EP4374744A1

EP4374744A1 - Particularly practical table-top drip catcher

Info

Publication number: EP4374744A1
Application number: EP23210541.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Emanuela SPINACCÈ
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-11-22
Filing date: 2023-11-17
Publication date: 2024-05-29

Abstract

The present invention relates to a table-top drip catcher that is particularly practical and, more specifically, to a versatile and functional table-top glass or bottle coaster, that is easy to handle on any surface to be protected. The drip catcher is characterised by a perimeter seat for engagement with a finger for the dragging thereof.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a table-top drip catcher that is particularly practical and, more specifically, to a versatile and functional table-top glass or bottle coaster, that is easy to handle on any surface to be protected.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

Table-top drip catchers have long been known and made of various shapes and materials. Generally, they are made as round glass or bottle coasters made of printed cardboard or fabric such as felt with drawings, writings or variously coloured logos. This type of table-top drip catcher is very popular especially in places where drinks are served at counters or tables, such as bars, pubs, inns, both to avoid dirtying the surfaces for placing the glasses or bottles and for advertising purposes.
Alternatively, especially in high-end restaurants or for private purposes, table-top drip catchers may be made of metal such as stainless steel with a slight raised drip catcher edge or precious materials such as silver, possibly decorated with conventional processes.
Further materials used are wood, cork, porcelain, ceramics, plastic in various shapes and colours depending on the pattern or preference.
Each of the table-top drip catchers available on the market performs its function with more or less satisfactory results and with different advantages, especially depending on the material and the shapes; for example, those made of cardboard are easy, cost-effective to produce and recyclable, while those made of plastic, wood, fabric, and other materials are more expensive but are reusable. In any case, regardless of the material, table-top drip catchers are generally practical to handle given that they are easy to manufacture. Despite this, each type has limitations on comfort of use especially in particular situations such as the need for disposal for those made of cellulosic material, washing for those made of textile material, weight and overall dimensions for those made of metal, ceramic and wood materials, and in general a relative difficulty in handling those made of thin sheets of plastic or fabric.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, the technical problem underlying the present invention lies in providing a table-top drip catcher that is versatile, easy to use, easy to clean and durable.
Such problem is overcome by a table-top drip catcher provided with a very simple but practical and comfortable structure to facilitate the handling thereof during use, as well as storage and ready availability.
Therefore, a first object of the present invention is a table-top drip catcher that easy to use basically on any surface.
A second object is a table-top drip catcher provided with quick gripping means.
A third object is a table-top drip catcher provided with versatile repositioning means.
A further object is a table-top drip catcher that is easy to manufacture and, therefore, cost-effective.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further characteristics and advantages of the table-top drip catcher according to the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of some embodiments provided purely by way of non-limiting example with reference to the following figures, wherein:

