US20060091275A1 - Apparatus for holding a liquid container - Google Patents
Apparatus for holding a liquid container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060091275A1 US20060091275A1 US10/977,022 US97702204A US2006091275A1 US 20060091275 A1 US20060091275 A1 US 20060091275A1 US 97702204 A US97702204 A US 97702204A US 2006091275 A1 US2006091275 A1 US 2006091275A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- container
- support
- disk
- base part
- receiving socket
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
- B44D—PAINTING OR ARTISTIC DRAWING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; PRESERVING PAINTINGS; SURFACE TREATMENT TO OBTAIN SPECIAL ARTISTIC SURFACE EFFECTS OR FINISHES
- B44D3/00—Accessories or implements for use in connection with painting or artistic drawing, not otherwise provided for; Methods or devices for colour determination, selection, or synthesis, e.g. use of colour tables
- B44D3/12—Paint cans; Brush holders; Containers for storing residual paint
- B44D3/14—Holders for paint cans
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D25/20—External fittings
- B65D25/24—External fittings for spacing bases of containers from supporting surfaces, e.g. legs
Definitions
- the invention claimed and disclosed herein pertains generally to supporting liquid containers, and more particularly to supporting such containers for the purpose of stabilizing the containers against being knocked over.
- a need is therefore realized for an apparatus that can be used to receive and hold liquid containers against inadvertent tipping.
- One embodiment of the invention provides for an apparatus that will hold a liquid container on a horizontal support surface to reduce the risk of the container being knocked over.
- the apparatus can be comprised of a container receiving socket formed by the container support and configured to slidably and releasably receive a liquid container in an upright orientation with respect to the support surface.
- a support surface engaging base part is connected to, and spaced outwardly of, the container receiving socket and at least partially circumscribes the container support.
- the invention can be provided as an apparatus with a container support that defines a container receiving socket that is configured to slidably receive a liquid container in an upright orientation with respect to the support surface.
- a disk defines a support surface engaging base part and the container support joins with, and is substantially centered on, the disk, with the support engaging base part extending outward of, and at least partially about, the support surface.
- a further aspect of the invention includes an apparatus for holding an upright liquid container on a horizontal support surface to reduce the risk of the container being knocked over in which a flat disk is formed of a flexible material defining a perimeter.
- the disk also defines a central container receiving opening disposed radially inward of the perimeter and formed about a central axis, about which a plurality of angularly disposed tabs are spaced.
- the tabs are foldable about non radial fold lines with respect to the axis from positions substantially coplanar with the flat disk, to substantially upright axial positions.
- the tabs include leg edges that in the upright positions, face inwardly and define a container receiving socket.
- FIG. 1 is perspective view of an apparatus exemplifying one form of the invention
- FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a side elevation view showing multiple apparatus in a stacked orientation
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another form of the apparatus with a liquid container shown by dashed lines;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another form of the present apparatus.
- FIG. 5A is an enlarged fragmented detail view of an area identified at 5 A in FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment
- FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the apparatus shown by FIG. 7 and further showing a liquid container received therein;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the apparatus.
- FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 only showing tabs of the apparatus folded upwardly.
- Embodiments of the present invention are exemplified in the drawings and will be described using reference numerals to identify various elements and features. Identical or similar elements or features will bear the same reference numerals, and for brevity, description of one element or feature can be understood as describing all other similar or identical elements or features.
- Embodiments of the present invention are generally designated in the accompanying drawings by reference numeral 10 , all of which are intended for use to hold a liquid container 11 with respect to a horizontal support surface 12 ( FIG. 4 ) to reduce the risk of the container being knocked over.
- the exemplary embodiments provide a base part 14 that extends at least partially about a container support 15 for engagement with the support surface.
- the various exemplary embodiments also provide container receiving sockets 16 that are configured to slidably receive liquid containers 11 .
- the sockets 16 and other elements can be formed about a central axis “X”.
- liquid container 11 and the support surface 12 are not part of the present invention, and are used only to aid in description of the invention and components thereof.
- the illustrated apparatus 10 has a disk 19 as a specific example of the base part 14 , and upstanding container engaging members 22 that are exemplary of the container support 15 .
- the disk 19 can be flat and substantially circular with a perimeter 20 formed about a central axis X, and sized in relation to the type of container to be received. That is to say, to hold a container of a given width or diameter (see exemplary dimension D in FIG. 8 ) the present apparatus can be produced with a disk 19 having a somewhat larger diameter or width.
- the disk can have a diameter approximately 1.5 times or more than the width (or diameter) of the container. The disk will thereby effectively increase the “footprint” of the container and correspondingly increase resistance to tipping.
- the height or axial extent of the upstanding container engaging members 21 can be related to the axial height of the container being used.
- Container engaging members 21 that span at least approximately 0.20 of the container height can, along with the horizontal extent of the disk 19 , effectively stabilize containers against tipping in response to a lateral blow.
- the disk 19 is depicted as being circular, other disk shapes, including rectilinear shapes, can be used.
- the container engaging members 21 can also be of different shapes than illustrated.
- the container engaging members instead of having the pyramidal shapes as depicted, rounded, block, or other shapes can be employed.
- the disk 19 can be made of paper, recycled cardstock, plastic, or another fairly rigid material. Further, production of the units can be accomplished by conventional techniques such as die stamping, molding, thermoforming, injection molding, blow molding, etc.
- a plurality of the upstanding container engaging members 21 can be provided on the disk 19 as integral parts thereof, or as attachments thereto.
- the members 21 can be disposed about the disk to define the socket 16 for slidably receiving a liquid container 11 .
- the container engaging members 21 can be of generally tapered configurations as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 , and can be equally spaced to facilitate nesting as suggested by FIG. 3 .
- Stacking openings 22 FIGS. 1 and 2 ) can be formed through the disk 19 for each container engaging member 21 , to facilitate compact nested stacking as depicted in FIG. 3 .
- the openings 22 can be made to be complimentary in cross section to the upstanding container engaging members 21 , and spaced apart to axially receive the members 21 .
- the disk 19 , and/or the container engaging members 21 can be printed with advertising or other indicia. This can be true for any configuration of the apparatus 11 .
- the indicia can be applied for commercial, entertainment, educational, or other graphic communication purpose.
