US20200085219A1 - Cup holder system - Google Patents
Cup holder system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200085219A1 US20200085219A1 US16/570,387 US201916570387A US2020085219A1 US 20200085219 A1 US20200085219 A1 US 20200085219A1 US 201916570387 A US201916570387 A US 201916570387A US 2020085219 A1 US2020085219 A1 US 2020085219A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cup holder
- holder unit
- aperture
- containers
- cup
- 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
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Classifications
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- 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
- A47G23/02—Glass or bottle holders
- A47G23/0208—Glass or bottle holders for drinking-glasses, plastic cups, or the like
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- 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
- A45F5/10—Handles for carrying purposes
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F3/00—Travelling or camp articles; Sacks or packs carried on the body
- A45F3/16—Water-bottles; Mess-tins; Cups
-
- 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
- A45F5/10—Handles for carrying purposes
- A45F5/102—Handles for carrying purposes with means, e.g. a hook, receiving a carrying element of the hand article to be carried
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- 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
- B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D25/28—Handles
- B65D25/2802—Handles fixed, i.e. non-swingable, handles
-
- 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
- B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D25/28—Handles
- B65D25/2802—Handles fixed, i.e. non-swingable, handles
- B65D25/2805—Handles fixed, i.e. non-swingable, handles provided on a local area of the side walls
- B65D25/2817—Handles fixed, i.e. non-swingable, handles provided on a local area of the side walls fixed by means of one or more collars
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- 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
- A45F5/10—Handles for carrying purposes
- A45F2005/1006—Handles for carrying purposes with means embracing the hand article to be carried
-
- 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
- B65D2525/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2525/28—Handles
- B65D2525/281—Details relating to handles
- B65D2525/285—Details relating to handles removable or detachable
Definitions
- Cup holders including cup holder systems that are intended to accommodate more than one fluid container (e.g., cups or glasses containing liquids), are not able to provide a single user the opportunity to drink from more than one of the fluid containers at the same time.
- fluid container e.g., cups or glasses containing liquids
- an embodiment of this invention is a new and improved beverage drinking device that allows an individual to drink the contents of multiple containers.
- An illustrative example embodiment of a beverage drinking device includes a body that supports a plurality of containers arranged relative to each other such that a liquid from a first one of the containers flows into an adjacent, second one of the containers while an individual consumes the liquid from the second one of the containers.
- the body and the containers are formed separately and the containers are selectively received by the body. In other example embodiments, the body and the containers are all part of a single-piece structure.
- the containers are cups that are received into openings or receptacles in the body. While the cups are supported by the body their rims are staggered relative to each other and situated in different planes.
- the body in some embodiments is formed as a single-piece structure. In other embodiments the body comprises multiple pieces that are selectively secured together.
- the body in some embodiments includes a handle that facilitates raising the device into a position where an individual may consume liquid from at least one of the containers.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a beverage container holder system designed in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2A is an exploded view of the system depicted in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 2B is a detailed view of a portion of the handle unit of the system depicted in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a beverage container holder system like that shown in FIG. 2 with additional container holders.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the system depicted in FIG. 3 with beverage containers.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of a handle unit.
- FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an example use of an example embodiment.
- FIG. 7 illustrates an individual using the example embodiment of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another beverage container holder system.
- a beverage container holder system 10 includes a handle unit 20 and at least one extension unit 30 .
- the handle unit 20 and extension unit 30 are selectively operable to be brought into engagement with (and disengagement from) one another.
- the handle unit 20 may function as a first beverage container holder unit and the extension unit 30 may function as a second beverage container holder unit
- cups will be used as example beverage containers in the remainder of this description.
- Other fluid or beverage containers may be used in some embodiments or circumstances.
- the example handle unit 20 includes a handle member 22 associated with a cup holder portion 24 .
