GB2502799A

GB2502799A - Holder for drinks container with attachable stand

Info

Publication number: GB2502799A
Application number: GB1210042.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bertram Mindell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-06-07
Filing date: 2012-06-07
Publication date: 2013-12-11
Anticipated expiration: 2032-06-07
Also published as: GB2501563A; GB201210042D0; GB2501563B; GB201220396D0; GB2502799B

Abstract

A holder 1 for a drinks can or bottle B of drink comprises a base, a peripheral sidewall 20, 14 extending upwardly from the base to form a cylindrical recess for engaging the lower end of a drinks can or bottle and a generally tubular support extending downwardly from the base below the lower edge of the peripheral sidewall. In use, the generally tubular support preferably comprises an array of resilient fingers 5. In use, the resilient fingers 5 are secured between fingers 3 of a table 2 and a supporting pole 7A, 7B by a worm drive circular clap 6 to form an outdoor snackstand or table which can be readily assembled and disassembled. The holder may be integrally formed from metal wire. The supporting pole may terminate in a locating peg 11 located at ground level, it may also be supported by three or more legs 10 whose upper ends are secured to the pole by a clamp.

Description

Holder for drinks can or bottle of drink. Holder Arranzement and Kit Thc prcscnt invcntion rclatcs to a holder for a drinks can or bottle of drink, as well as to a holder arrangement (eg in the form a snackstand) comprising such a holder. The invention also relates to a kit of parts for such an arrangement. The invention relates particularly but not exclusively to holders and holder arrangements for use outdoors.

US 5570863 discloses a holder for a beverage container, the holder comprising a metal rod having a pointed lower end which is stuck into the ground and an upper end which is wound into the form of a cylindrical helix for holding the container. In a variant, the rod is wrapped around the arm of a chair or other convenient support.

However such a holder is not suitable for holding a heavy container such as a wine bottle securely in position, owing to the flexibility of the metal rod.

Relatively rigid supports for holding frays above garden tables are also known, eg from GB 2246291A, but the tray is shallow and the sidewall thereof is unsuitable for holding cg a wine bottle or drinks can securely in position.

GB 2295965B, in the name of the present inventor, discloses a support arrangement for a receptacle for food or drinks. The receptacle, which may be relatively deep, has a central tubc extending from a re-entrant base portion. The re-entrant basc portion covers an array of spring fingers extending downwardly from the lower end of the tube. Thc spring fingers are clamped by a worm drive circular clip to a parasol pole of a garden table and thereby hold the receptacle above the table. The spring fingers do not extend below the sidewall of the receptacle The receptacle is not suitable for holding eg a wine bottle or drinks can securely.

Accordingly there is a need for an improved holder for a drinks can or a bottle of drink.

The invention provides, in one aspect, a holder for a drinks can or bottle of drink, the holder comprising a base, a peripheral sidewall extending upwardly from the base and shaped and dimensioned to form a cylindrical recess for engaging the lower end of a drinks can or bottle and a generally tubular support extending downwardly from the base below the lower edge of the peripheral sidewall.

Because the support is generally tubular, it can be located securely (eg by clamping) against a supporting pole or tube. The cylindrical recess matches the conventional form of a drinks can or bottle (eg a wine bottle or beer bottle) and prevents it from being tipped over. In combination, these features enable the drinks can or bottle to be held securely.

Preferably said generally tubular support comprises an annular array of resilient fingers. This feature facilitates secure clamping of the holder, eg against a pole or tube.

Preferably said height is equal to or greater than half said diameter. Desirably said height is equal to or greater than said diameter. This tends to prevent tipping of the can or bottle if it is inadvertently knocked, even if it is a slightly loose fit in the holder.

Preferably said peripheral sidewall and support are integrally formed from metal wire.

This feature ensures that the drinks can or bottle (particularly its label) is highly visible and ensures a rigid or semi-rigid construction.

