WO1994027479A1

WO1994027479A1 - Device for securing utensils and containers to smooth surfaces

Info

Publication number: WO1994027479A1
Application number: PCT/US1994/006131
Authority: WO
Inventors: Colin J. Smith; David C. Kurczek
Original assignee: Smith Colin J; Kurczek David C
Priority date: 1993-06-01
Filing date: 1994-06-01
Publication date: 1994-12-08

Abstract

A device for securing utensils such as writing utensils (1), toothbrushes (10), razors (22), hairbrushes and all containers, for example bottles (130, 170), jars, cans (100) and tubes (150) to smooth surfaces comprises at least one suction cup (4, 18, 30, 52, 62, 63, 74, 110, 140, 160, 178) and means (3, 28, 40, 54, 76, 102, 112, 134, 158, 172) integral to the cup for receiving and supporting at least one utensil or container in a position relative to the smooth surface at an angle in the range of 0 to 90 degrees. The invention is also directed to a method of using a device for securing at least one container to a smooth surface comprising at least one utensil or suction cup and a means integral to the cup for receiving and supporting at least one utensil or container in a fixed position relative to the smooth surface at an angle in the range of 0 to 90 degrees. A method for using a device to attach utensils or containers to smooth surfaces is also described.

Description

Device for Securing Utensils and Containers to Smooth Surfaces

Background of the Invention

This is a continuation-in part application of U.S. Patent Application No. 08/069,514 filed on June 1, 1993, which is herein incorporated by reference. This invention relates to devices for attaching articles such as writing utensils, toothbrushes, disposable razors, hairbrushes, containers such as shampoo and conditioner bottles, shaving cream cans, hand-cream bottles, deodorizers, air-fresheners and the like to smooth surfaces, and more particularly to suction devices for attaching these articles at any desired angle to the smooth surfaces.

Background of the Invention

The development and widespread use of many different forms of writing utensils such as fountain pens, ball-point pens, felt-tip pens, highlighters, markers, pencils and mechanical pencils have served to focus on the shortcomings and problems to be solved in the design of various writing utensils. Although there have been many improvements in their design, several problems have not been overcome.

The advantages of having a pen or marker in an upright or semi-upright position on a horizontal surface when out of use are manifold. A writing utensil placed on its side on a horizontal surface such as a desk-top can easily be displaced when a slight force, produced, for example, by moving books or papers on the desk, is applied to the writing utensil or desk. A writing utensil on a desk is easily obscured from view by objects placed on the desk surface, and is not instantly and readily accessible to the user. While searching for it, the user wastes valuable time and may misplace other objects or place documents in disarray. In contrast, if the writing utensil protrudes from the surface in a somewhat vertical position, the writing utensil is adjacent to, and often higher than, other objects. Thus, it is readily visible and can be grasped without disturbing objects on the desk surface. It is advantageous for the pen or marker to be positioned with the writing end pointing downward as the ink gravitates onto the writing tip and the pen writes smoothly throughout its use. Until the present invention, a writing utensil was usually placed on its side between uses. If it was tilted even slightly with the writing end uppermost, the initial writing was faint and interrupted until the ink flowed to the tip either by gravity or when the writing utensil was shaken by the user in a direction that promoted the flow of ink towards the tip.

If a marker or highlighter pen is placed on its side without its protective cap, thus exposing the ink-emitting surface to the air for any length of time, the tip dries out and the marker or highlighter pen, no longer usable, has to be discarded. To avoid this, a device is required which makes it effortless for the user to insert the marker or highlighter into its protective cap after each use, and to remove it from the cap when required. All the disadvantages discussed above represent a waste of time and money. If writing utensils were placed within their protective caps and with the writing tip pointing downwards between uses, the above- mentioned problems would be overcome and an increase in efficiency, and hence productivity, would result. In general, the ratio of the length of the writing utensil itself to the width of the protective cap is so large that if the capped pen is placed on a horizontal surface with the writing tip pointing down, the writing utensil is too unstable to maintain, or perhaps even achieve, this position without the aid of an external device. Thus, until the present invention, an external device such as a pen holder or stand has been necessary for holding the writing utensil secure in a vertical or semi-vertical position on a horizontal surface. The disadvantages of these holders clearly arise from the fact that they are available only on a limited number of horizontal surfaces on which writing utensils are placed, they are often heavy, cumbersome, occupy a large surface area and are expensive to produce.

Further, until the present invention, a clip, a holder, a length of string or a similarly unwieldy device was required to secure a writing utensil to a sloping surface such as a dashboard of a car, a vertical surface such as a refrigerator door, or a surface that varies its position such as a portable clipboard, to prevent the writing utensil from falling.

