U.S. patent application number 11/626758 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-07 for spill prevention device.
This patent application is currently assigned to INNODESK BUSINESS TOOLS, INC.. Invention is credited to Patrick Brown, Anthony J. Lammers, Todd S. Wikstrom.
Application Number | 20080029671 11/626758 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38309942 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080029671 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lammers; Anthony J. ; et
al. |
February 7, 2008 |
Spill Prevention Device
Abstract
A spill prevention device is formed of a desk top/table top cup
and/or mug holding device that comprises a base having one or more
apertures therein, at least one of said apertures being adapted to
receive a beverage container, wherein the width, length and height
of the base is such that it stably retains said beverage container
placed therein preventing the beverage container from tipping or
spilling.
Inventors: |
Lammers; Anthony J.; (Gates
Mills, OH) ; Brown; Patrick; (Mantua, OH) ;
Wikstrom; Todd S.; (Las Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KEEVICAN WEISS BAUERLE & HIRSCH LLC;(FORMERLY KNOWN AS DKW LAW GROUP LLC)
11TH FLOOR, FEDERATED INVESTORS TOWER
1001 LIBERTY AVENUE
PITTSBURGH
PA
15222
US
|
Assignee: |
INNODESK BUSINESS TOOLS,
INC.
2380 Commerce Park Road Suite A
Beachwood
OH
44122
|
Family ID: |
38309942 |
Appl. No.: |
11/626758 |
Filed: |
January 24, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60762557 |
Jan 26, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/309.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 23/0208
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/309.1 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/00 20060101
A47F005/00 |
Claims
1. A spill prevention device comprising a base, said base having
one or more apertures therein, at least one of said apertures being
adapted to receive a beverage container, wherein the width, length
and height of said base is such that it stably retains said
beverage container placed therein preventing said beverage
container from tipping or spilling.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the aperture is a tapered
cavity.
3. The device of claim 1 where in the aperture includes a tier.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein the aperture is a tapered cavity
and includes a tier.
5. The device of claim 1 further comprising a front edge, wherein
said front edge includes a flattened portion.
6. The device of claim 5 wherein said flattened portion is affixed
with screen printing, engraving, paint, plaques or other
material.
7. The device of claim 1 further comprising a heating mechanism to
heat a beverage.
8. The device of claim 1 further comprising a cooling mechanism to
cool a beverage.
10. The device of claim 1 further comprising both a heating and a
cooling mechanism.
11. The device of claim 10 wherein said device is powered by a
power supply source selected from the group consisting of
batteries, direct current electricity, alternating current
electricity, solar power and/or combinations thereof.
12. The device of claim 1 wherein said the side walls and bottom of
the aperture are integrally formed with the base.
13. The device of claim 1 wherein said side walls and bottom of the
aperture are not integrally formed with said base and are therefore
removable from said base.
14. The device of claim 1 wherein a plurality of such devices may
be nested or stably stacked upon each other.
15. The device of claim 1 further comprising along the walls of
said aperture forming said cavity, a friction increasing
surface.
16. The device of claim 15 wherein said friction increasing surface
is rubber.
17. The device of claim 1 further comprising along the walls of
said aperture forming said cavity, a friction reducing agent.
18. The device of claim 1 wherein it is includes a pair of
apertures.
19. The device of claim 18 wherein at least one of said apertures
includes one or more elongate sections that will accommodate the
handle of a mug.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/762,557 filed Jan. 26, 2006 entitled
"Spill Prevention Device" filed in the name of Todd S.
Wikstrom.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a spill
prevention device, and more particularly to a desk top/table top
cup and/or mug holding device.
[0004] 2. Description of the Current Technology
[0005] Spill prevention devices for holding containers such as
beverage containers like cups, mugs, etc., are known in the art.
However, by far, the majority of these devices are used in vehicles
such as automobiles, trucks and the like to hold beverages for the
convenience of the driver and/or passengers of the vehicles.
[0006] Devices directed to holding such beverage containers on a
desk or table top are not as common, and when they are found, they
are generally in the form of a coaster. Coasters are primarily flat
or nearly flat pads, trays or similar devices that function not so
much to keep the container from spilling as to prevent any moisture
on the bottom of the beverage container from marring or leaving a
ring or stain on the surface on which the container is resting,
such as a desk top or table top. A few coasters have insulating
capability to reduce heat transfer to the desk or table top, but
none have been found which function to prevent the beverage
container from spilling.
[0007] Table top heating devices are known which function to heat a
beverage container, such as a coffee mug, but again, such devices
function primarily to transfer heat to the mug to keep the coffer
or other beverage inside hot. They do not function primarily to
stabilize the beverage container and prevent it from tipping or
spilling.
[0008] Therefore, it would be useful to provide a desk top or table
top spill prevention device capable of reducing or eliminating the
tendency for a beverage container to tip and/or spill.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is directed to a novel spill
prevention device that can be used on a desk top or table top or
similar flat surface to hold a beverage container which reduces or
eliminates the tendency for the beverage container to tip or spill.
The novel spill prevention device of the present invention can
accommodate a plurality of different beverage container designs due
to its novel mechanism for holding the beverage container. It is
easy to move and protects the surface of the desk top or table top
from marks and stains. Because of its tapered beverage holder and
wide base design, it provides great stability for the beverage
containers it holds. Also, due to its unique design, multiple spill
prevention devices according to the present invention can be
stacked upon one another in a nested fashion for, among other
purposes, ease of shipment, display and/or storage. The novel spill
prevention device of the present invention also includes one or
more exterior portions adapted to be easily imprinted or labeled,
allowing the novel spill prevention device of the present invention
to imprinted with art and/or graphics for any number of relevant
purposes.
[0010] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will be described in the description of the preferred
embodiments in which like reference numerals represent like
elements throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front perspective elevational view of a spill
prevention device according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a back perspective elevation view of the spill
prevention device of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective elevation view of the spill
prevention device of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the spill prevention device
of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the spill prevention
device of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the spill prevention device of
FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a cross section view along the line VII-VII of
FIG. 6 of the spill prevention device of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the spill prevention
device of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a front plan view illustrating the nesting of two
of the spill prevention devices of FIG. 1 of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a side elevation section view illustrating the
nesting of two of the spill prevention devices of FIG. 1 of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a
spill prevention device of the present invention, illustrating an
aperture having two ear-like projections and one additional
aperture.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the alternative
embodiment of FIG. 11, illustrating a generally triangular shape
for the spill prevention device with two coffee mugs shown in
phantom.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a further alternative
embodiment of a spill prevention device of the present invention,
illustrating a generally rectangular shape for the spill prevention
device, with two coffee mugs shown in phantom.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0024] As used herein, all numbers, such as but not limited to
dimensions, physical characteristics, processing parameters,
quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and the like, used
in the specification and claims are to be understood as being
modified in all instances by the term "about". Accordingly, unless
indicated to the contrary, the numerical values set forth in the
following specification and claims may vary depending upon the
desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention.
At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application
of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each
numerical value should at least be construed in light of the number
of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding
techniques. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be
understood to encompass the beginning and ending range values and
any and all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a stated range
of "1 to 10" should be considered to include any and all subranges
between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum
value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value
of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, e.g., 1
to 3.5, 5.5 to 10, 2.3 to 7.3, etc. All references and publications
referred to herein, such as but not limited to U.S. patents and
published applications, are to be understood as being herein
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
[0025] The present invention is directed to a spill prevention
device. While one of its primary purposes is to prevent the
spilling or tipping of beverages on tabletops, desktops and the
like, it is not so limited, and may in fact be used to prevent many
items, e.g. food items, glasses, sunglasses etc., from spilling or
tipping. However, for convenience, in the following discussion
reference will be made to a beverage container, but as may be
appreciated, the invention is certainly not so limited.
[0026] Referring now all the figures, but particularly to FIGS. 1,
2, 6 and 7, there is illustrated the spill prevention device 1 of
the present invention. As may be seen in FIG. 1, which is a front
perspective elevation view of the spill prevention device 1 of the
present invention, it includes a base 2 having an aperture 4
therein which aperture may also be described as a tapered cavity,
which aperture 4 is adapted to receive a beverage container, not
shown. In a preferred embodiment, the aperture 4 is generally
cylindrical in shape as are most beverage containers, but it is
preferred if the aperture 4 is tiered as shown by tier 6. One
advantage of such a tiered design is that it can accommodate
beverage containers of different diameters, with the beverage
containers of smaller diameter resting on the bottom 8 of the
aperture 4. FIG. 2 is a back perspective elevational view of the
spill prevention device of the present invention where bottom 8 may
be easily seen.
[0027] Also illustrated in FIG. 2 are a series of projections 10
which may be used to provide strength to the base and hold a
beverage container up off the bottom 8. Ten such projections may be
seen in FIG. 6 which is a top plan view, but as may be appreciated,
ten are shown only for example. The present invention is not
limited to ten such projections, and any number may be used, and
they may extend further or lesser toward the center point of the
bottom 8.
[0028] FIG. 3 provides is a bottom perspective elevation view of
the present invention, where ridges 12 are illustrated. Again four
are illustrated for example only, and more or less such ridges are
envisioned as within the scope of the present invention. The
outside of tier 6 may be seen in FIG. 3.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the spill prevention device
of the present invention where ridges 12 are shown. The outside of
bottom 8 is also clearly visible in FIG. 4.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view. The front edge 14 is
illustrated in FIG. 5 as having a relatively vertical face. While
the precise angle is not limiting to the present invention, one
advantage of the spill prevention device of the present invention
is that this front edge 14 may be easily imprinted, silk screened,
painted, labeled or provided as in any way will known in the art,
with writing, pictures or other designs to personalize and/or
render the spill prevention device of the present invention more
appealing. The front edge 14 may also be used to carry advertising
and/or informational text, pictures or combinations thereof.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a top plan view. The bottom 8 of the aperture 4 is
clearly visible as are the projections 10 and tier 6. Front edge 14
is also illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a cross section elevation view along the line
VII-VII of FIG. 6. FIG. 7 both well illustrates the tier 6, but
also illustrates the tapering of the sides 16 and 18 toward each
other at the bottom 8 of the aperture 4. The present invention is
not required to be tapered, but in a preferred embodiment it is.
Such a taper grips more surely the sides of the a beverage
container when it is placed in the aperture 4.
[0033] Although not illustrated in the figures, the aperture 4
and/or its bottom 8 may be lined with material that either
increases the coefficient of friction with the beverage container
or reduces it. In one embodiment, friction increasing linings may
be used such as rubber and the like. In an alternative design, the
lining may have a waxy or other friction reducing surface to enable
a beverage container to be more easily withdrawn from the aperture
4.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a front plan view illustrating the front edge 14
of the spill prevention device of the present invention which front
edge 14 is easily adapted to the printing, labeling etc described
above.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a front elevation view illustrating the nesting of
two of the spill prevention devices of the present invention. FIG.
10 provides a elevational crossectional view illustrating the
nesting of two of the spill prevention devices of the present
invention.
[0036] Illustrated in FIG. 11 is a top plan view of an alternative
embodiment of the spill prevention device of the present invention
illustrating a main aperture 20, having rabbit ear like projections
22 and 24. These projections can be used to hold the handle for
example, of the common coffee mug. And there is also included a
second aperture 26 which preferably includes the taper and tier
described above.
[0037] FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the alternative
embodiment of FIG. 11, illustrating a generally triangular shape 28
for the spill prevention device with two coffee mugs shown in
phantom.
[0038] FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the alternative
embodiment of FIG. 11, illustrating a generally rectangular shape
30 for the spill prevention device, with two coffee mugs shown in
phantom.
[0039] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, not
shown, the spill prevention device 1 may be outfitted with a
heating device and/or a cooling device to warm or cool the beverage
container and in turn the beverage held therein. For the heating
operation, the heating unit may be any of those known in the art,
with a resistance heater being preferred. The heating unit may be
powered by batteries, electricity or a combination thereof. Also in
a preferred embodiment, the heating unit may be turned off and on
by a regulating device which could be a common on/off switch. For
the cooling operation, mechanical and/or chemical cooling means may
be employed, and this too may be controlled with a regulating
device, such as the common on/off switch. The spill prevention
device may also be outfitted with a settable, programmable or
otherwise controllable thermostat or similar temperature measuring
device which can automatically turn or the cooling and/or heating
operations to maintain the beverage at a desired temperature.
[0040] The spill prevention device of the present invention may be
provided with one or more weights not shown, to provide additional
stability to the device. It may also be provided with one or more
cushioning surfaces interposed between the base 2 and the tabletop
or desktop upon which it sits, such as, but not limited to rubber
or other cushioning feet, pads, rails or similar cushioning
materials.
[0041] The side and bottom walls of the aperture 4 may be made
integral with the base 2, or in an alternative embodiment of the
present invention, the aperture 4 may be removable for repair or
cleaning. This would be particularly advantageous, for example,
where the spill prevention device 1 included a heating element that
was powered by an electric cord.
[0042] The tapered cavity of aperture 4, whether integral or not
with the base, may be made of ceramic or other material.
[0043] As may be appreciated, the spill prevention device 1 of the
present invention provides a very stable holder for beverage
containers. The overall dimensions of the spill prevention device
are not limiting, nor are the precise dimensions or angles
associated with the exterior surfaces of the base 2, provide
however that the base 2 has sufficient "footprint" to provide a
stable holder for a beverage container is an important aspect of
the present invention.
[0044] The spill prevention device 1 of the present invention can
be used to hold cups, glassware, Styrofoam cups, coffee mugs, hot
chocolate mugs (cocoa), tea cups, ceramic mugs, bottled water or
soda, canned beverages, juice, milk containers and the like while
drinking hot or cold liquids and preventing one from knocking
containers over and spilling liquids onto tabletops, desktops and
all other surfaces.
[0045] It may be made large enough to hold one or more drinking
containers at a time. Small enough to be non obtrusive yet
accommodating on normal desktops/tabletops. Base acts as a built in
coaster which can hold snack, sandwich, bagel, doughnut, cookies
and the like. Top surface holds drink containers in place with
apertures which supports and prevents containers from tipping over
and spilling liquids caused by accidental bumping, for example.
Ends may be open and act as built in handles. Top surface can be
level or raked/angled.
[0046] The spill prevention device may be made of microwavable
plastic or non microwavable plastic, of disposable cardboard, paper
and the like, or wood or metal or stone and the like and
combinations thereof. Sizes shapes and colors may vary. In one
aspect of the present invention the device may be made entirely of
a thermally insulating and/or high heat capacity material such as
stone or ceramic or the like. Alternatively such high heat capacity
and/or thermally insulating material may only be formed in or as
part of the aperture (e.g. an insulating liner). The high heat
capacity materials will, because of thermal insulating properties,
help to maintain the temperature above or below ambient conditions
of a drink contained within the cup in the aperture (i.e. hot
things are maintained hot and cold things cold for an extended
period of time). Further, high heat capacity materials will act as
a temperature radiating heat (or cold) source for an extended
period of time, whereby if placed in a microwave oven (for certain
materials), oven at elevated temperatures, freezer or refrigerator
and then removed, the material can serve to warm or cool a drink in
a cup within the device. This is opposed to high heat conductive
materials such as metal that quickly reach equilibrium with the
ambient conditions. The mass and surface area of the device will
also effect the particular heat sink/source characteristics as
known in the thermodynamic fields. Finally there are materials,
such as expanded foams, that have high insulating value and less
heat conductive values. These materials are suitable where only
insulating properties and not radiating properties are desired.
[0047] One aspect of the present invention is that the device form
a part of a modular desk set. Other desk top items that may be part
of the modular desk set include but are not limited to letter
trays, pencil holders and the like.
[0048] The spill prevention device of the present invention can be
made reversible with apertures on one or both sides and can also be
produced to accommodate plates, bowls, frozen food containers and
the like.
[0049] Benefits include that it is easy to use, easy to produce,
made of long lasting materials or disposable materials. It can be
durable and inexpensive to produce. It will fit any desktop or
tabletop or flat surface. It prevents drinking containers from
tipping over and spilling liquid. It eliminates the need for
additional coaster(s) as the base acts like a built in coaster.
[0050] Although the invention has been described in detail in the
foregoing for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood
that such detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can
be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention except as it may be limited
by the claims. The scope of the present invention is defined in the
appended claims and equivalents thereto.
* * * * *