CA2163697A1 - Carrying case for beverage containers and a hockey puck holder therefor - Google Patents
Carrying case for beverage containers and a hockey puck holder thereforInfo
- Publication number
- CA2163697A1 CA2163697A1 CA002163697A CA2163697A CA2163697A1 CA 2163697 A1 CA2163697 A1 CA 2163697A1 CA 002163697 A CA002163697 A CA 002163697A CA 2163697 A CA2163697 A CA 2163697A CA 2163697 A1 CA2163697 A1 CA 2163697A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- container
- carrying case
- holder
- compartment
- diameter
- 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
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F5/00—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G23/00—Other table equipment
- A47G23/06—Serving trays
- A47G23/0641—Serving trays provided with a plurality of openings, e.g. for carrying glasses, bottles or the like
-
- 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
- B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
- B65D1/22—Boxes or like containers with side walls of substantial depth for enclosing contents
- B65D1/24—Boxes or like containers with side walls of substantial depth for enclosing contents with moulded compartments or partitions
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/68—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment with article holders
- A63B2225/682—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment with article holders for beverages
Abstract
A carrying case for beverage containers, such as jugs for holding refreshments. Such jugs are popular among hockey players. The carrying case is capable of receiving containers of different formats. The invention also relates to novel hockey puck holder that can be mounted to the carrying case.
Description
~16369~
- TITLE: CA~ lN~ CASE FOR BEVERAGE CONTAINERS AND A
HOCREY PUCK HOLDER THEREFOR
FIELD OF THE lNV~N-llON
The present invention relates to a carrying case for beverage containers, such as jugs used for holding refreshments. The characterizing feature of the carrying case is the ability to accept beverage containers of different sizes. The invention also extends to a holder for pucks used in the game of ice hockey. The holder is in the form of an attachment for the carrying case allowing the user to transport hockey pucks alongside the beverage containers.
BACRGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the field of sports, namely in the game of ice hockey, the players of the team are usually supplied with individual jugs made of flexible plastics material to hold refreshments such as soft drinks or plain water. When the team is travelling, the refreshment jugs are held in protective carrying cases. A typical carrying case includes a cage-like frame forming six bottle receiving compartments. A handle projects from the center of the frame to allow single-hand transportation. For the purpose of reference, the reader is directed to US patent 9~
.
3,991,879 granted to Kyowa Electric & Chemical Co. on November 16, 1976 that provides an example of such bottle carrying case.
Refreshment jugs of the type used by professional hockey players have become fashion items amongst amateur players and members of the general public. This popularity has resulted in a significant product diversification. For instance, refreshments jugs can be purchased under a variety of professional team logos, in different colours and different sizes.
The departure from a common dimensional standard means that conventional carrying cases can no longer accommodate all types of refreshments jugs available in the marketplace. This is particularly annoying to amateurs team managers and coaches that are responsible for stowing the player's equipment for transportation or storage purposes. With all the different jugs sizes that the players of the team are likely to own, the manager or coach must make arrangements to supply carrying cases of different formats.
Another problem that team managers or coaches experience is the transportation of hockey pucks. During training sessions, hockey pucks are required in large 2i636~7 ~ numbers so the players can practice passes or goal shots.
A single practice session may require two dozen pucks or even more when all the players of the team are on the ice.
It is customary for coaches to transport the pucks in boxes or plastics bags or other makeshift containers. In the vast majority of cases, however, those containers are ill suited for the task and require some attention during handling otherwise the pucks may easily fall out.
OBJECTS AND STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is a carrying case for beverage containers having the ability to accommodate containers of different diameters.
Another object of the invention is a holder for transporting hockey pucks that can be affixed to a carrying case for beverage containers.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a carrying case for beverage containers, said carrying case comprising:
- a frame defining a plurality of upwardly oriented compartments, each compartment being capable of receiving a beverage container having a generally circular cross--'' 2i~3697 ~ sectional shape, each compartment including an upper support portion that at least partially surrounds a beverage container placed in the compartment and a lower support portion, said lower support portion including:
a) a first container holder in the form of a recess, said recess having a transverse dimension sufficient to allow a lower portion of a beverage container of a first diameter to be inserted therein;
b) a second container holder above said first container holder, said second container holder including a seat providing means for engaging and supporting a lower portion of a beverage container of a second diameter, the second diameter being larger than the first diameter, a transverse dimension of said upper support portion being sufficient to allow beverage containers of the first diameter and of the second diameter to be inserted in the compartment.