- FIGS. 4-6 are provided to illustrate further exemplary forms of the apparatus 10 .
- FIGS. 4 and 5 show the base part 14 as being convex between the container support 15 and a peripheral rim 29 . This configuration allows for the container support 15 to be spaced elevationally above a support surface 12 .
- Variations of a spill or overflow catching well 26 can be defined along the base part between the rim 29 and support 15 to catch spilled liquid.
- the well 26 occupies a small annular space between the container support flange 27 and the convex outward surface of the base part 14 .
- the outward surface of the base part 14 is formed at a shallow angle, thereby increasing the capacity of the well 26 .
- the well 26 can extend across a flat base part 14 for maximum volume retention.
- FIGS. 4 and 5 depict container supports 15 that are formed as axial central sleeves 25 .
- the sleeves 25 can be produced as integral parts of the apparatus 10 .
- the sleeves 25 can be integral with the remaining parts of the apparatuses 10 , and be formed of plastic or other appropriate material that can be shaped by known techniques such as thermoforming, injection molding, fiber compression, or others.
- Either or both configurations of the sleeves 25 can also be made to extend axially downward to a container support flange 27 ( FIGS. 5, 5A ).
- the support flange 27 can be of an annular form and can extend radially inward of the associated sleeve part to at least partially close the socket 16 and provide a container support shelf.
- the support flange 27 can be situated above the support surface 12 to somewhat elevate a received container 11 .
- the base part 14 is smoothly arcuate or domed.
- the FIG. 5 shape includes a slightly gentler incline of the base part 14 leading to an abrupt rise to the sleeve part 25 .
- the different surface curvatures reflect a choice of aesthetics for the apparatus, and, on the functional side can facilitate stacking or nesting of multiple units in a relatively small axial space.
- the inward-facing surface 24 of the sleeve 25 that defines the socket 16 can be provided with a container-engaging feature 23 , as depicted in FIGS. 5 and 5 A, of a textured surface or the like.
- the container-engaging feature 23 is configured to engage a container when the container is placed in the socket 16 so that, when the container is lifted vertically, the apparatus 10 remains engaged with the container. This can be a useful feature if, for example, the container is a paint can, and the paint can is moved from place-to-place during use. The container can then be removed from the apparatus 10 by placing a downward force on the apparatus 10 , while exerting an upward force on the container.
- the container-engaging feature 23 is depicted as a series of raised dimples 23 a that are spaced about the socket circumference.
- the dimples 23 a can be equi-angularly spaced about the surface 24 , and project radially inwardly into the socket 16 enough to interfere slightly with, say, the container rim R (depicted in dashed lines in FIG. 5A ) of a paint can as it is being inserted into the socket 16 .
- the dimples 23 a can project radially approximately 0.0025 inches into the socket.
- the rim R of the container 11 can snap over the dimples 23 a before engaging the support flange 27 .
- the container can thus be captured axially and secured to the apparatus between the support flange 27 and dimples 23 a , at least to the extent that when the container 11 is lifted, the apparatus 10 will also be lifted.
- the apparatus 10 is held axially secure (as by a user's hand or foot holding the apparatus against the support surface 12 ) as the container 11 is lifted, the container rim R can again snap over the dimples 23 a and the container 11 can be pulled upwardly from the socket 16 .
- the container-engaging feature 23 can be a rubberized component, for example in the shape of a strip or a sleeve, that can be attached to the surface 24 , to thereby engage a container that is placed in the socket 16 .
- the container-engaging feature 23 can be applied or integral texturing on the surface 24 .
- Still other forms of the container-engaging feature 23 can be employed, such as a Velcro®-like fabric or similar material (not shown) applied to at least a part of the surface 24 .
- Velcro is a registered trademark of Velcro S. A. Corporation Switzerland Lenzerheide of Grisons Switzerland.
- FIG. 6 can be made to employ container engaging members 28 that are functionally similar to the upstanding container engaging members 21 of the FIG. 1 embodiment.
- the members 28 project upwardly and are spaced about the base part 14 to define the container receiving socket 16 .
- These members 28 can also be made hollow and upwardly tapered to facilitate stacking.
- the relatively flat base part 14 can function to stabilize containers on support surfaces provide an enlarged well 26 to catch spilled liquids.
- the apparatus 10 is shown to be comprised of a formed disk 31 , and the container support 15 is exemplified as resilient fingers 32 that can be formed about a substantially central opening that serves as the container receiving socket 16 .
- the disk material can be selected from flexible materials in order to lend flexibility to the fingers 32 .
- the fingers 32 can bend downwardly against a container 11 that has been pushed into the socket 16 from above, as illustrated in FIG. 8 . Further, the fingers 32 can bend upwardly against a container 11 when the apparatus 10 is placed over the top of the container 11 and pushed downwardly to the position depicted in FIG. 8 .
- the disk 31 can be formed of sheet material by conventional techniques to include a circular perimeter 30 as illustrated in FIG. 7 .
- Other perimeter configurations can be used in this embodiment as in others; so another curvilinear, or even polygonal shape can be used with at least a portion of the perimeter edge resting against the support to function as the base part 14 .
- the base part 14 of the apparatus 10 of FIG. 8 can be formed with an upturned peripheral rim (not shown) at the perimeter 30 to form a spill catching well, in an identical or similar manner as the rim 29 depicted in the FIGS. 4 and 5 forms the liquid capturing well 26 .
- That portion of the disk 31 inside of the perimeter 30 can be formed in a dome, conical, or other convex shape.
- the engaged fingers can flex downwardly.
- the engaged fingers 32 can be of sufficient length to be bent into contact with the support surface 12 .
- the bent fingers 32 can thus provide axial support for the base part 14 .
- the container 11 can also rest against the surface ( FIG. 8 ), along with the bent fingers 32 and the perimeter 30 of the disk 31 , to provide the stabilizing function.
- FIGS. 7 and 8 configurations can be used with beverage cans that can have a general height dimension H of approximately 4.5 inches.
- the long fingers 32 can thus be designed, for example, to contact this form of container along about one inch of the overall axial container height H ( FIG. 8 ), which can be considered to be a minimal axial contact extent.
- Other versions of the apparatus (as suggested above) can provide for more extended axial container contact.
- the illustrated resilient fingers 32 can be of different radial lengths. This can be done to accommodate the longer fingers 32 which can be bent downwardly into contact with the support surface 12 .