VELCRO (a registered trademark) and magnets are known to those skilled in the art as means for securing objects to flat surfaces. However, these are limited in their use and do not solve the problems discussed above. VELCRO on a pen, for example, would require a VELCRO base on the surface to which the VELCRO on the pen would adhere, and a magnet on the pen would only secure the pen to a metal surface. Reusable adhesive tapes rapidly lose their effectiveness an leave residues or discolored areas to the underlying surface, when the tapes are removed. Magnets cannot be used on all smooth surfaces and often leave scratched marks on the underlying surface. To be effective in overcoming these disadvantages, a device for securing a writing utensil to a flat surface must be fully contained on the protective cap of the writing utensil, or on the stem or reservoir portion of the writing utensil. The development and widespread use of many different containers containing various substances, including, but not limited to, tablets, powders and other solids, liquids, creams and gels has also served to focus on the shortcomings and problems to be solved in the transportation and storage of the containers when not in use as well as placement of the containers while being used.

The advantages to having a container attachable to vertical and horizontal surfaces are manifold. Until the present invention, containers holding shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, solid soap, bath salts, gels and creams required, for their placement, a shelf in the shower stall or bath-tub area. Alternatively the containers were placed on the bath-tub ledge or the floor. These places may be inconvenient and even dangerous for the user to reach while taking a shower or bath. For example, as the user moves towards a shelf or ledge, he may slip and sustain an injury.

These disadvantages may be avoided by equipping containers with a self securing attachment device which can be attached at any position on a smooth surface as opposed to external devices which are attached at a fixed point. The user can choose any site or position for placement of the container according to personal needs and convenience and the container can be differently positioned as needs change. Moreover, a self-contained attachment device also takes up less space than a ledge or a shelf.

A further advantage of containers secured to a surface by self-contained, self-securing fixation or attachment devices is the fact that the containers will not fall or be displaced by motion, for example on a oving boat, plane, caravan, car or any other moving facility. The attachment device of the invention would allow the container to be secured, for example, to a dashboard of a car, a counter top in a boat's cabin or kitchen or a vertical surface in a shower or cooking area of the boat, or on a vertical surface close to any barbecue area, avoiding any problem of displacement of the container, and spillage of its contents.

It is advantageous to have a container positioned so that the opening of the container points downward and there is a gravitational flow of the contents toward the opening. Traditionally, the majority of containers have the opening at the top, away from the gravitational force. When such containers contain thick, viscous substances or when containers are almost empty, it takes time for the contents to reach the dispensing end or to invert the containers; this represents a waste of the user's time, and for this reason, residual contents are often discarded. In this regard, the claimed invention overcomes these problems as a suction device attached to the body of a shampoo bottle for example, will allow the bottle to be secured to a vertical surface in either the upright or inverted position. Alternatively, an additional suction cup can be placed, for example, on the outer surface of the lid of a shampoo bottle to allow the bottle to be secured to a horizontal surface in an inverted position .

Traditionally, containers which are unable to stand firmly on a surface are not used. Although they may be aesthetically appealing, they are impractical, as the contents may spill due to the instability of the container. Examples of such containers are spheres or irregularly - shaped containers. The present invention renders such containers useable, as the containers can be secured to a surface in a particular position depending on the position chosen for the attachment of the suction device to the containers.

Summary of the Invention A device for securing a utensil or a container to a smooth surface comprises at least one suction cup and means integral to the cup for receiving and supporting the utensil or container in a position relative to the smooth surface at an angle in the range of 0° to 90°. The utensil of the invention may be selected, for example, from writing utensils such as, for example, a fountain pen, a disposable ballpoint pen, a ball-point pen with replacement cartridges, a mechanical pen, a marker, a highlighter, a pencil and a mechanical pencil and the like, and the means for receiving and supporting the writing utensil may be, for example, a protective cap of the writing utensil. The writing utensils may be, for example, felt-tipped, or contain ink or lead or any other constituents that qualify as writing materials. In an embodiment of the invention, the suction cup is fixedly attached to the protective cap of the writing utensil. In another embodiment the suction cup is slidably attached to the protective cap along at least one groove on the cap so that the utensil pivots on the suction cup through an angle from 0° to 90°, and the angle at which the utensil is disposed to the smooth surface is dependent upon the position of the cap in the groove. The device described can also be used to attach utensils other than writing utensils to smooth surfaces. Examples of these utensils are razors, hairbrushes and toothbrushes. The device described can also attach containers to smooth surfaces. The containers of the invention may be of any shape, and may be selected, for example, from bottles, jars, tubes and cans. These containers may contain substances selected from liquids, creams, lotions and gels, for example, shampoo, hair conditioner, soap, toothpaste, liquid soap, creams, and other cosmetics. The containers may also hold spices, condiments, oils and other substances used for cooking.

The invention is also directed to a method of using a device for securing at least one utensil or container to a smooth surface comprising at least one suction cup and a means integral to the cup for receiving and supporting at least one utensil or container in a fixed position relative to the smooth surface at an angle in the range of 0° to 90°, comprising the steps of attaching the receiving and supporting means to the suction cup; inserting the utensil or container into the receiving and supporting means; securing the suction cup with the attached receiving and supporting means to a smooth surface, the utensil or container being held relative to the smooth surface at an angle in the range of 0° to 90°; removing the utensil or container from the receiving and supporting means, thereby enabling the utensil or container to be used and leaving the receiving and supporting means secured to the flat surface, the vacuum created by the suction cup being strong enough to maintain the attachment of the cup to the smooth surface on removing the utensil or container from the receiving and supporting means; and replacing the utensil or container into the receiving and supporting means between uses.

