GB2518698A

GB2518698A - Multiple pod rack

Info

Publication number: GB2518698A
Application number: GB1400492.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Henry Obukohwo Omorere
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-09-30
Filing date: 2014-01-13
Publication date: 2015-04-01
Also published as: GB201400492D0; GB201317186D0

Abstract

A stackable tray, that may preferably be placed on a surface or mounted upon a wall, for storing beverage containers comprises a number of compartments adapted to hold beverage containers, including stemmed and unstemmed containers, of various sizes. The device may be adapted for use with bottles. In an embodiment, the tray may not be rigid but may have opposing ends that can fold towards one another. In use, the device facilitates

Description

Multiple Pod Rack The field of this invention relates to storage device for beverage containers. Particularly, this invention relates to an apparatus with multiplicity of pods and projected members that can hold or temporarily store away bottles, cups, drinking glasses (including stern glasses) and any like vessels with or without contents.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

In our homes or numerous leisure places such as dance clubs or Pubs where drinking glasses and bottles are frequently used, it is common to see used bottles or drinking glasses (with or without contents) sit on tables awaiting collection.

It is also common to see clients leave their drinks or bottles, and glasses on sink tops when using toilet facilities. In most night clubs, people equally leave drinks, bottles and glasses on tables or pathways unattended. There are many cases in night clubs where all tables are engaged forcing clients to hold on to half filled glasses yet proceed to dance floors. There are many incidents of broken glasses, slips from spilled drinks or lay about bottles and drinking glasses. To prevent these, there have been diverse types of inventions directed at various categories of vessels.

Thus, today there exists various types of beverage container holding apparatus for holding or storing away beverage cans, drinking glasses and like vessels. Such apparatus relates to prior arts or inventions which are either static and made of one piece construction, and/or readily mounted on vertical wall and like surfaces, or some that have multiple movable parts that allow such device to be mounted on vertical and like surfaces but folded into a minimal amount of space within its frame (see US Pat. Nos. 6,705,579, 6,655,563, 6,619,607, 6,277,509, 6,095,471, 6,047,937, 5,139,222, 5,603,477, 5,601,268, 5,423,508, 5,318,266, 5,167,392, 5,072,909, 4,984,722, 4,828,2110). Other similar apparatus relates to support of a projected ring type into which glasses are inserted when not in use.

In similar vein, there are some separate apparatus to hold and store some other drinking glasses or like ware such as Goblets or stem glasses which comprises a cup and a foot members interconnected by a stem member. Examples of such existing storage apparatus for these class of drinking glasses and like ware, are either the racks that enable the stem glasses to be serially loadable upside down (hanging storing position), or that which was invented by Dimitrios Patsalaridis, Montreal (CA), in which the rack comprises of elongated lower and upper rails both extending between the first and second rack ends, the upper rail being positioned vertically over the lower rail in the operative position of the rack, wherein the foot portion of the stem glass may be inserted into and removed from said foot channel at any point along said elongated insertion slot, and wherein the stem glass may be mounted in said rack in a cantilevered position where the foot portion is located in said foot channel with an upper portion of the foot portion abutting on said upper rail and a lower portion of the foot portion abutting on said lower rail. It is thus important to develop a container storage unit capable of holding these different vessels within a unitary framework.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

This invention is of an apparatus with singularframework and multiplicity of pod compartments and protruding members intended to create convenience, utility, and safety to the lives of people who may suffer from accidents due to spillages from broken or dropped beverage containers such as glasses, bottles, mugs and like vessels.

In particular, this invention relates to a singular framework apparatus that may be readily attached to a vertical or inclined surfaces or onto a ledge of overhead surfaces or the like, primarily directed at multiple users for the afore mentioned purpose. While numerous drink holding devices were intended with specific purpose including said accidents from said spillages and dropped containers, there is no known apparatus suitable for the purpose of the present invention directed at multiple users.

It is the principle objective of this invention to achieve this by providing a singular main framework with multiplicity of locations that can temporarily and securely store away more than one type of beverage containers including stem glasses, cups, bottles or any like vessels, with or without any contents. It is also the objective of this invention to provide an economical, safe and more versatile storage unit for diverse containers within a unitary framework.

This invention relates to a storage apparatus for beverage containers and like vessels by means of multiplicity of pod compartments and projected members that can hold and temporarily store away said beverage containers (including stem glasses) and any like vessel with and without contents.

This apparatus is a rack-like structure with multiplicity of pod compartments and projected members.

