U.S. patent application number 11/543500 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-13 for beverage container holder device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Shaw Company. Invention is credited to Joe Anderson, Steve Brenner, Gregory Litwicki, Kim Rowden, Ray Waidmann.
Application Number | 20070210228 11/543500 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38477970 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070210228 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brenner; Steve ; et
al. |
September 13, 2007 |
Beverage container holder device
Abstract
A beverage container holder having a frame, a base attached to
the frame capable of supporting the beverage container, a retaining
member capable of retaining the beverage container on the base, and
an engagement member capable of removable engagement a linked
structure, such as a chain-link fence. The holder can include a
hanger element for supporting articles.
Inventors: |
Brenner; Steve; (Webster
Groves, MO) ; Waidmann; Ray; (Ballwin, MO) ;
Litwicki; Gregory; (Wildwood, MO) ; Rowden; Kim;
(Fenton, MO) ; Anderson; Joe; (St. Louis,
MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
POLSTER, LIEDER, WOODRUFF & LUCCHESI
12412 POWERSCOURT DRIVE SUITE 200
ST. LOUIS
MO
63131-3615
US
|
Assignee: |
Shaw Company
|
Family ID: |
38477970 |
Appl. No.: |
11/543500 |
Filed: |
October 5, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60779982 |
Mar 7, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/311.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 23/0225
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/311.2 |
International
Class: |
A47K 1/08 20060101
A47K001/08 |
Claims
1. A beverage container holder, comprising: a generally Y-shaped
frame having an upright support and at least two arms; a base
member associated with the frame, the base member being capable of
supporting a beverage container; a retaining member associated with
the frame, the retaining member being capable of retaining the
beverage container on the base member; and at least one engagement
member associated with the frame, the at least one engagement
member being capable of removable engagement with a linked
structure.
2. The beverage container holder of claim 1, the at least one
engagement member comprising at least one hook-shaped catch sized
to receive at least one segment of the linked structure.
3. The beverage container holder of claim 1, the at least one
engagement member comprising at least one slot sized to receive a
segment of the linked structure.
4. The beverage container holder of claim 1, the at least one
engagement member comprising at least two slots sized to receive
corresponding segments of the linked structure, wherein the at
least two slots are offset from each other at a distance relative
to the corresponding segments.
5. The beverage container holder of claim 1, wherein: the upright
support extends generally upwardly from the base member; and
engagement member is positioned at an upper end of at least one
arm.
6. The beverage container holder of claim 1, wherein an orientation
of the retaining member respective to the frame generally
corresponds with an orientation of the base member respective to
the frame.
7. The beverage container holder of claim 1, wherein the base
member is positioned an angle equal to or above horizontal.
8. The beverage container holder of claim 1, further comprising a
hanger element.
9. The beverage container holder of claim 1, further comprising at
least one ornamental element associated with the retaining
member.
10. The beverage container holder of claim 1, further comprising at
least one ornamental element associated with the frame.
11. The beverage container holder of claim 1, wherein the base
member and the retaining member are unitary; and the base member
and retaining member comprise an insulating material.
12. The beverage container holder of claim 1, wherein the base
member and retaining member comprise an insulating material.
13. (canceled)
14. The beverage container holder of claim 1, further comprising an
adjustable shoulder strap associated with the base member.
15. A beverage container holder, comprising: a frame; a base member
extending from a lower end of the frame, the base member being
capable of supporting a beverage container; a retaining member
extending generally outwardly from the frame and being positioned
relative to the base member, the retaining member defining an
openeing for receiving and retaining the beverage container on the
base member; at least one engagement member associated with the
frame, the at least one engagement member having at least one slot
for removable engagement with at least one segment of a linked
structure; a sleeve generally located about a perimeter of the
opening; a cord partially and moveably located within the sleeve
for cinching and releasing the adjustable mouth to and from the
beverage container; and a fastener removeably engaged with the cord
for securing the selected size of the opening.
16. The beverage container holder of claim 15, wherein the base
member is positioned an angle equal to or above horizontal.
