpendicularly oriented to each other. The support apparatus as shown in the first alternative embodiment 28 of the support apparatus and the second alternative embodiment 30 of the support apparatus are adapted to retain the article 24 relative to the support surface 26, the article 24 having an end portion 34 with a perimeter 36 and an adjacent neck portion 38 having a perimeter 40 less than the end portion perimeter 36.

[0073] Specifically looking to FIGS. 9 and 11, the first alternative embodiment 28 of the support apparatus broadly includes a base member 44 wherein the base member 44 is adapted to be secured to the support surface 26 and a support arm 52 extending from and supported by the base member 44. The support arm includes a proximal end portion 58 with a flange 56, the proximal end portion 58 is positioned adjacent to the base member 44. The support arm 52 also includes a distal end portion opposite the proximal end portion 58, with distal end portion terminating into a pair of fingers 64 that each have an inside edge 71 that form a rectangular slot with an open end defined by the flange 56 and each finger inside edge 71. Preferably the base member 44 is secured to the support surface 26 by a permanent means 50 for adapting the base member 44 to be secured to the support surface 26. The means 50 for adapting the base member 44 to be secured to the support surface 26 can be a two sided pressure sensitive adhesive tape, however, any alternative would be acceptable having sufficient strength to secure the article support apparatus 28 and the article 24 to the support surface 26 in a humid environment such as screws, bolts, and the like applying to all disclosed embodiments disclosed herein.

[0074] Further, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, for the first alternative embodiment 28 of the support apparatus, the inside edge 71 and flange 56 further comprise a parallel projecting margin element shoulder 68 that is sized and configured to freely slidably engage the neck portion 38 of the article 24, wherein the article 24 is retained by the support apparatus 28 using the article end portion perimeter 36 resting against the margin element shoulder 68. The parallel projecting margin element shoulder 68 is preferably constructed of any three hundred (300) series stainless steel, other materials would be acceptable that can meet the aforementioned requirements of freely slidably engaging the neck portion of the article 38 wherein the article 24 is retained by the support apparatus 28 using the article end portion perimeter 36 resting against the margin element shoulder 68. The attachment between the parallel projecting margin element shoulder 68 and the support arm 52 is preferably by tongue and groove utilizing an adhesive. Alternatively, a shrink fit, cast in place by making the parallel projecting margin element shoulder 68 integral with the support arm 52, or other attachment methods could be used that meet the strength requirements to secure the parallel projecting margin element shoulder 68 to the support arm 52 with the article 24 that is supported by resting against the parallel projecting margin element shoulder 68 in a humid environment.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 10, the second alternative embodiment 30 of the article support apparatus and the third alternative embodiment (as shown in FIG. 8) of the article support apparatus both are adapted to be secured to a support surface 26. The second alternative embodiment 30 of the article support apparatus broadly includes a base member 46 wherein the base member 46 is adapted to be secured to the support surface 26 and a support arm 54 extending from and supported by the base member 46. The support arm includes a proximal end portion 60 with a flange 56, the proximal end portion 60 is positioned adjacent to the base member 46. The support arm 54 also includes a distal end portion opposite the proximal end portion 60, with distal end portion terminating into a pair of fingers 66 that each have an inside edge 71 that form a rectangular slot with an open end defined by the flange 56 and each finger inside edge 71. Wherein each said inside edge 71 is spaced apart and adapted to freely slidably engage the neck portion of the article 38 through the open end of the rectangular slot, with the article 24 retained by the support apparatus 30 using the article end portion perimeter 36 resting against the pair of fingers 66. Preferably the base member 46 is secured to the support surface 26 by a permanent means 50 for adapting the base member 46 to be secured to the support surface 26. The means 50 for adapting the base member 46 to be secured to the support surface 26 can be a two sided pressure sensitive adhesive tape, however, any alternative would be acceptable having sufficient strength to secure the article support apparatus 30 and the article 24 to the support surface 26 in a humid environment such as screws, bolts, and the like applying to all disclosed embodiments herein. In the third alternative embodiment 32 of the article support apparatus as shown in FIG. 8, the article 24 mounting is the same as previously described for the second alternative embodiment 30 of the article support apparatus. The third alternative embodiment 32 of the article support apparatus includes the base member 48 for the third alternative embodiment 32 is shown to have an option to have the means 50 for adapting the base member 48 to be secured to the support surface 26 that is either perpendicular to the support surface that is utilized in FIGS. 9 and 10 or the same as utilized in FIGS. 9 and 10 or utilizing two or both perpendicularly oriented support surfaces 26 simultaneously for mounting.