The apparatus is made of non corrosive materials such as plastic (or preferably Acrylic), due to its durability and ease to conform to shape as well as the cost effectiveness when compared to other materials like metal, wood etc.. It will equally enable the apparatus to be developed in colours of several choices. Furthermore, the preference of Acrylic plastic for this invention is borne out of the qualities of this material to appear in a clear glass-like state which will be best suitable for the framework body to be adapted to receive stickers containing advertising and promotional materials.

The apparatus is easily deployed and secured for use or restorage by no means of any active mechanical mechanism.

The apparatus of this invention includes a singular mounting framework with multiplicity of pods and protruding members.

The main technical features of the apparatus of this invention are the Pods' (also referred to as compartments and pod cavities), and Protruding members' (also referred to as Guards').

The Pods are shaped cavities with depth of at least 5mm on the main framework of the apparatus with a base constructed in such way to accommodate and rest the diameter and shape and size and weight of any containers in an upright position. The pods are either moulded, or bent to form the container holding compartments.

The Pods shall have walls that defines a container body of any shape or size in a manner to allow stacking and handling of the containers. The Pods intended for bottles may have a recess that will enable the protruding neck of the bottles extend outwith from the periphery of the Pod (compartment). The Pods shall have a base extending from its wall to accommodate and rest the weight, diameter, size and shape of the containers in an upright position. The Pods for the stem glasses may not have a base for this purpose, but will have an outwardly projecting members or Guards' within the periphery of the pod compartment that can fit around and securely support the bowl of the stem glasses within the pod compartment in an upright position. However, there may be a recess between the Guards', especially forthat intended for the stem glasses, to allow the stem insertion and positioning as the glass is lowered onto restage in the compartment. The glass' stem extends outwith from the stem glass bowl compartment and the stem glass bowl is supported within the compartment in an upright position by the protruding member guards.

The Protruding member guards are means of support extending outwith from the pods for the purpose of supporting and preventing containers from sliding out of pod locations. The protruding members are static, frictionally embracing a container resting on the base of the pod compartments. The protruding members or guards are either moulded or bent outwardly from the pods' compartments in such way as to form a means by which to support the containers in each holding compartments in an upright position and from sliding out. The protruding members or guards are fixed, hence can be moulded or bent from same sheet stock as the main framework.

The Pods(compartments), and Protruding Members(Guards) can be formed or moulded or bent from same sheet stock as the main apparatus framework, or being moulded individually and attached to the main framework via adhesive or screw, in the later options however, there may be need to cut or drill out sections on the main framework in order to attach the individually moulded or bent components (pods and protruding members). In this case, on an adapted variation, the rack can have these individually moulded or bent components attached by said means on the frontal and reverse sides of the singular mainframe especially if it is intended to be hung onto a ledge of overhead surfaces (such as ceilings) via a means around its main framework. Although, in departure from such variation, the main framework in particular may not be necessarily rigid but can be adapted in such way as to allow flexibility of its ends (left and right sides) to incline forward towards each other or sideways or backwards. However, this invention under this example portrays the rack-like structure with emphasis on its multiplicity of pods and protruding members on its singular framework.

This apparatus can be used in private homes, although it is intended for use at public places such as schools, restaurants, cafes, kitchens, club houses etc. It is important to note however that some public places such as clubs may be poorly lit, so it may be convenient for this apparatus to be adapted with a lighting means within the main framework to enable multiple users identify individual containers in poorly lit areas thereby avoiding spillages or accidents.

The apparatus of this invention will have means by which it can be deployed for mobile usage via means to its sides or secured to a vertical or inclined surfaces, or onto a ledge of overhead surfaces via a means around its framework.

ADVANTAGES OF PRESENT INVENTION

a) This apparatus is simplistic in nature and in deployment b) This apparatus can be easily developed from relatively cheap material with relative expertise.

c) This apparatus has multiplicity of pod compartments that can hold and support various containers without the deployment of any mechanical mechanism.

d) This apparatus has a singular main framework that can be adapted in such way as to allow flexibility of the left and right sides to incline forward towards each other and sideways and backwards, or adapted to have the said multiple pods and protruding members moulded and attached frontally and behind the singular main framework especially if it is intended to be hung onto a ledge of overhead surfaces (such as ceilings) via a means around its main framework.

e) This apparatus can hold diverse range of containers securely on a singular main framework.

f) This apparatus can be deployed for mobile usage or secured to a vertical or inclined surfaces, or onto a ledge of overhead surfaces.

g) This apparatus have multiplicity of pods that can hold various containers in an upright position to prevent accidents due to spillages or dropped vessels; a singular framework particularly directed at multiple users.

h) This apparatus is intended to be accessible to multiple users at a time.

