U.S. patent application number 13/235736 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-29 for accessory for beverage containers and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Roesser Inc.. Invention is credited to Allison Meredith Roesser.
Application Number | 20120074156 13/235736 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45869624 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120074156 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roesser; Allison Meredith |
March 29, 2012 |
ACCESSORY FOR BEVERAGE CONTAINERS AND METHOD
Abstract
An accessory for use with a container has a body defining a
generally circular upper opening and a base. The body may also have
at least one expansion slot extending downwardly from the upper
opening through the body towards the base. The body may also have
at least one tab or nub extending inward near the upper opening.
The body may also have feet at the base.
Inventors: |
Roesser; Allison Meredith;
(Bronxville, NY) |
Assignee: |
Roesser Inc.
Bronxville
NY
|
Family ID: |
45869624 |
Appl. No.: |
13/235736 |
Filed: |
September 19, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61403911 |
Sep 23, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/737 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 23/0216 20130101;
B65D 25/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/737 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/00 20060101
B65D025/00 |
Claims
1. An accessory for use with a container, comprising: a body
defining a generally circular upper opening and a base; and at
least one expansion slot extending downwardly from the upper
opening through the body towards the base.
2. An accessory according to claim 1, further comprising a second
expansion slot, extending downwardly from the upper opening through
the body towards the base.
3. An accessory according to claim 1, wherein the base defines a
lower opening.
4. An accessory according to claim 1, wherein the body is in the
form of a side wall having an upper region and a lower region, at
least one region having an increasing outer diameter from the top
towards the bottom of the body.
5. An accessory according to claim 4, wherein the lower region
further comprises a plurality of feet regions extending downwardly
and outwardly from the upper region.
6. An accessory according to claim 5, wherein the feet are
generally partially hemispherically shaped.
7. An accessory according to claim 5, wherein the upper region is
generally dome shaped, and the feet are generally partially
hemispherical shaped.
8. An accessory according to claim 1, wherein the body is at least
partially formed from theremoplastic polyurethane.
9. An accessory according to claim 1, wherein the body is entirely
formed from the thermoplastic polyurethane.
10. An accessory according to claim 1, wherein the expansion slot
has an upper mouth portion, an intermediate portion, and a
terminating end portion.
11. An accessory according to claim 1, wherein the expansion slot
is keyhole shaped.
12. An accessory according to claim 1, wherein the expansion slot
is teardrop shaped.
13. An accessory according to claim 1, wherein the surface finish
of the body at the upper opening has a rougher surface finish than
the surface finish of other portions of the body.
14. An accessory according to claim 1, further comprising indicia
disposed on an outer surface of the body.
15. An accessory according to claim 1, wherein a bendable region is
formed in the body between the terminal end of the expansion slot
and the bottom surface of the body.
16. An accessory according to claim 1, wherein an overall outer
surface shape of the body is substantially complimentary to an
overall inner surface shape of the body, to facilitate stacking of
one accessory to another.
17. A method of stabilizing a beverage container, comprising:
attaching to a lower end of the container to an accessory, the
accessory comprising a body defining a generally circular upper
opening and a base and at least one expansion slot extending
downwardly from the upper opening towards the base through the body
towards the base.
18. A method according to claim 16, wherein attaching the accessory
further comprises applying pressure to opposite sides of a lower
portion of the accessory to flex the body so as to open the
expansion slot and increase the diameter of the top opening.
19. An accessory for use with a container comprising: a body
defining a generally circular upper opening and a base; and
gripping means for gripping the container, disposed proximal to the
upper opening and projecting inwardly from the upper opening to
grip the container.
20. An accessory according to claim 19, wherein the gripping means
includes at least one of a flexible tab, or a compressible nub.
21. An accessory according to claim 19, comprising a plurality of
feet disposed around the lower portion of the body, and wherein at
least one expansion slot is located at a circumferential location
on the body that is aligned with a space between the feet.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/403,911, filed on Sep. 23, 2010, entitled
UNIVERSAL BEVERAGE CONTAINER STABILIZER, in the name of Allison M.
Roesser, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention pertains generally to the field of containers
such as, for example, beverage containers. Further, the invention
pertains to accessories for such containers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Many types of containers are known, including, for example,
beverage containers. Many beverage containers are in the form of a
general circular cylindrical container with a closed bottom,
cylindrical sides, and an open top. In some examples, the cylinder
may be tapered outward over part or all of the sides, and the taper
may be relatively straight or curved, or a combination thereof.