[0076] Finally to FIGS. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 shown are perspective views, the plan view, the end view, the side elevation view, crossectional elevation view, the side elevation view of the support apparatus retaining the article 24, the end elevation view of the support apparatus retaining the article 24, all of the fourth alternative embodiment 33 of the support apparatus, and the 5th alternative embodiment 35 of the support apparatus with a figurine superimposed upon the base member 49 respectively. The fourth alternative embodiment 33 and the 5th alternative embodiment 35 of the support apparatus are adapted to retain an article 24 relative to the support surface 26, the article 24 having an end portion 34 with a perimeter 36, an adjacent neck portion 38 having a perimeter 40 less than the end portion perimeter 36, and a tapered portion 37 adjacent to the neck portion 38. The fourth alternative embodiment 33 and the 5th alternative embodiment 35 of the support apparatus both broadly include a base member 42 or 49 respectively adapted to be secured to the support surface 26 and a support arm 55 extending from and supported by the base member 42 or 49. Also, the fourth alternative embodiment 33 and the 5th alternative embodiment 35 of the support apparatus could be used with the base members 44, 46, and 48 depending upon the configuration of the support surface 26. The position of the support arm 55 upon the base members 42, 44, 46, 48, and 49 can be located at any position in the design of the aforementioned apparatus. Preferably the base member 42 is secured to the support surface 26 by a permanent means 50 for adapting the base member 42 to be secured to the support surface 26. The means 50 for adapting the base member 42 to be secured to the support surface 26 can be a two sided pressure sensitive adhesive tape, however, any alternative would be acceptable having sufficient strength to secure the article support apparatus 33 and the article 24 to the support surface 26 in a humid environment such as screws, bolts, and the like applying to all disclosed embodiments disclosed herein.

[0077] The following description of the fourth alternative embodiment 33 of the support apparatus applies equally well to the 5th alternative embodiment 35 of the support apparatus. The support arm 55 also includes a proximal end portion 61 with a flange 56, the proximal end portion 61 is positioned adjacent to the base member 42, the support arm 55 also includes a distal end portion opposite said proximal end portion 61. The distal end portion terminating into a pair of fingers 67 that each have an inside edge 73 that form a rectangular slot with an open end defined by the flange 56 and each finger inside edge 73. Each finger 67 also having a surface 82 and an opposite surface 84 with a tapered segment 69 extending transversely from the inside edge 73. The tapered segment 69 is positioned to be substantially parallel to the tapered portion 37 of the article 24. Wherein, each inside edge 73 is spaced apart and adapted to freely slidably engage the neck portion 38 of the article 24 through the open end of the rectangular slot and each tapered segment 69 is adapted to freely slidably engage the tapered portion 37 of the article 24. The article 24 is retained by the support apparatus 33 using the article 24 end portion perimeter 36 resting against the pair of fingers 67 and an interface between the pair of tapered segments 69 and the tapered portion 37 of the article 24. Preferably, the tapered segment 69 forms an angle 74 of about thirty (30) degrees in relation to the finger surface 82, however, the thirty (30) degree angle could be more or less depending upon the angle of the tapered portion 37 of the article 24 to allow the tapered portion 37 of the article 24 to freely slidably engage the tapered segments 69 of the support apparatus. This is to allow for a close fit between the tapered portion 37 and the tapered segments 69 that allows the article 24 to be retained in the support apparatus even when the support surface 26 and the base member 42 are in an overhead horizontal position. In order to accommodate the narrow gap between the article end portion perimeter 36 and the article tapered portion 37 a sharp radius is preferred at the finger inside edge 73 having a nose or radius 76 of about fifteen thousandths (0.015) of an inch or as required to allow the tapered segment 69 in conjunction with the surface 82 to "wedge" in between the article end portion perimeter 36 and the article tapered portion 37 providing for the article 24 to be retained in the support apparatus even when the support surface 26 and the base member 42 are in an overhead horizontal position. Additionally, to better ensure that the article 24 can be retained in the support apparatus even when the support surface 26 and the base member 42 are in an overhead horizontal position, the tapered segment 69 should have a length 78 of about three eights (0.38) of an inch as measured parallel to the finger inside edge 73.

[0078] Optionally, the proximal end portion flange 56 can be a radius 72 that is tangential to each finger inside edge 73, forming a "U" shaped section opening, the "U" shaped section is formed in going from one finger inside edge 73 to the radius 72 and continuing to the other finger inside edge 73 as shown best in FIGS. 12 and 13. Another option is to add a frustroconical segment 70 that is adjacent to the radius 72 such that the frustroconical segment 70 is aligned with each finger tapered segment 69 forming a continuous tapered surface from the finger tapered segment 69 to the frustroconical segment 70 and on to other the finger tapered segment 69 as is best shown in FIG. 13. The radius 72 and the frustroconical segment 70 have an adjacent interface that forms an inside edge of the radius 72, with the inside edge having a nose or radius of about fifteen thousandths (0.015) of an inch.