Description of the Drawing

The invention will be described with respect to a drawing of which:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of a device applied to a writing utensil, in accordance with the invention; Fig. 2 is an elevational view of another embodiment of the device applied to a writing utensil, in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 3 is an elevational view of another embodiment of the device applied to a writing utensil in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 4 is an exploded longitudinal cross-sectional view of the upper portion of an embodiment of the device as shown in Fig. 2; Figs. 5, 6 and 7 are perspective views of various embodiments of the device applied to a toothbrush, in accordance with the invention;

Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are perspective views of various embodiments of the device applied to a razor in accordance with the invention;

Figs. 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 are views of the attachment of a suction-cup to a utensil by a ball and socket;

Figs. 16 and 17 are views of the attachment of a suction-cup to a utensil by a hinge mechanism;

Figs. 18 and 19 are side views of alternative embodiments; and

Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view along the line y ...y, of Fig. 19. Fig. 21 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the device applied to a shaving cream dispenser, in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 22 and 23 are partly-fragmented elevational views of embodiments of the device applied to a shaving cream dispenser, in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 24 is an elevational view of an embodiment of the device applied to a shampoo bottle, in accordance with the invention.

Figs. 25 and 26 are partly-fragmented elevational view of embodiments of the device applied to a shampoo bottle, in accordance with the invention. Figs. 27, 28 and 29 are elevational views of embodiments of the device applied to a toothpaste tube, in accordance with the invention.

Figs. 30, 31 and 32 are perspective views of embodiments of the device applied to a spice bottle, in accordance with the invention.

Where possible, like elements in the figures have been denoted with like reference numerals.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The present invention solves the long-felt problems and fulfills all the attendant needs existing in the field of the invention as discussed above.

The present invention is directed to a device for securing utensils and containers to a smooth surface comprising at least one suction cup and means, integral to the cup, for receiving and supporting the utensils or containers in a position relative to the smooth surface at any desired angle in the range of 0° and 90°. For the purposes of this specification "integral" means that the parts described are made as a single unit or attached to each other in any manner.

The present invention is also directed to a device for securing a portable, hand-held writing utensil to a smooth surface, more particularly to a device comprising at least one suction cup attached to the cap of a writing utensil or the stem or reservoir section of the writing utensil which allows the writing utensil to be firmly secured to a smooth non-porous surface at a desired angle, the angle being determined by the point of attachment of the device to the writing utensil.

An object and feature of the invention is to provide at least one suction cup attached to the cap of the writing utensil, which allows the user to secure the writing utensil to a variety of smooth surfaces. On securing the writing utensil to the surface, the vacuum created by the suction cup is sufficiently strong to securely maintain the attachment of the cap to the surface even when the writing portion of the writing utensil is removed from the cap for use. For purposes of this invention the "writing portion" refers to the stem or reservoir and writing tip i.e. all parts of the writing utensil other than the protective cap. Thus, the cap, securely attached to the surface by the suction cup, acts as a pen or pencil holder or stand. However, unlike prior pen and pencil holders/stands, which are separate from the writing utensil, the device of the invention is an integral part of the writing utensil itself. As part of a self-contained writing utensil and attachment means, the suction cup is activated on the smooth surface to which the user wishes to secure the writing utensil.

A writing utensil according to the invention placed approximately perpendicular to a horizontal surface to which it is attached, is readily visible and easily accessible. Thus, the writing portion can be inserted into the protective cap with ease after use. An object of this invention is to avoid drying out of felt-tip markers and highlighters which occurs if they are not capped between uses.

An advantage of the invention as directed to the writing utensil is that the suction cup is small (preferably with a diameter not greater than 30% more than the diameter of the cap of the writing utensil) and light in weight, thus adding almost no weight or increased dimensions to the writing utensil. Another advantage of the invention is that unlike tape and tape-like adhesives, the suction device can be used repeatedly without wearing out or losing its effectiveness. Yet another advantage of the invention is the extremely low cost of production of the device. Therefore, the addition of the device to writing utensils would not necessitate a significant increase in the selling price of the utensils. This is an especially significant consideration in the production of disposable writing utensils.

A further advantage of this invention, when used so that the ink-emitting tip of the writing utensil points downward, is the gravitational flow of ink toward the ink-emitting tip of the writing utensil. The suction cups of the invention are made of materials which are well known to those skilled in the art to be used for that purpose. Rubber, plastic, silicone, polyethylene, polyurethane, polyvinylchloride, polyethylene, terephthalate and various copolymers are examples of such materials.

