U.S. patent application number 11/669237 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-31 for container holding device.
This patent application is currently assigned to THE COCA-COLA COMPANY. Invention is credited to Matthew Allen, Kelly Kozel.
Application Number | 20080179341 11/669237 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39666790 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080179341 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kozel; Kelly ; et
al. |
July 31, 2008 |
Container Holding Device
Abstract
A beverage container holding device. The beverage container
holding device may include a support structure and a receptacle.
The support structure may include one or more upward extending
members and one or more downward extending members. The receptacle
may include a receptacle wall creating an interior portion and an
exterior portion. The receptacle may further include one or more
slots into which the upward extending member or members may be
slideably inserted.
Inventors: |
Kozel; Kelly; (Atlanta,
GA) ; Allen; Matthew; (Atlanta, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUTHERLAND ASBILL & BRENNAN LLP
999 PEACHTREE STREET, N.E.
ATLANTA
GA
30309
US
|
Assignee: |
THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
39666790 |
Appl. No.: |
11/669237 |
Filed: |
January 31, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/737 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/44 20130101; A47G
23/0225 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/737 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/00 20060101
B65D025/00 |
Claims
1. A beverage container holding device comprising: a support
structure; a receptacle; wherein said support structure comprises
at least one upward extending member and at least one downward
extending member; wherein said receptacle comprises a receptacle
wall creating an interior portion and an exterior wall; and wherein
said receptacle comprises at least one slot into which said at
least one upward extending member may be slideably inserted.
2. The beverage container holding device of claim 1, wherein said
support structure comprises at least one horizontal member lying
perpendicular to and connecting with a plurality of said upward
extending members.
3. The beverage container holding device of claim 1. wherein said
at least one upward extending member and said at least one downward
extending member lie in the same plane.
4. The beverage container holding device of claim 1, wherein a
distal end of said at least one downward extending member is
sharpened to facilitate inserting said at least one downward
extending member into the ground.
5. The beverage container holding device of claim 1, wherein said
receptacle further comprises a base that substantially attaches to
a distal end of said receptacle wall.
6. The beverage container holding device of claim 1, wherein said
at least one slot is longitudinally aligned with said receptacle
wall.
7. The beverage container holding device of claim 1, wherein said
at least one slot of said receptacle comprises a wall creating) an
interior portion and an exterior portion; and wherein a distal end
of said at least one slot is open allowing for insertion of said at
least one upward extending member of said support structure; and
wherein a proximal end of said at least one slot is closed
preventing passage of said at least one upward extending member of
said support structure when slideably inserted.
8. The beverage container holding device of claim 7, wherein said
receptacle comprises a pliable material allowing said receptacle to
conform to the shape of a container placed therein and allowing
said receptacle to collapse substantially flat.
9. The beverage container holding device of claim 8, wherein said
receptacle has two preformed creases equally spaced and running
longitudinally allowing said receptacle to collapse substantially
flat.
10. The beverage container holding device of claim 8, wherein said
receptacle comprises a base attached at opposite sides to a distal
end of said receptacle wall allowing said base to lie substantially
flat when said receptacle is collapsed flat.
11. The beverage container holding device of claim 10, wherein said
base of said receptacle has a preformed crease bisecting said
base.
12. The beverage container holding device of claim 1, wherein said
receptacle comprises a rigid material.
13. The beverage container holding device of claim 1, wherein said
receptacle comprises insulation.
14. A container holding device comprising: a support structure; a
receptacle; wherein said support structure comprises a downward
extending member; a horizontal member lying substantially
perpendicular to and attached at the proximal end of said downward
extending member; and two upward extending members lying
substantially parallel to said downward extending member and
substantially perpendicular to said horizontal member; and wherein
said receptacle comprises a receptacle wall creating an interior
portion and an exterior wall; and two slots into which the two said
upward extending member of said support member may be removably
attached.
15. The container holding device of claim 14, wherein a distal end
of said at least one downward extending member is sharpened to
facilitate inserting said at least one downward extending member
into the ground.
16. The container holding device of claim 14, wherein said
receptacle further comprises a base that substantially attaches to
a distal end of said receptacle wall.
17. The container holding device of claim 14, wherein said two
slots of said receptacle comprises a wall creating an interior
portion and an exterior portion; and wherein distal ends of said
two slots are open allowing for insertion of said each upward
extending member of said support structure; and wherein proximal
end of said two slots are closed preventing passage of said each
upward extending member of said support structure when removeably
attached.
18. The container holding device of claim 14, wherein said
receptacle comprises insulation.