- the handle member 22 is configured to be grasped by a user to hold and manipulate the cup holder system 10 . While the handle member 22 is shown on the right hand side of the handle unit 20 , it should be appreciated that the handle member 22 could also be configured to be placed on the left hand side of the handle unit 20 . Some embodiments include more than one handle member, such as one on each side of the handle unit 20 .
- cup holder portion 24 includes a body or wall member 24 a that is primarily circular in shape, it should be appreciated that the wall member 24 a may include other shapes and configurations in other embodiments.
- the cup holder portion 24 includes an area defining an aperture 26 formed in a portion of the wall member 24 a .
- the aperture 26 may be circular (or other similar shape) in configuration to accommodate a large number of sizes of conventional fluid containers (e.g., cups, glasses and/or the like).
- At least one attachment member 28 may be formed on an outer surface of the wall member 24 a .
- the attachment member 28 includes at least one area defining a groove 28 a and, optionally, may include a second spaced and opposed area defining a second groove 28 b .
- the grooves 28 a , 28 b respectively, may not extend all the way through the wall member 24 a , but rather may only extend partially into the wall member 24 a to define a floor surface 28 c , 28 d , respectively, on either or both of the grooves 28 a , 28 b , respectively.
- the grooves 28 a , 28 b may define a partial (or full) boss or flange 28 e that is formed on the wall member 24 a.
- the extension unit 30 includes a cup holder portion 32 .
- the cup holder portion 32 includes a body or wall member 32 a that is primarily rectangular in shape, it should be appreciated that the wall member 32 a may include other shapes and configurations as well.
- the cup holder portion 32 includes an area defining an aperture 34 formed in a portion of the wall member 32 a .
- the aperture 34 may be circular (or other similar shape) in configuration so at accommodate a large number of sizes of conventional fluid containers (e.g., cups, glasses and/or the like).
- At least one attachment member 36 may be formed on an outer surface of the wall member 32 a .
- the attachment member 36 includes at least one area defining a groove 36 a .
- the groove 36 a may extend all the way through the wall member 32 a .
- the groove 36 a may define one or more full (or partial) bosses or flanges 36 b , 36 c , respectively, that are formed on the wall member 32 a.
- At least one other attachment member 38 may be formed on another portion of the outer surface of the wall member 32 a , such that the other attachment member 38 is spaced and opposed from the first attachment member 36 .
- the attachment member 38 includes at least one area defining a groove 38 a and, optionally, may include a second spaced and opposed area defining a second groove 38 b .
- the grooves 38 a , 38 b respectively, do not extend all the way through the wall member 32 a and define a floor surface 38 c , 38 d , respectively, on either or both of the grooves 38 a , 38 b , respectively.
- the grooves 38 a , 38 b respectively, define a partial (or full) boss or flange 38 e that is formed on the wall member 32 a.
- the corresponding attachment members 28 , 36 are engaged together. This may be accomplished by engaging the grooves 28 a , 28 b , respectively, with the flanges 36 b , 36 c , respectively, for example, by lowering the attachment member 36 of the extension unit 30 downwardly onto the attachment member 28 of the handle unit 20 . Conversely, this may also be accomplished by engaging flange 28 e with groove 36 a , for example, by lowering the attachment member 36 of the extension unit 30 downwardly onto the attachment member 28 of the handle unit 20 .
- flanges 36 b , 36 c are received within grooves 28 a , 28 b , respectively, in a manner so that a top surface E of the extension unit 30 is in a different plane than a top surface H of the handle unit 20 when the two units are coupled together.
- the top surface E is higher than the top surface H.
- the presence of the floor surfaces 28 c , 28 d respectively, prevent the flanges 36 b , 36 c , respectively, from being fully received within grooves 28 a , 28 b , respectively.
- Decoupling the handle unit 20 from the extension unit 30 is simply accomplished by reversing the method of coupling these two units together.