17. A beverage container holder, comprising: a generally Y-shaped
frame having an upright support and at least two arms; a base
member associated with the frame, the base member having a
retaining member that defines an opening for receiving a beverage
container; and at least one engagement member associated with the
frame, the at least one engagement member being capable of
removable engagement with a linked structure.
18. (canceled)
19. The beverage container holder of claim 15, the at least one
engagement member comprising at least two slots sized to receive
corresponding segments of the linked structure, wherein the at
least two slots are offset from each other at a distance relative
to the corresponding segments.
20. The beverage container holder of claim 17, further comprising
an adjustable mouth for selecting a size of the opening.
21. The beverage container holder of claim 20, the adjustable mouth
comprising: a sleeve generally located about a perimeter of the
opening; a cord partially and moveably located within the sleeve
for cinching and releasing the adjustable mouth to and from the
beverage container; and a fastener removeably engaged with the cord
for securing the selected size of the opening.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to provisional application
No. 60/779,982 filed on Mar. 7, 2006.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to a holder for beverage
containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
holder for beverage containers which is capable of being hung from
a fence or other appropriate structure.
[0004] Many people commonly consume beverages while attending or
participating in outdoor activities, such as sporting events, that
take place at parks, athletic fields, and backyards across the
country. The beverages are kept in various containers, such as
metal cans, plastic bottles, or cups. However, there is seldom any
convenient place to set down the beverage containers when not
drinking. As a result, the containers are oftentimes placed on the
ground where they are subject to being knocked over, stepped on, on
contaminated with dust or insects.
[0005] Many parks, athletic fields, and backyards have chain-link
fences located in various areas. For example, baseball fields
typically have chain-link fences around the dugout areas and behind
home plate. Likewise, many residential homes have chain-link fences
enclosing the backyard area. It would be convenient to secure or
hang beverage containers on the fence.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] In the accompanying drawings which form part of the
specification:
[0007] FIG. 1A is a front elevation view of a first embodiment of a
beverage container holder secured to a fence, in accordance with
and embodying the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 1B is a side elevation view of the beverage container
holder of FIG. 1A holding a beverage container;
[0009] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the beverage container
holder of FIG. 1A;
[0010] FIG. 2A is a front elevation view of a second embodiment of
the beverage container holder secured to the fence;
[0011] FIG. 2B is a rear elevation view of the beverage container
holder of FIG. 2A;
[0012] FIG. 2C is a top view of the beverage container holder of
FIG. 2A;
[0013] FIG. 2D is a side elevation view of the beverage container
holder of FIG. 2A;
[0014] FIG. 2E is a front elevation view of the beverage container
holder of FIG. 2A;
[0015] FIG. 2F is side elevation view of the beverage container
holder of FIG. 2A holding the beverage container;
[0016] FIG. 3A is a front elevation view of a third embodiment of
the beverage container holder secured to the fence;
[0017] FIG. 3B is a rear elevation view of the beverage container
holder of FIG. 3A;
[0018] FIG. 3C is a top view of the beverage container holder of
FIG. 3A;
[0019] FIG. 3D is a side elevation view of the beverage container
holder of FIG. 3A;
[0020] FIG. 3E is a front elevation view of the beverage container
holder of FIG. 3A;
[0021] FIG. 3F is side elevation view of the beverage container
holder of FIG. 3A holding a beverage container;
[0022] FIG. 4A is a front elevation view of a fourth embodiment of
the beverage container holder secured to the fence;
[0023] FIG. 4B is a rear elevation view of the beverage container
holder of FIG. 4A;
[0024] FIG. 4C is a top view of the beverage container holder of
FIG. 4A;
[0025] FIG. 4D is a side elevation view of the beverage container
holder of FIG. 4A;
[0026] FIG. 4E is a front elevation view the beverage container
holder of FIG. 4A;
[0027] FIG. 4F is side elevation view of the beverage container
holder of FIG. 4A holding a beverage container;
[0028] FIG. 5A is a front elevation view of a fifth embodiment of
the beverage container holder secured to the fence;
[0029] FIG. 5B is a rear elevation view of the beverage container
holder of FIG. 5A;
[0030] FIG. 5C is a top view of the beverage container holder of
FIG. 5A;
[0031] FIG. 5D is a side elevation view of the beverage container
holder of FIG. 5A;
[0032] FIG. 5E is a front elevation view of the beverage container
holder of FIG. 5A;
[0033] FIG. 5F is side elevation view of the beverage container
holder of FIG. 5A holding a beverage container;
[0034] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the
beverage container secured to the fence as shown in dotted
line;
[0035] FIG. 6B is a rear elevation view of the beverage container
holder of FIG. 6A holding the beverage container;
[0036] FIG. 6C is a top view of the beverage container holder of
FIG. 6A; and
[0037] FIG. 6D is a cross-section view of the beverage container
holder along line F-F of FIG. 6B.
