U.S. patent application number 14/683327 was filed with the patent office on 2016-02-18 for beverage container grip apparatus and method of use.
The applicant listed for this patent is O2COOL, LLC. Invention is credited to HARVEY KATZ.
Application Number | 20160045048 14/683327 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55301164 |
Filed Date | 2016-02-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160045048 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KATZ; HARVEY |
February 18, 2016 |
BEVERAGE CONTAINER GRIP APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE
Abstract
A beverage container grip that can be secured onto various types
of furniture and can secure various sizes of beverage containers.
The beverage container grip includes arcuate arms pivotally mounted
and biased in a first direction. The arms are moved against the
bias, a beverage container placed between the arms, and the arms
then move under the bias to secure the container. The grip includes
an opening to receive the furniture therein, the opening being
closed by rotation of a screw to retain the furniture in the
opening.
Inventors: |
KATZ; HARVEY; (Boca Raton,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
O2COOL, LLC |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55301164 |
Appl. No.: |
14/683327 |
Filed: |
April 10, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61938244 |
Feb 11, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/737 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 23/0225
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 23/02 20060101
A47G023/02 |
Claims
1. A beverage container grip, comprising: a platform; a top; the
platform and top operably interconnected; means for gripping an
article of furniture comprising at least one screw; said gripping
means operably connected to said platform; and means for securing a
beverage container comprising at least two arms operably connected
to said top, to secure a beverage container there between.
2. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the two arms are
biased toward each other.
3. The beverage container grip of claim 1, wherein the gripping
means and the securing means extend in opposite directions from a
support column.
4. The beverage container grip of claim 1, wherein the gripping
means and the securing means each move about an axis.
5. The beverage container grip of claim 3, wherein the gripping
means axis and the securing means axis are perpendicular to each
other.
6. The beverage container grip of claim 1, wherein the gripping
means moves in a longitudinal direction.
7. The beverage container grip of claim 1, wherein the arms of
securing means are mounted for pivotal movement relative to each
other.
8. A method of securing the beverage container grip of claim 1 to a
piece of furniture, the method steps comprising: placing the
furniture adjacent to said platform, and rotating the screw to
engage the furniture to thus secure the furniture to the
platform.
9. A method of securing a beverage container to the beverage
container grip of claim 1, the method steps comprising: placing the
beverage container adjacent the two arms; forcing the beverage
container between the arms; and placing the bottom of the beverage
container against the platform.
10. A method of securing a beverage container to the beverage
container grip of claim 2, the method steps comprising: placing the
beverage container adjacent the two arms; forcing the beverage
container between the arms to overcome the bias; and placing the
bottom of the beverage container against the platform.
11. The method of claim 10, whereby forcing the beverage container
between the arcuate arms causes the arms to separate to receive the
beverage container.
12. A method of securing a beverage container to the beverage
container grip of claim 2, the method steps comprising: placing the
beverage container adjacent the arcuate arms; opening the arcuate
arms by overcoming the bias; moving the beverage container between
the opened arcuate arms; and releasing the opened arcuate arms to
secure the beverage container there between.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/938244 filed Feb. 11, 2014.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a beverage container grip
and, more particularly, to a beverage container grip that may be
used with beverage containers of different sizes and that may be
attached to items of different sizes and shapes.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Beverage container grips are well-known. Many vehicles
include a beverage container grip in an armrest or console. These
grips are generally formed as deep sockets or receptacles of
circular cross-section. These grips will accept beverage containers
of different diameters but rely primarily on the beverage container
bottom resting in contact with the bottom of the receptacle, i.e.,
the depth of the receptacle, to prevent the container from tipping
over and spilling the contents.
[0004] In addition, beverage container grips of the type to be used
in vehicles, for example, frequently include a clip or attachment
mechanism so that the grip may be secured, such as by suction, to
the vehicle window or hung from the vehicle door through the use of
a projection extending between the vehicle window and interior of
the door trim.
