GB2237182A

GB2237182A - Ice bucket holder

Info

Publication number: GB2237182A
Application number: GB8920666A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kenneth Mcclements
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1989-09-13
Filing date: 1989-09-13
Publication date: 1991-05-01
Also published as: GB8920666D0

Abstract

An ice bucket holder has rings 1 and 2 which support an ice bucket or insulator. Those rings are attached to metal rods to form a system which can easily and quickly be attached to a table, employing only gravitational force and an induced moment of force to secure the device to the table. The moment of force, induced by the distribution of mass of the device, acts about points 3 and 4 to press point 5 against the lower side of the table. <IMAGE>

Description

ICE BUCKET HOLDER This invention relates to a means of suspending an ice bucket or similar tableware equipment from a table.

In serving wine at table in restaurants or elsewhere it is sometimes necessary to to cool the wine quickly before serving and to maintain it at a reasonably low temperature.

This is often achieved by immersing the body of the bottle in a bath of water and melting ice, assuring heat removal by conduction. Sometimes the bottles are precooled in a refrigerator and the low temperature maintained at the table using an insulated container. The ice bucket or insulator is commonly placed on the table where it absorbs space or is placed on a stand beside the table where it can be knocked over or impede the passage.

The invention provides a holder for the icebucket or insulator which is very quickly and easily attached to the side of the table and which obviates or mitagates the disadvantages mentioned above.

According to the present invention there is provided a method for supporting an icebucket or insulator.

The method attaches the holder to the table using only gravitational force and a created moment of force.

Preferably the holder is constructed of metal, with the component parts welded together.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig 1 is a plan view of the holder Fig 2 is an elevation view and Fig 3 is an isometric view The bucket is supported by an upper ring 1, within which it sits and by a lower ring 2 on which it sits.

These rings 1 and 2 are attached to the vertical part of a rod or rods which have been formed to provide points which bear on the table at 3, 4 and 5. The weight of the rings 1 and 2 together with the weight of the bucket and water, in excess of the weight of the arm 6, provides a moment of force about 3,4 which presses the arm 6 against the lower part of the table at point 5.

The effect of the system weight and the moment of force provides a secure anchorage for the invention.

The shape of the holder ensures that it can be attached easily and quickly to the table employing only one hand.

A second embodiment employs two arms, 6 and 7 giving two bearing points as depicted in Figures 4, 5 and 6.

Rubber or plastic ferrules are placed at the bearing points 3,4 and 5,8,9 to avoid damage to the table and to give greater frictional constraint to movement.

The holder may be plated in chrome or other material.

Modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method of supporting an icebucket, insulator or similar tableware using a frame which fits easily to the table.

2. A method according to Claim 1 wherein the frame is formed to employ gravitational forces and an induced moment of force to secure the frame to the table.

3. A method according to Claims 1 or 2 wherein the frame is easily mounted on the table without fixing devices.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the ends of the frame are protected by rubber or plastic ferrules.

5. A frame for use in supporting an icebucket or insulator having rings to contain the bucket and rods bent to shape as shown in the acompanying drawings.