In a most preferred embodiment, the carrying case includes six container receiving compartments arranged in two banks of three compartments placed side-by-side. A
handle structure projects from the center of the carrying case to facilitate single-hand transportation. Each compartment is designed to hold beverage containers of three different sizes, namely a small container having the smallest diameter, a medium container having an -' 2163~97 - ~intermediate diameter and a large container having the largest diameter of the set. Note that for the purpose of this specification, the wording "smallest diameter", "intermediate diameter" and "largest diameter" are used in a relative sense to indicate that one container has a larger diameter or a smaller diameter than another container of the set, without placing any limitation on the absolute transverse dimensions of the containers.
10The upper support portion is in the form of a ring dimensioned to allow the largest diameter container to be inserted therein. The ring encircles the container almost completely to provide support on all sided, thus reduce wobbling when the case is being carried. Most preferably, the diameter of the ring closely matches the diameter of the largest diameter container to create a friction fit so the container is securely held in the carrying case.
The lower support portion of the compartment is configured to frictionally hold the intermediate diameter container and the smallest diameter container, and provide vertical support and lateral stabilization functions for the largest diameter container. More specifically, the first container holder is a cup-shaped structure including two semi-circular wall portions joined to one another by resilient members. The resilient members allow the wall ~ portions to be spread apart when a container is inserted between them so as to create a friction fit that enhances stability. The cup-shaped structure has a stepped transverse dimensional profile configured to accept the smallest diameter container and the intermediate diameter container. The smallest diameter container fits in a first section of the cup-shaped structure while the intermediate diameter container is received in a second section, above the first section and wider than the first section.
The depth of each section of the cup-shaped structure should be such to allow the container engaged therein to be securely held in the carrying case, bearing in mind that the upper support portion is little or no assistance given its large diameter.
The cup-shaped structure flares upwardly to form two opposite arcuate segments that define a seat capable of receiving the bottom of a largest diameter container.
Note that the seat does not frictionally engage the largest diameter container; it merely supports it vertically and also prevents it from moving laterally. In other words, the seat provides only limited retention when a largest diameter container is pulled from the compartment. The reduced retention capability of the 2163~97 .
- lower support portion, in the case of a largest diameter container is compensated by the upper support portion that engages the container and prevents it from falling off the compartment.
As embodied and broadly described herein the invention also provides a holder for hockey pucks, said holder comprising:
- a frame defining a compartment dimensioned to receive a plurality of hockey pucks; and - connection means mounted to said frame, said attachment means allowing to removably connect said frame to a carrying case for beverage containers.
In a preferred embodiment, the frame of the hockey puck holder includes a back panel and a front panel that are parallel and spaced apart from one another by a distance slightly exceeding the thickness of a hockey puck. A narrow side wall extends along the periphery of the back and the front panels to close the compartment except at the top that provides an opening through which hockey pucks can be inserted in the holder. Partitions divide the compartment in sections allowing to organize the pucks in vertical rows.
216~697 ~ A pair of joint members project from the back panel of the frame. The joint members engage mating recesses on the carrying case to allow the puck holder to be suspended from the carrying case.
In a most preferred embodiment, the front panel of the puck holder is hingedly connected to the side wall.