The present invention is not limited to writing utensils; it can also be used to secure other utensils and articles, which are compact and light in weight, to smooth surfaces. There follows a description of examples of such articles. A device according to the invention comprising at least one suction cup attached to a razor (disposable, having a disposable blade section or otherwise) would allow the razor to be attached, for example, to a mirror, tiled wall, shower door or wall or a surface of a bath tub. This invention would solve the problem of the razor lying in a soap dish, collecting soap scum or being partly immersed in a puddle of water. In one embodiment of the invention, the device comprises at least one suction cup attached to a holder which accommodates and supports the razor either on the side or the base of the holder. In another embodiment of the invention, the suction cap is integral to the shaft (handle) of the razor. A device according to the invention, comprising at least one suction cup integral to a toothbrush would enable the user to mount the toothbrush on a tiled wall, on any standard FORMICA®, porcelain or marble sink or vanity counter, or the inside of a medicine cabinet. In one embodiment of the invention, the suction cup is integral to a holder which accommodates and supports the toothbrush either on the side or the base of the holder. In another embodiment of the invention, the suction cap is integral to the shaft (handle) of the toothbrush. The position of the toothbrush or razor relative to the surface to which it is secured would depend on which portion of the holding means or handle of the toothbrush or razor would bear the suction cup. As described for the writing utensil, the suction cup may be fixedly or slidably attached to the razor or toothbrush or the holder thereof.

A suction cup on the casing of a light pen used for a computer would allow the user to attach the light pen to the computer screen or screen casing between uses. Similarly, a suction cup could be attached to the casing of pen lights.

The present invention can also be used on many different containers for attachment to horizontal and vertical surfaces. A device according to the invention, for securing containers to a smooth surface comprising at least one suction cup and means integral to the cup for receiving and supporting the container in a position relative to the smooth surface at an angle in the range of 0° to 90°, would enable the user to mount the container on any smooth horizontal, vertical or sloping surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the suction cup is integral to a holder at any point thereon, which accommodates and supports the container. In another embodiment of the invention the suction cup is integral to the container itself. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the suction cup is integral to the lid of the container. The position of the container relative to the surface to which it is secured would depend on which portion of the holding means, the container or the lid of the container would bear the suction cup or cups. The suction cup or cups are of a size which is effective in supporting the container and its contents. Further, the position of the suction-cup(s) on a container depend on the relationship that the user of the container requires between the container and the surface and whether the surface is vertical, horizontal or sloping. The containers discussed above, are made of any of the materials used in the manufacture of containers, for example, metal, plastics, wood, rubber, glass, plexiglass, cardboard and other paper products. Included are containers of all shapes, containers comprising spray means and having various closure means. Moreover, the suction device of the invention is directed to containers containing solid, liquid or gaseous substances, in various forms. The containers may hold substances and products used in every field, for example cosmetics, foods, medications, repair kits and insecticides.

It may be useful to have suction cups for mounting certain hand tools on smooth surfaces especially for use in areas or situations where the user's mobility is restricted. Hand-tools for which a suction cup in accordance with the invention would be useful include flashlights, screwdrivers, scrapers, paintbrushes and other painting/drawing equipment used to paint a ceiling or to change notices on billboards.

The means whereby the suction cup can be attached to the writing utensil, the container or any other embodiment of the invention may be via a groove on the utensil into which a protruding portion or "foot-like" extension of the suction cup is inserted. The free end of the protrusion or projection of the suction cup may widen so that it does not easily become dislodged from the groove. The suction cup may be slidably attached to the utensil or container via the protrusion or projection along the groove on the utensil or container. The groove starts tangential to one plane and ends tangential to another plane, the two planes meeting at a substantially 90° angle, so that the utensil or container can pivot on the suction cup through an angle from 0° to 90°, and the angle at which the utensil or container is disposed to the smooth surface is dependent upon the position of the cup in the groove. The suction cup can also be attached to the utensil or container by a ball and socket joint. The socket may be formed by a depression on the surface of the utensil or container, into which a ball-like structure formed at the base of the suction cup, is rotatably inserted, so that the utensil or container freely pivots on the cup. Alternatively, a depression at the base of the suction cup can form the socket into which a ball-like protrusion from the surface of the utensil or container is rotatably inserted, again allowing free pivotal movement of the utensil or container on the cup. In another embodiment, the cup may be attached to the utensil or container via a hinge mechanism wherein a protrusion, from the base of the suction cup inserts into a depression in the utensil or container in which it is secured by a bar or pin, allowing the utensil or container to move in one plane through a range of 0° - 180°. In yet another embodiment, a track is mounted external to the utensil or container and the suction cup has a gripping mechanism at its base, the gripping mechanism attaching the suction cup to the track, and the free end of the suction cup securing the utensil or container to the smooth surface. In a further embodiment of the invention, the track has surfaces tangential to two planes that meet at substantially a right-angle, and the gripping mechanism is slidably attached to the track, and the angle at which the utensil or container is disposed to the smooth surface is dependent upon the position of the cap in the groove. The track may be formed, for example, on a pocket-clip of the cap of a writing utensil.