[0005] In the context of persons who are enjoying being out in the
sun, such as by a swimming pool, or on a backyard patio, or at the
beach, there are various types of chairs that include a socket or
receptacle to receive a beverage container. The socket or
receptacle for beach chairs and the like are typically located in
the armrest and are totally inconvenient when the user is lying
face down on the chair.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] An improved beverage container grip and method of using a
beverage container grip is described below and illustrated in the
drawings. The beverage container grip automatically adjusts to the
diameter of the beverage container, to secure the beverage
container in place, and has the ability to be attached to various
surfaces, thus overcoming the aforementioned limitations. The
present beverage container grip and method comprise a means for
attaching to a piece of furniture, a means for securing a beverage
container, a platform connected to a support column, and a top. A
beverage container grip may be attached to furniture having various
sizes and shapes and materials when a consumer adjusts a knob
through a threaded aperture and toward a top having a scored
underside. Beverage containers may be secured by at least one pair
of arcuate arms that may be connected at a pivot point and may be
granted resistance via a spring housed in a support column at the
pivot point. Arm resistance from spring compression may allow a
consumer to secure a variety of beverage container sizes and
shapes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary beverage container
grip when viewed from the left side and above;
[0008] FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary beverage container
grip when viewed from the left side and below;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a sectional illustration of an exemplary beverage
container grip when viewed from the left side and above; and
[0010] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a portion of an exemplary
beverage container grip enlarged to facilitate understanding of a
spring or a biasing mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] The beverage container grip described below and illustrated
in the appended drawings has particular utility in conjunction with
beach chairs, patio chairs and the like. In addition, the beverage
container grip may be secured to the edge (overhang) of a
countertop, on the edge of desk or table surfaces, etc. Thus, the
explanation in the context of attachment to a chair should be
considered a non-limiting explanation as to the potential use of
the beverage container grip. The beverage container grip,
therefore, will be explained in that context with the understanding
that the following descriptions are non-limiting explanations and
non-limiting contexts.
[0012] The following is a general description of the preferred
embodiments for a beverage container grip and methods of use.
References to directions (e.g., top, bottom, left, right) are for
ease of understanding only; references to sizes, shapes and
materials are also for ease of understanding only. Nothing should
be construed as limiting.
[0013] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary beverage container grip
when viewed from the left side and above is illustrated. A beverage
container grip may be composed of natural and/or synthetic
materials. For example, a beverage container grip may be formed of
plastic, such as polystyrene, except for a spring which preferably
is formed of metal. In some embodiments, a beverage container grip
may be made with light but strong materials such as carbon
fiber.
[0014] A beverage container grip includes an elongated base 10
having a first end 12 with a generally flat platform or upper
surface 14 and a second end 16 having a generally flat platform or
upper surface 18 when viewed from the side. Each end 12 and 16 of
the base 10 may be of a generally circular configuration when
viewed from above.
[0015] The second end 16 of the beverage container grip base 10
includes a threaded aperture 20. A screw including a shaft 22 and
having a knurled knob 24 at one end is threaded through the
aperture 20 from below, i.e., with the knob 24 below the base 10. A
top 26 of a screw may be scored, i.e. may have a series of grooves
which need not be parallel and which need not be uniform in size,
shape or thickness, to assist in securing the beverage container
grip to furniture or the like as will be explained below.
[0016] Extending upwardly from the base 10, in a generally vertical
direction, is a support column 28. One side of the support column
28 may be generally arcuate when viewed from above, and this
arcuate portion may coincide with a portion of arcuate surface of
the platform 14 also when viewed from above. A beverage container
grip includes a top 34 extending generally over the platform 18,
and parallel thereto.
[0017] Arms 38 and 40 are curved toward each other and biased
toward each other by a spring 32 (depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4). In
operation, arms 38 and 40 are manually opened against the influence
of the spring 32 such that a beverage container may be placed on
the platform 14. In some embodiments, arms 38 and 40 may be coated
with a textured polymer such as a plastic, gel, or rubber that may
frictionally increase the gripping function of arms 38 and 40
against a beverage container.
[0018] In some embodiments, when it is desired to secure the
beverage container grip to a product such as a furniture (for
example a poolside chair or the like,) it should be appreciated
that the poolside chair typically includes a tubular frame. The
frame may be of circular cross-section. For example, at the tubular
pool chair frame may be placed between the platform 18 at the
second end 16 of the beverage container grip and the top 34 of a
beverage container grip, and the knurled knob 24 is turned or
rotated to thus turn the screw shaft 22 until the chair frame is
rigidly held between the scored portion 26 of a screw and the
scored portion of an underside 36 of the beverage container top 34
(depicted in FIG. 2).
[0019] Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary beverage container grip
when viewed from the left side and below is illustrated. The
underside 36 may be attached to or may stem from the support column
28. Arms 38 and 40 may also be connected to the support column 28
and face the opposite direction of underside 36 of the top 34. The
underside 36 of the top is preferably scored, i.e. may have a
series of grooves which need not be parallel and which need not be
uniform in size, shape or thickness. In some embodiments, the
underside 36 may be scored in alternating or zig-zag lines,
parallel lines, perpendicular lines, or may be scored with polygon
or circular outlines in order to increase friction and grip to a
piece of furniture.