This feature allows the user to open the holder, by pivoting the front panel outwardly, to remove the pucks.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention also provides a carrying case for beverage containers, said carrying case comprising:
- a frame defining a plurality of upwardly oriented compartments, each compartment being capable of receiving a beverage container;
- connection means on said frame for removably receiving a holder for hockey pucks.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a combination, including:
-a carrying case for beverage containers, said carrying case comprising a frame defining a plurality of upwardly oriented compartments, each compartment being capable of receiving a beverage container;
-- a holder for hockey pucks mounted to said frame, said holder including a compartment dimensioned to receive a plurality of hockey pucks; and - a handle mounted to said frame for allowing a user to transport said carrying case and said holder for hockey pucks.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a carrying case for beverage containers combined with a hockey puck holder, in accordance with the present invention;
- Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the carrying case and of the hockey puck holder separated from one another, the hockey pucks and the beverage containers that are stowed in the hockey puck holder and in the carrying case, respectively, being shown in dotted lines;
- Figure 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the connection system for removably mounting the hockey puck holder to the carrying case;
- Figure 4 is a perspective view of the hockey puck holder with the front panel opened to expose the internal compartment where the hockey pucks are stored;
21~3697 ~ - Figure 5 is a top plan view of the carrying case for beverage containers;
- Figure 6 side elevational view of the carrying case in which are placed beverage containers of three different sizes, the containers being shown in dotted lines;
- Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken alony lines 7 - 7 in Figure 5;
- Figure 8 is view similar to Figure 7 showing a smallest diameter container fitted in a compartment of the carrying casei - Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 7 showing a intermediate diameter container fitted in a compartment of the carrying case; and - Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 7 showing a largest diameter container fitted in a compartment of the carrying case.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With reference to the annexed drawings, particularly Figures 1 and 2, the present invention provides a carrying - ' 2163697 ~ case for beverage containers and a novel hockey puck holder that can be linked together so they can be transported as a unit. The carrying case, designated comprehensively by the reference numeral 10, is integrally formed by a moulding process from plastics material. It comprises a frame forming six compartments 12 capable of receiving beverage containers. Each compartment includes an upper support portion 14 to hold in position the upper portion of the beverage container, and a lower support portion 16 that holds the bottom of the beverage container. A characterizing feature of the lower support portion 16 is the ability to receive containers of difference diameters, as it will be described below.
The containers that can be inserted in the compartments 12 are shown in dotted lines in Figure 2.
The containers are generally. The container 18 has the largest diameter of the set. The container 20 has the smallest diameter while the diameter of container 22 is slightly larger than the diameter of container 20. In the following description, the containers 18, 20 and 22 will be distinguished from one another on the basis of their reference numbers or alternatively by the wording "largest diameter container", "intermediate diameter container" and "smallest diameter container".
21~36~3~
- The lower support portion 16 is in the form of a cup-shaped structure including a pair of semi-circular walls 24 and 26 defining therebetween a container holding recess 28. The recess 28 has a stepped transverse dimensional profile including an upper section 30 and a lower section 32 provided to hold a smallest diameter container and an intermediate diameter container, respectively. The stepped transverse dimensional profile is obtained by forming the section 32 with a thicker wall.
The semi-circular wall portions 24 and 26 are joined to one another by U-shaped members 34, 36 that donate resiliency to the structure. More particularly, the U-shaped members can be resiliently spread apart to allow 15 the semi-circular wall portions to move away from one another during insertion of the lower portion of a container between them. This feature allows the semi-circular wall portions 24 and 26 to frictionally grip the container for enhanced stability.
Above the semi-circular wall portions 24 and 26 are formed a pair of arcuate wall segments 38 and 40 defining a seat dimensioned to receive the bottom of the largest diameter container. The wall portions have a curved 25 cross-sectional shape to match the rounded edge contour of the largest diameter container.
-- ' 2163697 ~ Figures 8, 9 and 10 illustrate how the containers 18, 20 and 22 fit in the lower support portion 16. The diameter of container 20 slightly exceeds the transverse dimension of section 32 of the recess 28. As a result, when the container 20 is inserted in the recess 28, the walls 24 and 26 are spread apart, frictionally engaging the lower portion of the container. This cantilever grip is sufficient to keep the container upright, even when it is filled with liquid, without the necessity of holding or otherwise supporting the upper portion of the container.
The engagement of the container 22 in the lower support portion 16 is the same except that the container enters the upper portion 30 of the recess 28. Here again, the upper container holder 14 does not engage the upper part of the container and the retention is due solely to the frictional engagement developed in the recess 28.
The container 18, however, engages the lower support portion 16, somewhat differently. The container is received in the seat formed by the arcuate wall segments 38 and 40 whose function is to provide vertical and lateral support without frictionally engaging the container in the manner described earlier. As such, when the container 18 is pulled from the compartment, the arcuate wall segments 38 and 40 generate little retention when the container 18 is pulled out of its compartment.
21~i36~7 .
~ This is compensated by the upper container holder 14 that tightly encircles the upper part of the container 18 to add stability. Most preferably, the diameter of the ring formed by the upper container holder 14 is such as to create small degree of friction fit with the container and thus further enhance stability.