Some examples of beverage containers include glassware, ceramic
cups, plastic cups, paper cups, cardboard cups, and foam cups.
Other examples of beverage containers are also known.
[0004] Some beverage containers suffer the disadvantage that they
may be relatively easy to tip over. For example, tall, thin
beverage containers will tend to tip over if accidentally bumped.
Tipping or spilling of a beverage can waste the beverage, cause
stains or damage, and can require time, effort and materials to
clean the spill. Further, certain individuals such as young
children, the elderly, or individuals with limited vision may be
especially prone to tipping over beverage containers. Further,
sometimes a beverage container will be relatively transparent and
it may be difficult for the user to visualize the location of the
container, making it difficult to grasp the container without
bumping it.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Some embodiments provide an accessory that can be used with
various types of containers, such as, for example, beverage
containers. In some embodiments, the accessory may be in the form
of a stabilizing base ring that is used to surround the lower
portion of the container, by engaging the sides of the container.
In some embodiments, the accessory may provide such a stabilizing
base ring around the lower portion of the container. In some
embodiments the accessory may be made of a resilient and somewhat
flexible material. In some embodiments the accessory may have one
or more slotted expansion grooves, slots, or notches around a top
opening, in order to provide accommodation of various sizes, and
provide a resilient gripping force onto the container around the
top opening of the accessory. In some embodiments, the accessory
may have two such expansion grooves extending downward from the top
opening of the accessory, and spaced oppositely apart from each
other. In some embodiments, with or without the expansion
notch(es), the top opening may have one or more engaging features,
such as flexible tabs or compressible bumps that contact the
container. In some embodiments, the accessory may have a flared
base, which in some embodiments may include one or more protruding
feet. In some embodiments, the accessory may be manufactured of a
relatively constant thickness material such that the underside
profile of the accessory is substantially complimentary to the
upper side profile of the accessory allowing multiple accessories
to be stacked on top of one another in a stable and compact
configuration. In some embodiments, the accessory may have three or
more of such feet, extending outward at or near the bottom edge of
the accessory, and in some cases spaced evenly around a periphery
of the accessory relative to each other.
[0006] In some embodiments, the accessory may provide a visual
identification to a user where the beverage container is located,
due to its color or indicia or the surface of the accessory.
[0007] Some embodiments provide an accessory for a container having
a body defining a generally circular upper opening and a base; and
at least one expansion slot extending downwardly from the upper
opening through the body towards the base.
[0008] Some embodiments provide a method including attaching to a
lower end of the container to an accessory, the accessory having a
body defining a generally circular upper opening and a base and at
least one expansion slot extending downwardly from the upper
opening towards the base through the body towards the base.
[0009] Some embodiments provide an accessory for use with a
container having a body defining a generally circular upper opening
and a base; and gripping means for gripping the container, disposed
proximate to the upper opening and projecting inwardly from the
upper opening to grip the container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an accessory for a beverage
container according to a first embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a side view of the accessory shown in FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a top view of the accessory shown in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view taken through line 4-4
in FIG. 2.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the accessory of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an accessory according to a
second embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an accessory according to a
third embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an accessory according to a
fourth embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Some embodiments provide an accessory that can be used with
various types of containers, such as, for example, beverage
containers. In some embodiments, the accessory may be in the form
of a stabilizing base ring that is used to surround the lower
portion of the container, by engaging the sides of the container.
In some embodiments, the accessory may provide such a stabilizing
base ring around the lower portion of the container. In some
embodiments the accessory may be made of a resilient and somewhat
flexible material. In some embodiments the accessory may have one
or more slotted expansion grooves, slots or notches around a top
opening, in order to provide a combination of various sizes, and
provide a resilient gripping force onto the container around the
top opening of the accessory. In some embodiments, the accessory
may have two such expansion grooves extending downward from the top
opening of the accessory, and spaced oppositely apart from each
other. In some embodiments, with or without the expansion
notch(es), the top opening may have one or more engaging features,
such as flexible tabs or compressible bumps that contact the
container. In some embodiments, the accessory may have a flared
base, which in some embodiments may include one or more protruding
feet. In some embodiments, the accessory may be manufactured of a
relatively constant thickness material such that the underside
profile of the accessory is substantially complimentary to the
upper side profile of the accessory allowing multiple accessories
to be stacked on top of one another in a stable and compact
configuration. In some embodiments, the accessory may have three or
more of such feet, extending outward at or near the bottom edge of
the accessory, and in some cases spaced evenly around a periphery
of the accessory relative to each other.