The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the preferred embodiments as shown in the accompanying drawings of this invention may be susceptible to modification without a departure from its overall objective or purpose as defined in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows the frontal perspective view of the preferred embodiments according to the present invention, holding a number of containers in an upright position.

Figure 2 shows the side and frontal perspective of the preferred embodiments in an adapted state, wherein the main framework in particular may not be necessarily rigid but adapted in such way as to allow flexibility of the left and right sides to incline forward towards each other or sideways or backwards.

Figure 3 shows cross sections of the Pod compartments and Protruding members or Guards' of the preferred embodiments according to present invention.

Figure 4 shows the preferred embodiments of this invention in an operative state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In reference now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, 1/4, as shown therein the preferred embodiments of this present invention directed to an apparatus generally indicated A'. The apparatus has a main framework B'. The main framework B' has multiplicity of Pods(compartments) 11' wherein preferred containers 2', 5', 6', 7' and 12' are placed and supported in an upright positions by protruding members or guards 10'. The apparatus framework B' has multiplicity of Pod compartments 11' with walls that defines a container body of any diameter or size or shape, in this example, preferred containers 2'(Bottle), S'(beverage can), 6'(beverage cup), 7'(Mug) and lZ'(Stem Glass). The Pod compartment for the upper levels have base 8' extending from the walls of pod compartment 11' to accommodate and rest the diameter and size and shape of the containers in an upright position. The Protruding members or guards 10' are means of support extending outwith from the periphery of the pod compartments 11' for the purpose of supporting and preventing containers from sliding out of pod compartments 11'. The protruding members or guards are either moulded or bent outwardly from pods' compartments 11' or individually moulded and attached by adhesive or screw in such way as to form a means by which to support the containers in each holding compartments in an upright position and from sliding out. However, in an adapted form, these individually moulded embodiments could equally be attached on the behind of the singular main framework same manner as depicted frontally in Figure 1, 1/4 especially if it is intended to be hung onto a ledge of overhead surfaces (such as ceilings) via a means around its main framework.

In an operative state as seen in figure 4. pg 4/4; the glass cup 7' is inserted bottom end first through the upper opening of the pod location area 11', the glass cup 7' then engages the wall of the pod cavity of pod area liT which is shaped to accept the width and shape and diameter of the glass cup or like vessels as such is lowered and rested on the pod base Tg' engaging and being supported by guards'lO'. In similar vein, the stem glass 12T is lowered into compartment 11' by tilting its stem 14' across the recess between the guards 10' and then lowered into pod compartment T11T engaging and being supported by guards 10' as the stem bowl 13' is rested within the pod compartment supported in and upright position by the guards 10'.

The main framework B' in particular may not be necessarily rigid but can be adapted in such way as to allow flexibility of its ends; left side T' and right side M' to incline forward towards each other or sideways or backwards. (Please see Fig. 2, 2/4).

Furthermore, the preference of Acrylic plastic for this invention is borne out of the qualities of this material to appear in a clear glass-like state which will be best suitable for the framework body R' or Pods areas 11' to be adapted to receive stickers containing advertising and promotional materials. (Please referred to diagrams; Fig. 2, 2/4).

The pod compartments intended for bottles 2' may have a recess 1' that will enable the protruding neck 3' of the bottles extend outwith from the periphery of the Pod compartment 11'.

The pod compartments for the stem glasses may not have a base 8' but will have an outwardly projecting members or Guards' lOT within the periphery of the pod compartment 11' that can fit around and securely support the bowl of the stem glasses within the pod compartment in an upright position. However, there may be a recess between the Guards' for the stem glasses, to allow the insertion of the glass' stem'14' into positioning as the stem glass is lowered into compartment, the glass' stem extends outwith from the stem glass bowl'13' compartment as the stem glass bowl is rested on the compartment and supported in an upright position by the guards 10' (Please see Fig. 4, 4/4).

The preferred means by which to manufacture this is via a heat treatment of the preferred plastic material -acrylic in order to mould the embodiments. However it can also be manufactured in a variety of processes and materials including injection moulds involving plastics, preferably acrylic in a variety of colours. Also, the qualities of this material -Acrylic, to appear in a clear glass-like state will be best suitable for the framework areas R' to be adapted to receive stickers containing advertising and promotional materials.