Referring back to Figure 2, it will be noted that each individual compartment of the carrying case includes a pair of strap-braces 42 and 44 that unite the lower container holder 16 to the upper container holder 14. The upper container holders 14 are joined to one another at their meeting points, as best shown in Figure 5. To rigidify the structure, elongated side rails 46 and 48 connect the upper container holder members 14 at the sides of the frame. A handle 50 projects from the center of the frame and connects to the upper container holder members 14 by the intermediary of arcuate braces 52.
Referring back to Figures 1 and 2, the container carrying case 10 may also be provided with a hockey puck holder 54. The structure of the hockey puck holder 54 is best shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4. The holder comprises a frame defined by a back panel 56, a front panel 58 and a side wall 60 extending along the periphery of panels 56 and 58 except at their top portions to provide an entry to 21636~7 . ~
~ the internal compartment in which hockey pucks may be stored. Vertical partitions 62 and 64 divide the compartment in sections allowing to organize the hockey pucks in vertical rows.
The hockey puck holder 54 is retained to the carrying case 10 by joint members 66 projecting from the back panel 56. The structure of the joint members is best shown in Figure 3. Each joint member 66 comprises a flat, upwardly projecting portion 68 with a laterally projecting leg 70.
The leg 70 is designed to fit in a U-shaped cavity 72 formed on the rails 46 and 48. To engage the puck holder 54 on the carrying case, it suffices to locate the puck holder, as shown in Figure 3, to lower it so the legs 70 of both joint members engage their respective cavities 72.
To separate the puck holder 54 from the carrying case 10 the sequence of operation is reversed.
It will be noted that the carrying case 10 is designed to hold two puck holders, one on each rail 46, 48.
To remove the hockey pucks stored in the holder 54, the front panel 58 is pivoted as shown in Figure 4, to expose the internal compartment. To allow the pivotal ~16~6~7 ~ movement of the panel 58, a segment 74 of the side wall 60 is connected with hinges 76 and 78 to the back panel 56 and to the front panel 58, respectively. The hinges are integrally formed with the remaining components of the hockey puck holder during the moulding operation.
To keep the front panel 58 in the closed position, two locks 80 and 82 are provided. The locks include stems 84 with laterally projecting teeth 86 designed to engage mating openings 90 on the side wall 60. The teeth 86 have slanted front faces causing the stems 84 to yield inwardly when the panel 58 is closed. This feature allows the locking mechanism to automatically engage when the front panel 58 is pressed against the edge of the side panel 60.
To open the front panel 58, it suffices to press the stems 84 inwardly through the apertures 90 and release the locking mechanism.
When the puck holder 54 is attached to the carrying case, it is oriented generally vertically, as shown in Figure 1. The user can insert hockey pucks in the holder through its open end. Opening of the front panel 58 is required only when the pucks are to be removed from the holder.
" ~163597 ~ The description of the preferred embodiments should not be interpreted in any limiting manner as refinements and variations are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.
- TITLE: CA~ lN~ CASE FOR BEVERAGE CONTAINERS AND A
HOCREY PUCK HOLDER THEREFOR
FIELD OF THE lNV~N-llON
The present invention relates to a carrying case for beverage containers, such as jugs used for holding refreshments. The characterizing feature of the carrying case is the ability to accept beverage containers of different sizes. The invention also extends to a holder for pucks used in the game of ice hockey. The holder is in the form of an attachment for the carrying case allowing the user to transport hockey pucks alongside the beverage containers.
BACRGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the field of sports, namely in the game of ice hockey, the players of the team are usually supplied with individual jugs made of flexible plastics material to hold refreshments such as soft drinks or plain water. When the team is travelling, the refreshment jugs are held in protective carrying cases. A typical carrying case includes a cage-like frame forming six bottle receiving compartments. A handle projects from the center of the frame to allow single-hand transportation. For the purpose of reference, the reader is directed to US patent 9~
.
3,991,879 granted to Kyowa Electric & Chemical Co. on November 16, 1976 that provides an example of such bottle carrying case.
Refreshment jugs of the type used by professional hockey players have become fashion items amongst amateur players and members of the general public. This popularity has resulted in a significant product diversification. For instance, refreshments jugs can be purchased under a variety of professional team logos, in different colours and different sizes.