[0019] In some embodiments, the accessory may provide a visual
identification to a user where the beverage container is located,
due to its color or to indicia on the surface of the accessory.
[0020] The detailed description herein will refer to some
embodiments that may be, used, in an example, with a beverage
container. The term beverage containers is used broadly herein in
its typical sense to include various types of glassware,
plasticware, cardboard cups and the like. Further, although a
beverage container is described as an example for context, it will
be appreciated that some embodiments will be suitable for use with
other generally cylindrical containers such as, for example, office
supply containers, floral vases, paint cans, dishware such as small
bowls or other generally cylindrical devices that may or may not
hold liquids or other materials and may or may not be desired to be
placed on, and/or moved around, a generally horizontal resting
surface. Therefore, while it will be appreciated that one use of
some embodiments may be in connection with beverage glassware or
cups used on a tabletop, a wide range of other applications are
available for uses of the accessory. Unless otherwise indicated,
reference to beverages or types of containers in the description
herein is not intended to be limiting, but rather is given by way
of example.
[0021] Further, the description herein will describe some possible
functions of accessories described herein including, for example,
providing stabilization of a beverage container and/or creating
higher visibility to a beverage container. These functions are by
way of example only, and the accessory itself may find desired uses
beyond these functions, and/or without providing these
functions.
[0022] An embodiment will now be described with reference to the
drawing figures in which like reference numerals refer to like
parts throughout.
[0023] FIGS. 1 through 5 illustrate a beverage container accessory
10 according to a preferred embodiment. The accessory 10 in this
example is in the form of a single piece structure. In this
example, the accessory is molded from a flexible material, such as
a flexible plastic or rubber. In some embodiments, the accessory
may be manufactured entirely from a single material, which in some
examples may be a urethane based material, such as thermoplastic
polyurethane.
[0024] The accessory 10 is in the form of a generally ring shape
having an outwardly flared body that forms a top opening 12. The
top opening 12 provides a surface that can grip the exterior
surface of the beverage container (as shown in FIG. 2). The surface
of the top opening 12 may be smooth and rounded in profile, or may
be provided with a roughened surface finish in order to enhance the
frictional gripping contact with the side of the beverage
container.
[0025] The top opening 12 may be provided with one or more
expansion slots 14. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-5, two
expansion slots 14 are provided and located opposed 180.degree.
apart from each other. The expansion slots 14 include an upper open
mouth portion 16 that extends to a narrowed intermediate portion 18
that terminates in a wider slot terminating end portion 20. In the
illustrated example, an overall expansion slot 14 is therefore
formed which includes the portions 16, 18 and 20. In the
illustrated example, each expansion slot 14 can be described as
having a somewhat keyhole or teardrop shape. However, other
embodiments are possible where the width of the mouth portion 16
and the intermediate position 18 remains constant, leading to a
larger width slot end 20. Further, in some embodiments, the entire
expansion slot 14 may have a constant width, and the lower
termination 20 may be a part circle, or alternately have a squared
off end.
[0026] The accessory 10 also includes a dome shaped wall portion
24, which generally extends from the top opening 12 to a bottom
surface 26. The bottom surface 26 forms a bottom periphery of the
accessory 10. Besides the dome shaped wall portion 24, a number of
feet portions 28 may be provided extending outward from the dome
24. A transition region 22 may be provided where the feet 28 join
the dome shaped wall portion 24. These feet 28 in the illustrated
embodiment are a generally hemispherical bubble shaped wall
protruding out from the dome portion 24. However, the feet portions
28 may also be in the form of struts or flanges extending out from
the dome portion 24. Further, although the dome portion 24 itself
is shown as being partly hemispherical, the dome portion 24 may
alternatively may have a frusto-conical or other profile. The
bottom edge 26 may have a somewhat rounded profile, and if desired
may have a roughened surface similar to that described above with
respect to the top opening 12.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIGS.
1 through 5, and illustrates an embodiment that has a
substantially, but not completely, constant cross-sectional
thickness of the material at the dome wall portion 24 and foot wall
portions 28. However, in this embodiment, a slight increase in
thickness may be present, and the transition region 22 where the
dome wall portion 24 meets the foot wall portion 26.
[0028] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an embodiment where the inner
surface of the walls portions 24 and 28 form at least a generally
complimentary shape to the outer surface of the wall portions 24
and 28. This permits relatively compact stacking one accessory 10
on top of another accessory 10.
[0029] The feet 28 also provide a location for decorative indicia
30, if desired.