- the shorter fingers can also be engaged and flex against the container.
- the fingers can exhibit a bias to return, at least partially, from the down-turned position depicted in FIG. 8 (and, alternately, from an up-turned position, not shown) to the position depicted in FIG. 7 .
- the fingers 32 engage the container 11 so that when the container is lifted upwardly, the apparatus 10 can remain engaged and move along with the container. This can be a useful feature for containers such as paint cans and the like which may be moved from place-to-place during use.
- the exemplary embodiment of apparatus 10 depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10 is provided initially as a disk 33 , formed of a foldable material such as reconstituted paper, plastic or another material that can be die stamped or otherwise shaped into a substantially flat configuration.
- a foldable material such as reconstituted paper, plastic or another material that can be die stamped or otherwise shaped into a substantially flat configuration.
- the disk 33 can be converted from the flat FIG. 9 configuration to the operative condition shown in FIG. 10 by tabs 34 that can be provided integrally with the disk.
- forms of the disk 33 can be used as drink coasters.
- the disks 33 can be placed on a support surface and a container can be placed on the disk much in the same manner as a drink container is placed on a conventional coaster.
- the present disk 33 can also be converted from the flat coaster configuration to the operative configuration shown in FIG. 10 .
- Tabs 34 can be provided as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 that are foldable upwardly from the flat plane of the disk 33 to operative positions, defining the container support 15 and socket 16 . The remaining flat part of the disk 33 thus becomes the base part 14 .
- the tabs 34 are generally triangular although it is understood that other shapes can be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. As depicted, the generally triangular tabs 34 are similar to one another and are spaced substantially equally about the central axis “X” and into a central disk opening 39 that can be initially spanned by a releasable pop-out core 41 . At least 5 tabs 34 can be provided in forms used to stabilize conventional beverage containers, so the spacing between adjacent tabs will be less than the diameter of a container.
- the illustrated triangular tabs 34 can each include a hypotenuse 35 , a leg edge 36 , and a base that is depicted as a fold line 37 .
- the fold lines 37 can be angularly oriented so that the leg edges 36 , when folded upwardly, become at least somewhat axially oriented and define the container receiving socket 16 .
- the fold lines 37 are not radial, but instead are canted such that the apexes of the triangular shapes lie radially inward of the intersections of the fold lines and leg edges 36 .
- the angular fold lines 37 orient the tabs 34 in such a manner that portions of the tabs 34 adjacent the leg edges 36 extend into the opening 39 . Parts of the tabs 34 can thus be positioned for engagement with a container as the disk is pressed axially downward over the container.
- the leg edges 36 would at best be tangential to the container and would not fold in response to the disk being pressed downwardly over the container periphery. Also, if the fold lines were radial, tab corners (at the intersection of the leg edges 36 and fold lines 37 ) would be the closest points to the axis X and would interfere with a downwardly pressed disk.
- the leg edges 36 of the present apparatus can thus be positioned about the opening 39 so as to engage against a container when the disk is pressed axially downward.
- the depicted fingers can thus be folded upwardly against the container as the disk is forced downwardly.
- FIG. 10 depicts the leg edges 36 as being substantially parallel to the axis X, and spaced radially from the axis X a distance similar to the width of a container to be received.
- the leg edges 36 will extend axially along the outer surface of a received container, to brace the container against tipping.
- the remainder of the tabs between the leg edges 36 and hypotenuses 35 function as gussets or buttresses, bracing the tabs against the base part 14 .
- the fold lines 37 can be defined by scribed, perforated or indented lines that can be disposed angularly about the axis to locate the legs 36 in desired positions when folded.
- the fold lines 37 can be formed during stamping, die cutting or whatever forming technique is used to produce the apparatus 10 . Such forming can be accomplished during forming of the remaining parts of the apparatus 10 .
- the radial spacing of the tabs 34 from the center axis can be pre selected during manufacture to fit a prescribed container size, so that the tabs 34 will be engaged by the container and be folded upwardly responsive to downward movement of the apparatus over the container.
- the tabs can be manually folded before a container is inserted. This can be done simply by manually lifting the tabs in succession to the positions depicted in FIG. 1 .
- a central substantially star-shaped opening 38 is formed upon folding the tabs 34 .
- the star shape adds a whimsical aesthetic appearance that progressively appears as the tabs 34 are folded upwardly, that is not easily visualized when the tabs are in the flat inoperative positions.
- the apparatus 10 in the FIGS. 9 and 10 configuration can be provided with a pre-formed opening 39 (without a pop-out core 41 ), or with a shaped pop-out core 41 that can optionally be removed to expose the opening.
- the pop-out core 41 can be connected to the tabs 34 by small integral tags 42 .
- the tags 42 can be broken in order to separate the pop-out core 41 from the remainder of the body, for use as a game piece, promotional item, puzzle piece, or for other purposes.
- a hexagonal pop-out core is illustrated in the drawings, but it should be understood that other shapes can be provided including other rectilinear or curvilinear forms.
- the tags 42 are shown to connect adjacent sides of the depicted hexagonal form, to the tabs 34 .
- the tags 42 can also be located in other locations (not shown), in order to join the pop-out core 41 to the body in such a manner that folding of the tabs 34 would not necessarily result in separating the pop-out core 41 from the remainder of the apparatus.
- the user can simply place the apparatus 10 on a support surface 12 and insert a selected container axially downward into the socket.
- the container will slide into the socket 16 into close or touching engagement with the container support 15 in whatever apparatus form is used.
- the container support 15 is provided with a gripping surface 23 , such as the depicted dimples 23 a
- the user can simply press the container downwardly until the bottom rim R snaps over the dimples 23 a .
- the container 11 is now axially captured so if lifted, the apparatus 10 will be lifted along with the container 11 .
- FIG. 9-10 The above step can be preceded with the FIG. 9-10 embodiment by initially folding the tabs 34 upwardly; either by pressing the disk downwardly over the container, or by manually folding the tabs 34 upwardly, removing the pop-out core (if provided), and then axially inserting the container into the formed socket.
- the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 can be used with the container freely removable from the apparatus, or wherein the tabs 34 grip the container, depending on the material selected for constructing the apparatus and the geometry of the tabs 34 .