The departure from a common dimensional standard means that conventional carrying cases can no longer accommodate all types of refreshments jugs available in the marketplace. This is particularly annoying to amateurs team managers and coaches that are responsible for stowing the player's equipment for transportation or storage purposes. With all the different jugs sizes that the players of the team are likely to own, the manager or coach must make arrangements to supply carrying cases of different formats.
Another problem that team managers or coaches experience is the transportation of hockey pucks. During training sessions, hockey pucks are required in large 2i636~7 ~ numbers so the players can practice passes or goal shots.
A single practice session may require two dozen pucks or even more when all the players of the team are on the ice.
It is customary for coaches to transport the pucks in boxes or plastics bags or other makeshift containers. In the vast majority of cases, however, those containers are ill suited for the task and require some attention during handling otherwise the pucks may easily fall out.
OBJECTS AND STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is a carrying case for beverage containers having the ability to accommodate containers of different diameters.
Another object of the invention is a holder for transporting hockey pucks that can be affixed to a carrying case for beverage containers.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a carrying case for beverage containers, said carrying case comprising:
- a frame defining a plurality of upwardly oriented compartments, each compartment being capable of receiving a beverage container having a generally circular cross--'' 2i~3697 ~ sectional shape, each compartment including an upper support portion that at least partially surrounds a beverage container placed in the compartment and a lower support portion, said lower support portion including:
a) a first container holder in the form of a recess, said recess having a transverse dimension sufficient to allow a lower portion of a beverage container of a first diameter to be inserted therein;
b) a second container holder above said first container holder, said second container holder including a seat providing means for engaging and supporting a lower portion of a beverage container of a second diameter, the second diameter being larger than the first diameter, a transverse dimension of said upper support portion being sufficient to allow beverage containers of the first diameter and of the second diameter to be inserted in the compartment.
In a most preferred embodiment, the carrying case includes six container receiving compartments arranged in two banks of three compartments placed side-by-side. A
handle structure projects from the center of the carrying case to facilitate single-hand transportation. Each compartment is designed to hold beverage containers of three different sizes, namely a small container having the smallest diameter, a medium container having an -' 2163~97 - ~intermediate diameter and a large container having the largest diameter of the set. Note that for the purpose of this specification, the wording "smallest diameter", "intermediate diameter" and "largest diameter" are used in a relative sense to indicate that one container has a larger diameter or a smaller diameter than another container of the set, without placing any limitation on the absolute transverse dimensions of the containers.
10The upper support portion is in the form of a ring dimensioned to allow the largest diameter container to be inserted therein. The ring encircles the container almost completely to provide support on all sided, thus reduce wobbling when the case is being carried. Most preferably, the diameter of the ring closely matches the diameter of the largest diameter container to create a friction fit so the container is securely held in the carrying case.
The lower support portion of the compartment is configured to frictionally hold the intermediate diameter container and the smallest diameter container, and provide vertical support and lateral stabilization functions for the largest diameter container. More specifically, the first container holder is a cup-shaped structure including two semi-circular wall portions joined to one another by resilient members. The resilient members allow the wall ~ portions to be spread apart when a container is inserted between them so as to create a friction fit that enhances stability. The cup-shaped structure has a stepped transverse dimensional profile configured to accept the smallest diameter container and the intermediate diameter container. The smallest diameter container fits in a first section of the cup-shaped structure while the intermediate diameter container is received in a second section, above the first section and wider than the first section.
The depth of each section of the cup-shaped structure should be such to allow the container engaged therein to be securely held in the carrying case, bearing in mind that the upper support portion is little or no assistance given its large diameter.
The cup-shaped structure flares upwardly to form two opposite arcuate segments that define a seat capable of receiving the bottom of a largest diameter container.
Note that the seat does not frictionally engage the largest diameter container; it merely supports it vertically and also prevents it from moving laterally. In other words, the seat provides only limited retention when a largest diameter container is pulled from the compartment. The reduced retention capability of the 2163~97 .
- lower support portion, in the case of a largest diameter container is compensated by the upper support portion that engages the container and prevents it from falling off the compartment.
As embodied and broadly described herein the invention also provides a holder for hockey pucks, said holder comprising:
- a frame defining a compartment dimensioned to receive a plurality of hockey pucks; and - connection means mounted to said frame, said attachment means allowing to removably connect said frame to a carrying case for beverage containers.