figures 1A-1D respectively show a top schematic plan view, a top perspective view, a lateral view, a bottom plan view of the table-top drip catcher according to the present invention;
figure 2 shows a plan view of a method of use of the table-top drip catcher of figure 1;
figures 3A-3B respectively show a top perspective view of the table-top drip catcher of figure 1 with a cup containing a beverage placed thereon and a view of a subsequent step of use of the drip catcher with a cup;
figure 4 shows an exploded axonometric schematic view of the table-top drip catcher of the invention, in one embodiment;
figure 5 shows a plan view of the table-top drip catcher of the invention according to a first variant embodiment;
figure 6 shows a plan view of the table-top drip catcher of the invention according to a second variant embodiment;
figure 7 shows a plan view of the table-top drip catcher of the invention, according to a third variant embodiment;
figure 8 shows a top perspective view of the table-top drip catcher of the invention according to a fourth variant embodiment;
figure 9 shows a view of the drip catcher of figure 8 in a condition of use;
figure 10A shows a top perspective view of the table-top drip catcher according to a fifth variant embodiment of the invention;
figure 10B shows a partial cross-section lateral view of the fifth variant of figure 10A of the invention, with an enlarged detail;
figure 11 shows a lateral view of a plurality of drip catchers of figure 10A stacked;
figure 12 shows a top perspective view of a sixth variant of the drip catcher of the invention in an operating condition;
figures 13A and 13B show two lateral views of a detail of an edge of the drip catcher of figure 12, respectively in a first condition and a second operating conditions;
figures 14A-14D respectively show a lateral and exploded view of a seventh variant of the drip catcher, a plan view of said assembled drip catcher assembled, a view of the drip catcher in a first operating condition and a view of the drip catcher in a second operating condition;
figures 15A-15E respectively show a plan view of an eighth variant of the drip catcher in a first configuration, a view of said variant in an initial folding step, a plan view of the variant in a full folding condition, a partial exploded lateral view of the blocking of said variant in the full folding condition and a plan view of this lateral view with the drip catcher assembled;
figures 16A-16C respectively show a plan view in two different configurations of a ninth variant of the drip catcher, a plan view of a third configuration of said ninth variant and a plan view of a fourth configuration of said variant;
figure 17 shows a plan view of a tenth variant of the table-top drip catcher partially assembled;
figure 18 shows a lateral view of an eleventh partially exploded variant with the corresponding plan view assembled;
figure 19 shows a plan view of a twelfth variant of the drip catcher of the invention;
figure 20 shows a plan view and a lateral view of a thirteenth variant of the drip catcher;
figure 21 shows a plan view and a lateral view of a fourteenth variant of the drip catcher;
figure 22 respectively shows a plan view and a lateral view of a fifteenth variant of the drip catcher;
figures 23A-23C respectively show a view from a first side, a view from a second side and a view from a third side of a support element of the drip catcher according to the present invention;
figures 24A-24C respectively show a perspective view of the support element of the drip catcher of figure 23 with several drip catchers, in a first, second and third support configurations;
figures 25A-25B respectively show a perspective view of a plurality of drip catchers with the support of figure 23 resting on a surface and a raising view of said plurality by gripping the support by hand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to figures 1A-1D, the table-top drip catcher of the invention is generally indicated with reference numeral 1 and it is formed by a sheet 2 made of hard rigid plastic or elastic material, comprising at least one seat 3 for the engagement of a portion of a finger, obtained close to the edge 20 of said sheet.
In particular, the sheet 2 may be of any shape, colour and material having rigid, plastic or elastic hardness characteristics. Preferably, it is a rigid but elastically flexible plastic material such as for example a sheet made of polypropylene, PVC, silicone, more preferably it is made of polypropylene. Thicknesses may vary depending on specific needs or preferences and they are normally comprised between 0.5 mm and 2.0 mm, so as to form a perimeter edge 20 which separates two opposite faces, first 21 and second 22, which are generally flat. Furthermore, according to an embodiment shown in the figures, the sheet is square-shaped with rounded corners 23 and, as a result, the seat 3 is obtained at one of the corners 23 so as to form a point for engagement with the finger of one hand (figure 2) which allows to drag the sheet 2 on a surface on which it is placed.
According to an embodiment, the seat 3 is formed by an edge 30 which is raised with respect to the surface of the first face 21 (figure 1C) of the sheet so as to comfortably accommodate a portion of the finger, for example the tip or the fingertip thereof. Such edge may preferably be annular, applied on the sheet, sealed or moulded, even co-moulded with the same plastic material as the sheet, forming a thickening thereof.
Alternatively, when the thickness of the sheet allows it, the seat may be simply obtained by providing a recession of the thickness. As a matter of fact, with appropriate thickness, the recession allows to easily accommodate the tip or fingertip of a finger. Furthermore, the seat may be one or more areas obtained along the edge 20 of the sheet 2 and provided with a rough surface or in any case facilitating friction, and thus engagement, with the finger of a hand. For example, the area can be made of rough material made of knurled or corrugated plastic, fabric, silicone, wood, cork, or other material.
The dragging thus obtained allows to easily move the drip catcher 1 on any surface without the need to lift it, given that it is normally thin and therefore the grip can be difficult. Furthermore, as shown in figures 3A and 3B, should a cup be placed on the drip catcher with the handle facing away from the user, one can use the finger of one hand to rotate the drip catcher 1 with a simple gesture to position the handle correctly.