In a preferred embodiment said support comprises an upper ring defining an upper edge of said peripheral sidewall, a parallel lower ring defining a junction between a lower edge of said peripheral sidewall and said base, and a circumferentially-distributed array of wires connecting said upper and lower rings, extending radially inwardly from said lower ring to form said base and projecting downwardly from said base to form said support. This construction is relatively strong and also avoids any exposed sharp edges.

S The invention also provides a holder arrangement for supporting a drinks can or a bottle of drink at or near table height, the arrangement comprising an upright pole and a holder as defined above, the upright pole being aligned with and engaging said tubular support of said holder.

Preferably said tubular support of said holder is clamped around an upper end of said upright pole. In a less preferred embodiment the upright pole is in the form of an upright tube and the tubular support of said holder fits in the bore of the upright tube.

Preferably the holder arrangement frirther comprises a table having an aperture through which said tubular support of said holder and/or said upright pole extends.

Preferably said base of said holder rests on said table. This provides further stability to the holder.

Preferably said table is supported on said upright pole.

Preferably said table is provided with an array of spring fingers around said aperture and said spring fingers and said tubular support of said holder is clamped (eg with a circular worm drive clip) to said upright pole.

Preferably said tubular support extends into an annular gap formed between said upright pole and said spring fingers and said tubular support are clamped to said upright pole by a circular clamp round said spring fingers.

Preferably at least a lower end said upright pole is tubular, said holder arrangement further comprising a locating peg which in use is secured at ground level and which projects into said tubular lower end. This feature stabilises the pole by preventing lateral movement of its lower end. Furthermore it enables the holder and its associated pole (and possible a drinks can or bottle held in the holder) to be lifted off the locating peg. The peg can then be accessed easily and pulled out without risking tipping over the holder.

Preferably said upright pole is supported by three or more legs whose upper ends are secured thereto by a clamp. In a preferred embodiment the lower ends of said legs have apertures for receiving further locating pegs. In this embodiment, the arrangement can be moved by first removing the locating pegs fit,m the lower ends of the legs, then lifting the holder and its associated pole as described above.

Further preferred features are defined in the dependent claims.

The invention also provides a kit of parts for the holder. The kit can be provided in disassembled %rm for self-assembly.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is described below by way of example only with reference to Figures 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is an elevation, partially in section, of a holder arrangement, namely a snaekstand, in accordance with the invention Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of a holder in accordance with the invention; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the table shown in the snackstand of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a to plan view of one of the legs of the snackstand of Figure 1, and Figure 5 is a perspective view from above of the clamp used to secure the legs to the upright pole of the snaekstand of Figure 1.

Referring to Figure 1, the snackstand comprises a holder I formed from powder-coated steel wire, a table 2, an upright pole in the form of mating tubular sections 7A, 7B, and three legs 10 (only two of which are seen in the drawing) secured by a collar 8 at 1200 to cach other.

The holder 1 is formed from parallel upper and lower rings 12 of internal diameter d, which is suitably 80 to 90 mm to accommodate a wine bottle B. The rings are vertically spaced apart to define a height h of the enclosed portion of the wine bottle B. The value of h is suitably 50 to 100 mm, eg 70 to 100mm in order to prevent the bottle being toppled over if knocked. In general, to ensure stability of the bottle or can, preferably h is greater than or equal to d/2.

Referring particularly to Figure 2, the sidewall of the holder 1 is completed by a regular array of upright struts 14 which are spot-welded between the upper and lower rings 12 and are each disposed mid-way between two of the wires 20. In this manner a rigid lightweight holder is formed, which does not obscure the label on the bottle B. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the sidewall and base of the holder 1 are defined by four wires 20 (one of which is hidden in Figure 1) disposed in a regular circumferential array. These wires are spot-welded to the upper and lower rings 12. The wires 20 are folded under the lower ring 12 and, as best seen in Figure 2, are also spot-welded to an inner ring 13. The wires 20, lower ring 12 and inner ring 13 thereby define an annular base portion of the holder 1. The wires 20 are folded outwardly at their junction with inner ring 13 to form downwardly-projecting vertical resilient fingers 5 which extend beneath the bottom edge of the sidewall and beneath the underside of

table2.