[0030] The illustrated embodiment shows two expansion slots 14
located 180.degree. apart from each other. However, in some
embodiments there may be only one expansion slot 14. In other
embodiments there may be three or more expansion slot 14. In the
illustrated embodiment, the two expansion slot 14 are each
respectively aligned with a corner where two adjacent bubble shaped
feet 26 meet. In one mode of operation, the user may place one
finger at each of these meeting locations (A and B in FIG. 3), near
the base, where the corners are located, and apply an inward
pressure. The inward pressure tends to flex the accessory structure
such that the top opening 12 is expanded outward to have a larger
circumference. The user then may insert the beverage container and
release the finger pressure. Due to the resilient nature of the
material, the accessory will tend to return to its original shape,
thus providing an inward force onto the beverage container around
the location of the top opening 12.
[0031] In another mode of operation, the user may begin by holding
the beverage container, and slide the accessory 10 over the top of
the beverage container and down towards the base of the beverage
container. In so doing, because of the inwardly flared shape of the
accessory, the top opening 12 will tend to expand itself to fit
over and around the top of the beverage container and be slidable
down the length of the beverage container. This will occur even if
the user does not squeeze at the points A and B. However, the user
can further facilitate expansion of the accessory to fit over the
top of the beverage container by applying finger pressure at points
A and B.
[0032] In other uses, the user can hold the accessory underneath
the beverage container, optionally apply pressure at points A and
B, and lower the beverage container down so its base extends down
into the accessory.
[0033] FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment 100. Like reference
numerals refer to items similar to those in the previous
embodiment. However, this embodiment has a different shaped
expansion slot 114. The expansion slot 114 has a top mouth opening
116, an intermediate portion 118, and a lower end 120. The lower
end 120 has the shape of a portion of a circle or an ellipse. The
embodiment of FIG. 6 also shows indicia 30 located on the feet 28.
The indicia 30 is illustrated schematically by a rectangle, but
could be any image printed, molded, or otherwise visible on the
accessory 100.
[0034] FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment 200. In another
embodiment, this embodiment features flexible inwardly projecting
tabs 140. In this embodiment, two expansion slots 114 are shown,
and four inwardly directing tabs 140. However, any other number of
expansion slots 114 or tabs 140 may be utilized. Further, in this
embodiment, the expansion slots 114 can be omitted, while the tabs
140 are present. The tabs 140 can be any resilient or flexible
inwardly projecting shape. In the illustrated embodiment, they are
relatively thin, flat type members which normally project
horizontally inward from the top opening 12, and are deflected
either downwardly or upwardly by the side of the container once it
has been inserted.
[0035] FIG. 8 illustrates another alternative embodiment 300. This
embodiment includes inwardly directed nubs or protrusions 150. This
embodiment shows eight nubs or protrusions, and a structure where
the top opening 12 has no expansion slots. This embodiment can also
be provided with expansion slots if desired. The inwardly
projecting nubs 150 can be of any suitable shape. They differ from
the flaps 140 in that they have a vertical thickness as well as a
peripheral thickness. That is, rather than being flaps that bend
upwardly or downwardly, the nubs 150 are radially compressible. The
nubs 150 can be a soft material that compresses easily, or may be
in the form of a hollow hemisphere that can be radially
compressed.
[0036] The accessory may be made of various materials, and of
various colors. The use of certain colors, and/or the provision of
indicia on outer surfaces of the accessory may make the accessory
more visually attention getting, thus providing the benefit of
indicating the location of the beverage container to a user,
compared to if the beverage container was at the same location
without the accessory.
[0037] Turning now to some of the above and other embodiments,
there is described a beverage container accessory or stabilizer,
that may, depending on the embodiment have one or more of the
following attributes: (1) that is compatible with, conforms to the
shape and diameter of, and holds a wide range of beverage
containers such as, but not limited to, a drinking glass, plastic
or glass bottle, aluminum can, child's cup, and the like, with a
diameter sufficient to accommodate a range of common beverage
containers; (2) with a method of attachment located at the top
portion of the stabilizer whereby the device material can conform
to the shape and size of the beverage container so that the
stabilizer can accommodate a wide variety of differently shaped and
sized beverage containers, upon the connection of which, the device
will grip the container and securely hold it in place until the
beverage container is manually released; (3) that will laterally
support the inserted beverage container in an upright position by
restricting the lateral movement of the beverage container and have
dimensions that will provide a wide base of support so as to
prevent the inserted beverage container from easily tipping over on
a flat surface, thereby stabilizing it; (4) that may be
manufactured of sufficiently light weight material (e.g., plastics,
foam, composites or any other lightweight and sufficiently durable
material) so that the stabilizer can adequately stabilize the
beverage container without adding substantial bulk or weight to the
beverage container; and (5) that may be stackable for ease of
storage and transport.