Alternatively, the suction cup may be attached directly to the outer surface of the utensils and containers discussed in this application by methods recognized in the field, including but not limited to, soldering, heat sealing, cementing and the use of various adhesives and glue.

The means of attachment of the suction cup to the utensil or container as described above can be used for all embodiments of the invention, for example, writing utensils, razors, hairbrushes, toothbrushes and any other utensils and all containers. For example, the groove on a razor or toothbrush could start on the base of the holder and extend onto the side of the holder, the side and base being tangential to two planes which meet at substantially a right angle. Further, all the means of attachment can be used to attach the suction cup to the holder or cap of the utensil or container, to the stem or handle of the utensil or the body of the container or to a track mounted external to the stem, handle, body, holder or cap of the utensil or container, whichever is applicable.

An exemplary embodiment may be seen in Figure 1, which shows a writing utensil 1 comprising a stem (or reservoir) portion 2 bearing the writing tip 2a and a cap 3. A suction cup 4 is fixedly attached on the surface of the cap 3 that is perpendicular to the side 5 of the writing utensil 1. Figure 2 shows another embodiment of the invention, wherein the cap 3 bears a groove 6 which originates in the center of the surface of the cap that is perpendicular to the side 5 of the writing utensil, the groove 6 continuing to the edge of that surface of the cap 3 on which the groove originates and extending down the side surface of the cap so that the position of attachment of the suction cup 4 can be varied by sliding it along the groove 6 on the cap 3, for example to the position occupied by cap 4a and the position of the writing utensil in relation to the flat surface to which it is attached can be chosen by the user according to the position of the suction cup in the groove 6.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the invention, wherein the cap 7 bears a groove 9 which originates at a point 11 which is tangential to one plane 91 and ends at a point 13 which is tangential to another plane 92, the two planes meeting at substantially a 90° angle 93, so that the position of attachment of the suction cup 4 can be varied by sliding it along the groove 9 on the cap 7, for example to the position occupied by cup 4a and the position of the writing utensil in relation to the flat surface to which it is attached can be chosen by the user according to the position of the suction cup in the groove 9. Figure 4 is an exploded longitudinal cross- sectional view of the upper portion of the invention as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein the utensil is a toothbrush 10 comprising a shaft (handle) 12, which bears bristles 14 at its upper end 16. A suction cup 18 is fixedly attached to the shaft 12 of the toothbrush 10.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein the toothbrush 10 comprises a shaft (handle) 12 and a holder 40. A suction cup 18 is fixedly attached to the holder 40 of the toothbrush 10 at the side 40a of the holder.

Figure 7 shows a toothbrush as shown in Fig. 5, wherein the suction cup 18 is fixedly attached to the holder 40 of the toothbrush 10 at the base 40b of the holder.

Figure 8 shows an embodiment of the invention, wherein the utensil is a razor 20 comprising a shaft (handle) 22, and a portion 24 that bears the blade 26. A suction cup 30 is fixedly attached to the shaft 22 of the razor 20.

Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein the razor 20 comprises a shaft (handle) 22, a portion 24 that bears the blade 26 and a holder 28. A suction cup 30 is fixedly attached to the holder 28 of the razor 20 at the side 28a of the holder 28.

Figure 10 shows the razor as shown in Figure 8, wherein the suction cup 30 is fixedly attached to the holder 28 of the razor 20 at the base 28b of the holder 28.

Figure 11 shows a portion of a utensil 50 to which a suction cap 52 is attached, by a ball 54 and socket 56 mechanism, wherein the ball 54 is a part of the base of the suction-cap 52 and the socket 56 is a depression in the surface of the utensil.

Figure 12 shows the suction-cap 52 of Figure 11 in a different position relative to the utensil 50 as a result of the ball 54 pivoting approximately 45° in the socket 56. Figure 13 shows another view of the ball 54 and socket 56 mechanism of Figure 11, wherein a cut-out portion 59 of the socket 56 is demonstrated, which allows the suction-cup 52 to pivot so that the suction- cup is substantially at a right angle to its position in Figure 11. Figure 14 shows a portion of a utensil 50 and a suction cup 53 joined by a ball 58 and socket 60 mechanism wherein the ball 58 is a protrusion of the utensil 50 and the socket 60 is a depression at the base 61 of the suction cup 53, the depression being opposite in direction to the cavity 63 of the suction cup.

Figure 15 shows the suction-cup 53 of Figure 14 in a different position relative to the utensil 50 as a result of the ball 58 pivoting approximately 30° in the socket 60.

Figure 16 shows a portion of a utensil 50, to which a suction cup 62 is attached by a hinge-like mechanism, wherein a protrusion 64 of the suction cup 62 is movably attached to a bar 66 in a depression 68 of utensil 50, so that the suction cap can move around the bar from 1° to 180° in one plane.

