US20130026118A1

US20130026118A1 - Liquid holder system with arched support and adjustable clasp

Info

Publication number: US20130026118A1
Application number: US13/193,581
Authority: US
Inventors: Maria De Lourdes Mireles
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-07-28
Filing date: 2011-07-28
Publication date: 2013-01-31

Abstract

A efficient and economical liquid holder/caddy that allows a liquid container to remain in an inverted position to make full use of the contents of near-empty containers; an arched support system and adjustable clasp to fit any size bottle spout; and compartments for placement of household accessories held in place by rubber grip support. The liquid holder also has a dish that catches any excess drainage from the contents of the liquid containers and can be replaced with multiple dishes.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application has no cross-reference to any related application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the invention
This invention relates to a simple and cost-effective way to finally utilize all contents of viscous nature by providing a unique support system that allows for placement of all liquid containers in an inverted position while providing a location for placing essential bath and kitchen accessories. In particular, this invention provides a viscous liquid holder that allows for near-empty bottles to be fully utilized in a unique arch support system, an adjustable clasp that fits various bottle spouts, and an apparatus that houses essential cleaning tools in convenient locations.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Soap holders, soap dispensers, and caddies are used to store and organize various accessories found and used in bathrooms, kitchens, craft rooms, garages or any other areas where a method of maintaining order is necessary. Soap holders or dispensers characteristically comprise kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, or are mounted on walls. Most liquid soap dispensers contain a mechanism to squeeze liquid out of a container or require filling a container.
Soap holders are characteristically located near kitchen sinks or bathroom sinks and are typically portable units that rest on level surfaces such as counter tops. Some soap holders merely hold bar soaps in place.
Caddies come in different varieties and characteristically comprise compartments, slots, nooks, crannies, and other defined spaces designed to accommodate items of a variety of shapes and sizes. Bathroom caddies are constructed of rigid, wire-like segments with compartments for placing bathroom and cleaning accessories. These caddies are designed to hang on the shower arm by means of an extension or opening at the top whereby the unit is slipped onto the shower arm in a hanging position. Another method of hanging a caddies is by hook and suction. These caddies are positioned around the shower arm by means of a hook and attached to the wall by suctions.
Moreover, various types of soap holders, soap dispensers, and caddies have been advanced in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 740,264 has an inverted cone holder being held together with a plurality of converging arms. The inventor makes use of a skeleton frame consisting of circular upper and lower rings connected by upright pieces.
A soap holder and dispenser comprising a container pivotally mounted for tilting movement from a normally upright position to an inverted position for discharging a predetermined quantity of soap and having a filling neck at its top is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,507,901. This invention covers a soap dispenser and the construction is such as to lend itself adaptable to dispensing other liquid products such as for example hand lotions, and after shave lotions. This particular patent requires the device to be mounted to a wall.
A caddie hanger for shampoo or other personal care products that has a bracket that hangs onto a pipe of a shower is demonstrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,969,580. The bracket includes a retainer for holding the cover end of an inverted bottle that has a dispensing spout of conventional design, and retains the bottle in the shower stall. However, this is a bracket type design that is stationary requiring bottles to be placed inside a holding mechanism.
A bottle holder or drainer that allows a bottle to remain stable in either an upright or inverted position, permitting the easy and convenient use or drainage of the bottle is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,255,401.
An inverted bottle holder is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,589,338.
A system for holding one or more inverted containers containing a food, soap, or similar material in a viscous state in order to move the viscous material to the container opening, thereby storing the viscous material nearer the container opening for easier and quicker access in application Ser. No. 10/397,721. This method of holding inverted bottles fails to take into account the varying sizes of liquid containers and makes no mention to the balance of these containers nor balance in moist environments. The present invention alleviates the aforedescribed problems of stability in moist environments by providing rubber grips to the base frame to achieve a secure attachment. Furthermore, the present invention provides a arched support that balances the base of any container size in conjunction with a unique adjustable clasp system that maintains containers in an angled position for easy flow of viscous material.
While the prior art shows various types of container holders to hold containers inverted, none show a versatile form fitting clasp with arched support, designed to be easily transported and fit in small areas while storing household accessories, which will solve the problem of utilizing all liquid in near empty bottles. Moreover, the present invention solves these problems by providing a defined area for accessories on either left or right sides.
The present invention solves these problems by providing means for a bottle to remain in a stable, inverted position that permits easy and convenient use of the bottle by fitting in almost any location.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a holder system which allows bottles of various size to remain stable in inverted positions, thus permitting the easy and convenient use and drainage of the bottles. Moreover, it provides an arched support system for balancing liquid bottles of all sizes. Additionally, it provides an adjustable clasp to fit any inverted container that possesses a removable top. In addition, it provides such a system that houses a dish for excess drainage and locations for placing household accessories. Further, it provides an efficient holder system that can be used in convenient locations due to the size and the economical manufacture of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the liquid holder system of the invention wherein a bottle is being held in an inverted position via an adjustable clasp and arched support system with a brush and sponge on either side.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the liquid holder system according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an angled side view of the liquid holder system according to FIG. 1.