[0038] The accessory, or stabilizer in some instances, may be
designed to accommodate a wide range of common beverage containers.
The top portion of the stabilizer has an opening that can conform
to and accommodate the size and shape of a wide range of beverage
containers. Once inserted, the stabilizer may conform to the
diameter of the beverage container and the beverage container may
be in constant, non-shifting contact with the inner wall of the
stabilizer. The stabilizer may include one or more expansion slots
or protrusions that may allow it to conform to the shape and
diameter of the beverage container and to allow the beverage
container to be gripped and securely connected to the stabilizer
whereby the stabilizer will move with the beverage container and
remain attached until it is manually released.
[0039] The expansion slots or protrusions may allow the stabilizer
to attach and conform to, and maintain contact with a range of
sizes and shapes of beverage containers. When the beverage
container is inserted into the opening of the stabilizer, the cut
away or protrusion may allow the stabilizer to conform to the shape
and diameter of the inserted beverage container, resulting in a
firm connection between the beverage container and the
stabilizer.
[0040] This can be accomplished by a number of variations, such as,
for example, providing one or more expansion slots or cut-outs in
the top portion of the stabilizer, or anywhere along the interior
wall of the stabilizer. In addition to the expansion slots or
cut-outs as represented in the figures, the compatibility function
can be accomplished through a number of variations. For example,
rather than two cut outs, as represented in some drawings, the
stabilizer could have more or fewer cut outs; could have cut outs
in similar or varying sizes and shapes; and could have alternate
gripping mechanisms such as various protruding shapes on the
interior wall of the stabilizer, including, but not limited to
tabs, ribs, bubbles, tendons, teeth, grooves, and flanges, that can
fold, bend, contract or flex to conform the stabilizer to the shape
and diameter of the beverage container.
[0041] The stabilizer may be designed to stabilize the beverage
container. In addition to the self-adjusting compatibility
component, which allows the stabilizer to conform to and grip a
range of sites of beverage containers, this may be accomplished in
the following manner.
[0042] The stabilizer may have an outer dimension that is greater
at the base of the device than at the top to provide a wide base of
support so as to prevent the inserted beverage container from
easily tipping over on a flat surface, thereby stabilizing it.
[0043] Some drawings represent a clover-shaped version of the
stabilizer, with two cut-outs accomplishing the universal
compatibility component of the stabilizer. Although these drawings
show a clover-shaped embodiment, the stabilizer may be shaped
differently, e.g., the four stabilizing bubbles represented in the
drawings may be fewer or greater, extend out further, be thinner,
have a rounded base to allow for a rocking motion or a completely
different shape. The design may be geared towards children or
adults, taking the shape of a variety of unique designs such as,
but not limited to, animals, sports related shapes, and the like.
In some embodiments, decorative designs can be added to the
stabilizer.
[0044] The stabilizer may be manufactured of sufficiently light
weight material (e.g., plastics, foam, composites or any other
lightweight and durable material) so that the stabilizer can
adequately stabilize the beverage container without adding
substantial bulk or weight to the beverage container.
[0045] For ease of storage and transport, the stabilizer may have
an outer and inner shape so that it can be stacked on another
similarly shaped device by inserting the stabilizer into the cavity
of the other similarly shaped stabilizer so they can nest.
[0046] The beverage container in some examples may be placed into
the stabilizer either by placing the beverage container into the
top of the stabilizer or, if the beverage container shape allows,
the stabilizer may stretch and slide over the complete beverage
container until the stabilizer meets with the horizontal surface
upon which the beverage container is resting. In both instances,
the bases of both the beverage container and the stabilizer may be
resting completely on the horizontal surface.
[0047] The stabilizer can be made out of different materials such
as plastics, foam or composites and the material will have some
flexibility to allow the stabilizer to accommodate, grip and hold
the beverage container until it is manually released. The bottom of
the stabilizer may be made of tacky or easy glide material to
better assist the device in maintaining the beverage container in
an upright position. The material may be selected to allow the
stabilizer to adequately stabilize the beverage container without
adding substantial weight or bulk.
[0048] What has been described and illustrated herein is a
preferred embodiment of the invention along with some of its
variations. The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set
forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are
possible within the spirit and scope of the invention in which all
terms are meant in their broadest, reasonable sense unless
otherwise indicated.
* * * * *