[0079] Also applying to all disclosed embodiments disclosed herein, being the article support apparatus 22, the first alternative embodiment 28 of the article support apparatus, the second alternative embodiment 30 of the article support apparatus, the third alternative embodiment 32 of the article support apparatus, the fourth alternative embodiment 33 of the article support apparatus, and the fifth alternative embodiment 35 of the article support apparatus the attachment method between the base members 42, 44, 46, 48, and 49 and the respective support arms 52, 52, 54, 54, 55 respectively with all of the aforementioned support arms being applicable to the fifth alternative embodiment 35 of the article support apparatus is as follows. Preferably, the aforementioned base members and the support arms are integral elements. However, the attachment between the aforementioned support arms and the base members could be a separable attachment secured or affixed by any suitable adhesive, shrink fit, also a mechanical attachment such as screws or bolts and the like, or by a non permanent attachment that is detachable such as a tongue and groove arrangement, dovetail, or a slidable channel and the like. The attachment between the aforementioned support arms and the base members should have sufficient strength based upon the aforementioned requirements for supporting the article 24, thus having sufficient strength to secure the support arm to the base member with the article 24 that is supported by the resting against the pair of fingers 64, or the parallel projecting margin element shoulder 68, or as applicable the taper segment 69 all in a humid environment.

[0080] Again also applying to all disclosed embodiments herein, being the article support apparatus 22, the first alternative embodiment 28 of the article support apparatus, the second alternative embodiment 30 of the article support apparatus, the third alternative embodiment 32 of the article support apparatus, the fourth alternative embodiment 33 of the article support apparatus, and the fifth alternative embodiment 35 of the article support apparatus the materials of construction for both the aforementioned base members and the support arms are typically the same. Thus, as previously disclosed being that the base member and the support arm are preferably integral elements being constructed of the same materials selected from the group consisting essentially of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyurethane materials. Other plastics such as ABS, high impact styrene, acrylic, polycarbonate, or other materials would also be acceptable that have sufficient strength based upon the aforementioned requirements for supporting the article 24 relative to the support surface 26 in a humid environment. As previously mentioned the base members and the support arms can be separate elements and thus could be different materials, which is acceptable again as long as the aforementioned strength requirements are meet.

[0081] Also applying to all disclosed embodiments including the article support apparatus 22, the first alternative embodiment 28 of the article support apparatus, the second alternative embodiment 30 of the article support apparatus, the third alternative embodiment 32 of the article support apparatus, the fourth alternative embodiment 33 of the article support apparatus, and the fifth alternative embodiment 35 of the article support apparatus that could all further comprise a plurality of support arms 52, 54, and/or 55 to support multiple articles 24 utilizing a single base member either 42, 44, 46, 48, or 49. Additionally, concerning all base member embodiments being 42, 44, 46, 48, and 49 of all the aforementioned disclosed embodiments, the previously mentioned base members have an area 86 for placement of a promotional message that could be a trademark, a graphic, a warning, advertising, instructions relative to the article supported, or any other useful or entertaining indicia. Further, concerning all base member embodiments being 42, 44, 46, 48, and 49 of all the aforementioned disclosed embodiments which is specifically identified as the fifth alternative embodiment 35 of the article support apparatus as shown in FIG. 20, the base member 49 has a figurine superimposed upon the base member 49. The figurine can either be integral with the base member 49 or a separable attachment secured or affixed by any suitable adhesive, shrink fit, also a mechanical attachment such as screws or bolts and the like, or by a non permanent attachment that is detachable such as a tongue and groove arrangement, dovetail, magnetic, or a slidable channel and the like allowing the figurine to be interchangeable. The figurine could include but not be limited to cartoon characters, sports figures, animals, and the like. In addition, the area 86 for placement of a promotional message and the figurine can be used or placed in combination together on the base members 42, 44, 46, 48, and 49 as is best shown in FIG. 20, or the area 86 for placement of a promotional message and the figurine can be used or placed separately on the base members 42, 44, 46, 48, and 49.

Conclusion

[0082] Accordingly, the present invention of an article support apparatus has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the embodiments of the present invention. It should be appreciated, though, that the present invention is defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior art so modifications or changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts contained therein.