According to an embodiment shown in figure 4, the seat 3 is formed by a through hole 4 obtained near the edge 20 of the sheet 2 and a corresponding eyelet 50, 51 for covering the hole. The eyelet is conventionally made up of a body 50 and a flat washer 51 for fixing the body around said hole 4. The body 50 comprises a mushroom-shaped annular head 52 which creates the actual seat of the hole and a cylindrical 53 shank. The head 52 rests on the edge of hole 4 of the sheet 2 of the first face 21 (figure 4) while the shank 53 passes through the hole 4 protruding from the second opposite face 22 so as to be fitted by the fixing washer 51. Being mushroom-shaped, the annular head 52 protrudes from the first face 21 of the sheet 2 delimiting the abovementioned seat 3 for engagement with the finger of one hand.
Alternatively, the protruding part around the hole 4 may be co-moulded with the plastic material, glued or otherwise fixed and it may be made of the same plastic material as the sheet or of a similar material or other material such as fabric, metal or glued wood.
With reference to figure 5, there is shown a table-top drip catcher 1 according to a first variant embodiment in which the first face 21 on which the seat 3 protrudes is covered with a layer or film 6 made of absorbent and/or non-slip material. The film can be glued, sewn, or applied using other mechanical means. The materials used may be natural or synthetic, such as cotton, non-woven fabric.
According to a second variant shown in figure 6, the absorbent/non-slip film 6 is moulded directly on sheet 2 with a solid bottom or in the form of strips, segments, dots, variously shaped and arranged which can therefore also have a decorative effect.
Figure 7 shows a third variant in which the sheet 2 comprises two seats 3 positioned diametrically opposite with respect to the perimeter edge 20 of the sheet. The advantage of this embodiment lies in the fact that with respect to only one seat as shown in figure 3, should the cup be placed on the drip catcher with the handle on the opposite side of the user and were the single seat 3 to be on this side, the rotation operation in figure 3 would be complex. On the other hand, with two opposite seats, irrespective of the positioning of the cup handle, there would always be at least one comfortable seat for engagement with a finger so as to turn the drip catcher to bring the handle toward the user.
The seats 3 may even be more than two and they can be obtained along the edge of sheet 2 in geometric positions so as to also have a decorative function.
According to a fourth variant shown in figures 8 and 9, the sheet 2 comprises a tab 7 which is raised with respect to the plane of the first face 21 on which the seat 3 for engagement with a finger opens. Preferably, the tab is a sheet portion of the edge 20, which is hot-folded, more preferably of an edge 23 without such said seat. The advantage of this embodiment lies in the option of facilitating the gripping of the drip catcher or, as shown in figure 9, the option of pressing on the tab to lift the drip catcher and be able to comfortably grip it all with just one hand.
According to a fifth variant shown in figures 10A and 10B, the sheet 2 is made by obtained by preferably moulding with hole 4 surrounded by a raising 40 of the edge thereof. In this manner, preferably with the tab 7 directly moulded inclined, the table-top drip catcher can be comfortably stacked, as shown in figure 11, so as to be put aside neatly. As mentioned above, alternately, thanks to the greater thicknesses which can be obtained by moulding, the sheet 2 may comprise the seat 3 simply formed by a recession or thinning of the thickness, therefore without the aforementioned raising of the edge of the hole.
According to a sixth variant shown in figures 12, 13A and 13B, the sheet 2 comprises a second face 22 for resting on a tapered surface so as to form a flat perimeter frame 8 inclined with respect to the plane of the second face 22. This frame creates a thinning of the edge 20 of the sheet and, most importantly, it allows - by pressing with a finger - on the opposite first face 21 to lift the drip catcher for easy grasping. The frame advantageously slides along the entire perimeter of the sheet so as to facilitate the aforementioned lifting of the sheet at any point.
In the light of the above, it is clear that the table-top drip catcher of the present invention overcomes the drawbacks of drip catchers of the prior art and, in particular, it offers numerous advantages.
Firstly, the convenience of being moved by dragging on a surface using a finger thanks to the seat obtained along the edge is unique among known table-top drip catchers.
This seat, when it provides for a through hole, advantageously allows to hang drip catcher, for example after washing it, so as to leave it dry in the open air or, in any case, keep it away in a more comfortable and ready-to-use position.
In the case where the seat or eyelet is made of magnetised metal material, it may be applied to a metal surface such as for example the metal surface of a household appliance, such as a refrigerator, or to join several drip catchers to each other.
The possibility of applying films or layers of absorbent and/or non-slip material prevents, on the one hand, drops from accidentally overflowing from the support surface of a container and, on the other hand, the container from sliding from the drip catcher.
The plastic material can be printed with various types of writing, colours, logos and information and can then be easily washed and reused. In addition, the smooth surface in contact with a table, counter or the like facilitates the aforementioned dragging.
The possibility of inclining the drip catcher to facilitate gripping is a further practical advantage for handling.
Lastly, the cost-effectiveness of production makes the invention even more interesting.
Numerous variants to the table-top drip catcher of the present invention can be obtained by the person skilled in the art, but without departing from the scope of protection of the attached claims. For example, plastic types and shapes can be chosen as desired or as according to specific needs.
Furthermore, with reference to figures 14A-14D, the table-top drip catcher comprises a sheet 2 identical to the one described in the previous embodiments and an eyelet 9 similar to the one described above but formed by two first 90 and second 91 parts which can be interlocked in a preferably removable fashion on the two opposite sides of the sheet. For example, the first 90 and second 91 parts may be of the snap fasteners type provided with an annular portion 92 for covering the edge of the hole 4 of the sheet 2 and a mutual coupling portion 93 facing towards the internal of the hole.
With this embodiment, as shown in figure 14C, the sheet 2 remains slightly raised at the edge surrounding the eyelet 9 so that it is possible to press on said edge and lift the sheet from the opposite side, facilitating the grasping thereof (figure 14D). Furthermore, thanks to the snap fastener, which can be engaged and released, it is possible to recycle or replace the dirty or ruined sheet with the same eyelet, therefore allowing to save material and the versatility of the drip catcher. Still, with this structure the drip catcher can be used with all the advantages on both sides acting as a "double face".
Figure 15A, shows a variant of the drip catcher 10 represented by two sheets 2 identical to those described above, joined along an edge by a hinge 24 so as to allow the folding thereof (figure 15B). The hinge can be obtained by creasing or a weakened section with thinned material or removed at some points. This allows to extend the support surface or keep it small depending on the needs or preferences. Furthermore, in this case, this allows to obtain a cleaner surface for support thanks to the possibility of turning and folding the drip catcher. Still, the eyelet 9 which corresponds to the eyelet of the previous embodiment allows to keep the drip catcher 10 folded and, like mentioned above, to replace the double sheet 2 recovering the eyelet. Furthermore, the sheet is foldable so as to define up to four different faces, which can be decorated differently and which can be covered with different absorbent/non-slip films as mentioned above, increasing versatility and adaptability to situations and environments.
Figures 16A-16C show a variant of the drip catcher 10 and 1 of the last two embodiments. In this variant, the drip catcher 100 is formed by at least two sheets 2 which are superimposed and held together by the eyelet 9 described above in a rotatable manner (figure 16A). Therefore, two partially superimposed support surfaces can be used to increase the available space so as to arrange the two sheets engaged rotatably at a corner 23 of sheets 2 (figures 16B-16C). Besides obtaining the adjustable increase of the support space thanks to the fan-like opening, the sheets may be made of different materials, colours or graphics even on both faces, they can be flipped or mixed with respect to each other to obtain different combinations. Combining a sheet made of resistant material (such as plastic/wood) with a paper sheet that is also thin (easily replaceable when worn), allows to obtain the impression of a standard cardboard coaster but with less paper usage.
Figure 17 shows another embodiment in which the drip catcher 101 comprises a sheet 2, identical to the one described above, covered by a pocket cover 11 which can be removed from one side which is open and provided with a hole 12 corresponding to the hole 4 of the sheet 2. The open side can be closed using conventional closing means (not shown) such as Velcro, snap fasteners, zippers and the like.
According to a further variant, the drip catcher 102 comprises a removable cover 11, preferably locked by the eyelet 9 (figure 18). Alternatively, there may be provided for a version of the drip catcher 103 in which the cover is "fixed" (without opening), that is sewn around the sheet 2, and it is locked by a slot 13 sewn or otherwise fixed around the hole 4 of the sheet 2 (figure 19).
Generally, the cover may preferably be made of a fabric or a non-woven fabric and it does not affect the function of the drip catcher still thanks to the presence of the eyelet 9 or of the slot 13 which form the seat 3 or due to the simple thickness provided by the cover and by the sheet around the hole 4.
Figure 20 shows a further embodiment in which the drip catcher 110 is obtained by moulding with the same material where the rigidity of the eyelet 14 is provided by the greater thickness of the material (raised area with hole 4). Alternatively, the moulding of the drip catcher 111 of figure 21 is obtained by combining two different materials, a flexible one for sheet 2 and a rigid one for eyelet 14. The moulding of the drip catcher 112 of figure 22 with two materials may for example affect the perimeter area with respect to the eyelet 14 so as to comprise the edge 20 of the sheet for example at a corner 23.
According to a further object of the present invention, the drip catcher 1, 10, 100, 101, 102, 103, 110, 111 and 112 described according to any one of the above variants (except for the seat 3 obtained solely through the recession or thinning of material) may comprise a support 15, as shown in figures 23A-23C. The support is generally straight-bar-shaped along an axis X-X and it is provided with a first end 16 opposite to a second end 17 (figure 23B). The first end 16 is preferably thinned by an oblique cross-sectional cut so as to form a guide element for the insertion of a plurality of drip catchers into hole 4 (figures 24A-24C), while the second end 17 is provided with a protrusion 18 which acts as blocking element for preventing the bar from slipping from the holes 4. Preferably, the protrusion is a notch extending along the axis X-X. Alternatively, it can be a circular ring or a plurality of circular sectors arranged around the periphery of the bar.
The support 15 allows to interact with the drip catcher for easy and versatile repositioning on tables and worktops. The shape of the support was designed to facilitate the transportation of the drip catchers. As a matter of fact, to move the set, all one will need to do is lift it grasping the support by the pointed end (figures 25A-25B). The combination of this specific support and drip catcher also allows to create multiple balance structures, or support arrangements as shown in figures 24A, 24B and 24C. The larger the diameter of the hole of the eyelet, with respect to the diameter of the support, the greater the inclination of the drip catchers.
Preferred materials comprise rigid and/or flexible plastic for each component of the drip catchers described in the previous embodiments. Other materials such as wood, metal, fabric, non-woven fabric, cardboard, cork, leather, disposable paper may be used alternatively or combined.
Furthermore, all variants and all elements and components described above can be adapted and combined with each other.

Claims

Table-top drip catcher (1;10;100;101;102;103;110;111;112) comprising a sheet (2) made of hard rigid plastic or elastic material, comprising at least one seat (3) for engagement with a portion of a finger, obtained in proximity of the edge (20) of said sheet.
Drip catcher (1) according to claim 1, wherein said seat (3) is formed by a recession, narrowing of the thickness of the sheet (2) or an area of the sheet with surface with friction.
Drip catcher (1;10;100;101;102;103;110;111;112) according to claim 1, wherein said seat (3) is formed by an edge (30) raised with respect to a first face (21) of said sheet (2).
Drip catcher (1;10;100;101;102;103;110;111;112) according to claim 3, wherein said edge (30) is annular, applied, sealed, glued, sewn, moulded or co-moulded with said sheet (2).
Drip catcher (1;10;100;101;102;103;110;111;112) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said edge (30) is made of plastic, fabric, leather, metal or wood.
Drip catcher (1;10;100;102;103;110;111;112) according to claim 1, 3, 4 or 5, wherein said seat (3) is formed by a through hole (4) obtained near the edge (20) of the sheet (2) and by a corresponding eyelet (50,51 ;9;14) for covering the hole.
Drip catcher (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first face (21) on which there is faced the seat (3) is covered by a layer (6) of absorbent and/or non-slip material.
Drip catcher (1;10;100;102;103;110;111;112) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said sheet (2) comprises two seats (3) positioned diametrically opposite with respect to the perimeter edge (20) of the sheet.
Drip catcher (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said sheet (2) comprises a tab (7) raised with respect to the plane of a first face (21) on which the seat (3) opens.
Drip catcher (1;110;111;112) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said sheet (2) is obtained by moulding with a hole (4) surrounded by a raising or eyelet (40;14) of the edge thereof such to form said seat (3).
Drip catcher (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sheet (2) comprises a second support face (22) which is tapered so as to form a flat and inclined perimeter frame (8) with respect to the plane of said second face.
Drip catcher (10;100) according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein said eyelet (9) is formed by a first part (90) and a second part (91) which can be removably engaged on the two opposite sides of at least one sheet (2), preferably a plurality of sheets (2) which are superimposed and can be opened in a fan-like fashion.
Drip catcher (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said sheet (2) is formed by two identical portions arranged adjacent to each other and joined along an edge (24) by a creasing or weakened section so as to be folded.
Drip catcher (101;102;103) according to any one of claims 1, 3-7 and 13, further comprising a cover (11) which fixedly and removably covers said sheet (2).
Drip catcher (1;10;100;101;102;103;110) according to any one of claims 1 and 3-14, further comprising a straight support (15) which can be engaged with a plurality of holes (4) of a plurality of sheets (2).