GB2543111A

GB2543111A - Portable beverage holder assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2543111A
Application number: GB1602184.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Norton Christopher
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-10-05
Filing date: 2016-02-08
Publication date: 2017-04-12
Also published as: GB201602184D0; GB201517549D0

Abstract

A portable beverage container assembly comprises an upright member 10 (fig. 1) Connected to the upright are a plurality of repositionable legs 12, a parasol or umbrella canopy 14, and a plurality of collapsible beverage container holders 24 connected between the legs and the parasol. The assembly is deployable from a stowed condition in which the parasol and the legs are each collapsed against the upright. When stowed, the holders may collapse between the upright and the parasol with the legs overlapping an edge of the parasol so as to retain both parasol and holders. The upright may have two or more releasably lockable and telescopically extendable parts. An internal power source connected to at least one Universal Serial Bus (USB) on the upright and to at least one solar cell on the parasol may be provided on the upright.

Description

PORTABLE BEVERAGE HOLDER ASSEMBLY

The present invention relates to a portable beverage holder assembly and particularly, though not exclusively, to such an assembly for use in a sporting, beach or poolside setting.

An essential accessory in hot climates for many beach goers and pool users is a means of providing shade against direct exposure to the sun. Most commonly, shade is provided by parasols of varying sizes which may be inserted into the ground, or supported by a table, or by a weighted base. Not only do parasols protect a person against over-heating and exposure to ultraviolet radiation, they also allow a person’s possessions, food and drink to be shaded from direct exposure to the sun. A problem often associated with parasols is that they generally do not provide a level and stable surface upon which beverages and other items may be securely stored. Those that provide such a table surface usually do so at the expense of physical space beneath the centre of the parasol thus reducing the area available for accommodating one or more persons in the shade. Moreover, as the sun becomes lower in the sly, the shade provided by a parasol will move away from any fixed central table surface meaning that beverages and other personal possessions may become exposed to sunlight; and/or may not be within convenient arm’s reach.

It is known to provide devices capable of attachment to individual beverage containers for shading the container and its contents from exposure to direct sunlight. Examples of such a device are disclosed in patent publication Nos. WO 2011/023826 A1 and in US 2004/0200739 Al. Such standalone devices provide shade independently of any other shading means such as a parasol and allow beverage containers to, for example, be placed on a poolside surface or embedded into the sand on a beach. However, such devices are liable to be accidentally knocked over; the beverages therein are liable to heating via conduction from the ground; and devices of this type do not allow multiple beverages to be shaded simultaneously.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a portable beverage holder assembly comprising: an upright member; a plurality of repositionable legs connected to the upright member; a collapsible shade member connected to the upright member at, or proximate, an upper distal end thereof; and a plurality of collapsible beverage container holders connected to the upright member above the legs and below the shade member; wherein the assembly is deployable from a stowed condition in which the shade member and the legs are each collapsed against the upright member.

Optionally, when the assembly is in its stowed condition: (i) the collapsible beverage container holders are collapsed between the upright member and the shade member; and (ii) the legs are positioned so as to overlap a perimeter edge of the collapsed shade member and retain it, and the underlying beverage container holders, in their collapsed positions.

It will be appreciated that the collapsible nature of the assembly promotes its ease of storage and transportation. For example, when fully collapsed into its stowed condition, the assembly may have a weight and dimensions similar to that of a small umbrella.

Optionally, the upright member comprises at least two parts which are telescopically extendable relative to one another.

Optionally, the upright member is cylindrical.

Optionally, the upright member comprises an internal power source.

Optionally, the shade member includes at least one solar cell connectable to the internal power source.

Optionally, at least one Universal Serial Bus (USB) port is provided externally on the upright member and connected to the internal power source.

Advantageously, the provision of a power source (rechargeable by conventional or solar means) provides an electrical output suitable for powering personal electronic devices such as mobile telephones. Preferably, at least two USB ports are provided for this purpose. Furthermore, a wireless WiFi and/or Bluetooth® dongle can be inserted into one of the USB ports to convert the portable beverage holder assembly into a wireless network access point or "hotspot” facilitating internet/intranet connectivity and/or data exchange.

Optionally, the telescopic parts of the upright member may be releasably locked in any desired position relative to one another to facilitate raising and lowering of the shade member relative to the legs.

Conveniently, the releasable locking and unlocking of the telescopic parts may be affected by a rotation of one telescopic part relative to the other.