DRAWINGS

Reference Numerals

2 Brush
4 Inverted Container
6 Sponge
8 Dish or Charger
10 Inverted Container Spout
102 Liquid Holder System
104 Dish Holder Ring
106A Lower Base Edge Support
106B Lower Base Edge Support
108A Dish Support Fusion Point
108B Dish Support Fusion Point
110A Dish Support
110B Dish Support
112A Lower Front Molded Junction Region
112B Lower Front Molded Junction Region
112C Lower Back Molded Junction Region
112D Lower Back Molded Junction Region
114A Rubber Grip Support
114B Rubber Grip Support
116A Lower Accessory Ring
116B Upper Accessory Ring
118A Lower Accessory Ring Fusion Point
118B Upper Accessory Ring Fusion Point
120A Converging Arm
120B Converging Arm
122 Adjustable clasp
124A Converging Arm Fusion Point
124B Converging Arm Fusion Point
124C Converging Arm Fusion Point
124D Converging Arm Fusion Point
126 Support Ring
128A Back Frame Edge Support
128B Back Frame Edge Support
129A Front Frame Edge Support
129B Front Frame Edge Support
130A Upper Molded Junction Region
130B Upper Molded Junction Region
132A Arched Support Fusion Point
132B Arched Support Fusion Point
134 Arched Support
135A Lower Accessory Molded Junction Region
135B Lower Accessory Molded Junction Region
136A Lower Accessory Fusion Point
136B Lower Accessory Fusion Point
137 Lower Accessory Support
138A Middle Accessory Support Fusion Point
138B Middle Accessory Support Fusion Point
138C Middle Accessory Support Fusion Point
138D Middle Accessory Support Fusion Point
139A Middle Accessory Molded Junction Region
139B Middle Accessory Molded Junction Region
139C Middle Accessory Molded Junction Region
139D Middle Accessory Molded Junction Region
140A Middle Accessory Support
140B Middle Accessory Support
142A Upper Accessory Molded Junction Region
142B Upper Accessory Molded Junction Region
142C Upper Accessory Molded Junction Region
142D Upper Accessory Molded Junction Region
144A Upper Accessory Support
144B Upper Accessory Support
146A Upper Accessory Support Fusion Point
146B Upper Accessory Support Fusion Point
148A Accessory Edge Support
148B Accessory Edge Support
150 Left Accessory Holder
A Width of Base
B Width of Accessory Holder

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PROFFERED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 2 illustrates in perspective view a preferred embodiment of a liquid holder system 102. The top of the liquid holder system comprises a angled arched support 134 fused at a arched support fusion point 132A and 132B. In the preferred embodiment, all references to fused indicates the sections were welded together. The arched support system 134 of the liquid holder is composed of a pliable metal material, which can be bent and straightened without fracturing. In the preferred embodiment, the arched support 134 and its respective parts are all constructed of a pliable metal, such as aluminum available at most commercial markets. The arched support 134 must be sufficiently angled to cradle a container base 4 as displayed in FIG. 1.
The arched support fusion point 132A and 132B is fused at a upper molded junction region 130A and 130B by welding the points together. The upper molded junction regions 130B and 130A are shaped to 35 degree angles after heating the aluminum parts. In the preferred embodiment the arched support 134 has a measurement of 6.8 inches and is angled at 40 degrees which will allow for an evenly balanced container with a wider base. The arched support 134 could also be constructed with a larger width to accommodate a larger container base; the addition of a heavy metal material would allow the arched support 134 to support a heavier container (not shown). The preferred embodiment shows a frame composed of aluminum but any commercially available material such as plastic, stainless steel, or any other material that is easily molded and meet these criteria, would be acceptable.
FIG. 1 shows a inverted container 4 held in place by a pair of converging arms 120A and 120B. The converging arms are fused at points 124A, 124B, 124C, and 124D. FIG. 3 shows converging arms 120A and 120B curved for support when fused to a support ring 126. In the preferred embodiment the converging arms 120A and 120B are c shaped and measure 1.5 inches each but can be altered when creating a larger holder. In the preferred embodiment the support ring 126 measures 9 inches in circumference. The converging arms 120A and 120B are also fused to a bottle spout support 126 that is comprised of a adjustable clasp 122. The adjustable clasp 122 and arched support 134 work to balance any container in place by positioning the bottle at an angle. The support ring 126 and converging arms 124A and 124B are fused to a frame at points 124 D and 124B. However, the support ring 126 is only a preferred embodiment but can also be fused directly to arched support 134 via a longitudinal body (not shown).
As seen if FIG. 2 a upper accessory ring 116B is fused at a fusion point 118B and a lower accessory ring 116A is fused at a fusion point 118A. In the preferred embodiment the size of the accessory rings are 1.5 inches in circumference but can be of different sizes to fit wider accessories. The lower accessory ring 116A is fused to a dish holder ring 104 at fusion point 118A. In the preferred embodiment, accessory rings 116A and 116B are shaped into circles of 1.5 inches in circumference and then fused to the frame. In the preferred embodiment dish holder ring 104 is fused to a dish support 110A and 110B at a fusion point 108A and 108B. Dish support 110B is fused to a frame at fusion point 108A. In the preferred embodiment dish support 110A and 110B measure 1.75 inches in length. Similarly dish support 110A is fused to a frame at fusion point 108A. In the preferred embodiment, FIG. 1 shows a dish 8 supported by a dish holder ring 104. However, this dish that is 14 inches in circumference 1.9 inches deep can be substituted by any dish that can catch excess drainage from the liquid containers.
FIG. 2 shows a accessory holder 150 fused to the left side of triangular frame 131 at a middle accessory support fusion point 138A and 138D. In addition, the frame is fused to accessory holder 150 at a upper accessory fusion point 146A and 146B. In the preferred embodiment accessory holder 150 is composed of a lower accessory support 137. In the preferred embodiment the lower accessory support is 3.25 inches. The lower accessory support 137 is fused at a lower accessory molded fusion point 136A and 136B. The lower accessory molded fusion point 136A has a lower accessory molded junction region 135A that is curved upward in a U shape. Lower accessory fusion point 136B has a lower accessory molded junction region 135B that is curved upward in a U shape.
In FIG. 2 the lower accessory molded junction regions 135A and 135B travel upward and are joined at a middle accessory support fusion point 138A and 138D. A middle accessory support 140A and 140B are fused along middle fusion points 138A, 138B, 138C, and 138D. In the preferred embodiment the middle accessory support measures 9 inches. Middle accessory support 140A has a middle accessory molded junction region 139A and 139D that are curved at 90 degree angles. In addition, the middle accessory support 140B has a middle accessory molded junction region at points 139B and 139C that is curved at 90 degree angles. Accessory holder 150 is composed of a accessory edge support 148A and 148B that continues upward and is bent at a upper molded junction region 142A and 142B.
In FIG. 2 the upper accessory molded junction region 142B continues and joins accessory edge support 148A to a upper accessory support 144A. FIG. 3 shows a opening B that is angled and 1 inch wide at upper accessory support 144A. In FIG. 2 upper accessory support 144A continues to a upper accessory molded junction region 142D which continues downward to corresponding accessory edge support 148A. Similarly, accessory edge support 148B continues upward and is bent at upper molded junction region 142A. Upper molded junction region 142A is fused at a upper accessory support fusion point 146A. Upper accessory molded junction region 142A continues and joins accessory edge support 148B to upper accessory support 144B. Upper accessory support 144B continues to upper accessory molded junction region 142C which continues downward to corresponding accessory edge support 148 B.
Even though preferred embodiment displays a sponge in a vertical arrangement the accessory holder can be modified to hold an accessory in a horizontal position and can also accommodate placement of towels or any materials used for cleaning.
FIG. 2 shows the liquid holder system 102 with lower base edge support 106A and 106B. A lower base edge support 106A and 106B have a rubber grip support 114A and 114B. The rubber grip support in the preferred embodiment is made of nitrile rubber but can be made up of any cheap and inexpensive rubberlike materials with adhesive properties. The rubber grips in the preferred embodiment measure 1.2 inches. The lower base edge support 106A has a lower front molded junction region 112A and a lower back molded junction region 112D. Similarly, the lower base edge support 106B has a lower front molded junction region 112B and lower back molded junction region 112C. In the preferred embodiment the lower base edge support 106A and 106B are 4.5 inches in length. In this preferred embodiment these molded junction regions are twisted at angles to provide optimal support for the frame. In addition, the lower base edge 106A is fused to a 128B and 129B at a point 112A and 112D. Moreover, the lower base edge 106B is fused to a 128A and 129A at a point 112C and 112B. Even though the preferred embodiment shows lower base edge composed of aluminum, any commercially available material such as plastic, stainless steel, or another material that is easily molded that meets these criteria, would be acceptable.

Operation—FIG. 1, 2, 3

The manner of using the liquid holder 102 in its preferred embodiment is similar to other liquid holder systems in that liquid containers are held in an inverted position. However, the arched support system 134 in combination with the adjustable clasp 122 works to optimize the free flow of viscous liquids to the openings of the containers. The angled arched support 134 cradles the base of any bottle size preventing the bottle from tipping over as is a problem in holders without the arched support. Moreover, the adjustable clasp 122 allows the use of bottle spouts of any size which was also a limitation in other liquid holder systems. In addition, the holder system presented is easy to use and can fit in spaces other liquid holders cannot. The triangular shape with wide base make the holder system balanced. Additionally, other holder systems lack accessory holders that make using the holders inconvenient. Also, while most holder systems do not have adequate base suction to provide stability in wet and slippery environments the rubber grips solve the problem facing the use of similar holders in these environments.
Optimally and as a practical matter, the holder should be constructed of a material that can successfully withstand regular contact with water, moisture and chemicals used in bath and dish washing products. In addition, the material must be rigid enough to maintain the shape of the unit and support the weight of the items that would be placed on it. While the embodiment shown in the figures features the specific characteristics and shapes therein described, the invention can obviously take other shapes with equivalent functionality and utility. In fact, any shape for any of the components that retains the functional characteristics described above provides an acceptable apparatus to practice the invention.
Various changes in the details, steps and material that have been described may be made by those skilled in the art within the principles and scope of the invention herein illustrated and defined in the appended claims. Therefore, while the present invention has been shown and described herein in what is believed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures can be made therefrom with the scope of the invention, which is therefore not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent and apparatus and methods.

Claims

1. A liquid holder system comprising:

a. a arched support system of sturdy material for angling a container to a degree effective to increase flow from a container base to the spout of said container,

b. a adjustable clasp system, and

c. a method for holding a liquid container in an inverted position wherein the improvement comprises said arched support system for angling the container with said adjustable clasp, wherein said adjustable clasp comprises a means to fit any container size while allowing viscous liquid to flow freely from the spout.

2. The liquid holder system as specified in claim 1 wherein:

a. said arched support is angled and fused to a frame,

b. wherein said frame is attached to the arched support and a plurality of converging arms,

c. wherein said converging arms are attached to a ring, said ring comprising a adjustable clasp; the means for engaging and securing liquid containers of any size while allowing the viscous liquid in all containers to flow freely,

d. wherein said adjustable clasp is configured to work with said arched support as a means for balancing containers at an angle,

e. wherein said frame being elongated along a longitudinal axis and having a pair of accessory rings, said accessory rings being configured to hold household cleaning accessories,

f. wherein said frame also comprising a accessory holder fused to said frame as a means for holding household cleaning accessories, said frame comprising a dish holder ring; the means for holding a dish in place to capture excess discharge from inverted containers, said dish holder ring attached to a frame base with a rubber grip support,

g. wherein said rubber grip support is configured to secure the liquid holder in convenient locations.