Figure 17 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view along line X X of figure 16 and shows the suction cup 62 moving in one plane around bar 66 to the position of suction cup 62a.

Figure 18 shows a portion of a utensil 50 having a track 72 mounted external to the utensil 50, with a suction cup 74 having a gripping mechanism 76 at the base of the suction cup, by which it grips the track 72.

Figure 19 shows a portion of a utensil 50 having a curved track 82 mounted external to the utensil 50, with a suction cap 74 having a gripping mechanism 76 at the base 78 of the suction cap 74 by which it grips the track. Suction cap 74a shows a position of the suction cap after it has slid along the track from the position of suction cap 74.

Figure 20 shows a cross-section along line Y Y of Figure 19, showing the gripping mechanism 76 at the base 78 of the suction-cap 74 as it grasps the track 82.

Figure 21 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein the container is a shaving cream dispenser 100 comprising a base 102, a body 104, a neck 106 and a lid 108. A suction cup 110 is fixedly attached to the base 102 of the container.

Figure 22 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein the container is a shaving cream dispenser 100 comprising a base 102, a body 104, a neck 106 and a lid 108, and a suction cup 110 is fixedly attached to the outer surface 112 of the body of the container.

Figure 23 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein the container is a shaving cream dispenser 100 comprising a base 102, a body 104, a neck 106 and a lid 108. The dispenser 100 bears a groove 112 which originates on the body 104 at a point 114 where it is tangential to one place 116 and ends on the base 102 at a point 118 tangential to another plane 120, the two planes meeting at substantially a 90° angle 122, so that the position of the suction cup 110 can be varied by sliding it along the groove 112 for example to the position occupied by point 110a and the position of the container in relation to the flat surface to which it is attached can be chosen by the user according to the position of the suction cup 110 in the groove 112.

Figure 24 shows an embodiment of the invention, where the container is a bottle 130 for holding shampoo, hand-cream or other cosmetic. The bottle comprises a base 132 and a holder 134 therefor, a body 136 and a lid 138. A suction cup 140 is fixedly attached to the outer surface of the base of the holder 134.

Figure 25 shows an embodiment of the invention, wherein the container is a bottle 130. A suction cup 140 is fixedly attached to the outer-surface of the body 136 of the container.

Figure 26 shows another embodiment of the invention, wherein the container is a bottle 130 for holding shampoo, hand-cream or other cosmetics. The bottle bears a groove 142 which originates on the outer surface of the body 136 at point 144 and ends on the base 132 at point 146. The suction cup 140 is slidably attached to the bottle 130 in the groove 142. The position of the suction cup 140 can be varied by sliding it along the groove to any point between and including 144 and 146,for example to the position occupied at 140a, and the position of the container in relation to the flat surface to which it is attached can be chosen by the user according to the position of the suction cup 140 in the groove 142.

Figure 27 shows an embodiment of the invention, wherein the container is a tube 150 for toothpaste or cosmetic comprising a base 152, a body 154, a lid 156 and a holder 158 in which the tube can be inserted. A suction cup 160 is fixedly attached to the outer surface of the holder 158.

Figure 28 shows an embodiment of the invention, wherein the container is a tube 150 for toothpaste or cosmetic, and a suction cup 160 is fixedly attached to the base 152 of the container.

Figure 29 shows an embodiment of the invention, wherein the container is a tube 150 for toothpaste or cosmetic or any substance having a consistency that renders it suitable for being dispensed in a tube, and a suction cup 160 is fixedly attached to the lid 156 of the container.

Figure 30 shows an embodiment of the invention, wherein the container is a bottle 170 for holding spices, comprising a base 172, a body 174 and a lid 176. A suction cup 178 is fixedly attached to the base 172 of the bottle 170.

Figure 31 shows an embodiment of the invention, wherein the container is a bottle 170 and a suction cup 178 is fixedly attached to the outer surface of the body 174 of the bottle 170.

Figure 32 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein the container is a bottle 170, the outer surface of the body 174 having a vertical groove 180 originating at point 184. The suction cup 178 is slidably attached to the bottle 170 in the groove 180. The position of the suction cup 178 can be varied by sliding it along the groove between points 182 and 184. The position of the bottle in relation to the flat surface to which it is attached can be chosen by the user according to the position of the suction cup 178 in the groove 180.

The suction cup of the invention may be permanently attached to the utensil or container that it secures to a smooth surface. Alternatively, the suction device may be detachable from the utensil or container, only to be fixed onto the utensil at the option of the user. Also, a user may attach more than one suction cup to a particular utensil or container. The description of the above embodiments is meant to be illustrative of the scope and spirit of the invention. Wherever feasible, the holders, grooves, slidable suction cups, fixedly attached suction cups and other features described in one embodiment can be applied to any embodiment of the invention. These embodiments will make apparent other embodiments and examples, within the scope and spirit of the invention described herein. These additional embodiments and examples are within contemplation of this invention.