- the apparatus 10 When the container is fully placed within the socket 16 , the apparatus 10 effectively increases the container footprint, holds the container secure, and reduces the chance that the container can be tipped over when engaged accidentally.
- the apparatus can be constructed with a socket size that will allow a friction fit with a particular standard sized container (e.g., a one gallon paint can or a twelve ounce drink can).
- a particular standard sized container e.g., a one gallon paint can or a twelve ounce drink can.
- the gripping surfaces 23 can be used to secure the apparatus 10 to the container 11 .
- the container can be mounted simply by pressing it downwardly into the socket 16 , or by pressing the apparatus 10 downwardly over the container. Removal can be accomplished by holding the apparatus 10 and lifting the container 11 axially upward.
- Drink containers generally do not require that the apparatus 10 tag along when the drink container is lifted.
- the support dimensions can be made to allow for a slide fit that will result in the apparatus remaining on the support surface when the container is lifted.
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Abstract
An apparatus is described to hold a liquid container on a horizontal support surface to reduce the risk of the container being knocked over. The apparatus is generally comprised of a container support that defines a container receiving socket, and a support surface engaging base part that is spaced outwardly of the container receiving socket and at least partially circumscribes the container support. Exemplary forms of the support surface can include a container receiving sleeve that is integrated with a formed base, upstanding container engaging members that are spaced about a flat base, flexible fingers that are integral with the base part, and a set of foldable tabs that can be folded upwardly from a flat base part.
Description
- The invention claimed and disclosed herein pertains generally to supporting liquid containers, and more particularly to supporting such containers for the purpose of stabilizing the containers against being knocked over.
- Spillage of liquids such as paint, beverages, etc. from containers such as cans, bottles, and glasses; often occurs when the containers are accidentally bumped. This can be due to the limited size of the container base “footprint” in relation to the container height. Too often the base part of a liquid container does not provide enough stabilization to avoid tipping. This is especially true of such containers that have a height dimension that is greater than the width or diameter of the container base. Such containers can be easily tipped, especially if they are somewhat top-heavy with liquid.
- A need is therefore realized for an apparatus that can be used to receive and hold liquid containers against inadvertent tipping.
- One embodiment of the invention provides for an apparatus that will hold a liquid container on a horizontal support surface to reduce the risk of the container being knocked over. The apparatus can be comprised of a container receiving socket formed by the container support and configured to slidably and releasably receive a liquid container in an upright orientation with respect to the support surface. A support surface engaging base part is connected to, and spaced outwardly of, the container receiving socket and at least partially circumscribes the container support.
- In another aspect, the invention can be provided as an apparatus with a container support that defines a container receiving socket that is configured to slidably receive a liquid container in an upright orientation with respect to the support surface. A disk defines a support surface engaging base part and the container support joins with, and is substantially centered on, the disk, with the support engaging base part extending outward of, and at least partially about, the support surface.
- A further aspect of the invention includes an apparatus for holding an upright liquid container on a horizontal support surface to reduce the risk of the container being knocked over in which a flat disk is formed of a flexible material defining a perimeter. The disk also defines a central container receiving opening disposed radially inward of the perimeter and formed about a central axis, about which a plurality of angularly disposed tabs are spaced. The tabs are foldable about non radial fold lines with respect to the axis from positions substantially coplanar with the flat disk, to substantially upright axial positions. The tabs include leg edges that in the upright positions, face inwardly and define a container receiving socket.
- The above and further aspects and embodiments will next be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings which, taken along with the following detailed description and claims, disclose the best mode presently known for carrying out the invention.
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FIG. 1 is perspective view of an apparatus exemplifying one form of the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the apparatus shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a side elevation view showing multiple apparatus in a stacked orientation; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another form of the apparatus with a liquid container shown by dashed lines; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another form of the present apparatus; -
FIG. 5A is an enlarged fragmented detail view of an area identified at 5A inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment; -
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the apparatus shown byFIG. 7 and further showing a liquid container received therein; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the apparatus; and -
FIG. 10 is a view similar toFIG. 9 only showing tabs of the apparatus folded upwardly. - Embodiments of the present invention are exemplified in the drawings and will be described using reference numerals to identify various elements and features. Identical or similar elements or features will bear the same reference numerals, and for brevity, description of one element or feature can be understood as describing all other similar or identical elements or features.
- Embodiments of the present invention are generally designated in the accompanying drawings by
reference numeral 10, all of which are intended for use to hold aliquid container 11 with respect to a horizontal support surface 12 (FIG. 4 ) to reduce the risk of the container being knocked over. In further general terms, the exemplary embodiments provide abase part 14 that extends at least partially about acontainer support 15 for engagement with the support surface. The various exemplary embodiments also providecontainer receiving sockets 16 that are configured to slidably receiveliquid containers 11. Thesockets 16 and other elements can be formed about a central axis “X”. - It is pointed out that the
liquid container 11 and thesupport surface 12 are not part of the present invention, and are used only to aid in description of the invention and components thereof. - Referring now to various exemplary configurations of the