In a preferred embodiment, the frame of the hockey puck holder includes a back panel and a front panel that are parallel and spaced apart from one another by a distance slightly exceeding the thickness of a hockey puck. A narrow side wall extends along the periphery of the back and the front panels to close the compartment except at the top that provides an opening through which hockey pucks can be inserted in the holder. Partitions divide the compartment in sections allowing to organize the pucks in vertical rows.
216~697 ~ A pair of joint members project from the back panel of the frame. The joint members engage mating recesses on the carrying case to allow the puck holder to be suspended from the carrying case.
In a most preferred embodiment, the front panel of the puck holder is hingedly connected to the side wall.
This feature allows the user to open the holder, by pivoting the front panel outwardly, to remove the pucks.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention also provides a carrying case for beverage containers, said carrying case comprising:
- a frame defining a plurality of upwardly oriented compartments, each compartment being capable of receiving a beverage container;
- connection means on said frame for removably receiving a holder for hockey pucks.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a combination, including:
-a carrying case for beverage containers, said carrying case comprising a frame defining a plurality of upwardly oriented compartments, each compartment being capable of receiving a beverage container;
-- a holder for hockey pucks mounted to said frame, said holder including a compartment dimensioned to receive a plurality of hockey pucks; and - a handle mounted to said frame for allowing a user to transport said carrying case and said holder for hockey pucks.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a carrying case for beverage containers combined with a hockey puck holder, in accordance with the present invention;
- Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the carrying case and of the hockey puck holder separated from one another, the hockey pucks and the beverage containers that are stowed in the hockey puck holder and in the carrying case, respectively, being shown in dotted lines;
- Figure 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the connection system for removably mounting the hockey puck holder to the carrying case;
- Figure 4 is a perspective view of the hockey puck holder with the front panel opened to expose the internal compartment where the hockey pucks are stored;
21~3697 ~ - Figure 5 is a top plan view of the carrying case for beverage containers;
- Figure 6 side elevational view of the carrying case in which are placed beverage containers of three different sizes, the containers being shown in dotted lines;
- Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken alony lines 7 - 7 in Figure 5;
- Figure 8 is view similar to Figure 7 showing a smallest diameter container fitted in a compartment of the carrying casei - Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 7 showing a intermediate diameter container fitted in a compartment of the carrying case; and - Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 7 showing a largest diameter container fitted in a compartment of the carrying case.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With reference to the annexed drawings, particularly Figures 1 and 2, the present invention provides a carrying - ' 2163697 ~ case for beverage containers and a novel hockey puck holder that can be linked together so they can be transported as a unit. The carrying case, designated comprehensively by the reference numeral 10, is integrally formed by a moulding process from plastics material. It comprises a frame forming six compartments 12 capable of receiving beverage containers. Each compartment includes an upper support portion 14 to hold in position the upper portion of the beverage container, and a lower support portion 16 that holds the bottom of the beverage container. A characterizing feature of the lower support portion 16 is the ability to receive containers of difference diameters, as it will be described below.
The containers that can be inserted in the compartments 12 are shown in dotted lines in Figure 2.
The containers are generally. The container 18 has the largest diameter of the set. The container 20 has the smallest diameter while the diameter of container 22 is slightly larger than the diameter of container 20. In the following description, the containers 18, 20 and 22 will be distinguished from one another on the basis of their reference numbers or alternatively by the wording "largest diameter container", "intermediate diameter container" and "smallest diameter container".
21~36~3~
- The lower support portion 16 is in the form of a cup-shaped structure including a pair of semi-circular walls 24 and 26 defining therebetween a container holding recess 28. The recess 28 has a stepped transverse dimensional profile including an upper section 30 and a lower section 32 provided to hold a smallest diameter container and an intermediate diameter container, respectively. The stepped transverse dimensional profile is obtained by forming the section 32 with a thicker wall.
The semi-circular wall portions 24 and 26 are joined to one another by U-shaped members 34, 36 that donate resiliency to the structure. More particularly, the U-shaped members can be resiliently spread apart to allow 15 the semi-circular wall portions to move away from one another during insertion of the lower portion of a container between them. This feature allows the semi-circular wall portions 24 and 26 to frictionally grip the container for enhanced stability.
Above the semi-circular wall portions 24 and 26 are formed a pair of arcuate wall segments 38 and 40 defining a seat dimensioned to receive the bottom of the largest diameter container. The wall portions have a curved 25 cross-sectional shape to match the rounded edge contour of the largest diameter container.
-- ' 2163697 ~ Figures 8, 9 and 10 illustrate how the containers 18, 20 and 22 fit in the lower support portion 16. The diameter of container 20 slightly exceeds the transverse dimension of section 32 of the recess 28. As a result, when the container 20 is inserted in the recess 28, the walls 24 and 26 are spread apart, frictionally engaging the lower portion of the container. This cantilever grip is sufficient to keep the container upright, even when it is filled with liquid, without the necessity of holding or otherwise supporting the upper portion of the container.
The engagement of the container 22 in the lower support portion 16 is the same except that the container enters the upper portion 30 of the recess 28. Here again, the upper container holder 14 does not engage the upper part of the container and the retention is due solely to the frictional engagement developed in the recess 28.
The container 18, however, engages the lower support portion 16, somewhat differently. The container is received in the seat formed by the arcuate wall segments 38 and 40 whose function is to provide vertical and lateral support without frictionally engaging the container in the manner described earlier. As such, when the container 18 is pulled from the compartment, the arcuate wall segments 38 and 40 generate little retention when the container 18 is pulled out of its compartment.
21~i36~7 .
~ This is compensated by the upper container holder 14 that tightly encircles the upper part of the container 18 to add stability. Most preferably, the diameter of the ring formed by the upper container holder 14 is such as to create small degree of friction fit with the container and thus further enhance stability.
Referring back to Figure 2, it will be noted that each individual compartment of the carrying case includes a pair of strap-braces 42 and 44 that unite the lower container holder 16 to the upper container holder 14. The upper container holders 14 are joined to one another at their meeting points, as best shown in Figure 5. To rigidify the structure, elongated side rails 46 and 48 connect the upper container holder members 14 at the sides of the frame. A handle 50 projects from the center of the frame and connects to the upper container holder members 14 by the intermediary of arcuate braces 52.
Referring back to Figures 1 and 2, the container carrying case 10 may also be provided with a hockey puck holder 54. The structure of the hockey puck holder 54 is best shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4. The holder comprises a frame defined by a back panel 56, a front panel 58 and a side wall 60 extending along the periphery of panels 56 and 58 except at their top portions to provide an entry to 21636~7 . ~
~ the internal compartment in which hockey pucks may be stored. Vertical partitions 62 and 64 divide the compartment in sections allowing to organize the hockey pucks in vertical rows.
The hockey puck holder 54 is retained to the carrying case 10 by joint members 66 projecting from the back panel 56. The structure of the joint members is best shown in Figure 3. Each joint member 66 comprises a flat, upwardly projecting portion 68 with a laterally projecting leg 70.
The leg 70 is designed to fit in a U-shaped cavity 72 formed on the rails 46 and 48. To engage the puck holder 54 on the carrying case, it suffices to locate the puck holder, as shown in Figure 3, to lower it so the legs 70 of both joint members engage their respective cavities 72.
To separate the puck holder 54 from the carrying case 10 the sequence of operation is reversed.
It will be noted that the carrying case 10 is designed to hold two puck holders, one on each rail 46, 48.
To remove the hockey pucks stored in the holder 54, the front panel 58 is pivoted as shown in Figure 4, to expose the internal compartment. To allow the pivotal ~16~6~7 ~ movement of the panel 58, a segment 74 of the side wall 60 is connected with hinges 76 and 78 to the back panel 56 and to the front panel 58, respectively. The hinges are integrally formed with the remaining components of the hockey puck holder during the moulding operation.
To keep the front panel 58 in the closed position, two locks 80 and 82 are provided. The locks include stems 84 with laterally projecting teeth 86 designed to engage mating openings 90 on the side wall 60. The teeth 86 have slanted front faces causing the stems 84 to yield inwardly when the panel 58 is closed. This feature allows the locking mechanism to automatically engage when the front panel 58 is pressed against the edge of the side panel 60.
To open the front panel 58, it suffices to press the stems 84 inwardly through the apertures 90 and release the locking mechanism.