[0038] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several figures of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] The following detailed description illustrates the invention
by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description
clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the
invention, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations,
alternatives, and uses of the invention, including what is
presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the
invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention
is not limited in its application to the details of construction
and the arrangements of components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being
carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the
phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of
description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, a first embodiment of the present
invention, generally referred to as a beverage container holder 10,
includes a frame 12, a base 14 associated with the frame 12 for
supporting a beverage container "A", a retaining member 16
associated with the frame 12 for retaining the beverage container
"A" on the base 14, and engagement members 18 and 20 associated
with the frame 12 for removable engagement with a linked structure,
such as a chain-link fence "B". The various components,
particularly the retaining member 16 and frame 12, can be varied in
size to accommodate various size containers.
[0041] The chain-link fence "B" (FIG. 1A), as is well known, is
comprised of a plurality of wires 22 arranged in a diagonal grid
pattern that defines diamond shaped openings 24. Each opening is
defined by a pair of upper wire segments 26 and 28 and a pair lower
wire segments 30 and 32. This configuration sometimes is employed
in screening, for example, a screen positioned behind a batter's
box or a backyard fence. Other embodiments and structures can be as
employed as such a screen (i.e. spaced with links, or decorative
lattice).
[0042] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C, the frame 12 is generally
Y-shaped having a upright support 34 with two arms 36 and 38
extending generally diagonally from the upright 34 at intersection
point "C". The arms 36 and 38 also are angled rearwardly such that
the tops of the arms are horizontally spaced from the upright 34
(FIG. 1B). The angle of each arm 36 and 38 is approximately the
same.
[0043] The retaining member 16 is a generally cylindrical ring that
extends generally perpendicularly from the upright support 34 of
the frame 12 at intersection "C" (FIG. 1C). The retaining member 16
can be attached to the frame 12 by any suitable means, such as
welding, adhesive, or with fasteners, or can be unitary with the
frame 12.
[0044] The base 14 is shown to be a generally cylindrical disc that
extends generally perpendicularly from a lower end of the frame 12,
but can be any desired shape or size capable of supporting the
container "A". The base 14 can be attached to the frame 12 by any
suitable means, such as welding, adhesive, or with fasteners, or
can be unitary with the frame 12. The position and orientation of
the base 14 is generally concentric with and generally corresponds
with the position and orientation of the retaining member 16 (FIG.
1B). In addition, the base 14 is approximately the same
circumference as the retaining member 16, but it does not have to
be. The base 14 and retaining member 16 are sized, spaced, and
configured apart at a distance to support and loosely contain a
standard sized beverage container "A", such as a soda or beer can,
a mug, and the like. Accordingly, the beverage container "A" can be
inserted through the retaining member 16 to rest or seat upon the
base 14 for supporting the container "A". In this position, the
retaining member 16 prevents the beverage container "A" from moving
completely off the base 14.
[0045] The holder 10 of FIGS. 1A-1C is illustrated as being shaped,
sized, and configured to receive beverage container "A", which is
shown as a typical twelve ounce can. However, the holder 10 can be
a size, shape, or configuration to receive a container of any
capacity, including, but not limited to a 20 ounce bottle, 750 ml
bottle, 1 quart carton, and the like. In addition, the holder 10
can be sized, shaped, or configured to receive a container of any
shape, including, but not limited to cylindrical bottles,
rectangular cartons or boxes, or some other shape (FIG. 1A).
[0046] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C, each engagement member 18
and 20 is an elongated hook-shaped catch positioned at the upper
end of respective arms 36 and 38. The engagement members 18 and 20
are orientated to engage respective lower wire segments 30 and 32,
with the engagement member 18 facing forward respective to the
frame 12 and the engagement member 20 facing rearward respective to
the frame 12.
[0047] In operation, the holder 10 engages the fence "B" so that it
is suspended from the lower wire segments 30 and 32 of two separate
diamond-shaped openings 24. The forward facing engagement member 18
engages a corresponding wire segment 30 and the rearward facing
engagement member 20 engages a corresponding wire segment 32. The
weight of the frame 12, base 14, and retaining member 16 pull
generally downwardly by gravity on the engagement members 18 and 20
along the longitudinal axis of the arms 36 and 38 to maintain
engagement with the fence "B" and so that the holder will lie flat
against the fence "B". In this way, the Y-shape of the frame 12
enhances the stability of the holder 10 making it less likely to
disengage from the fence "B" when it is bumped.
[0048] Many variations of the beverage container holder 10 can be
made without departing from the scope of the invention. Several
alternate embodiments of the holder 10 are shown in FIGS. 2A-6D.
For ease of understanding, components common between the various
embodiments are identified with similar reference numbers, except
the reference numbers in the alternate embodiments include a
numerical prefix, such as "100". For example, the frame of the
first embodiment is identified as 12, while a second embodiment
with a similar base device is identified as 112. Naturally, any new
components are identified with unique reference numbers.
[0049] FIGS. 2A-2F depict a second embodiment of the present
invention, generally referred to as a beverage container holder
110, which is generally similar to the first embodiment of FIGS.
1A-1C. The holder 110 includes rearward-facing engagement members
118 and 120 that engage respective lower wire segments 130 and 132
to suspend the holder 110 from two separate diamond-shaped openings
124 (FIG. 2A). Each engagement member 118 and 120 is an elongated
hook-shaped catch having a channel 140 with a tapered entrance 142
(FIG. 2F). The entrance 142 is slightly less than the diameter of
the wire segments 130 and 132 so that engagement members 118 and
120 "snap" onto the wire segments 130 and 132. In this way, the
wire segments 130 and 132 are secured within the channels 140.
Also, the engagement members 118 and 120 are slightly offset in
different planes from each other to accommodate for the offset
between the wire segments 130 and 132. This is accomplished by
having each arm 136 and 138 at different angles relative to the
upright 134. In the depicted embodiment, one arm 136 is generally
planar with the upright 134 while the other arm 138 is at
approximately a 15.degree. angle from the upright 134.
[0050] In this second embodiment, the base 114 is shown as
generally rectangular. However, those skilled in the art will
recognize that any desired shape can be used that is capable of
supporting the container "A", such as cylindrical, hexagonal,
elliptical, oval, square and the like. In addition, the base 114 is
angled slightly upwardly, such as approximately 5.degree., to
compensate for the weight of the beverage container "A" (FIG. 2D).
Therefore, when the container "A" is placed in the holder 110, the
base 114 bends at point "D" under the weight of the container "A"
(FIG. 2F). The base 114 may bend until the it is generally
perpendicular with the frame 112. When the container "A" is
removed, the base 114 returns to the original angled position (FIG.
2D).
[0051] FIGS. 3A-3F depict a third embodiment of the present
invention, generally referred to as a beverage container holder
210, that includes a frame 212, a base 214 associated with the
frame 212 for supporting a beverage container "A", a retaining
member 216 associated with the frame 212 for retaining the beverage
container "A" on the base 214, and an engagement member 218
associated with the frame for engaging the chain-link fence
"B".
[0052] The frame 212 comprises a generally rectangular upright
support 234 (FIG. 3B).
[0053] The retaining member 216 is a generally cylindrical ring
that extends generally perpendicularly from an upper end of the
frame 212 (FIG. 3D). The retaining member 216 can be attached to
the frame 212 by any suitable means, such as welding, adhesive, or
fasteners, or can be unitary with the frame 212.
[0054] The base 214 is generally rectangular with a rounded end 215
and extends generally perpendicularly from a lower end of the frame
212 (FIG. 3C-3D). However, the base 214 can be any size, shape, or
configuration capable of supporting the container "A". The base 214
can be attached to the frame 212 by any suitable means, such as
welding, adhesive, or with fasteners, or can be unitary with the
frame. The position and orientation of the base 214 generally
corresponds with the position and orientation of the retaining
member 216. In addition, the base 214 has a length generally
extending up to the diameter of the retaining member 216 and is
preferably greater than the radius of the retaining member 216. The
base 214 and retaining member 216 are sized, spaced, and configured
apart at a distance to support and loosely contain a standard sized
beverage container "A", such as a soda or beer can, a mug, and the
like (FIG. 3F). Accordingly, the beverage container "A" can be
inserted through the retaining member 216 to rest upon the base 214
for supporting the container "A". In this position, the retaining
member 216 prevents the beverage container "A" from moving
completely off the base 114.
[0055] The holder 210 is illustrated in FIGS. 3A-F as being shaped,
sized, and configured to receive beverage container "A", which is
shown as a typical twelve ounce can. However, the holder 210 can be
a size, shape, or configuration to accommodate any size or shape
container. For example, the holder 210 can be sized, shaped, or
configured to receive a container of any capacity, including, but
not limited to a 20 ounce bottle, 750 ml bottle, 1 quart carton,
and the like. In addition, the holder 210 can be sized, shaped, or
configured to receive a container of any shape, including, but not
limited to cylindrical bottles, rectangular cartons or boxes, or
some other shape.
[0056] In this third embodiment, the engagement member 218 is
generally L-shaped with an upper portion 250 extending rearward
from the upper end of the frame 212 and lower portion 252 extending
downwardly from the upper portion 250. (FIGS. 3D and 3F) Although
the upper portion 250 is shown as generally flat, it can also be
curved. The upper portion 250 includes offset slots 254 and 256 for
engaging corresponding lower wire segments 232 or 230 (FIG. 3A-3C).
The slots 254 and 256 have a length generally less than half the
width of the upper portion 250. The slots 254 and 256 have a width
greater than the diameter of the wire segments 232 and 230 and are
horizontally spaced apart from each other at a distance
approximately equal to the horizontal offset between the wire
segments 232 and 230. In this way, the holder 210 will lie
generally flat against the fence "B" when suspended from the wire
segments 232 and 230. (FIG. 3A)
[0057] In operation, the holder 210 engages the fence "B" so that
it suspends from the lower wire segments 232 and 230 of one of the
diamond-shaped openings 224. Each slot 254 and 256 engages a
corresponding wire segment 232 and 230. The weight of the frame
212, base 214, and retaining member 216 pull generally downwardly
by gravity on the engagement member 218 along the longitudinal axis
of the frame 212 to maintain engagement with the fence "B".
[0058] FIGS. 4A-4F depict a fourth embodiment of the present
invention, generally referred to as beverage container holder 310,
which is generally similar to the third embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3F.
The holder 310 includes a frame 312, a base 314 associated with the
frame 312 for supporting the beverage container "A", a retaining
member 316 associated with the frame 312 for retaining the beverage
container "A" on the base 314, and an engagement member 318
associated with the frame 318 for engaging the chain-link fence
"B".
[0059] In this fourth embodiment, the retaining member 316 and the
frame 312 include respective ornamental elements 360 and 362 (FIG.
4E). While the ornamental element 360 depicted is a generally
diamond shape and the element 362 is a generally triangular shape,
those skilled in the art will recognize that the ornamental
elements 360 and 362 can be any desired shape. Additionally, the
base 314 comprises an arm 364 which extends from the bottom of the
frame 312 and a plate 366 at the free end of the arm 364 (FIG. 4C).
The plate 366 is generally circular, as shown, but can be any
desired shaped, including, but not limited to cylindrical,
hexagonal, elliptical, oval, square and the like. The plate 366 is
positioned to be generally concentric with the retaining member
316. The position and orientation of the base 314 generally
corresponds with the position and orientation of the retaining
member 316. In addition, the base 314 has a length generally
extending up to the diameter of the retaining member 316 and is
preferably greater than the radius of the retaining member 316. The
base 314 and retaining member 316 are sized, spaced, and configured
apart at a distance to support and loosely contain a standard sized
beverage container "A", such as a soda or beer can, a mug, and the
like (FIG. 4F). Accordingly, the beverage container "A" can be
inserted through the retaining member 316 to rest upon the base 314
for supporting the container "A". In this position, the retaining
member 316 prevents the beverage container "A" from moving
completely off the base 314.
[0060] FIGS. 5A-5F depict a fifth embodiment of the present
invention, generally referred to as beverage container holder 410,
which is generally similar to the fourth embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4F.
The holder 410 includes a frame 412, a base 414 associated with the
frame 412 for supporting the beverage container "A", a retaining
member 416 associated with the frame 412 for retaining the beverage
container "A" on the base 414, and an engagement member 418
associated with the frame 412 for engaging the chain-link fence
"B".
[0061] In this fifth embodiment, the holder 410 includes a hanger
element 470 that can be used to hang articles weighing up to about
twenty pounds therefrom, such as a jacket or a glove. The hanger
element 470 is generally triangular and extends from the lower end
of the frame 412 in a vertical orientation (FIG. 5D). A raised
portion 472 at the end of the hanger element 470 helps prevent
hanging articles from slipping off the hanger element 470. When an
article is hung from the hanger 470, it exerts a downward
cantilever force on the hanger 470. A convex fillet 474 located at
intersection "E" between the hanger element 470 and the frame 412
enhances the hanger element's 470 ability to cantilever forces.
Additional convex fillets 476 and 478 are located at intersection
"D" between the base 414 and the frame 412 to enhance the base's
414 ability to handle loads from the beverage container "A". As
shown, the ornamental element 460 is generally circular, but can be
any desired shape.
[0062] All of the components of the beverage container holders 10,
110, 210, 310, or 410, described above can be made from any
suitable material, preferably polypropylene, ABS or other plastic,
but also can be a metal or a composite material. The holders 10,
110, 210, 310, or 410 can also include a protective or decorative
coating, such as a paint, sealant, sticker, or the like.
[0063] FIGS. 6A-6D depict a sixth embodiment of the present
invention, generally referred to as beverage container holder 510,
which is generally similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-5F. The
holder 510 includes a frame 512, a base 514 associated with the
frame 512 for receiving and supporting the beverage container "A",
the base 514 including a retaining member 516 for retaining the
beverage container "A" on the base 514, and an engagement member
518 associated with the frame 512 for engaging the chain-link fence
"B".
[0064] The frame 512 comprises a generally rectangular upright
support 534 (FIG. 6A- 6B) and an attachment member 535 that
attaches to the base 514. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6D, the
attachment member 535 comprises a generally rectangular member that
extends upwardly and is generally parallel with the upright support
534. The attachment member 535 engages with the base 514 by
inserting and securing within a pocket 537 of the base 514, which
is located within the retaining member 516 (FIG. 6D). In the
present embodiment, the attachment member 535 is secured within the
pocket with stitching 539 (FIG. 6B), but any appropriate securing
means can be used, for example, stitching, fasteners such as
rivets, adhesive, elastic, and the like. In addition, those skilled
in the art will recognize that the attachment member can comprise
any shape or size that allows for attachment with the base.
[0065] The base 514 and retaining member 516 are generally
cylindrical with the retaining member 516 extending upwardly from
the base 514 to define an opening 561 for receiving the container
"A" (FIGS. 6A-6D). However, the base 514 and retaining member 516
can be any size, shape, or configuration capable of receiving and
supporting the container "A". The base 514 can be attached to the
retaining member 516 by any suitable means, such as stitching,
adhesive, or with fasteners, or can be unitary. The height of the
retaining member 516 is preferably less than the total height of
the container "A" in order to facilitate access to the container
"A". Accordingly, the beverage container "A" can be inserted
through into the opening 561 to rest within the retaining member
516 and upon the base 514 for supporting the container "A" (FIGS.
6B and 6D).
[0066] The holder 510 is illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D as being
shaped, sized, and configured to receive beverage container "A",
which is shown as a typical twelve ounce can. However, the holder
510 can be any size, shape, or configuration to accommodate any
size or shape container. For example, the holder 510 can be sized,
shaped, or configured to receive a container of any capacity,
including, but not limited to a 20 ounce bottle, 750 ml bottle, 1
quart carton, and the like. In addition, the holder 510 can be
sized, shaped, or configured to receive a container of any shape,
including, but not limited to cylindrical bottles, rectangular
cartons or boxes, or some other shape.
[0067] The base 514 and retaining member 516 preferably comprise an
insulating material to reduce heat transfer from the container "A"
to the surrounding environment.
[0068] This allows containers placed within the holder 510 to
remain cool or warm for longer period of time than without the
insulating material. Any suitable insulating material can be used,
such as neoprene, rubber materials, nylon, foam, foam polymers, and
any combinations thereof. In alternative embodiments, the
insulating material can comprise layers of different insulating and
non-insulating materials. For example, a layer of foam polymer can
be placed between outer layers of decorative or protective nylon.
In another example, a layer of any synthetic or natural materials,
such as leather, can be placed between outer layers of synthetic or
natural materials.
[0069] An adjustable mouth 560 at the upper end of the retaining
member 516 can be adjusted to select the size of the mouth 560 and
cinch the mouth 560 to the external sides of the container "A".
This allows the holder 510 to accommodate different size containers
placed within the opening 561. In this way, the adjustable mouth
enhances the insulating effects of the holder 510 by limiting the
entrance of air from the surrounding environment into the opening
561. In addition, the adjustable mouth 560 helps secure the
container "A" within the holder 510. In FIGS. 6A-6D, the adjustable
mouth 560 includes a cord or string 564 extending through a sleeve
562, which extends generally around the perimeter of the opening
561. To reduce the size of the mouth 560, the string 564 is
partially pulled out of the sleeve 562 to cinch the mouth 560 to
the container "A". A securing member 566 removeably engages the
string 564 to release the mouth 560 from the container "A". To
enlarge the size of the mouth 560, the securing member 566 releases
the string 564 and uncinch the mouth 560 from the container "A`.
Other embodiments of the adjustable mouth can be used, such as
snaps, string ties, elastic, Velcro.RTM., and the like.
[0070] In this sixth embodiment, the engagement member 518 is
generally L-shaped with an upper portion 550 extending rearward
from the upper end of the frame 512 and lower portion 552 extending
downwardly from the upper portion 550. (FIGS. 6A and 6D) Although
the upper portion 550 is shown as generally flat, it can also be
curved. The upper portion 550 includes offset slots 554 and 556 for
engaging corresponding lower wire segments 530 or 532 (FIG. 6A).
The slots 554 and 556 have a length generally less than half the
width of the upper portion 550. The slots 554 and 556 have a width
greater than the diameter of the wire segments 530 and 532 and are
horizontally spaced apart from each other at a distance
approximately equal to the horizontal offset between the wire
segments 530 and 532. In this way, the holder 510 will lie
generally flat against the fence "B" when suspended from the wire
segments 530 and 532 (FIG. 6A).
[0071] For ease and comfort for carrying the holder 510, a shoulder
strap 570 can be provided, which attaches to opposite external
sides of the retaining member 516. The length of the strap 570 is
preferably adjustable by using an appropriate device such as clasps
572 (FIG. 6A).
[0072] In operation, the holder 510 engages the fence "B" so that
it suspends from the lower wire segments 530 and 532 of one of the
diamond-shaped openings 524 (FIG. 6A). Each slot 554 and 556
engages a corresponding wire segment 530 and 532. The weight of the
frame 512, base 514, and retaining member 516 pull generally
downwardly by gravity on the engagement member 518 along the
longitudinal axis of the frame 512 to maintain engagement with the
fence "B".
[0073] Changes can be made in the above constructions without
departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all
matter contained in the above description or shown in the
accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not
in a limiting sense.
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