apparatus 10, attention will first be directed toFIGS. 1-3 . InFIG. 1 , the illustratedapparatus 10 has adisk 19 as a specific example of thebase part 14, and upstandingcontainer engaging members 22 that are exemplary of thecontainer support 15. - The
disk 19 can be flat and substantially circular with aperimeter 20 formed about a central axis X, and sized in relation to the type of container to be received. That is to say, to hold a container of a given width or diameter (see exemplary dimension D inFIG. 8 ) the present apparatus can be produced with adisk 19 having a somewhat larger diameter or width. For example the disk can have a diameter approximately 1.5 times or more than the width (or diameter) of the container. The disk will thereby effectively increase the “footprint” of the container and correspondingly increase resistance to tipping. - Also, the height or axial extent of the upstanding
container engaging members 21 can be related to the axial height of the container being used.Container engaging members 21 that span at least approximately 0.20 of the container height (see for example the height dimension H inFIG. 8 ) can, along with the horizontal extent of thedisk 19, effectively stabilize containers against tipping in response to a lateral blow. - It is pointed out that although the
disk 19 is depicted as being circular, other disk shapes, including rectilinear shapes, can be used. Thecontainer engaging members 21 can also be of different shapes than illustrated. For example, the container engaging members, instead of having the pyramidal shapes as depicted, rounded, block, or other shapes can be employed, It is also pointed out that thedisk 19, as well as the remainder of the illustratedapparatus 10, can be made of paper, recycled cardstock, plastic, or another fairly rigid material. Further, production of the units can be accomplished by conventional techniques such as die stamping, molding, thermoforming, injection molding, blow molding, etc. - A plurality of the upstanding
container engaging members 21 can be provided on thedisk 19 as integral parts thereof, or as attachments thereto. Themembers 21 can be disposed about the disk to define thesocket 16 for slidably receiving aliquid container 11. The drawings depict themembers 21 as being of equal height, which in this configuration can be approximately 0.33 of the container height. However it should be noted that unequal height members can also be used within the scope of this disclosure and claims. - The
container engaging members 21 can be of generally tapered configurations as illustrated inFIGS. 1-3 , and can be equally spaced to facilitate nesting as suggested byFIG. 3 . Stacking openings 22 (FIGS. 1 and 2 ) can be formed through thedisk 19 for eachcontainer engaging member 21, to facilitate compact nested stacking as depicted inFIG. 3 . To this end, theopenings 22 can be made to be complimentary in cross section to the upstandingcontainer engaging members 21, and spaced apart to axially receive themembers 21. - The
disk 19, and/or thecontainer engaging members 21, can be printed with advertising or other indicia. This can be true for any configuration of theapparatus 11. The indicia can be applied for commercial, entertainment, educational, or other graphic communication purpose. -
FIGS. 4-6 are provided to illustrate further exemplary forms of theapparatus 10.FIGS. 4 and 5 , for example, show thebase part 14 as being convex between thecontainer support 15 and aperipheral rim 29. This configuration allows for thecontainer support 15 to be spaced elevationally above asupport surface 12. - Variations of a spill or overflow catching well 26 can be defined along the base part between the
rim 29 andsupport 15 to catch spilled liquid. In the configuration illustrated byFIG. 4 thewell 26 occupies a small annular space between thecontainer support flange 27 and the convex outward surface of thebase part 14. In theFIG. 5 configuration, the outward surface of thebase part 14 is formed at a shallow angle, thereby increasing the capacity of the well 26. In theFIG. 6 configuration, the well 26 can extend across aflat base part 14 for maximum volume retention. - The examples shown by
FIGS. 4 and 5 depict container supports 15 that are formed as axialcentral sleeves 25. In both illustrated examples thesleeves 25 can be produced as integral parts of theapparatus 10. Thesleeves 25 can be integral with the remaining parts of theapparatuses 10, and be formed of plastic or other appropriate material that can be shaped by known techniques such as thermoforming, injection molding, fiber compression, or others. - Either or both configurations of the
sleeves 25 can also be made to extend axially downward to a container support flange 27 (FIGS. 5, 5A ). As depicted, thesupport flange 27 can be of an annular form and can extend radially inward of the associated sleeve part to at least partially close thesocket 16 and provide a container support shelf. Thesupport flange 27 can be situated above thesupport surface 12 to somewhat elevate a receivedcontainer 11. - Differences between the configurations shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5 are noted. In theFIG. 4 form, thebase part 14 is smoothly arcuate or domed. TheFIG. 5 shape includes a slightly gentler incline of thebase part 14 leading to an abrupt rise to thesleeve part 25. The different surface curvatures reflect a choice of aesthetics for the apparatus, and, on the functional side can facilitate stacking or nesting of multiple units in a relatively small axial space. - The inward-facing
surface 24 of thesleeve 25 that defines thesocket 16 can be provided with a container-engagingfeature 23, as depicted inFIGS. 5 and 5 A, of a textured surface or the like. The container-engagingfeature 23 is configured to engage a container when the container is placed in thesocket 16 so that, when the container is lifted vertically, theapparatus 10 remains engaged with the container. This can be a useful feature if, for example, the container is a paint can, and the paint can is moved from place-to-place during use. The container can then be removed from theapparatus 10 by placing a downward force on theapparatus 10, while exerting an upward force on the container. - In the example illustrated in
FIGS. 5 and 5 A, the container-engagingfeature 23 is depicted as a series of raiseddimples 23 a that are spaced about the socket circumference. Thedimples 23 a can be equi-angularly spaced about thesurface 24, and project radially inwardly into thesocket 16 enough to interfere slightly with, say, the container rim R (depicted in dashed lines inFIG. 5A ) of a paint can as it is being inserted into thesocket 16. In one example for use with paint cans having a bottom rim R, thedimples 23 a can project radially approximately 0.0025 inches into the socket. - The rim R of the
container 11 can snap over thedimples 23 a before engaging thesupport flange 27. The container can thus be captured axially and secured to the apparatus between thesupport flange 27 anddimples 23 a, at least to the extent that when thecontainer 11 is lifted, theapparatus 10 will also be lifted. On the other hand, if theapparatus 10 is held axially secure (as by a user's hand or foot holding the apparatus against the support surface 12) as thecontainer 11 is lifted, the container rim R can again snap over thedimples 23 a and thecontainer 11 can be pulled upwardly from thesocket 16. - In another example (not illustrated), the container-engaging