Claims

1. A device for securing writing utensils to a smooth surface comprising at least one suction cup and means integral to the cup for receiving and supporting a writing utensil in a position relative to the smooth surface at an angle in the range of 0° to 90°.

2. The device according to Claim 1, wherein the suction cup is attached to the means integral to the cup by a protrusion on the suction cup which inserts into a groove on the writing utensil.

3. The device according to Claim 2, wherein the suction cup is slidably attached to the writing utensil along a groove on the writing utensil which starts tangential to one plane and ends tangential to another plane, the two planes meeting at a substantially 90° angle, so that the writing utensil can pivot on the suction cup through an angle from 0° to 90°, and the angle at which the writing utensil is disposed to the smooth surface is dependent upon the position of the cup in the groove.

4. The device according to Claim 1, wherein the suction cup is attached to the writing utensil by a ball and socket joint, wherein the socket is formed by a depression on the surface of the writing utensil, into which a ball-like structure, formed at the base of the suction cup, is rotatably inserted, so that the writing utensil freely pivots on the cup.

5. The device according to Claim 1, wherein the suction cup is attached to the writing utensil by a ball and socket joint, wherein the socket is formed by a depression at the base of the suction cup, and a ball-like protrusion of a surface of the writing utensil is rotatably inserted into the depression, so that the writing utensil freely pivots on the cup.

6. The device according to Claim 1, wherein the suction cup is attached to the writing utensil by a hinge mechanism, wherein a protrusion from the base of the suction cup inserts into a depression in the writing utensil in which it is secured by a bar allowing the writing utensil to move, in one plane through a range of 0° to 180°.

7. A device for securing a writing utensil to a smooth surface, comprising a suction cup and a track mechanism mounted external to the writing utensil, wherein the suction cup has a gripping mechanism at its base, the gripping mechanism attaching the suction cup to the track, and the suction cup securing the writing utensil to the smooth surface.

8. The device according to Claim 7, wherein the track has surfaces tangential to two planes that meet at substantially a right-angle and the gripping mechanism is slidably attached to the track, and the angle at which the writing utensil is disposed to the smooth surface is dependent upon the position of the cup in the groove.

9. The device according to Claim 1, wherein the writing utensil is selected from the group consisting of felt-tipped, lead and ink writing utensils, and the means for receiving and supporting the writing utensil is a protective cap of the writing utensil.

10. The device according to Claim 1, wherein the writing utensil is selected from the group consisting of a pen, a fountain pen, a disposable ballpoint pen, a ball-point pen with replacement cartridges, a mechanical pen, a marker, a highlighter, a pencil and a mechanical pencil, and the means for receiving and supporting the writing utensil is a protective cap of the writing utensil.

11. The device according to Claim 9, wherein the suction cup is fixedly attached to the protective cap of the writing utensil.

12. The device according to Claim 9, wherein the suction cup is slidably attached to the protective cap along a groove on the cap, the groove starting tangential to one plane and ending tangential to another plane, the two planes meeting at a substantially 90° angle so that the writing utensil can pivot on the suction cup through an angle from 0° to 90°, and the angle at which the utensil is disposed to the smooth surface is dependent upon the position of the cup in the groove.

13. A device for securing a writing utensil to a smooth surface comprising at least one suction cup attached to the writing portion of the writing utensil.

14. The device according to Claim 10, wherein the suction cup is fixedly attached to the protective cap of the writing utensil.

15. The device according to Claim 10, wherein the suction cup is slidably attached to the protective cap along a groove on the cap, the groove starting tangential to one plane and ending tangential to another plane, the two planes meeting at a substantially 90° angle so that the writing utensil can pivot on the suction cup through an angle from 0° to 90°, and the angle at which the utensil is disposed to the smooth surface is dependent upon the position of the cap in the groove.

16. A device for securing containers to a smooth surface comprising at least one suction cup and means integral to the suction cup for receiving and supporting a container in a position relative to the smooth surface at an angle in the range of 0° to 90°.

17. The device according to Claim 16, wherein the suction cup is attached to the means integral to the suction cup by a protrusion on the suction cup which inserts into a groove on the container.

18. The device according to Claim 17, wherein the suction cup is slidably attached to the container along a groove on the container which starts tangential to one plane and ends tangential to another plane, the two planes meeting at a substantially 90° angle, so that the container can pivot on the suction cup through an angle from 0° to 90°, and the angle at which the container is disposed to the smooth surface is dependent upon the position of the cup in the groove.

19. The device according to Claim 16, wherein the suction cup is attached to the container by a ball and socket joint, wherein the socket is formed by a depression on the surface of the container, into which a ball-like structure, formed at the base of the suction cup, is rotatably inserted, so that the container freely pivots on the suction cup.

20. The device according to Claim 16, wherein the suction cup is attached to the container by a ball and socket joint, wherein the socket is formed by a depression at the base of the suction cup, and a ball-like protrusion of a surface of the container is rotatably inserted into the depression, so that the container freely pivots on the suction cup.