Claims

1. A support apparatus adapted to retain an article relative to a support surface, the article having an end portion with a perimeter and an adjacent neck portion having a perimeter less than the end portion perimeter, said support apparatus comprising: (a) a base member adapted to be secured to the support surface; and (b) a support arm extending from and supported by said base member, said support arm includes a proximal end portion with a flange, said proximal end portion is positioned adjacent to said base member, said support arm also includes a distal end portion opposite said proximal end portion, said distal end portion terminating into a pair of fingers that each have an inside edge that form a rectangular slot with an open end defined by said flange and each said finger inside edge, wherein each said inside edge is spaced apart and adapted to freely slidably engage the neck portion of the article through said open end of said rectangular slot, with the article retained by said support apparatus using the article end portion perimeter resting against said pair of fingers.

2. A support apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said support arm is affixed to said base member.

3. A support apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said support arm is detachable from said base member.

4. A support apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a plurality of support arms.

5. A support apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each said inside edge and flange further comprises a parallel projecting margin element shoulder that is sized and configured to freely slidably engage the neck portion of the article, wherein the article is retained by said support apparatus using the article end portion perimeter resting against said margin element shoulder.

6. A support apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said margin element shoulder is constructed from a three hundred (300) series stainless steel.

7. A support apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said base member is secured to the support surface by a permanent means for adapting said base member to be secured to the support surface.

8. A support apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said permanent means is a two sided pressure sensitive adhesive tape.

9. A support apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said base member is constructed from materials selected from the group consisting essentially of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyurethane materials.

10. A support apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said support arm is constructed from materials selected from the group consisting essentially of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyurethane materials.

11. A support apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said base member has a figurine superimposed upon said base member.

12. A support apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said base member has an area for placement of a promotional message.

13. A support apparatus adapted to retain an article relative to a support surface, the article having an end portion with a perimeter, an adjacent neck portion having a perimeter less than the end portion perimeter, and a tapered portion adjacent to the neck portion, said support apparatus comprising: (a) a base member adapted to be secured to the support surface; and (b) a support arm extending from and supported by said base member, said support arm includes a proximal end portion with a flange, said proximal end portion is positioned adjacent to said base member, said support arm also includes a distal end portion opposite said proximal end portion, said distal end portion terminating into a pair of fingers that each have an inside edge that form a rectangular slot with an open end defined by said flange and each said finger inside edge, each said finger also having a surface and an opposite surface with a tapered segment extending transversely from said inside edge, said tapered segment is positioned to be substantially parallel to the tapered portion of the article, wherein each said inside edge is spaced apart and adapted to freely slidably engage the neck portion of the article through said open end of said rectangular slot and each said tapered segment is adapted to freely slidably engage the tapered portion of the article with the article retained by said support apparatus using the article end portion perimeter resting against said pair of fingers and an interface between said pair of tapered segments and the tapered portion of the article.

14. A support apparatus according to claim 13 wherein each said finger inside edge has a nose of about fifteen thousandths (0.015) of an inch.

15. A support apparatus according to claim 13 wherein each said finger tapered segment forms an angle of about thirty (30) degrees in relation to said finger surface.

16. A support apparatus according to claim 13 wherein each said finger tapered segment has a length parallel to said finger inside edge of about three eights (0.38) of an inch.

17. A support apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said proximal end portion flange is a radius that is tangential to each said finger inside edge, forming a "U" shaped section opening going from one said finger inside edge to said radius and continuing to said other finger inside edge.

18. A support apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said radius has a frustroconical segment that is adjacent to said radius such that said frustroconical segment is aligned with each said finger tapered segment forming a continuous tapered surface from said finger tapered segment to said frustroconical segment and on to other said finger tapered segment.

19. A support apparatus according to claim 18 wherein each said finger tapered segment forms an angle of about thirty (30) degrees in relation to said finger surface.

20. A support apparatus according to claim 18 wherein said radius and said frustroconical segment have an adjacent interface that forms an inside edge of said radius, said inside edge having a nose of about fifteen thousandths (0.015) of an inch.

21. A support apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said base member is constructed from materials selected from the group consisting essentially of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyurethane materials.

22. A support apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said support arm is constructed from materials selected from the group consisting essentially of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyurethane materials.

23. A support apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said base member has a figurine superimposed upon the base member.

24. A support apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said base member has an area for placement of a promotional message.

25. A support apparatus according to claim 13 further comprising a plurality of support arms.

26. A support apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said base member is secured to the support surface by a permanent means for adapting said base member to be secured to the support surface.

27. A support apparatus according to claim 26 wherein said permanent means is a two sided pressure sensitive adhesive tape.

28. A support apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said support arm is affixed to said base member.

29. A support apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said support arm is detachable from said base member.