feature 23 can be a rubberized component, for example in the shape of a strip or a sleeve, that can be attached to thesurface 24, to thereby engage a container that is placed in thesocket 16. In another example, the container-engagingfeature 23 can be applied or integral texturing on thesurface 24. - Still other forms of the container-engaging
feature 23 can be employed, such as a Velcro®-like fabric or similar material (not shown) applied to at least a part of thesurface 24. (“Velcro” is a registered trademark of Velcro S. A. Corporation Switzerland Lenzerheide of Grisons Switzerland.) - The example illustrated in
FIG. 6 can be made to employcontainer engaging members 28 that are functionally similar to the upstandingcontainer engaging members 21 of theFIG. 1 embodiment. Themembers 28 project upwardly and are spaced about thebase part 14 to define thecontainer receiving socket 16. Thesemembers 28 can also be made hollow and upwardly tapered to facilitate stacking. As depicted, the relativelyflat base part 14 can function to stabilize containers on support surfaces provide anenlarged well 26 to catch spilled liquids. - Looking now to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 7 and 8 , theapparatus 10 is shown to be comprised of a formeddisk 31, and thecontainer support 15 is exemplified asresilient fingers 32 that can be formed about a substantially central opening that serves as thecontainer receiving socket 16. In this form the disk material can be selected from flexible materials in order to lend flexibility to thefingers 32. Thus formed, thefingers 32 can bend downwardly against acontainer 11 that has been pushed into thesocket 16 from above, as illustrated inFIG. 8 . Further, thefingers 32 can bend upwardly against acontainer 11 when theapparatus 10 is placed over the top of thecontainer 11 and pushed downwardly to the position depicted inFIG. 8 . - The
disk 31 can be formed of sheet material by conventional techniques to include acircular perimeter 30 as illustrated inFIG. 7 . Other perimeter configurations can be used in this embodiment as in others; so another curvilinear, or even polygonal shape can be used with at least a portion of the perimeter edge resting against the support to function as thebase part 14. Further, thebase part 14 of theapparatus 10 ofFIG. 8 can be formed with an upturned peripheral rim (not shown) at theperimeter 30 to form a spill catching well, in an identical or similar manner as therim 29 depicted in theFIGS. 4 and 5 forms the liquid capturing well 26. - In order to provide ample space for down turned fingers 32 (see
FIG. 8 ), that portion of thedisk 31 inside of theperimeter 30 can be formed in a dome, conical, or other convex shape. Thus, when a container is thrust downwardly into thesocket 16, the engaged fingers can flex downwardly. As depicted inFIG. 8 , the engagedfingers 32 can be of sufficient length to be bent into contact with thesupport surface 12. Thebent fingers 32 can thus provide axial support for thebase part 14. Thecontainer 11 can also rest against the surface (FIG. 8 ), along with thebent fingers 32 and theperimeter 30 of thedisk 31, to provide the stabilizing function. - The
FIGS. 7 and 8 configurations can be used with beverage cans that can have a general height dimension H of approximately 4.5 inches. Thelong fingers 32 can thus be designed, for example, to contact this form of container along about one inch of the overall axial container height H (FIG. 8 ), which can be considered to be a minimal axial contact extent. Other versions of the apparatus (as suggested above) can provide for more extended axial container contact. - It can be seen in
FIG. 7 that the illustratedresilient fingers 32 can be of different radial lengths. This can be done to accommodate thelonger fingers 32 which can be bent downwardly into contact with thesupport surface 12. The shorter fingers can also be engaged and flex against the container. The fingers can exhibit a bias to return, at least partially, from the down-turned position depicted inFIG. 8 (and, alternately, from an up-turned position, not shown) to the position depicted inFIG. 7 . In this way thefingers 32 engage thecontainer 11 so that when the container is lifted upwardly, theapparatus 10 can remain engaged and move along with the container. This can be a useful feature for containers such as paint cans and the like which may be moved from place-to-place during use. - The exemplary embodiment of
apparatus 10 depicted inFIGS. 9 and 10 is provided initially as adisk 33, formed of a foldable material such as reconstituted paper, plastic or another material that can be die stamped or otherwise shaped into a substantially flat configuration. - The
disk 33 can be converted from the flatFIG. 9 configuration to the operative condition shown inFIG. 10 bytabs 34 that can be provided integrally with the disk. - In the flat configuration, forms of the
disk 33 can be used as drink coasters. As such, thedisks 33 can be placed on a support surface and a container can be placed on the disk much in the same manner as a drink container is placed on a conventional coaster. However, thepresent disk 33 can also be converted from the flat coaster configuration to the operative configuration shown inFIG. 10 . -
Tabs 34 can be provided as illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10 that are foldable upwardly from the flat plane of thedisk 33 to operative positions, defining thecontainer support 15 andsocket 16. The remaining flat part of thedisk 33 thus becomes thebase part 14. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
tabs 34 are generally triangular although it is understood that other shapes can be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. As depicted, the generallytriangular tabs 34 are similar to one another and are spaced substantially equally about the central axis “X” and into acentral disk opening 39 that can be initially spanned by a releasable pop-out core 41. At least 5tabs 34 can be provided in forms used to stabilize conventional beverage containers, so the spacing between adjacent tabs will be less than the diameter of a container. - The illustrated
triangular tabs 34 can each include a hypotenuse 35, aleg edge 36, and a base that is depicted as afold line 37. The fold lines 37 can be angularly oriented so that the leg edges 36, when folded upwardly, become at least somewhat axially oriented and define thecontainer receiving socket 16. - In the example depicted, the fold lines 37 are not radial, but instead are canted such that the apexes of the triangular shapes lie radially inward of the intersections of the fold lines and leg edges 36. The
angular fold lines 37 orient thetabs 34 in such a manner that portions of thetabs 34 adjacent the leg edges 36 extend into theopening 39. Parts of thetabs 34 can thus be positioned for engagement with a container as the disk is pressed axially downward over the container. - If the fold lines 37 were radial, the leg edges 36 would at best be tangential to the container and would not fold in response to the disk being pressed downwardly over the container periphery. Also, if the fold lines were radial, tab corners (at the intersection of the leg edges 36 and fold lines 37) would be the closest points to the axis X and would interfere with a downwardly pressed disk.
- The leg edges 36 of the present apparatus can thus be positioned about the
opening 39 so as to engage against a container when the disk is pressed axially downward. The depicted fingers can thus be folded upwardly against the container as the disk is forced downwardly. -
FIG. 10 depicts the leg edges 36 as being substantially parallel to the axis X, and spaced radially from the axis X a distance similar to the width of a container to be received. Thus the leg edges 36 will extend axially along the outer surface of a received container, to brace the container against tipping. The remainder of the tabs between the leg edges 36 andhypotenuses 35 function as gussets or buttresses, bracing the tabs against thebase part 14. - The fold lines 37 can be defined by scribed, perforated or indented lines that can be disposed angularly about the axis to locate the
legs 36 in desired positions when folded. The fold lines 37 can be formed during stamping, die cutting or whatever forming technique is used to produce theapparatus 10. Such forming can be accomplished during forming of the remaining parts of theapparatus 10. - The radial spacing of the
tabs 34 from the center axis can be pre selected during manufacture to fit a prescribed container size, so that thetabs 34 will be engaged by the container and be folded upwardly responsive to downward movement of the apparatus over the container. - Alternatively, the tabs can be manually folded before a container is inserted. This can be done simply by manually lifting the tabs in succession to the positions depicted in
FIG. 1 . - It is noted that upon folding the
tabs 34, a central substantially star-shapedopening 38 is formed. The star shape adds a whimsical aesthetic appearance that progressively appears as thetabs 34 are folded upwardly, that is not easily visualized when the tabs are in the flat inoperative positions. - It is also noted that the
apparatus 10 in theFIGS. 9 and 10 configuration, can be provided with a pre-formed opening 39 (without a pop-out core 41), or with a shaped pop-out core 41 that can optionally be removed to expose the opening. In the latter configuration, the pop-out core 41 can be connected to thetabs 34 by smallintegral tags 42. Thetags 42 can be broken in order to separate the pop-out core 41 from the remainder of the body, for use as a game piece, promotional item, puzzle piece, or for other purposes. - A hexagonal pop-out core is illustrated in the drawings, but it should be understood that other shapes can be provided including other rectilinear or curvilinear forms. Further, the
tags 42 are shown to connect adjacent sides of the depicted hexagonal form, to thetabs 34. Thetags 42 can also be located in other locations (not shown), in order to join the pop-out core 41 to the body in such a manner that folding of thetabs 34 would not necessarily result in separating the pop-out core 41 from the remainder of the apparatus. - Operation of the present apparatus is similar for many of the various embodiments. With respect to the exemplary apparatus depicted in
FIGS. 1-8 , the user can simply place theapparatus 10 on asupport surface 12 and insert a selected container axially downward into the socket. The container will slide into thesocket 16 into close or touching engagement with thecontainer support 15 in whatever apparatus form is used. In embodiments where thecontainer support 15 is provided with agripping surface 23, such as the depicteddimples 23 a, the user can simply press the container downwardly until the bottom rim R snaps over thedimples 23 a. Thecontainer 11 is now axially captured so if lifted, theapparatus 10 will be lifted along with thecontainer 11. - The above step can be preceded with the
FIG. 9-10 embodiment by initially folding thetabs 34 upwardly; either by pressing the disk downwardly over the container, or by manually folding thetabs 34 upwardly, removing the pop-out core (if provided), and then axially inserting the container into the formed socket. Further, the embodiment ofFIGS. 9 and 10 can be used with the container freely removable from the apparatus, or wherein thetabs 34 grip the container, depending on the material selected for constructing the apparatus and the geometry of thetabs 34. - When the container is fully placed within the
socket 16, theapparatus 10 effectively increases the container footprint, holds the container secure, and reduces the chance that the container can be tipped over when engaged accidentally. - In versions where it is desired that the
apparatus 10 remain in engagement with thecontainer 11 even if the container is lifted (which can be advantageous for large paint cans and the like), the apparatus can be constructed with a socket size that will allow a friction fit with a particular standard sized container (e.g., a one gallon paint can or a twelve ounce drink can). Alternatively, the grippingsurfaces 23 can be used to secure theapparatus 10 to thecontainer 11. In either instance, the container can be mounted simply by pressing it downwardly into thesocket 16, or by pressing theapparatus 10 downwardly over the container. Removal can be accomplished by holding theapparatus 10 and lifting thecontainer 11 axially upward. - Drink containers generally do not require that the
apparatus 10 tag along when the drink container is lifted. Thus, the support dimensions can be made to allow for a slide fit that will result in the apparatus remaining on the support surface when the container is lifted. - While the above invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features, it is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.
Claims (26)
1. An apparatus to hold a liquid container on a horizontal support surface to reduce the risk of the container being knocked over, comprising:
a container support defining a container receiving socket configured to slidably and releasably receive a liquid container in an upright orientation with respect to the support surface;
a support surface engaging base part connected to and spaced outwardly of the container receiving socket and at least partially circumscribing the container support.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the container support and support surface engaging base part are integral.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the container support extends upwardly from the support engaging base part with respect to the support surface.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a container gripping surface on the container support.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a container receiving socket gripping surface comprised of dimples formed in the container support for releasably snapping over and axially capturing a container within the container receiving socket, wherein the support surface engaging base part is continuous and at least substantially circular.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , and wherein the support engaging base part defines a liquid receiving well between the container support and the support engaging base part.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the support engaging base part is circular and the container support is substantially coaxial with the support engaging base part.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the support surface defines a container support flange at least partially spanning the container receiving socket and further comprising container gripping dimples formed in the support surface axially spaced from the container support flange.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the container support is comprised of a plurality of container engaging members spaced about an axis to define the container receiving socket and wherein the container engaging members are defined by an axial extent of one inch or more.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the container support is comprised of a plurality of container engaging members spaced about an axis; and
wherein the container engaging members are axially hollow and tapered to permit a plurality of the apparatus to be axially stacked.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the container support is spaced elevationally above the support engaging base part, and is comprised of a plurality of resilient fingers formed about and extending into the container receiving socket, the resilient fingers being bendable against a container forced into the container receiving socket to grip the container.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the container support is comprised of a plurality of resilient fingers formed about and extending into the container receiving socket, the resilient fingers being of varied length dimension, and bendable against a container forced into the container receiving socket to grip the container.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the container support is convex, rising upwardly from the support engaging base part with respect to the horizontal support surface, and is comprised of a plurality of resilient fingers formed about and extending substantially radially toward one another with respect to a central axis, and bendable against a container forced into the horizontal support socket to grip the container.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the container support is convex, rising upwardly from the support engaging base part with respect to the horizontal support surface, and is comprised of a plurality of elongated resilient fingers formed about and extending into the container receiving socket, the resilient fingers being bendable against a container forced into the horizontal support socket to grip the container and sufficiently long to bend downwardly into contact with the support surface.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the support engaging base part is formed as a flat disk from which the container support projects.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the support engaging base part is formed as a disk, and wherein the container support is integral with the disk and formed of tabs disposed about the disk and a central axis, the tabs being configured to be folded angularly about non radial fold lines to form the container receiving socket.
17. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the support engaging base part is formed as a disk, and wherein the container support is integral with the disk and formed of tabs disposed about the disk and a central axis, the tabs being configured to be folded angularly about non radial fold lines to form the container receiving socket; and further comprising a pop out core piece releasably joined to the disk and disposed axially inward of the tabs.