- extension units 40 , 50 accommodate additional extension units that may be added to the original or existing extension unit 30 that has been coupled to the handle unit 20 . While two additional extension units 40 , 50 , are shown it should be appreciated that less than or more than this number of extension units may be used in the practice of the present invention. It should also be appreciated that the extension units 40 , 50 are essentially identical in form and function as that of extension unit 30 .
- extension unit 30 In order to couple extension unit 30 to extension unit 40 , their respective attachment members 38 , 136 , are engaged together. This may be accomplished by engaging the grooves 38 a , 38 b , respectively, with the flanges 136 b , 136 c , respectively. Conversely, this may also be accomplished by engaging flange 38 e with groove 136 a .
- flanges 136 b , 136 c are received within grooves 38 a , 38 b , respectively, in a manner so that a top surface E 1 of the extension unit 40 is in a different plane than (and, according to the illustration, slightly raised above) a top surface E of the extension unit 30 when the two units are coupled together.
- the presence of the floor surfaces 38 c , 38 d control the positions of the flanges 136 b , 136 c within grooves 38 a , 38 b , respectively, and that controls the relative positions and orientations of the corresponding, adjacent extension units.
- extension unit 40 In order to couple extension unit 40 to extension unit 50 , their respective attachment members 138 , 236 , are engaged together. This may be accomplished by engaging the grooves 138 a , 138 b , respectively, with the flanges 236 b , 236 c , respectively. Conversely, this may also be accomplished by engaging flange 138 e with groove 236 a .
- the manner in which the flanges 236 b , 236 c , respectively, are positioned within grooves 138 a , 138 b controls the spatial relationship between top surface E 2 of the extension unit 50 and the top surface E 1 of the extension unit 40 when the two units are coupled together. In some examples, the presence of the floor surfaces 138 c , 138 d and the length or height of the flanges 236 b , 236 c , respectively, controls the relative positions of the extension units.
- extension unit 50 can be added to extension unit 50 and so on and so on until a practical limit (e.g., weight) of the total number of extension units is reached for the particular user.
- a practical limit e.g., weight
- a plurality of fluid containers 300 , 310 , 320 , 330 , respectively, are shown disposed in respective apertures 26 , 34 , 134 , 234 .
- a dispensing surface of each fluid container is in a different plane than that of an adjacent fluid container when those containers are received in the respective apertures.
- the dispensing surface is the open top or rim of each cup.
- the rim of an adjacent cup to the left is slightly raised above the rim of the next adjacent cup.
- a top surface (e.g., a rim) of fluid container 310 is slightly above a top surface (e.g., a rim) of fluid container 300
- a top surface (e.g., a rim) of fluid container 320 is slightly above a top surface (e.g., a rim) of fluid container 310
- a top surface (e.g., a rim) of fluid container 330 is slightly above a top surface (e.g., a rim) of fluid container 320 .
- top surfaces or rims, 302 , 312 , 322 , 334 , respectively, of the fluid containers 300 , 310 , 320 , 330 , respectively, are shown as abutting or overhanging an adjacent rim, it should be appreciated that the present invention may be practiced by having the rims, 302 , 312 , 322 , 334 of the fluid containers 300 , 310 , 320 , 330 , respectively, in close proximity to one another without having to abut or overhang one another.
- the fluid containers 300 , 310 , 320 , 330 are arranged in a cascading configuration such that fluid F in a first one of the containers flows into a second one of the containers when an individual consumes the fluid F from the second one of the containers.
- fluid F contained in the cup 310 may cascade into the cup 300 (a second container).
- the fluid F in container 330 may cascade into fluid container 320
- the fluid contained in fluid container 320 may cascade into fluid container 310
- the fluid contained in fluid container 310 may cascade into fluid container 300 .
- the cup holder system 10 of the present invention allows an individual user to consume a beverage from multiple cups in succession.
- the cup holder system 10 may be used, for example, as part of a game in which individuals compete against each other to see how many total cups each is capable of lifting and consuming while minimizing how much of the beverage spills. Such games may test the competitors' strength, dexterity and ability to consume large amounts of fluid quickly.
- an alternative handle unit 420 includes a handle member 422 associated with a cup holder portion 424 .
- the handle member 422 is configured such that a user may grip either the right hand side of the handle unit 420 (presumably if the user is right-handed) or the left hand side of the handle unit 420 (presumably if the user is left-handed) easily by appropriately rotating the handle unit 420 to suit the needs of the user.
- the handle unit 420 provides for ambidextrous use by either right-handed or left-handed users. Selecting either side of the handle unit 420 to which extension units are connected allows the user to customize whether the system 10 is right-handed or left-handed.
- At least one attachment member 428 on an outer surface of the wall member 424 a includes at least one area defining grooves 428 a and 428 b like the grooves on the holder unit 20 shown in FIGS. 1-4 .
- the grooves 428 a , 428 b include a floor surface 428 c , 428 d , respectively.
- the grooves 428 a , 428 b may define a partial (or full) boss or flange 428 e that is formed on the wall member 424 a.
- At least one other attachment member 528 may be formed on an outer surface of the wall member 424 a spaced and opposed from attachment member 428 .
- the attachment member 528 includes at least one area defining a groove 528 a and, optionally, may include a second spaced and opposed area defining a second groove 528 b .
- the example grooves 528 a , 528 define a floor surface 528 c , 528 d , respectively.
- the grooves 528 a , 528 b may define a partial (or full) boss or flange 528 e that is formed on the wall member 524 a.
- either one of the respective attachment members 428 , 528 , respectively, may be coupled with the attachment member 36 of an extension unit 30 to permit users of either hand to utilize the cup holder system 10 .
- FIGS. 6-7 show the handle unit 420 in the “left-handed” configuration.
- FIG. 8 illustrates an example cup holder system 610 similar to the cup holder system of FIG. 4 , except that the cup holder portions 624 , 632 , 642 , and 652 are all formed as part of a single-piece device.
- the body of the system 610 is monolithic. That is, the cup holder portion 624 and extension units 630 , 640 , and 650 are formed integrally as a single-piece structure and do not require individual pieces to be assembled together.
- the handle member 622 is part of the single-piece structure.
- the handle member 622 , the cup holder portion 624 and extension units 630 , 640 , and 650 are all molded together as a single piece.
- three extension units 630 , 640 , and 650 are shown in the example, more or fewer extension units may be monolithic with the handle unit 620 .
- the system 10 includes receptacles for the fluid or beverage and separate cups are not required.
- each unit of the system 10 may have an integrally formed cup-shaped receptacle formed as part of the device.
Abstract
A beverage drinking device includes a body that supports a plurality of containers arranged relative to each other such that a liquid from a first one of the containers flows into an adjacent, second one of the containers while an individual consumes liquid from the second one of the containers.
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/730,657, which was filed on Sep. 13, 2018.
- Cup holders, including cup holder systems that are intended to accommodate more than one fluid container (e.g., cups or glasses containing liquids), are not able to provide a single user the opportunity to drink from more than one of the fluid containers at the same time.
- In general terms, an embodiment of this invention is a new and improved beverage drinking device that allows an individual to drink the contents of multiple containers.
- An illustrative example embodiment of a beverage drinking device includes a body that supports a plurality of containers arranged relative to each other such that a liquid from a first one of the containers flows into an adjacent, second one of the containers while an individual consumes the liquid from the second one of the containers.
- In some example embodiments, the body and the containers are formed separately and the containers are selectively received by the body. In other example embodiments, the body and the containers are all part of a single-piece structure.
- In some example embodiments, the containers are cups that are received into openings or receptacles in the body. While the cups are supported by the body their rims are staggered relative to each other and situated in different planes.
- The body in some embodiments is formed as a single-piece structure. In other embodiments the body comprises multiple pieces that are selectively secured together.
- The body in some embodiments includes a handle that facilitates raising the device into a position where an individual may consume liquid from at least one of the containers.
- Various features and advantages of at least one disclosed example embodiment will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a beverage container holder system designed in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2A is an exploded view of the system depicted inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 2B is a detailed view of a portion of the handle unit of the system depicted inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a beverage container holder system like that shown inFIG. 2 with additional container holders. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the system depicted inFIG. 3 with beverage containers. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of a handle unit. -
FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an example use of an example embodiment. -
FIG. 7 illustrates an individual using the example embodiment ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another beverage container holder system. - Referring to the Figures generally, and specifically to
FIGS. 1-2B , a beveragecontainer holder system 10 includes ahandle unit 20 and at least oneextension unit 30. Thehandle unit 20 andextension unit 30 are selectively operable to be brought into engagement with (and disengagement from) one another. Thehandle unit 20 may function as a first beverage container holder unit and theextension unit 30 may function as a second beverage container holder unit - For discussion purposes, cups will be used as example beverage containers in the remainder of this description. Other fluid or beverage containers may be used in some embodiments or circumstances.
- The
example handle unit 20 includes ahandle member 22 associated with acup holder portion 24. Thehandle member 22 is configured to be grasped by a user to hold and manipulate thecup holder system 10. While thehandle member 22 is shown on the right hand side of thehandle unit 20, it should be appreciated that thehandle member 22 could also be configured to be placed on the left hand side of thehandle unit 20. Some embodiments include more than one handle member, such as one on each side of thehandle unit 20. - Although the
cup holder portion 24 includes a body orwall member 24 a that is primarily circular in shape, it should be appreciated that thewall member 24 a may include other shapes and configurations in other embodiments. Thecup holder portion 24 includes an area defining anaperture 26 formed in a portion of thewall member 24 a. In some examples, theaperture 26 may be circular (or other similar shape) in configuration to accommodate a large number of sizes of conventional fluid containers (e.g., cups, glasses and/or the like). - At least one
attachment member 28 may be formed on an outer surface of thewall member 24 a. Theattachment member 28 includes at least one area defining agroove 28 a and, optionally, may include a second spaced and opposed area defining asecond groove 28 b. In some examples, thegrooves wall member 24 a, but rather may only extend partially into thewall member 24 a to define afloor surface grooves grooves flange 28 e that is formed on thewall member 24 a. - The
extension unit 30 includes acup holder portion 32. Although thecup holder portion 32 includes a body orwall member 32 a that is primarily rectangular in shape, it should be appreciated that thewall member 32 a may include other shapes and configurations as well. Thecup holder portion 32 includes an area defining anaperture 34 formed in a portion of thewall member 32 a. In some examples, theaperture 34 may be circular (or other similar shape) in configuration so at accommodate a large number of sizes of conventional fluid containers (e.g., cups, glasses and/or the like). - At least one
attachment member 36 may be formed on an outer surface of thewall member 32 a. Theattachment member 36 includes at least one area defining agroove 36 a. In some examples, thegroove 36 a may extend all the way through thewall member 32 a. In some examples, thegroove 36 a may define one or more full (or partial) bosses orflanges 36 b, 36 c, respectively, that are formed on thewall member 32 a. - At least one
other attachment member 38 may be formed on another portion of the outer surface of thewall member 32 a, such that theother attachment member 38 is spaced and opposed from thefirst attachment member 36. Theattachment member 38 includes at least one area defining agroove 38 a and, optionally, may include a second spaced and opposed area defining asecond groove 38 b. In some examples, thegrooves wall member 32 a and define afloor surface grooves grooves flange 38 e that is formed on thewall member 32 a. - In order to couple the
handle unit 20 to theextension unit 30, thecorresponding attachment members grooves flanges 36 b, 36 c, respectively, for example, by lowering theattachment member 36 of theextension unit 30 downwardly onto theattachment member 28 of thehandle unit 20. Conversely, this may also be accomplished by engagingflange 28 e withgroove 36 a, for example, by lowering theattachment member 36 of theextension unit 30 downwardly onto theattachment member 28 of thehandle unit 20. Regardless of the methodology used to secure the units together, it should be appreciated thatflanges 36 b, 36 c, respectively, are received withingrooves extension unit 30 is in a different plane than a top surface H of thehandle unit 20 when the two units are coupled together. In the illustrated example, the top surface E is higher than the top surface H. In some examples, the presence of thefloor surfaces flanges 36 b, 36 c, respectively, from being fully received withingrooves - Decoupling the
handle unit 20 from theextension unit 30 is simply accomplished by reversing the method of coupling these two units together. - Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , the illustrated example accommodates additional extension units that may be added to the original or existingextension unit 30 that has been coupled to thehandle unit 20. While twoadditional extension units extension units extension unit 30. - In order to couple
extension unit 30 toextension unit 40, theirrespective attachment members grooves flanges flange 38 e withgroove 136 a. Regardless of the methodology used, it should be appreciated thatflanges grooves extension unit 40 is in a different plane than (and, according to the illustration, slightly raised above) a top surface E of theextension unit 30 when the two units are coupled together. In some examples, the presence of the floor surfaces 38 c, 38 d control the positions of theflanges grooves - In order to couple
extension unit 40 toextension unit 50, theirrespective attachment members grooves flanges flange 138 e withgroove 236 a. The manner in which theflanges grooves extension unit 50 and the top surface E1 of theextension unit 40 when the two units are coupled together. In some examples, the presence of the floor surfaces 138 c, 138 d and the length or height of theflanges - It should be noted that additional extension units can be added to
extension unit 50 and so on and so on until a practical limit (e.g., weight) of the total number of extension units is reached for the particular user. - Referring specifically to
FIG. 4 , a plurality offluid containers respective apertures FIG. 4 , the rim of an adjacent cup to the left is slightly raised above the rim of the next adjacent cup. That is, a top surface (e.g., a rim) offluid container 310 is slightly above a top surface (e.g., a rim) offluid container 300, a top surface (e.g., a rim) offluid container 320 is slightly above a top surface (e.g., a rim) offluid container 310, and a top surface (e.g., a rim) offluid container 330 is slightly above a top surface (e.g., a rim) offluid container 320. Although the top surfaces or rims, 302, 312, 322, 334, respectively, of thefluid containers fluid containers - In this manner, the
fluid containers FIG. 7 , when a user lifts or otherwise manipulates thesystem 10 upwardly to drink from thecup 300, fluid F contained in the cup 310 (a first container) may cascade into the cup 300 (a second container). In this example including more than two containers, as the user drinks from thecup 300, the fluid F incontainer 330 may cascade intofluid container 320, the fluid contained influid container 320 may cascade intofluid container 310, the fluid contained influid container 310 may cascade intofluid container 300. - In this manner, the
cup holder system 10 of the present invention allows an individual user to consume a beverage from multiple cups in succession. Thecup holder system 10 may be used, for example, as part of a game in which individuals compete against each other to see how many total cups each is capable of lifting and consuming while minimizing how much of the beverage spills. Such games may test the competitors' strength, dexterity and ability to consume large amounts of fluid quickly. - Referring specifically to
FIG. 5 , analternative handle unit 420 includes ahandle member 422 associated with acup holder portion 424. Thehandle member 422 is configured such that a user may grip either the right hand side of the handle unit 420 (presumably if the user is right-handed) or the left hand side of the handle unit 420 (presumably if the user is left-handed) easily by appropriately rotating thehandle unit 420 to suit the needs of the user. In this manner, thehandle unit 420 provides for ambidextrous use by either right-handed or left-handed users. Selecting either side of thehandle unit 420 to which extension units are connected allows the user to customize whether thesystem 10 is right-handed or left-handed. - At least one
attachment member 428 on an outer surface of thewall member 424 a includes at least onearea defining grooves holder unit 20 shown inFIGS. 1-4 . Thegrooves floor surface grooves flange 428 e that is formed on thewall member 424 a. - At least one
other attachment member 528 may be formed on an outer surface of thewall member 424 a spaced and opposed fromattachment member 428. Theattachment member 528 includes at least one area defining agroove 528 a and, optionally, may include a second spaced and opposed area defining asecond groove 528 b. Theexample grooves floor surface grooves flange 528 e that is formed on the wall member 524 a. - In this manner, either one of the
respective attachment members attachment member 36 of anextension unit 30 to permit users of either hand to utilize thecup holder system 10. For example,FIGS. 6-7 show thehandle unit 420 in the “left-handed” configuration. -
FIG. 8 illustrates an examplecup holder system 610 similar to the cup holder system ofFIG. 4 , except that thecup holder portions system 610 is monolithic. That is, thecup holder portion 624 andextension units handle member 622 is part of the single-piece structure. For example, thehandle member 622, thecup holder portion 624 andextension units extension units handle unit 620. - In some embodiments, the
system 10 includes receptacles for the fluid or beverage and separate cups are not required. For example, instead of including apertures for receiving cups or other containers, each unit of thesystem 10 may have an integrally formed cup-shaped receptacle formed as part of the device. - Although different embodiments are illustrated as having specific components or steps, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those particular combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from any of the embodiments in combination with features or components from any of the other embodiments. Although a particular component arrangement is disclosed and illustrated in the exemplary disclosed embodiments, other arrangements are possible.
- The preceding description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not necessarily depart from the essence of this disclosure. Thus, the scope of legal protection can only be determined by studying the following claims.
Claims (19)
1. A beverage drinking device comprising a body that supports a plurality of containers arranged relative to each other such that a liquid from a first one of the containers flows into an adjacent, second one of the containers while an individual consumes liquid from the second one of the containers.
2. The device of claim 1 , comprising a handle extending from the body near at least one of the containers.
3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a plurality of apertures configured to receive and support the plurality of containers.
4. The device of claim 3 , wherein
the body comprises a plurality of units;
each of the units includes at least one of the apertures; and
each of the units is configured to position a dispensing surface of the first one of the containers in a first plane and a dispensing surface of the second one of the containers in a second, different plane.
5. The device of claim 4 , wherein the plurality of units are selectively connected together or separated from each other.
6. The device of claim 3 , wherein
at least one of the units includes at least one attachment member; and
at least one other of the units includes at least one groove configured to receive the at least one attachment member for connecting the at least one of the units to the at least one other of the units.
7. The device of claim 3 , wherein the body is a single-piece structure including all of the plurality of apertures.
8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the body and the plurality of containers are integrally formed as a single-piece structure.
9. A cup holder system, comprising:
a first cup holder unit including a handle member; and
a second cup holder unit adjacent the first cup holder unit,
wherein a top surface of the first cup holder unit is at least partially in a first plane and a top surface of the second cup holder unit is at least partially in a second plane that is different than the first plane.
10. The cup holder system of claim 9 , wherein the top surface of the second cup holder is positioned above the top surface of the first cup holder unit.
11. The cup holder system according to claim 9 , wherein
the first cup holder includes a first body,
the first body includes an area defining a first aperture,
the aperture is configured to at least partially receive a first cup,
the second cup holder includes a second body,
the second body includes an area defining a second aperture,
the second aperture is configured to receive a second cup.
12. The cup holder system according to claim 11 , comprising a cup in each of the apertures and wherein the first and second apertures are respectively configured to stagger a dispensing surface of the cups relative to a dispensing surface of an adjacent one of the cups so that a fluid in the one of the cups in the second aperture flows into the one of the cups in the first aperture while a user consumes at least some of the fluid in the cup in the first cup holder.
13. The cup holder system according to claim 9 , wherein the first cup holder unit includes an attachment portion that is configured to engage an attachment portion on the second cup holder unit.
14. The cup holder system according to claim 9 , wherein
the first cup holder unit includes a first attachment portion situated for the handle member to be used in a right-handed configuration;
the first cup holder unit includes a second attachment portion situated for the handle member to be used in a left-handed configuration; and
each of the first and second attachment portions are configured to respectively engage an attachment portion of the second cup holder unit.
15. The cup holder system according to claim 9 , comprising a third cup holder unit adjacent to the second cup holder unit and wherein a top surface of the third cup holder unit is at least partially in a third plane that is different than the first plane and the second plane.
16. The cup holder system according to claim 9 , wherein the first cup holder unit and the second cup holder unit are integrally formed together to define a single-piece structure.
includes an attachment portion formed on a surface thereof that is selectively operable to engage an attachment portion formed on a surface of the second cup holder unit.
17. A cup holder system, comprising:
a first cup holder unit, wherein the first cup holder unit includes a handle member, wherein the first cup holder includes a body, wherein the body includes an area defining an aperture formed therein, wherein the aperture is selectively operable to receive a fluid container therein; and
a second cup holder unit removably coupled to the first cup holder unit, wherein the second cup holder includes a body, wherein the body includes an area defining an aperture formed therein, wherein the aperture is selectively operable to receive a fluid container therein, wherein a top surface of the second cup holder unit is above a top surface of the first cup holder unit when the first and second cup holder units are coupled together;
wherein a top surface of the fluid container in the aperture of the second cup holder is higher than a top surface of the fluid container in the aperture of the first cup holder;
wherein the fluid container in the aperture of the second cup holder is proximate to the fluid container in the aperture of the first cup holder such that a fluid contained in the fluid container of the second cup holder is able to flow into the fluid container of the first cup holder.
18. The cup holder system according to claim 17 , wherein the first cup holder unit includes an attachment portion formed on a surface thereof that is selectively operable to engage an attachment portion formed on a surface of the second cup holder unit.
19. The cup holder system according to claim 17 , wherein the first cup holder unit includes a first and a second attachment portion formed on a surface thereof, wherein each of the first and second attachment portions are selectively operable to engage an attachment portion formed on a surface of the second cup holder unit.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US16/570,387 US20200085219A1 (en) | 2018-09-13 | 2019-09-13 | Cup holder system |
US17/500,290 US11564518B2 (en) | 2018-09-13 | 2021-10-13 | Cup holder system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201862730657P | 2018-09-13 | 2018-09-13 | |
US16/570,387 US20200085219A1 (en) | 2018-09-13 | 2019-09-13 | Cup holder system |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US17/500,290 Continuation US11564518B2 (en) | 2018-09-13 | 2021-10-13 | Cup holder system |
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US20200085219A1 true US20200085219A1 (en) | 2020-03-19 |
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US16/570,387 Abandoned US20200085219A1 (en) | 2018-09-13 | 2019-09-13 | Cup holder system |
US17/500,290 Active US11564518B2 (en) | 2018-09-13 | 2021-10-13 | Cup holder system |
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US17/500,290 Active US11564518B2 (en) | 2018-09-13 | 2021-10-13 | Cup holder system |
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US (2) | US20200085219A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
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USD913201S1 (en) * | 2020-07-28 | 2021-03-16 | Guangzhou Issyzone Technology Co. Limited | Cup holder adapter |
USD917375S1 (en) * | 2016-03-26 | 2021-04-27 | Scott Douglas Cavallo | Beverage jug holder |
US20220306353A1 (en) * | 2021-03-29 | 2022-09-29 | Swimc Llc | Storage container |
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US11839203B2 (en) * | 2020-01-12 | 2023-12-12 | Julie Ann Barney | Fishing rod sand spike holder carry system |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US11564518B2 (en) | 2023-01-31 |
US20220211200A1 (en) | 2022-07-07 |
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