Optionally, a collar member is mounted externally on the upright member at a position above the legs and below the shade member.

Optionally, the collar member comprises a circumferential lip, and the collapsible beverage container holders are removably engageable therewith.

Optionally, the collapsible beverage container holders are indirectly engageable with the circumferential lip via a clip member.

Conveniently, the clip member may be removed from the circumferential lip of the collar member and engaged with other items. For example, clip receiving members having the same function of the circumferential lip may be attached - e.g. by means of semipermanent adhesive pads - to other items such as sun-loungers, walls etc.

Optionally, the collapsible beverage container holders are circumferentially repositionable around the periphery of the collar member.

For example, the clip members may be freely slidable on the circumferential lip of the collar portion, and optionally lockable in a desired position.

Optionally, the collapsible beverage container holders are formed from a flexible mesh material.

Alternatively, the collapsible beverage container holders are formed from a flexible foam material. A suitable foam material is Neoprene® in view of its temperature insulation properties which would assist in keeping beverages cool or hot as appropriate.

Optionally, the collapsible beverage container holders are provided with a deformable circular wire rim.

Optionally, three legs are provided around the periphery of the upright member at, or proximate, the lower distal end thereof, and each spaced from an adjacent leg by a 120 degree angle.

Optionally, the legs are capable of 180 degree hingeable movement between a fully stowed condition and a fully deployed condition.

It will be appreciated that when the legs are positioned so as to overlap a perimeter edge of the collapsed shade member and retain it, and the underlying beverage container holders, in their collapsed positions, this involves each leg forming a 0 degree angle (+/-5 degrees) with respect to the upright member. When rotated to their fully extended conditions, this involves each leg forming a 180 degree angle (+/- 5 degrees) with respect to the upright member. When in the latter position, the legs may be pushed into soft ground to anchor the assembly.

Optionally, a hinge portion of each leg is provided with cam surfaces which urge each leg into one of a plurality of predetermined angular orientations with respect to the upright member.

Optionally, the hinge portion of each leg is provided with at least two cam surfaces corresponding to two predetermined intermediate angular orientations of each leg between the fully stowed and deployed conditions.

Optionally, a first predetermined intermediate angular orientation of each leg involves each leg forming a 90 degree angle with respect to the upright member.

It will be appreciated that such an arrangement will maximise the surface contact area between the legs and an underlying flat surface such as a table top or paved surface, and hence promote stability.

Optionally, a second predetermined intermediate angular orientation of each leg involves each leg forming an angle with respect to the upright member falling within the range of 120 to 150 degrees.

It will be appreciated that such an arrangement will raise the upright member and the collapsible beverage container holders above the ground. This arrangement may be better suited to softer or undulating ground surfaces such as sand or grass.

Preferably, the second predetermined intermediate angular orientation of each leg involves each leg forming a 135 degree angle with respect to the upright member.

Optionally, an aperture is provided proximate the free end of each leg to facilitate its anchoring into a ground surface by means of a peg.

Optionally, a plurality of pegs may be releasably retained on the upright member.

Optionally, a graspable handle is provided at, or towards, an upper distal end of the upright member above the shade member.

Optionally, an inwardly facing surface of the shade member is provided with a pocket, loop or fastening means for accommodating a lighting accessory.

For example, the lighting accessory may take the form of a glow stick, an LED lights or the like which illuminates the underlying collapsible beverage container holders and/or is visible through the material of the shade member from its exterior surface. Such an arrangement facilitates use of the assembly in low light conditions and provides diverse possibilities for branding.

Optionally, the shade member is formed from a lightweight foam material. A suitable foam material is Neoprene® which could be provided with a water repellent coating.

It will be appreciated that the shade member may be provided with advertising messages on an outer surface thereof. It will therefore be desirable for the shade member to be removable from the upright member and interchangeable to allow different or bespoke advertising messages to be displayed.

Further features and advantages of aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:-

Fig. 1 is a side view of a portable beverage holder assembly in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view from above of the portable beverage holder assembly of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a side view of the portable beverage holder assembly in which its upright member is in a retracted position;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the portable beverage holder assembly of Fig. 3 through lines A-A;

Fig. 5 shows two partial views of a collar member externally mounted on the upright member of the portable beverage holder assembly;

Fig. 6 shows a cutaway view of the portable beverage holder assembly exposing the hollow telescopic cylindrical interior of its upright member;

Figs. 7a to 7c show the portable beverage holder assembly with its legs in stowed, first intermediate, and second intermediate positions, respectively;

Fig. 8 shows the portable beverage holder assembly with its legs in their first intermediate position, and a peg for anchoring the leg in the ground;

Figs. 9a and 9b show side and perspective view of a mesh beverage holder having a clip member connected to its rim for attachment to a collar member of the portable beverage holder assembly;

Figs. 10a to 10c show three views of the shade member which is removably attachable to the upright member of the portable beverage holder assembly;

Figs. 11a and lib shows side and perspective views of the portable beverage holder assembly in its fully collapsed condition whereby the mesh beverage holders have been removed from the collar member; and the shade member is retained in its collapsed condition by the legs;

Fig. 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the portable beverage holder assembly including USB ports on its upright member. A portable beverage holder assembly according to the present invention is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. It comprises a telescopic upright member 10 having an upper telescopic member 10a and a lower telescopic member 10b. The telescopic members 10a, 10b can be extended (as shown in Figs 1 and 2) or retracted (as shown in Figs. 3 and 4) relative to one another; and may be locked in position, by means of a conventional twist lock/release mechanism.

Three legs 12 are hingedly connected to the lower telescopic member 10b proximate its lower distal end. Each leg 12 is spaced from its two adjacent legs by an angle of 120 degrees. In the example shown in Fig. 1 the legs 12 extend substantially perpendicularly with respect to the lower telescopic member 10b thus maximising the surface contact area with an underlying surface. The hinge mechanism of each leg 12 may be provided with cooperating cam surfaces which urge the legs into one of at least three different angular positions relative to the lower telescopic member 10b as shown in Figs 7a to 7c, and described in more detail below. An aperture is provided proximate the outward distal ends of each leg 12 to facilitate anchoring of the portable beverage holder assembly by means of series of pegs as best shown in Figs. 6 and 8. The pegs may be clipped on to the collar of the upright member 10 or stored inside the cylindrical upright member and accessible via a removable cap attached to the legs 12. A shade member 14 is connectable to the upper telescopic member 10a proximate its upper distal end. The shade member 14 may be in the form of a conventional collapsible umbrella mechanism; or it may be in the form of a lightweight foam material, such as Neoprene®. As best shown in the sectional view of Fig. 4, a carry handle 16 is attached to the upper telescopic member 10a and extends through a central aperture in the shade member 14 to facilitate ease of transportation of the portable beverage holder assembly in its fully deployed condition; and in its fully stowed condition as described in more detail below in association with Fig. 11. The shade member 14 is arranged to be removable/interchangeable. This is achieved by rotation of a cap 15 at the apex of the shade member 14 having an internal screw thread (see Fig. 10c) which engages with a corresponding external screw thread (see Figs. 4 and 6) provided at the upper distal end of the upper telescopic member 10a. As best shown in Figs. 10a and 10c the inner surface of the shade member 14 is provide with three pockets 17 into which may be located single-use chemiluminescent glow sticks, or re-usable LED lights and the like for downwards illumination and/or for illuminating through a translucent material of the shade member 14. When not in use, the glow sticks or LED lights may be stored inside the cylindrical upright member and accessible via a removable cap attached to the legs 12. A battery (not shown) may be removably inserted in a compartment within the upright member 10. The battery may be electrically connected to at least one Universal Serial Bus (USB) port provided externally on the upright member 10 (see Fig. 12) for powering handheld electronic devices. A number of solar cells (not shown) may be provided on the upper surface of the shade member 14 to facilitate recharging of the battery. A wireless WiFi and/or Bluetooth® dongle may be inserted into one of the USB ports to convert the portable beverage holder assembly into a wireless network access point or "hotspot” facilitating internet/intranet connectivity and/or data exchange. A collar member 18 is mounted externally on the lower telescopic member 10b and presents an upwardly directed circumferential lip 20a and annular channel 20b, as best shown in Fig. 5. The collar member 18 may be fixed on the lower telescopic member 10b, or alternatively is repositionable upwards and downwards along its length. The width of the annular channel 20b accommodates five clip members 22 which are in turn each connected to a mesh beverage holder 24. The clip members 22 may be circumferentially repositionable around the lip 20a.

The clip member 22 and mesh beverage holder 24 are shown in more detail in Figs. 9a and 9b. The mesh may be in the form of a knitted flexible synthetic polymer (e.g. nylon) or textile fabric which is urged into a cylindrical shape by a circular base and/or rim 26 formed from a flexible rubber, plastic or wire. The clip member 22 is provided with a laterally extending passage through which the rim 26 extends to form a permanent connection between the clip member and the mesh beverage holder 24.

In use, the portable beverage holder assembly may be deployed from its fully stowed condition (shown in Figs. 11a and lib) to its fully deployed condition (shown in Figs. 1 and 2). When in the fully stowed condition the mesh beverage holders 24 and their associated clips 22 may be removed from the collar member 18; the latter having been repositioned towards the lower end of the lower telescopic member 10b. The upper telescopic members 10a is telescopically retracted within the lower telescopic member 10b to minimise the overall length of the upright member 10; and the shade member 14 is collapsed against the outer surface of the lower telescopic member 10b such that its peripheral edge lies above the collar member 18. Finally, the legs 12 are pivoted upwardly such that they extend substantially parallel to the upright member 10. The aforementioned cam surfaces provided in the legs’ hinge mechanisms help to retain them in this position until a predetermined threshold force is applied thereto. The length of the legs 12 is such that they overlap the collar member 18 and extend past the peripheral edge of the shade member 14. In doing so, the shade member 14 is retained in its collapsed position by virtue of the fact that its outermost peripheral edge is interposed between the upright member 10 and the three legs 12. Whilst the presence of the cam surfaces within the hinge mechanism may themselves be sufficient to resist opening of the shade member 14 and legs 12, a stud or Velcro® fastener or equivalent may be attached to the either or both to retain them in the stowed condition.

In an alternative arrangement (not shown), the first collar member 18 may be interposed between the upright member 10 and the shade member 14 when the latter is in its collapsed position. Indeed, the mesh beverage holders 24 and their associated clips 22 need not be removed from the collar member 18 when the portable beverage holder assembly is in its fully stowed condition. The flexible and collapsible nature of the mesh beverage holders 24 and their rims 26 allow them to also be interposed between the upright member 10 and the shade member 14 when the latter is in its collapsed position.

When in its fully stowed condition, the portable beverage holder assembly has a compact footprint and is readily transportable by means of its carry handle 16. The assembly is deployed from its stowed condition by releasing the stud or Velcro® fastener (if any) and pivoting the legs 12 downwards, e.g. to one of the positions shown in Fig. 7b or 7c. In doing so, the shade member 14 can be expanded so as to move it away from the upright member 10 and raise it above the collar member 18 which may or may not have mesh beverage holders 24 attached thereto. If the mesh beverage holders 24 are attached, their inherent resilience will result in them expanding to the position shown in Fig. 1 and 2. The height of the shade member above the mesh beverage holders 24 may be varied via the aforementioned twist lock/release mechanism (e.g. see Fig. 1 vs. Fig. 7b) thus ensuring that any beverages are maintained in the shade. Moreover, the overall height of the portable beverage holder assembly may be varied further by altering the angular orientation of the legs 12 relative to the upright member 10. For example, it will be appreciated that the orientation of the legs shown in Fig. 7b may be more suited to level surfaces such as table tops or ground paving whereas the orientation shown in Fig. 7c better accommodates softer or uneven ground, such as sand and grass.

It will be appreciated that in all circumstances the mesh beverage holders 24 are raised off the ground at a convenient height for a user sitting in a chair or lying in a sun lounger. Raising the holders 24 off the ground also eliminates heat conduction from the underlying ground.

It is envisaged that the portable beverage holder assembly of the present invention may find application in the hotel industry, particular in resorts in warmer climates having beaches or pools. Not only does the invention provide a core practical benefit in terms of the conveyance, storage and shading of beverages (and perhaps other foodstuffs or objects), but advertising opportunities also arise in terms of providing promotional messages on a distinctive and noticeable product. In particular, the exterior surface of the shade member may be provided with interchangeable branding campaigns.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been disclosed herein in detail, this has been done by way of example and for the purposes of illustration only. The aforementioned embodiments are not intended to be limiting with respect to the scope of the appended claims. It is contemplated by the inventor that various substitutions, alterations, and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

For example, whilst the a beverage container holder is described and claimed, it will be appreciated that other small personal possession may be retained therein instead of, or in addition to, beverage containers,, e.g. food items, mobile telephones, watches, coins etc. The shade member 14 can be altered in size to provide better shade and/or more or less space for advertising messages. In addition to being height-variable, the angle of the shade member may also be varied by a suitable adaptation of its connection to the upright member 10.

Claims

1. A portable beverage holder assembly comprising: an upright member; a plurality of repositionable legs connected to the upright member; a collapsible shade member connected to the upright member at, or proximate, an upper distal end thereof; and a plurality of collapsible beverage container holders connected to the upright member above the legs and below the shade member; wherein the assembly is deployable from a stowed condition in which the shade member and the legs are each collapsed against the upright member.

2. A portable beverage holder assembly according to claim 1, wherein when the assembly is in its stowed condition: (i) the collapsible beverage container holders are collapsed between the upright member and the shade member; and (ii) the legs are positioned so as to overlap a perimeter edge of the collapsed shade member and retain it, and the underlying beverage container holders, in their collapsed positions.

3. A portable beverage holder assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upright member comprises at least two parts which are telescopically extendable relative to one another.

4. A portable beverage holder assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the upright member is cylindrical.

5. A portable beverage holder assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the upright member comprises an internal power source.

6. A portable beverage holder assembly according to claim 5, wherein the shade member includes at least one solar cell connectable to the internal power source.

7. A portable beverage holder assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein at least one Universal Serial Bus (USB) port is provided externally on the upright member and connected to the internal power source.

8. A portable beverage holder assembly according to claim 3, wherein the telescopic parts of the upright member may be releasably locked in any desired position relative to one another to facilitate raising and lowering of the shade member relative to the legs.

9. A portable beverage holder assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein a first collar member is mounted externally on the upright member at a position above the legs and below the shade member.

10. A portable beverage holder assembly according to claim 9, wherein the collar member comprises a circumferential lip, and the collapsible beverage container holders are removably engageable therewith.

11. A portable beverage holder assembly according to claim 10, wherein the collapsible beverage container holders are indirectly engageable the circumferential lip via a clip member.

12. A portable beverage holder assembly according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the collapsible beverage container holders are circumferentially repositionable around the periphery of the collar member.

13. A portable beverage holder assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the collapsible beverage container holders are formed from a flexible mesh material.

14. A portable beverage holder assembly according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the collapsible beverage container holders are formed from a flexible foam material.

15. A portable beverage holder assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the collapsible beverage container holders are provided with a deformable circular wire rim.

16. A portable beverage holder assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein three legs are provided around the periphery of the upright member at, or proximate, the lower distal end thereof, and each spaced from an adjacent leg by a 120 degree angle.

17. A portable beverage holder assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the legs are capable of 180 degree hingeable movement between a fully stowed condition and a fully deployed condition.

18. A portable beverage holder assembly according to claim 17, wherein a hinge portion of each leg is provided with cam surfaces which urge each leg into one of a plurality of predetermined angular orientations with respect to the upright member.

19. A portable beverage holder assembly according to claim 18, wherein the hinge portion of each leg is provided with at least two cam surfaces corresponding to two predetermined intermediate angular orientations of each leg between the fully stowed and deployed conditions.

20. A portable beverage holder assembly according to claim 19, wherein a first predetermined intermediate angular orientation of each leg involves each leg forming a 90 degree angle with respect to the upright member.

21. A portable beverage holder assembly according to claim 19 or 20, wherein a second predetermined intermediate angular orientation of each leg involves each leg forming an angle with respect to the upright member falling within the range of 120 to 150 degrees.

22. A portable beverage holder assembly according to claim 21, wherein the second predetermined intermediate angular orientation of each leg involves each leg forming a 135 degree angle with respect to the upright member.

23. A portable beverage holder assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein an aperture is provided proximate the free end of each leg to facilitate its anchoring into a ground surface by means of a peg.

24. A portable beverage holder assembly according to claim 23, wherein a plurality of pegs may be releasably retained on the upright member.

25. A portable beverage holder assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein a graspable handle is provided at, or towards, an upper distal end of the upright member above the shade member.

26. A portable beverage holder assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein an inwardly facing surface of the shade member is provided with a pocket, loop or fastening means for accommodating a lighting accessory.

27. A portable beverage holder assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the shade member is formed from a lightweight foam material.