19. The container holding device of claim 14, wherein said
receptacle comprises a pliable material allowing said receptacle to
conform to the shape of a container placed therein.
20. The container holding device of claim 167 wherein said
receptacle wall has two preformed creases equally spaced and
running longitudinally; and wherein said base of said receptacle is
attached at opposite sides to the distal end of said receptacle
wall; and wherein said base of said receptacle has a preformed
crease bisecting said base; allowing said base to lie substantially
flat when said receptacle is collapsed flat.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present application relates generally to a container
holding device and more particularly relates to a beverage
container holding device elevated by an upwardly extending member
or members.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Beverage container holding devices are generally known. Such
beverage container holding devices are used for protection,
insulation, or to increase stability and prevent spilling. Most
beverage container holding devices are typically cylindrical with a
closed base and open top so as to create an inner receptacle the
size of the intended beverage container.
[0003] These known beverage container holding devices, however, may
have several drawbacks. For example, beverage container holding
devices that are constructed of rigid materials often may be
cumbersome and have limited portability. Conversely, pliable
receptacles made of "neoprene" or similar materials allow for
compact storage and increased portability but may be unstable
because of their light weight and flexible bases. There are
occasions when it would be preferable to elevate the beverage off
the ground. While sitting in a lawn chair, for example, existing
beverage container holding devices are unstable on grass and may be
inconvenient to reach. Additionally, elevating the beverage
container reduces the chance of exposing the beverage to soil or
insect contamination. Further, it also may be desirable to be able
to remove the receptacle from such a support structure while still
using it to hold the beverage container therein.
[0004] There is a desire, therefore, for beverage container holding
devices that provide a stable receptacle so as to keep beverages
elevated off the ground at a convenient height. The devices
preferably should allow for convenient transport and storage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present application thus describes a beverage container
holding device. The beverage container holding device may include a
support structure and a receptacle. The support structure may
include one or more upward extending members and one or more
downward extending members. The receptacle may include a receptacle
wall creating an interior portion and an exterior portion. The
receptacle may further include one or more slots into which the
upward extending member or members may be slideably inserted.
[0006] The support structure may include at least one horizontal
member lying perpendicular to and connecting with a number of
upward extending members. The upward extending member or members
and downward extending member or members may lie in the same plane.
The bottom end of the downward extending member or members may be
sharpened to facilitate inserting them into the ground.
[0007] The receptacle may include a base that substantially
attaches to the bottom of the receptacle wall. The slot or slots on
the receptacle may be longitudinally aligned with the receptacle
wall. ]he slot or slots may be constructed of a wall creating an
interior portion and an exterior portion. The upper end of the slot
or slots may be open, allowing for insertion of an upward extending
member of the support structure. The bottom end of the slot or
slots may be closed, preventing passage of an upward extending
member of the support structure when slideably inserted.
[0008] The receptacle may further be constructed of pliable
material, allowing the receptacle to conform to the shape of a
container placed therein and allowing the receptacle to collapse
substantially flat. The receptacle may further include two
preformed creases equally spaced and running longitudinally,
allowing the receptacle to collapse substantially flat. The
receptacle may further include a base that is attached at opposite
sides to the bottom end of the receptacle wall, allowing the base
to lie substantially flat when the receptacle is collapsed flat.
The base of the receptacle may further include a preformed crease
bisecting the base.
[0009] The receptacle may further be constructed of a rigid
material.
[0010] The receptacle may Further have insulation.
[0011] These and other features of the present application will
become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of
the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with
the several drawings and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a beverage
container holding device as is described herein.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the receptacle of the
beverage container holding device of FIG. 1 collapsed and lying
substantially flat.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the beverage container
holding device of FIG. 1 in use by being inserted into the ground
and holding a beverage container therein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals
indicate like elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1
through 3 show a beverage container holding device 100 as is
described herein. The beverage container holding device 100
includes a receptacle 110 in communication with a support structure
120. The support structure 120 may be driven into the ground, as in
FIG. 3 creating a stable base on which the receptacle 110 rests at
a height elevated from the ground.
[0016] The receptacle 110 may be cylindrical in shape as
illustrated in FIG. 1. The receptacle 110 includes an interior
portion 130 defined by a receptacle wall 140. The diameter of the
interior portion 130 of the receptacle 110 may be the same diameter
that will allow the desired beverage container to fit tightly
therein. The receptacle 110 may have a closed or a substantially
closed base 160 that allows the beverage container to rest on the
interior portion 130 thereof. The receptacle 110 has an open top
170 through which the beverage container may be inserted.
[0017] The receptacle 110 may have one or more slots 180 attached
to the exterior of the receptacle wall 140 and aligned
substantially longitudinally. The slots 180 may be configured as an
enclosed channel with open ends 190 on the bottom of the slots and
closed ends 200 on the top of the slots. The inner diameter of the
slots 180 may be of the same diameter as one or more upward
extending members 220 of the support structure 120. The slots 180
communicate tightly with the upward extending members 220 as is
illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0018] It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that
the slots 180 need not be affixed on the exterior of the receptacle
wall 140. Rather the slots 180 may be integrated within the
receptacle wall 140 running therethrough or they may be affixed on
the interior portion 130 of the receptacle wall. Furthermore, the
receptacle 110 may have at least the same number of slots 180 as
the support structure 120 has upward extending members 220.
[0019] The slots 180 need not be configured as an entirely enclosed
channel, as in FIG. 1, but also may be configured as an open groove
(not illustrated). Slots 180 configured as an open groove may be
used when the receptacle 11)0 is constructed of rigid material
(described below) allowing the upward extending members 220 to
"snap" or otherwise fit into the groove.
[0020] The receptacle 110 and the slots 180 may be constructed of
pliable materials, such as "neoprene" or the like, or rigid
materials, such as "styrofoam," plastic, or the like. The
receptacle 110 and the slots 180 may be constructed of reusable
materials or disposable materials, such as paper, cardboard, or
paperboard. Any type of material that will provide support for
placing a beverage container therein may be used. The material from
which the receptacle 110 is constructed may also have insulative
characteristics so as to maintain the temperature of the beverage
held therein.
[0021] In one embodiment the receptacle 110 may be constructed in a
way that will allow it to collapse or lie flat as in FIG. 2. The
receptacle 110 constructed of pliable material may assist it in
collapsing. Additionally, the material may include two preformed
creases 230 running longitudinally so as to provide natural folds
about which the receptacle wall 140 may collapse. A collapsing
receptacle 110 may include a circular base 160 that does not
completely communicate with the receptacle wall 140, as illustrated
in FIG. 2, so as to allow the receptacle 110 to lie flat when
collapsed and support the beverage container held therein when
expanded in use. The circular base 160 of a collapsing receptacle
110 also may include a preformed crease 240 intersecting the
midpoint of the circular base 160 from each end that is not
attached to the receptacle wall 140. The preformed crease 240 thus
provides a natural fold about which the receptacle 110 may
collapse.
[0022] In the present embodiment, the support structure 120 may
include two upward extending members 220 over which the receptacle
slots 180 may slide, a horizontal member 250 running parallel to
and connecting the upward extending members 220 and a downward
extending member 260 connected to the horizontal member 250 and
extending opposite the upward extending members 220. The downward
extending member 260 may be inserted into the ground. The downward
extending member 260 may have a sharpened tip 270 that will
facilitate inserting the support structure 120 into the ground. The
support structure 120 may be constructed from a plastic material.
Further, the plastic material may have properties that will allow
it to break upon significant impact or force while still having
adequate strength for supporting the receptacle 110 and the
beverage container therein. The support structure 120 may be
brittle so as to increase safe operation and reduce injuries that
might occur, for example, if fallen on, stepped on, or poked by.
However, it is appreciated that the support structure 120 may be
constructed from materials other than plastic, such as metal, wood,
or cardboard.
[0023] In yet other embodiments, the support structure 120 may
include only one upward extending member 220 or it may include more
than two upward extending members 220 with horizontal members 250
connecting each to the downward extending member or members 260
(not illustrated). Additionally, the support structure 120 may
include a number of downward extending members 260 connected to a
number of horizontal members 250 (not illustrated). It should be
apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the support
structure 120 may be constructed with enough upward extending
members 220, horizontal members 250, and downward extending members
260 so as to provide stable support for the receptacle 110 and to
create a stable base in communication with the ground. The distal
ends of the upward extending member or members 220 may be rounded
or blunt to further increase the safety of the device. However, it
is appreciated that the ends of the upward extending member or
members 220 need not be rounded or blunt, and may be constructed in
a manner that most effectively increases manufacturing
efficiencies.
[0024] Although the present application has been described in terms
of holding beverage containers such as bottle, cans, and the like,
the present application is equally well suited to hold other
objects. The present application thus is not limited to the use of
such beverage containers.
[0025] It should be apparent that the foregoing relates only to the
preferred embodiments of the present application and that numerous
changes and modifications may be made herein by one of ordinary
skill in the art without departing from the general spirit and
scope of the invention as defined by the following claims and the
equivalents thereof,
* * * * *