21. The device according to Claim 16, wherein the suction cup is attached to the container by a hinge mechanism, wherein a protrusion from the base of the suction cup inserts into a depression in the container in which it is secured by a bar allowing the container to move, in one plane through a range of 0° to 180°.

22. A device for securing a container to a smooth surface, comprising a suction cup and a track mechanism mounted external to the container, wherein the suction cup has a gripping mechanism at its base, the gripping mechanism attaching the suction cup to the track, and the suction cup securing the container to the smooth surface.

23. The device according to Claim 22, wherein the track has surfaces tangential to two planes that meet at substantially a right-angle and the gripping mechanism is slidably attached to the track, and the angle at which the container is disposed to the smooth surface is dependent upon the position of the cup in the groove.

24. The device according to Claim 16, wherein the container is selected from the group consisting of jars, bottles, cans and tubes, and the means for receiving and supporting the container is a holding device.

25. The device according to Claim 16, wherein the container contains substances selected from the group consisting of shampoo, conditioner, cosmetic creams and liquids, soap and liquid soap, and the means for receiving and supporting the container is a holder for the container.

26. The device according to Claim 25, wherein the suction cup is fixedly attached to the holder of the container.

27. The device according to Claim 25, wherein the suction cup is slidably attached to the holder along a groove on the holder, the groove starting tangential to one plane and ending tangential to another plane, the two planes meeting at a substantially 90° angle so that the container can pivot on the suction cup through an angle from 0° to 90°, and the angle at which the container is disposed to the smooth surface is dependent upon the position of the cup in the groove.

28. The device according to Claim 25, wherein the suction cup is slidably attached to the holder along a groove on the holder, the groove starting tangential to one plane and ending tangential to another plane, the two planes meeting at a substantially 90° angle so that the container can pivot on the suction cup through an angle from 0° to 90°, and the angle at which the container is disposed to the smooth surface is dependent upon the position of the cup in the groove.

29. A method of using a device for securing at least one writing utensil to a smooth surface comprising at least one suction cup and a means integral to the cup for receiving and supporting at least one writing utensil in a fixed position relative to the smooth surface at an angle in the range of 0° to 90°, comprising the steps of: (a) attaching the receiving and supporting means to the suction cup; (b) inserting the writing utensil into the receiving and supporting means; (c) securing the suction cup with the attached receiving and supporting means to a smooth surface, the writing utensil being held relative to the smooth surface at an angle in the range of 0° to 90°; (d) removing the writing utensil from the receiving and supporting means, thereby enabling the writing utensil to be used and leaving the receiving and supporting means secured to the flat surface, the vacuum created by the suction cup being strong enough to maintain the attachment of the cup to the smooth surface on removing the writing utensil from the receiving and supporting means; and (e) replacing the writing utensil into the receiving and supporting means between uses.

30. A method of using a device for securing a writing utensil to a smooth surface, the writing utensil comprising at least one suction cup and a protective cap for a writing portion of the writing utensil, comprising the steps of: (a) attaching the suction cup to the cap of the writing utensil; (b) inserting the writing portion of the writing utensil into the cap; (c) securing the writing utensil to a flat surface by means of the suction cup integral to the cap. (d) removing the writing portion from the cap, thereby enabling the writing portion to be used and leaving the cap secured to the flat surface, the vacuum created by the suction cup being strong enough to maintain the attachment of the cap to the smooth surface on removing the writing portion from the cap; and (e) replacing the writing portion into the cap between uses.

31. A method of using a device for securing at least one container to a smooth surface, the device comprising at least one suction cup and a means integral to the cup for receiving and supporting at least one container in a fixed position relative to the smooth surface at an angle in the range of 0° to 90°, comprising the steps of: (a) attaching the receiving and supporting means to the suction cup; (b) inserting the container into the receiving and supporting means; (c) securing the suction cup with the attached receiving and supporting means to a smooth surface, the container being held relative to the smooth surface at an angle in the range of 0° to 90°; (d) removing the container from the receiving and supporting means, thereby enabling the container to be used and leaving the receiving and supporting means secured to the flat surface, the vacuum created by the suction cup being strong enough to maintain the attachment of the cup to the smooth surface on removing the container from the receiving and supporting means; and (e) replacing the container into the receiving and supporting means between uses.

32. A method of using a device for securing at least one container to a smooth surface, the device comprising at least one suction cup, a holder for the at least one container, and a means integral to the cup for receiving and supporting the holder in a fixed position relative to the smooth surface at an angle in the range of 0° to 90°, comprising the steps of: (a) attaching the suction cup to the holder of the container; (b) securing the holder of the container to a flat surface by means of the suction cup integral to the holder. (c) removing the container from the holder, thereby enabling the container to be used and leaving the holder secured to the flat surface, the vacuum created by the suction cup being strong enough to maintain the attachment of the holder to the smooth surface on removing the container from the holder; and (d) replacing the container into the holder between uses.