Claims

CLAIMS; 1. An apparatus with multiplicity of pod compartments and projected members (guards) with recess thereto, that can securely hold or temporarily store away various beverage containers (including stem glasses), and like vessels, comprising a singular main framework with multiplicity of pod compartments relative to the diameter and size of the containers, with the said pod compartments having walls that defines a container body of any shape or size in a manner to allow stacking and handling of the containers which are rested on the base member that extends from said walls of the compartment, wherein means (projected members) of support extends outwith but within the periphery of the pod compartments for the purpose of supporting and preventing containers from sliding out of pod locations thereby preventing accidents.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the Pods intended for bottles or like vessels may have a recess that will enable the protruding neck of the bottles or like vessels extend outwith from the periphery of the Pod compartment.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1, and 2, wherein the Pods compartments shall have a base surface to accommodate and rest the diameter and size of the containers in an upright position.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the Pods shall have a depth preferably of at least 5mm.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the Protruding members or guards as means of support extends outwith from the periphery of the pods for the purpose of supporting and preventing containers from sliding out of pod locations.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pod compartments, and Protruding members may be moulded or bent preferably from same sheet stock as the main framework.
7. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claim, wherein the pod compartments can hold various said containers in an upright position with full or half contents or without contents.
8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pod compartments for the stem glasses may not have a base but will have an outwardly projecting members or TguardsT within the periphery of the pod compartment, shaped as to fit around and securely support the bowl of the stem glasses within the pod compartment in an upright position.
9. An apparatus according to claim 1 and 8, wherein there may be a recess between the Protruding members or TguardsT for the stem glasses, to allow the stem of the stem glass slide through, and for the stem glass bowl to rest on the bowl compartment supported by the flanges of the protruding members, with the said stem and foot components of the said stem glass extending outwith from the stem glass bowl compartment.
10. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims,wherein it is preferential that this invention be produced of materials such as Acrylic due to its qualities as well as to appear in a clear glass-like state which will be best suitable for the main framework or Pods to be adapted to receive stickers containing advertising and promotional materials.
11. An apparatus according to claim 1, and any of the preceding claims, wherein the main framework in particular may not be necessarily rigid but can be adapted in such way as to allow flexibility of its ends (left and right sides) to incline forward towards each other or sideways or backwards, or adapted to have the said multiple pods and protruding members moulded and attached frontally and behind the singular main framework especially if it is intended to be hung onto a ledge of overhead surfaces (such as ceilings) via a means around its main framework.
12. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein this apparatus is preferably adapted with a lighting means within the main framework to enable multiple users identify individual containers in poorly lit areas thereby avoiding spillages or accidents.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS; 1. A singular framework apparatus comprising a rack-like structure, comprising a multiplicity of pod compartments with projected members, with recess thereto for attachment to a vertical or inclined surface, that can securely hold or temporarily store away various beverage containers, and like vessels, wherein the said pod compartments with projected members securely hold a beverage container body of numerous shapes or sizes in a mannerto allow stacking and handling of the containers, with the said beverage container body resting its base on the base member that extends from the singular framework.2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pod compartments with projected members intended for bottles or like vessels have a recess of sufficient size to enable the protruding neck of the bottles or like vessels to extend outwardly above the top edge of the projected members.3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pod compartments shall have a depth preferably of at least 5mm.4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the projected members extends outwards from the pod compartments in varying lengths and curvatures in order to support beverage containers of multiple shapes or sizes, for the purpose of supporting and preventing beverage containers from sliding out of the pod compartments. (45. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the Pod compartments, and projected members may be moulded or bent preferably from the same sheet stock as the singular tX') framework. r6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the pod compartments can hold various said containers in an upright position with full or half contents or without contents.7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pod compartments designed to hold stem glasses do not have a base member that extends from the singular framework, with said pod compartments instead comprising projected members shaped as to fit around and securely support the bowl of the stem glasses in an upright position.8. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 7, wherein there is a recess between the projecting members of sufficient size and shape to allow the stem of a glass to slide through, and for the stem glass bowl to rest on the top portion of the said stem glass extending outwith from the stem glass bowl compartment.9. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is made from acrylic.9a. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is made from rubber.10. An apparatus according to anyone of claims ito 8, wherein the apparatus is made from a plastic material.11. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the singular framework or the pod compartments are adapted to receive stickers with advertising and promotional markings, pictures, slogan, signage and words.12. An apparatus according to any preceding claims, wherein the main framework in particular may not be necessarily rigid but can be adapted in such way as to allow flexibility of its ends (left and right sides) to incline forward towards each other or sideways or backwards, or adapted to have the said multiple pod compartments and protruding members moulded or attached frontally and behind the singular main framework especially if it is intended to be hung onto a ledge of overhead surfaces via means around its main framework.
13. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is fitted with a lighting means within the main framework to enable multiple users identify individual containers in poorly lit areas thereby avoiding spillages or accidents.
14. A singular framework apparatus as described herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings.