US2496157A - Coaster - Google Patents

Description

Jan, 31, 11.950 0. A. GAUDINO COASTER Filed May 12, 1945 FIG! FIG. 2 "3 4 INVENTOR. ORLANDO A GAUDINO Patented Jan. 31, 1950 COASTER Orlando Alboeno Gaudino, United States Army, Butler, Pa.

Application May 12, 1945, Serial No. 593,355

- 1 Claim.

In the accompanying drawing, forming a part I of this specification and wherein similar reference characters designate corresponding parts thruout the several views,

Figure 1 is a plan view of the improved device for receiving and absorbing condensate from receptacles supported thereon.

Figure 2 is a cross sectional view taken transversely of the device, substantially on the line 2-2 of Figure 1, showing the various structural features thereof.

Figure 3 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken substantially on the line 33 of Figure 1 showing a bayonet slot arrangement by means of which the receptacle supporting spider ma be connected to the main frame or base of the coaster.

In the drawing, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown only a preferred embodiment of the invention, the letter A may generally designate the improved device. It is coaster-like in nature and comprises a main frame or base portion B; absorbent pad C and receptacle supporting spider or member D.

The frame or base B is receptacle-like in nature and may be constructed of glass, porcelain, plastic, wood or any approved material. It includes a bottom wall having an upstanding relatively thick wall ll; preferably circular and defining a chamber l2 therein. The internal walls of the chamber I2 are preferably provided with diametrically opposed pairs of bayonet slots which include entrance ways 14 opening on the top surface I of the upstanding wall and the preferably right angled horizontal retaining slots is into which the lower ends of the ways i4 open. These bayonet slots do not extend through the entire thickness of the wall II and are adapted to provide means for attaching the arms of the spider or member D, as will be subsequently described.

The base B at the lower margin thereof may be provided with a flanged footing 20 which is preferably externally convex. The bottom of the wall I!) may be provided with a shallow rest ring 2!, of cork or similar material. It overlaps the footing 20 and insures the protection of table surfaces, etc., from marring should the base B be made of some plastic or hard material. The ring 2! gives just suflilcient surface for properly supporting the base without an entire bottom contact upon the supporting surface.

There is disposed within the chamber l2 an absorbent pad C, preferably a sponge, sponge rubber or other absorbent material. It will absorb the moisture dripping as condensate from the receptacle supported on the device. The top surface of this pad when in the chamber [2 projects upwardly above the lower edge of the slot portions [6 so that the pad will be slightly compressed as the spider D is moved into place, altho this is not essential.

The receptacle supporting member or spider D preferably consists of a hub portion 30 having arms 3| radiating therefrom in any approved number. Preferably they are arranged in opposed pairs. At their outer ends the arms 3! are provided with reduced studs 32 adapted to seat in the bayonet slots in the manner shown in the drawing. It is noted that the arms 3i are relatively narrow so that a large area of the upper surface of the absorbent pad C is exposed. The hub 30 is preferably provided with a central opening 34 to further expose the pad.

So that the receptacle, generally designated at E in the drawing, need not rest directly upon the entire upper surfacing of the arms 3!, the latter have narrow elongated upwardly projecting ribs 36 on their upper surfaces intermediate the ends thereof, and upon which the receptacle E rests.

While I am aware that coasters have heretofore been provided for supporting receptacles into which condensate may drip, yet in many of them the arrangement of parts are complicated or if the coaster is a simple receptacle, the bottom portion of the glass is immersed in the condensate caught in the receptacle and when the receptacle is deposited on a table or other surface, as is frequently the case during use, the purpose of providing a coaster is defeated. With my improved device, however, the condensate is absorbed by the pad 0 and the bottom of the receptacle is substantially clear of water except for minor condensate. The purpose of this invention can be partially served even in the absence of an absorbent pad.

Various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be made to the form of invention herein shown and described, without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the following claim.

I claim:

A coaster for the purpose defined comprising a base having an open top chamber therein with bayonet slots opening on the top surface of said base, a spider including a hub and arms radiating therefrom, studs on the ends of said arms for detachable connection with the the bayonet slots of said base for supporting said spider in spaced relation above the bottom of the chamber and Within the chamber, the arms of thespider being provided with receptacle supporting projections extending upwardly from the upper surfaces thereof.

ORLANDO ALBOENO GAUDTNO'.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

Number D. 32,950 5 48,996 252,406 482,603 511,617 821,208

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