When the puck holder 54 is attached to the carrying case, it is oriented generally vertically, as shown in Figure 1. The user can insert hockey pucks in the holder through its open end. Opening of the front panel 58 is required only when the pucks are to be removed from the holder.
" ~163597 ~ The description of the preferred embodiments should not be interpreted in any limiting manner as refinements and variations are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (4)
1. A carrying case for beverage containers, said carrying case comprising:
- a frame defining a plurality of upwardly oriented compartments, each compartment being capable of receiving a beverage container having a generally circular cross-sectional shape, each compartment including an upper support portion that at least partially surrounds a beverage container placed in the compartment and a lower support portion, said lower support portion including:
a) a first container holder in the form of a recess, said recess having a transverse dimension sufficient to allow a lower portion of a beverage container of a first diameter to be inserted therein;
b) a second container holder above said first container holder, said second container holder including a seat providing means for engaging and supporting a lower portion of a beverage container of a second diameter, the second diameter being larger than the first diameter, a transverse dimension of said upper support portion being sufficient to allow beverage containers of the first diameter and of the second diameter to be inserted in the compartment.
- a frame defining a plurality of upwardly oriented compartments, each compartment being capable of receiving a beverage container having a generally circular cross-sectional shape, each compartment including an upper support portion that at least partially surrounds a beverage container placed in the compartment and a lower support portion, said lower support portion including:
a) a first container holder in the form of a recess, said recess having a transverse dimension sufficient to allow a lower portion of a beverage container of a first diameter to be inserted therein;
b) a second container holder above said first container holder, said second container holder including a seat providing means for engaging and supporting a lower portion of a beverage container of a second diameter, the second diameter being larger than the first diameter, a transverse dimension of said upper support portion being sufficient to allow beverage containers of the first diameter and of the second diameter to be inserted in the compartment.
2. A holder for hockey pucks, said holder comprising:
- a frame defining a compartment dimensioned to receive a plurality of hockey pucks; and - connection means mounted to said frame, said attachment means allowing to removably connect said frame to a carrying case for beverage containers.
- a frame defining a compartment dimensioned to receive a plurality of hockey pucks; and - connection means mounted to said frame, said attachment means allowing to removably connect said frame to a carrying case for beverage containers.
3. A carrying case for beverage containers, said carrying case comprising:
- a frame defining a plurality of upwardly oriented compartments, each compartment being capable of receiving a beverage container;
- connection means on said frame for removably receiving a holder for hockey pucks.
- a frame defining a plurality of upwardly oriented compartments, each compartment being capable of receiving a beverage container;
- connection means on said frame for removably receiving a holder for hockey pucks.
4. A combination, including:
-a carrying case for beverage containers, said carrying case comprising a frame defining a plurality of upwardly oriented compartments, each compartment being capable of receiving a beverage container;
- a holder for hockey pucks mounted to said frame, said holder including a compartment dimensioned to receive a plurality of hockey pucks; and - a handle mounted to said frame for allowing a user to transport said carrying case and said holder for hockey pucks.
-a carrying case for beverage containers, said carrying case comprising a frame defining a plurality of upwardly oriented compartments, each compartment being capable of receiving a beverage container;
- a holder for hockey pucks mounted to said frame, said holder including a compartment dimensioned to receive a plurality of hockey pucks; and - a handle mounted to said frame for allowing a user to transport said carrying case and said holder for hockey pucks.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002163697A CA2163697A1 (en) | 1995-11-24 | 1995-11-24 | Carrying case for beverage containers and a hockey puck holder therefor |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002163697A CA2163697A1 (en) | 1995-11-24 | 1995-11-24 | Carrying case for beverage containers and a hockey puck holder therefor |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2163697A1 true CA2163697A1 (en) | 1997-05-25 |
Family
ID=4157030
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002163697A Abandoned CA2163697A1 (en) | 1995-11-24 | 1995-11-24 | Carrying case for beverage containers and a hockey puck holder therefor |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2163697A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20140349785A1 (en) * | 2013-05-22 | 2014-11-27 | Brett Edward Henning | Hockey stickhandling tool, method of use, and system |
-
1995
- 1995-11-24 CA CA002163697A patent/CA2163697A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20140349785A1 (en) * | 2013-05-22 | 2014-11-27 | Brett Edward Henning | Hockey stickhandling tool, method of use, and system |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20011126 |