18. An apparatus to hold a liquid container on a horizontal support surface to reduce the risk of the container being knocked over, comprising:
a container support defining a container receiving socket that is configured to slidably receive a liquid container in an upright orientation with respect to the support surface;
a disk, defining a support surface engaging base part; and
wherein the container support joins with and is substantially centered on the disk with the support engaging base part extending outward of and at least partially about the support surface.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the disk is flat and wherein the container support is comprised of tabs that are folded upwardly from the disk and angularly spaced about a central upright axis to define the container receiving socket.
20. The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the disk is flat and defines a stacking opening of complimentary shape to the container support.
21. The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the container support is comprised of a plurality of upstanding container engaging members spaced angularly about a central axis.
22. The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the container support is comprised of a plurality of upstanding container engaging members spaced angularly about a central axis and wherein the disk includes stacking openings of complimentary shape to the container engaging members.
23. The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the disk is flat and wherein the container support is integral with the disk and comprised of upstanding container engaging members spaced angularly about a central axis, and further wherein the disk includes stacking openings of complimentary shape to the container engaging members.
24. The apparatus of claim 18 , further comprising a container gripping surface on the container support.
25. An apparatus to hold an upright liquid container on a horizontal support surface to reduce the risk of the container being knocked over, comprising:
a flat disk formed of a flexible material and defining a perimeter;
wherein the disk defines a central container receiving opening disposed radially inward of the perimeter and formed about a central axis;
a plurality of angularly disposed tabs spaced about the container receiving opening;
wherein the tabs are foldable about non radial fold lines with respect to the axis from positions substantially coplanar with the flat disk, to substantially upright axial positions;
wherein the tabs include leg edges that in the upright positions, face inwardly and define a container receiving socket opening,
26. The apparatus of claim 25 , further comprising a pop out core piece releasably joined to the disk and spanning the central container receiving opening.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/977,022 US20060091275A1 (en) | 2004-10-29 | 2004-10-29 | Apparatus for holding a liquid container |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/977,022 US20060091275A1 (en) | 2004-10-29 | 2004-10-29 | Apparatus for holding a liquid container |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20060091275A1 true US20060091275A1 (en) | 2006-05-04 |
Family
ID=36260709
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/977,022 Abandoned US20060091275A1 (en) | 2004-10-29 | 2004-10-29 | Apparatus for holding a liquid container |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20060091275A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2275355A1 (en) * | 2009-07-15 | 2011-01-19 | Morocolor Italia S.p.A. | Holder for inverted plastic bottles containing paints |
US8087630B1 (en) | 2005-01-10 | 2012-01-03 | Zoya, Inc. | Wind-resistant stackable cup holders |
US20140209773A1 (en) * | 2013-01-27 | 2014-07-31 | Brian Lawrence Dorr | Tank holder |
US20140252193A1 (en) * | 2013-03-11 | 2014-09-11 | Deborah Lou Creech | Device and method for supporting a melon or other fruit in an upright position |
USD750493S1 (en) | 2014-06-17 | 2016-03-01 | Jesus Andujar | Paint can accessory |
US9380771B1 (en) * | 2014-07-15 | 2016-07-05 | Robert Mancuso, Jr. | Bucket stabilizing system cover |
GB2559611A (en) * | 2017-02-13 | 2018-08-15 | The Iq Design Company Ltd | Holder for a paint tin |
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US3491976A (en) * | 1967-02-13 | 1970-01-27 | Walter G Larson | Tip-proof coaster |
US5016853A (en) * | 1990-08-07 | 1991-05-21 | Cox Jarrell H | Collapsible support device |
US5154380A (en) * | 1990-08-31 | 1992-10-13 | Mihai Risca | Container holder |
US5203531A (en) * | 1992-02-28 | 1993-04-20 | Edward Gracon | Paper cup stack holder |
US5398898A (en) * | 1993-11-01 | 1995-03-21 | Bever; Damon S. | Holding device |
US5560578A (en) * | 1994-12-08 | 1996-10-01 | Cobbs Manufacturing Co. | Adjustable holding device |
US6892994B1 (en) * | 2003-06-09 | 2005-05-17 | Mary Renshaw | Three-fingered holder |
US7014160B2 (en) * | 2004-06-07 | 2006-03-21 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Washing machine base for securing a central mechanism |
-
2004
- 2004-10-29 US US10/977,022 patent/US20060091275A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US3491976A (en) * | 1967-02-13 | 1970-01-27 | Walter G Larson | Tip-proof coaster |
US5016853A (en) * | 1990-08-07 | 1991-05-21 | Cox Jarrell H | Collapsible support device |
US5154380A (en) * | 1990-08-31 | 1992-10-13 | Mihai Risca | Container holder |
US5203531A (en) * | 1992-02-28 | 1993-04-20 | Edward Gracon | Paper cup stack holder |
US5398898A (en) * | 1993-11-01 | 1995-03-21 | Bever; Damon S. | Holding device |
US5560578A (en) * | 1994-12-08 | 1996-10-01 | Cobbs Manufacturing Co. | Adjustable holding device |
US6892994B1 (en) * | 2003-06-09 | 2005-05-17 | Mary Renshaw | Three-fingered holder |
US7014160B2 (en) * | 2004-06-07 | 2006-03-21 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Washing machine base for securing a central mechanism |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US8087630B1 (en) | 2005-01-10 | 2012-01-03 | Zoya, Inc. | Wind-resistant stackable cup holders |
EP2275355A1 (en) * | 2009-07-15 | 2011-01-19 | Morocolor Italia S.p.A. | Holder for inverted plastic bottles containing paints |
US20140209773A1 (en) * | 2013-01-27 | 2014-07-31 | Brian Lawrence Dorr | Tank holder |
US20140252193A1 (en) * | 2013-03-11 | 2014-09-11 | Deborah Lou Creech | Device and method for supporting a melon or other fruit in an upright position |
USD750493S1 (en) | 2014-06-17 | 2016-03-01 | Jesus Andujar | Paint can accessory |
US9380771B1 (en) * | 2014-07-15 | 2016-07-05 | Robert Mancuso, Jr. | Bucket stabilizing system cover |
GB2559611A (en) * | 2017-02-13 | 2018-08-15 | The Iq Design Company Ltd | Holder for a paint tin |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |