U.S. patent application number 10/632979 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-10 for drinking game cup holder.
Invention is credited to Grayson, Noah Michael.
Application Number | 20050029747 10/632979 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34115813 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050029747 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grayson, Noah Michael |
February 10, 2005 |
Drinking game cup holder
Abstract
A triangularly configured multi-cup holder is provided and
constructed to conveniently hold up to ten cups in a "bowling pin"
formation, for use in the drinking game "Beer-Pong," or "Beirut,"
or similar. The reusable holder includes cup holes in a triangular
row formation (back to front) of four, three, two and one cups.
Rubber or rubber-like grips on each corner of the bottom of the
holder add stability to the cups, via the holder, during use. The
uniform and equidistant placement of the holes provides for the
correct orientation of the cups for optimal playing of the drinking
game mentioned above.
Inventors: |
Grayson, Noah Michael;
(Wilton, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Noah Michael Grayson
28 Wilton Crest
Wilton
CT
06897
US
|
Family ID: |
34115813 |
Appl. No.: |
10/632979 |
Filed: |
August 4, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/342 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 63/08 20130101;
A63F 7/0017 20130101; A63B 67/002 20130101; A63F 9/02 20130101;
A63B 67/066 20130101; A63F 2009/0053 20130101; A63F 2250/024
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/342 |
International
Class: |
A63B 067/00 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. The Drinking Game Cup Holder is a multiple-cup holder for the
purpose of eliminating the movement, slipping, sliding, falling
over, knocking over, or any disturbance of the cups therein, for
the use in the generally known party game of "Beer Pong"e or
"Beruit" or any game similar (see DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART for
explanation of game and relation of invention to game), the holder
comprising: a triangular frame "type" unit comprising ten
individual equally spaced holes, for the use of holding disposable
plastic party-size cups in a specific configuration; the top of the
holder is configured to lay out the cup holes in a formation of ten
cups in four rows: four, three, two, one orientation from the back
of the holder to the front; the holes are equidistant for the
optimal playing of the game for which they will be used; the holes
are cut to uniform size so that the same area of each cup will be
visible to the game players; the thickness of said holder is unique
to this embodiment for the expressed purposes of cup stabilization,
and to create the necessary visible area of cup to be viewed for
the purpose of the game for which they will be used; the bottom of
the holder is a smooth undisturbed surface with the exception of
three rubber grips placed accordingly on the three comers of the
bottom triangular surface, to stabilize the holder for the game in
which it will be used.
2. The Drinking Game Cup Holder of claim 1, (with the exception of
the rubber or plastic or similar grips as described in claim 1)
maybe formed of a single plastic, cardboard, polystyrene, or
similar material, or the holder may be formed of a combination of
prior mentioned materials.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] N/A
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] N/A
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM
LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX
[0003] N/A
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This invention is for use in a recreational manner and in
accompaniment with the consumption of beverages (presumably beer).
The sole intended purpose of the invention itself is to be used in
conjunction with a pre-existing party game known widely as
"Beer-Pong" or "Beirut" as a means to improve the quality and
effectiveness of the game (see pages 1 & 2 for common rules of
the pre-existing aforementioned game as well and FIG. 4 for a
visual representation). The game, which the invention assists,
contains the usage of plastic cups to be arranged on a table in a
certain configuration. The invention is simply a modified cup
holder that will allow the cups to be arranged in the correct
manner, more expediently, precisely, and securely, thus resulting
in the improvement of the game and the elimination of problems.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0005] The invention is to be used in conjunction with and in the
improvement of the existing game known as "Beer-Pong" or "Beirut,"
and for the expressed purpose of eliminating problems that exist
with the game. The rules and objectives of said game are listed
below, as they are most commonly, and for better understanding of
the use and need for the invention.
[0006] Read the following rules in conjunction with page 5/6 and
6/6 of the DRAWINGS section.
[0007] 1. Set up on opposite sides (length wise) of a standard
ping-pong table, or table of comparable size, two triangular
configurations (one on each side of the table) of ten,
sixteen-ounce plastic party cups each in a four, three, two, one
configuration (see FIG. 4).
[0008] 2. Each triangle of cups should be centered in the middle of
the table end, with the (longest) back row approximately one inch
from the table edge (see FIG. 4).
[0009] 3. Two teams of two people each take part in the game. Each
team resides on opposite sides of the table, positioned behind
their set of ten cups.
[0010] 4. Each set of cups is to be filled with, normally, but not
always, beer, to a determined level. The level is based either on
the equal distribution of a certain amount of liquid (for example:
two cans of beer), or up to a certain line on the cup decided by
the game's participants.
[0011] 5. The purpose of the game is for each team to take turns
trying to eliminate the other team's cups by throwing or bouncing
ping-pong balls into the cups. Any cups that ping-pong balls fall
into, will be taken out of the formation, and the liquid within
must be drunk by the team whose cups were eliminated.
[0012] 6. Which team begins the game depends upon a method chosen
by the participants (i.e., coin toss, etc.). The two people on the
starting team will take two shots; one shot each,
consecutively.
[0013] 7. After the starting team has taken both of their shots,
the other team will then have its turn to take its two shots in the
attempt to eliminate the other team's cups.
[0014] 8. The objective is to eliminate the opposing team's cups
first, and the victor is the team that does so.
[0015] 9. Throughout the course of the game, and depending upon the
number of cups that have been removed, the existing cups can be
rearranged to form an easier target at the request of the opposing
team.
[0016] There are many rules and addendums to this game depending
upon where the game is played and who is playing it, but the above
rules are the most basic guidelines that are followed fairly
closely no matter the location or participants of the game.
[0017] As FIG. 4 shows, in the game "Beer-Pong" or "Beirut" without
cup holder, the cups are arranged directly on the surface of the
table with nothing to prevent slipping, sliding or falling of the
cups. Without the holder, the accuracy and speed in which the cups
are initially placed and rearranged is based solely on the
proficiency of the participants doing so. As FIG. 5 and FIG. 5a
show, the invention creates a unit to hold the cups in position on
the table, and to prevent slipping and sliding, as well as the
potential for the cups to fall over in the course of play. It also
takes the speed and accuracy of cup placement and rearrangement out
of the hands of the players.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] This invention, which is essentially a collection of many
cup holders arranged in a triangular configuration, aims to solve
the past difficulties of playing the aforementioned game "Beer
Pong" or "Beirut." The invention improves the game by organizing
and securing the cups used in play. The invention will also
eliminate time needed to configure the cups used for the game. And
it will eliminate the unwanted knocking, sliding, or falling over
of the cups during the course of the game, thus eliminating the
controversy and argument among players that is a result of such
unwanted happenings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1: This figure depicts an aerial view of the invention
in order to show the arrangement of the specific cup holes, as well
as their positioning on the holder. This figure also displays the
intended shape of the holder itself along with the corresponding
measurements for the frame excluding the measurements of curved
portions.
[0020] FIG. 1: This figure is the same as on Pg. 1/6, but gives the
measurements of the curved portions of the frame of the holder. It
also gives the necessary measurements for the construction of the
frame that could not fit on Pg. 1/6. The base frame curves with
measurements of 3{fraction (2/32)}" can also be figured from one
fourth the circumference of a circle with a radius of 1{fraction
(31/32)}". The upper frame curve with a measurement of 2 {fraction
(3/64)}" can be figured from one sixth the circumference of a
circle with a radius of 1 {fraction (31/32)}".
[0021] FIG. 1a: This figure shows an individual cup hole removed
from the holder for the purpose of clearer viewing. The Diameter of
the hole is provided on this figure and is the same for all the
other holes.
[0022] FIG. 2: This figure best depicts the invention in its
entirety. This is a three-dimensional view of the holder that
enables the width measurement to be shown.
[0023] FIG. 3: This figure depicts an aerial view of the underside
of the holder. The purpose of this view is to show the rubber grips
that are placed near the three comers of the holder. The suggested
diameter of the grips is also listed.
[0024] FIG. 4: This figure is not for the purposes of production or
design of the holder. This Figure is for the purpose of visually
explaining how the game that the holder will be used for is set up
and played, so that the reader of this document can develop the
necessary understanding. The figure shows an aerial view of the
surface for which the game is to be played, as well as the
arrangement of the cups.
[0025] FIG. 5: This figure is also not for the purposes of
production or design of the holder. This figure is a side view of
FIG. 4 and is present to reinforce the idea and need behind the
holder. This figure demonstrates the cups set up directly on the
table, and also the cups set up with the holder.
[0026] FIG. 5a: This figure is also not for the purposes of
production or design of the holder. This figure is necessary to
demonstrate the functions that the holder serves in the prevention
of movement of the cups, as well as the knocking over of cups, via
the rubber grips and the stationary placement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The purpose of this invention is to increase the
effectiveness in which the games "Beer-Pong" or "Beirut" are
played. The invention aims to do this by decreasing the time it
will take to prepare the game, as well as eliminating existing
problems. These problems include the time and accuracy that it
takes to assemble the cups, and the frequent accidental knocking
over of the cups during the course, or preparation of the game. The
invention aims to eliminate these problems as follows:
[0028] Previously, those who were partaking in the game would have
to configure the cups one at a time on the surface in front of
them, making sure that the intended formation of the cups took the
precise shape. This process takes an inordinate amount of time as
well as concentration on the part of the person/persons assembling
the cups. On the other hand, the invention has the correct
positions of the cups pre-cut into the holder, thus eliminating the
excess time, strain, and concentration needed to perfectly arrange
the cups by eye. The pre-cut holes on the invention place the cups
in the precise position and distance they should be, therefore
enabling the arrangement of the cups to be placed quickly and with
ease (see FIG. 1). The problem of inadvertent knock-over of cups is
remedied through the same principle as the cup assembly solution.
Because the cups are placed in the pre-cut holes in the invention,
and the invention has depth to it, the cups are stabilized and
stationary so that even contact with the cups will not knock them
over (see FIG. 5 & 5a). As far as the position of the holder
itself is concerned, a substance such as rubber or plastic, or any
material that possesses the property of grip is adhered to the
bottom of the holder in its manufacture, or as inclusion in the
holder kit (see FIG. 3). This grip will prevent the holder itself
from moving out of place, therefore preventing the cups themselves
from being disturbed (see FIG. 5 & 5a).
[0029] The characteristics of the invention's functions result in a
number of improvements: One, the reduction in the preparation and
assembly time of the game. Two, the elimination of the possibility
of the knocking over of the cups that is especially important,
because the cups contain liquid, so when knocked over, the cup/cups
must be replaced, and refilled; in addition, any argument resulting
from knocking over the cups must be quelled. Hence, the invention
presents a number of functions that directly and indirectly result
in the improvement of the game as well as the reduction of
problems.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0030] Although this invention is basically a cup holder, the
difference between this product and any existing holders lies in
the number of cup openings provided, as well as the configuration
of the holder. Moreover, the purpose of the invention is for a use
that differs from uses of other holders. Past holders have only
possessed the capability to hold a few cups at a time for the
purpose of individual transportation and use, or for transportation
of a multitude of cups associated with food service, manufacturing,
etc. This cup holder is designed not for the transportation of cups
containing liquid, but for the holding and stabilization of cups
used in a specific game, arranged in a unique configuration as
never before designed in the past (see FIG. 1). The invention,
shown most clearly in FIG. 2, is designed in a three-dimensional
triangular shape. The specific shape is to enable the invention to
hold a maximum of ten cups to be placed in triangle, starting from
the back and proceeding to the front: four, three, two, one (see
FIG. 1). This invention also allows for the cups to be placed to a
specific depth to keep their height even and uniform (see FIG. 2).
Present on the invention are grips that are attached to the bottom
of the holder (see FIG. 3 & 5a) so that the holder and cups
will maintain their position on the surface of the table. Past cup
holders generally do not possess this certain characteristic, and
certainly not for the intention to be used with this invention.
[0031] The method in which the invention is made depends on the
desired life span of the holder. This previous sentence may sound
unusual, but it is a pertinent statement depending on the
intentions of person/organization that might be manufacturing,
producing, and marketing the product. Because of the simplicity of
this invention, there are a number of materials and hence a number
of processes via which it can be created.
[0032] The Holder could be developed from a number of materials, in
direct accordance with the measurements provided in the attached
drawings. Someone with no experience in design or construction
could simply make the invention out of common materials (such as
cardboard, corrugated cardboard, foam core etc.) by cutting to the
measurements provided in the sketches. In the case of cardboard or
something of similar makeup, a simple adhesive such as glue or tape
could be used to attach the open ends. In the case of polystyrene,
the invention could be cut from a solid block. The only additional
tool to assist in polystyrene production might be a drill press
with an attached rotor bit, to cut the cup holes in the polystyrene
to the correct depth. Once again, the measurements provided are
adequate enough for the production of the invention using
polystyrene, the only additional skill one would need to possess is
the capability to use a drill press with a rotor, as well as the
tool itself In both cases, the grip could be cut to size out of
rubber, plastic, etc from the measurements provided and simply
attached to the bottom of the holder with an adequate adhesive.
[0033] In the event that a long life span of the invention be
desired for whatever reasons, plastic could be used to form a
solid, one-piece, virtually indestructible holder. In this case, a
professional trained in the skill of plastic injection molding
would need to be the maker. A special mold would have to be created
to facilitate this form of production, a task, which any person of
ordinary skill in the pertinent art of injection molding would be
able to do, based on the provided measurements.
[0034] Should the invention be bought and manufactured by a company
for use as a promotion to be included with one of their existing
products, then cardboard or polystyrene would be the best mode for
production of this invention due to impermanent makeup; it would
encourage re-purchase of the base product, when the promotional
item (the invention) is no longer viable. Should the invention be
produced as its own entity for purchase and use, cardboard would
not be the best mode for production of the invention; plastic would
be the material of choice, due to its durable permanent
characteristics in relationship to the use at hand.
[0035] Sequence Listing
[0036] N/A
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