Referring to Figure 3, the table 2, which is suitably formed of semi-rigid plastics material, eg polyearbonate or high-density polyethylene, has a central aperture 15 and four integral spring fingers 3 distributed regularly around the circumference of the aperture and extending vertically downwardly. Each spring finger 3 subtends 900 when clamped, with only a small slit between adjacent spring fingers when they are in the unclamped configuration shown in Figure 3. Keyhole-shaped cut-out portions C are provided in the periphery of the table to accommodate wine glasses (not shown) and tray recesses T are provided between the cut-out portions to accommodate trays (not shown) for finger food (eg nuts, crisps and the like).

As seen in Figure 1, the spring fingers 3 of the table 2 cover the resilient fingers 5 of the holder 1 and the resulting array of fingers 3 and 5 is clamped against the upper end of upper tubular section 7A by a circular worm drive clip 6 such as a Jubilee® clip for example. In this manner the table 2 is supported firmly, and the bottle holder 20, which rests on the table surface, is securely supported at or near table height, eg 0.6 to 0.8 m.

In order to secure the central pole, lower tubular section 7B fits closely around the head of a peg 11 which is embedded in the ground G, and a tripod support comprising legs 10 is connected to the junction of the upper and lower tubular sections 7A, 7B by a collar 8 of plastics material.

Referring to Figure 4, each leg 10 has a foot 18 with an aperture 19 for receiving the shaft of an embedded peg 11, as seen in Figure 1. Each leg 10 has an elbow portion at its upper end which terminates in a part-tubular mating portion 17 which fits against the pole, preferably at the junction of tubular sections 7A and 7B. Mating portion 17 is provided with an internal longitudinal strengthening rib in order to provide further rigidity. In a variant, tubular sections 7A and 7B could be replaced by a single pole in order to enhance rigidity.

Referring to Figure 5, collar 8 is provided with a radial threaded hole into which a screw 9 is threaded. As seen in Figure 1, screw 9 engages one of the mating portions 17 of a leg 10 and tightens the opposite wall portion of the collar against the mating portions 17 of the other two legs 10. In this manner the base of the snackstand is securely supported.

In a variant, the table 2 could be dispensed with and the clamp 6 fitted around just the resilient fingers 5 of the holder 1. In other variants the holder 1 could be sized to receive a standard drinks can (eg a 330 ml drinks can having a body diameter of 66 mm) in which case the dimension din Figure 1 is suitably 66.5 mm to 70 mm and the dimension h is suitably 60 mm to 130 mm. In a further variant the holder 1 could be sized to receive a stubby beer bottle of capacity about 350 ml, in which case the dimension d is suitably 70 mm to 80 mm and the dimension h is suitably 60 mm to mm.

A significant problem which is addressed by the described embodiment is the firm support of the relatively heavy drinks bottle or can by a lightweight structure. In particular this is solved by the upright pole and radial legs of the support arrangement.

Accordingly, in another aspect the invention provides holder arrangement for a drinks can or bottle of drink, the arrangement comprising an upright central pole carrying a generally cylindrical holder shaped and dimensioned to hold a drinks can or a boftle of drink, an array of legs extending radially outwardly from the central pole, the lower end of the central pole being at substantially the same height as the outer ends of said legs, and at least one locating peg which is removably engageable with a locating portion of said lower end to prevent lateral movement thereof in use when the peg is embedded in the ground.

Preferably lower ends of said legs have apertures for receiving further locating pegs.

This feature prevents relative movement of the legs and thus enhances the rigidity of the arrangement.

Preferably said upright pole comprises two mating tubular sections and a clamp secures upper ends of said legs around thc junction of said mating tubular sections.

Preferably said upright central pole is tubular and said locating portion thereof is its bore.

Preferably said holder is in accordance with the first-mentioned aspect of the invention.

The invention also provides a kit of parts for the above holder arrangement, the kit comprising a generally cylindrical holder shaped and dimensioned to hold a drinks can or a bottle of drink, a central pole for supporting said holder, legs radially connectable to said central pole and at least one locating peg which is removably engageable with a locating portion of a lower end of said central pole.

Claims

Claims I. A holder for a drinks can or bottle of drink, the holder comprising a base, a peripheral sidewall extending upwardly from the base and shaped and dimensioned to form a cylindrical recess for engaging the lower end of a drinks can or bottle and a generally tubular support extending downwardly from the base below the lower edge of the peripheral sidewall.
2. A holder according to claim 1 wherein said generally tubular support comprises an annular array of resilient fingers.
3. A holder according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said height is equal to or greater than half said diameter.
4. A holder according to any preceding claim, wherein said peripheral sidewall and support are integrally formed from metal wire.
5. A holder according to claim 4, wherein said support comprises an upper ring defining an upper edge of said peripheral sidewall, a parallel lower ring defining a junction between a lower edge of said peripheral sidewall and said base, and a circumfcrentially-distributed array of wires connecting said upper and lower rings, extending radially inwardly from said lower ring to form said base and projecting downwardly from said base to form said support.
6. A holder arrangement for supporting a drinks can or a bottle of drink at or near table height, the arrangement comprising an upright pole and a holder as claimed in any preceding claim, the upright pole being aligned with and engaging said tubular support of said holder.
7. A holder arrangement according to claim 6, wherein said tubular support of said holder is clamped around an upper end of said upright pole.
8. A holder arrangement according to claim 6 or claim 7, further comprising a table having an aperture through which said tubular support of said holder andior said upright pole extends.
9. A holder arrangement according to claim 8, wherein said base of said holder restson said table.
10. A holder arrangement according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein said table is supported on said upright pole.
11. A holder arrangement according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein said table is provided with an array of spring fingers around said aperture and said spring fingers and said tubular support of said holder are clamped to said upright pole.
12. A holder arrangement according to claim 11, wherein said tubular support extends into an annular gap formed between said upright pole and said spring fingers and said tubular support is clamped to said upright pole by a circular clamp round said spring fingers.
13. A holder arrangement according to any of claims 6 to 12, wherein at least a lower end said upright pole is tubular, said holder arrangement further comprising a locating peg which in use is secured at ground level and which projects into said tubular lower end.
14. A holder arrangement according to any of claims 6 to 13, wherein said upright pole is supported by three or more legs whose upper ends are secured thereto by a clamp.
15. A holder arrangement according to claim 14 wherein lower ends of said legs have apertures for receiving further locating pegs.
16. A holder arrangement according to claim 14 or claim 15 wherein said upright pole comprises two mating tubular sections, wherein said clamp securing said three or morc legs surrounds the junction of said mating tubular sections.
17. A holder arrangement substantially as described hereinabove with reference to Figures 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings.
18. Akit of parts for a holder arrangement as claimed in any of claims 6 to 17, the kit comprising a holder as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, a pole for supporting said holder, optionally legs for supporting said pole and optionally locating pegs.
19. A holder for a drinks can or bottle of drink, the holder being substantially as described hereinabove with reference to Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.
20. A holder arrangement for a drinks can or bottle of drink, the arrangement comprising an upright central pole carrying a generally cylindrical holder shaped and dimensioned to hold a drinks can or a bottle of drink, an array of legs extending radially outwardly from thc ccntral pole, the lower cnd of the central polc being at substantially the same height as the outer ends of said legs, and at least one locating peg which is removably engageable with a locating portion of said lower end to prevent latcral movcment thercof in usc whcn the peg is embedded in the ground.
21. A holder arrangement according to claim 20 wherein lower ends of said legs have apertures for receiving further locating pegs.
22. A holder arrangement according to claim 20 or claim 21 wherein said upright pole comprises two mating tubular sections and a clamp secures upper ends of said legs around the junction of said mating tubular sections.
23.A holder arrangement according to any of claims 20 to 22 wherein said upright central pole is tubular and said locating portion thereof is its bore.
24. A holder arrangement according to any of claims 20 to 23 wherein said holder is as claimed in any of daims I to 5.
25. Akit of parts for a holder arrangement as claimed in any of claims 20 to 24, the kit compnsrng a generally cylindrical holder shaped and dimensioned to hold a drinks can or a bottle of drink, a central pole for supporting said holder, legs radially connectable to said central pole and at least one locating peg which is removably engageable with a locating portion of a lower end of said central pole.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A table arrangement for supporting a drinks can or a bottle of drink at or near table height, the arrangement comprising a table having an aperture therein, and a holder for a drinks can or bottle of drink, the holder comprising a base, a peripheral sidewall extending upwardly from the base and shaped and dimensioned to form a cylindrical recess for engaging the lower end of a drinks can or bottle so as to prevent it from being toppled over, and a generally tubular support which extends downwardly from the base below the lower edge of the peripheral sidewall and projects downwardly into the aperture in the table.2. A table arrangement according to claim 1 wherein said generally tubular support comprises an annular array of resilient lingers.(\J 15 3. A table arrangement according to claim I or claim 2, wherein said height is equal to or greater than half said diameter. ci)0 4. A table arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein said peripheral sidewall and support are integrally formed from metal wire.5. A table arrangement according to claim 4, wherein said support comprises an upper ring defining an upper edge of said peripheral sidewall, a parallel lower ring defining ajunction between a lower edge of said peripheral sidewall and said base, and a circumferentially-distributed array of wires connecting said upper and lower rings, extending radially inwardly from said lower ring to form said base and projecting downwardly from said base to form said support.6. A table arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an upright pole engages said generally tubular support of said holder.7. A table arrangement according to claim 6, wherein said generally tubular support of said holder is clamped amund the upper end of said upright pole.8. A table arrangement according toany preceding claim, wherein said table has recesses or cut-out portions for holding snacks or wine glasses..9. A table arrangement according to any prcecding claim, wherein said base of said holder rests on said table.10. A table arrangement according to any of claims6 to 9, wherein said table is supported on said upright pole.11. Atable arrangement according to any of claims 6 to 10, wherein said table is C"J 15 provided with an array of spring fingers around said aperture and said spring fingers and said tubular support of said holder are clamped to said upright pole.12. A table arrangement according to claim 11, wherein said tubular support extends 0 into an annular gap formed between said upright pole and said spring fingers and said tubular support is clamped to said upright pole by a circular clamp round said spring fingers.13. A table arrangement according to any of claims 6 to 12, wherein at least a lower end said upright pole is tubular, said table arrangement further comprising a locating peg which in use is secured at ground level and which projects into said tubular lower end.14. A table arrangement according to any of claims 6 to 13, wherein said upright pole is supported by three or more legs whose upper ends are secured thereto by a clamp.15. A table arrangement according to claim 14 wherein lower ends of said legs have apertures for receiving further locating pegs.16. A table arrangement according to claim 14 or claim 15 wherein said upright pole comprises two mating tubular sections, wherein said clamp securing said three or more legs surrounds the junction of said mating tubular sections.17. A table arrangement according to any preceding claim wherein said cylindrical recess of said holder has a diameter of 80 to 90mm and a height of 50mm to 100mm to accommodate a wine bottle, or has a diameter of from 66.5 mm to 70 mm and a height of 60 mm to 130 mm to accommodate a standard drinks can, or has a diameter of 70mm to 80mm and a height of 60mm to 200mm to accommodate a stubby 350 ml beer bottle.18. A table arrangement substantially as described hereinabove with reference to Figures Ito 5 of the accompanying drawings.19. Akit of pafts for a table arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, the kit comprising a holder as defined in any of claims I to 5, optionally a supporting pole, C optionally legs for stabilising said supporting pole and optionally locating pegs.20. A kit of parts according to claim 19,herein at least one locating peg is removably cngagcablc with a locating portion of a lower end of said supporting pole.