[0020] In some embodiments, the underside 36 may have a scoring pad
that may be fixedly or removably attached and may vary in thickness
and may vary in material composition. For example, an underside 36
may have a thickness of 1 mm and may be composed of a cork
material. Other materials for the underside 36 may be a gel, a
wood, a metal, foam, or a plastic. Various materials for the
underside 36 may correspond to the type of chair or table ledge to
which a consumer may attach a beverage container grip. For example,
a metal underside 36 may increase a firm grip on a metal chair arm
or a metal table ledge, especially when the metal underside 36 may
contain magnetic properties. Accordingly, a tubular metal chair arm
also possessing magnetic properties may adhere or bind more readily
with the underside 36.
[0021] In some embodiments, a consumer may turn or rotate knurled
knob 24 in a clockwise direction so that the screw including a
shaft 22 may pass through the threaded aperture 20. As a consumer
turns the knurled knob 24, the screw including a shaft 22 will rise
closer to the surface of the underside 36. A consumer may turn the
knurled knob 24 clockwise to increase the grip of the beverage
container to a piece of furniture, and a consumer may turn the
knurled knob 24 counter clockwise to release the grip on the piece
of furniture. Once a consumer has achieved a desired grip of a
beverage container grip, then a consumer may manually force arms 38
and 40 apart in order to insert a beverage container.
[0022] Alternatively, and especially if the beverage container is
of a tapered configuration with a smaller base and a larger top,
such as, for example but not limited to a plastic container, the
beverage container may be moved downwardly through the opening
between the arcuate arms to spread or force the arms outwardly and
apart until the bottom of the container rests on the base 14. At
that time, the container rests securely on the base and the arcuate
arms are biased into contact with the sides of the beverage
container.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary beverage container grip
when viewed from the left side and above is presented in a
sectional illustration. A vertical support column 28 may be hollow
and may include a transverse slot or recess 30 to receive a spring
32. Arms 38 and 40, when forced or rotated apart, may facilitate
the compression of the spring 32. For example, the placement of a
beverage container on the platform 14 may facilitate the outward
opening of arms 38 and 40 away from each other and may cause a
spring 32 to compress. Once the force of placing a beverage
container on platform 14 is lessened and a beverage container
bottom is touching the platform 14, the spring 32 may decompress
slightly such that arms 38 and 40 are rigidly holding a beverage
container in place. Accordingly, once a beverage container is fully
placed against the platform 14 and the support column 28, the arms
38 and 40 could then be released to engage the sides of the
beverage container under the influence of the spring 32.
[0024] A screw including a shaft 22 may be hollow or solid and may
have a smaller diameter than the diameter of a threaded aperture 20
to allow for rigid passing of the screw shaft 22 through the
threaded aperture 20. However, in some embodiments, a knurled knob
24 and a top 26 of the screw may have a greater diameter than the
diameter of a threaded aperture 20 so that the screw shaft 22 may
not fall off from a beverage container grip when not in use.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 4, a portion of an exemplary beverage
container grip enlarged to facilitate understanding of a spring or
a biasing mechanism is illustrated. A transverse slot 30 may house
the spring 32. The use of spring biased arms allows for securing
beverage containers of different diameters. In some embodiments,
the spring 32 may be made of a flexible or malleable metal. A
transverse slot 30 may have a recess of various lengths and widths
to accommodate a variety of springs 32. A thicker spring 32, for
example, may provide greater resistance to forcing arms 38 and 40
apart and may provide a more rigid grip onto beverage containers
with smaller diameters. A longer spring 32, for example, may allow
a consumer to more easily and widely force apart arms 38 and 40 and
may accommodate larger beverage containers.
[0026] Thus the beverage container grip includes the lower platform
and the top platform, at least one screw for securing the furniture
to the grip, and at least two arms rotationally or pivotally
mounted to receive the beverage container there between. The arms
are biased toward each other, by a spring, and a support column
interconnects the top and the platform or base. In one embodiment
the gripping arms and the furniture gripping mechanism are at
opposite lateral sides of the support column, i.e., they extend in
opposite directions from the support column.
[0027] The gripping arms are biased toward each other and thus
rotate about a first axis, or pivot point and the threaded screw
when rotated moves in a longitudinal direction along a second axis,
the two axes being perpendicular to each other.
[0028] The beverage container may be inserted between the two arms
by manually spreading the arms apart to overcome the bias, placing
the container between the open or spread-apart arms, and then
releasing the arms so that the spring bias causes the arms to
rotate into engagement with the container. Alternatively, the
beverage container, typically of tapered configuration, such as a
plastic "drinking cup" may be moved downwardly to force the arms
apart, overcoming the spring bias sufficiently so that the
container may be moved into contact with the platform.
[0029] The foregoing is a complete description of the beverage
container grip and method of use, however, it is to be understood
that the present invention is not limited to the particular
descriptions disclosed and shown in the drawings. The present
invention also comprises any modifications or equivalents within
the scope of the claims.
* * * * *