US20060284041A1 - Adjustable beverage holder - Google Patents

Abstract

An adjustable beverage holder is provided in which a beverage container support comprises two telescopically interengaged, radially elastomeric sleeves each with a longitudinally extending discontinuity. The longitudinal position of the inner sleeve relative to the outer sleeve is adjustably fixable at one of preferably two positions by the location of hole sets defined in the outer sleeve and of cooperating stud post sets projecting outwardly from the inner sleeve. The stud posts interconnect radially with the holes when the inner sleeve is located in a predetermined desired position relative to the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve is provided with laterally outwardly extending upper and lower supports suitable for overlapping a table top edge portion and an adjustable bolt extends vertically upwardly through the lower support for table clamping.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• This invention generally relates to an improved adjustable beverage holder and, in particular, to a beverage holder having a vertically adjustable container support and an interconnected adjustable bracket for removably securing the container support to an edge portion of a table.
BACKGROUND
• Beverage holders with adjustable clamp assemblies for table top mounting have previously been developed as have beverage holders with adjustable beverage container supports. These prior beverage holders typically require multiple cooperative components. As a result, the holder can be relatively expensive to manufacture and difficult to assemble.
• A simple adjustable beverage holder is needed. In that regard, the present beverage holder has been developed with a minimal number of components and incorporates a two-piece adjustable container support and a unitarily interconnected simple clamping bracket. The new holder is simple, reliable, relatively low cost, and relatively easy to make, use and clean after use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to an improved adjustable beverage holder which includes an adjustable container support associated with a bracket for clamping the container support to a table or the like.
• The container support includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. Each sleeve has a longitudinal gap or discontinuity. The inner sleeve is slidably and telescopically received within the outer sleeve. At least one of the sleeves is somewhat radially elastomeric so that the sleeves are yieldingly biased into an adjacent relationship relative to each other.
• The container support includes detent means for locating and retaining the inner sleeve in at least one selected longitudinal position relative to the outer sleeve. The preferred detent means comprises a plurality of holes defined through the outer sleeve and a plurality of stud posts defined on the outer surface of the inner sleeve, although the holes and the stud posts can be variously located on the outer and the inner sleeves. The interrelationship between the holes and the stud posts is such that at least some of the stud posts are cooperatively receivable in some of the holes when the inner sleeve is positioned within the outer sleeve in one of at least two predetermined longitudinal positions relative to the outer sleeve. In such an engaged detent position, the inner sleeve is retained and fixed at a selected one of the longitudinal positions. A present preference is to employ two predetermined longitudinal positions with two sets of four holes each and a set of four stud posts.
• The beverage holder includes a bracket preferably connected unitarily to the outer sleeve. A present preference is to employ a bracket having an upper support and lower support. Each support extends laterally outwardly from the outer sleeve, the upper support being adapted for engagement with an edge of a table top and the lower support being in a vertically spaced relationship relative to the upper support and locatable under the edge of the table top. An adjustable bolt member extends threadably through the lower support upwardly and perpendicularly toward the upper support to enable clamping of the beverage holder to the table top.
• The present device is simple, reliable, relatively low cost, relatively easy to make and to use, and easy to clean after use.
• It also includes a minimal number of components. The components can be comprised of molded plastic, but other construction materials including metal can be employed, if desired.
• The device provides a durable structure having a cooperative relationship between a bracket and an adjustable container support that enables the structure to be used with more than one size of beverage container.
• Other and further objects, aims, features, advantages, embodiments, alternatives and the like will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the present specification taken with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• In the drawings:
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a use configuration for a presently preferred embodiment of an adjustable beverage holder of the invention;
• FIG. 2 is a perspective, partially exploded view showing the inner sleeve separated from the outer sleeve in theFIG. 1 embodiment;
• FIG. 3 is a front side elevational view of the beverage holder ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the beverage holder ofFIG. 1 taken at 90° relative toFIG. 3;
• FIG. 4ais a partial side elevational view showing an alternative clamping mechanism;
• FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the beverage holder ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view of the beverage holder ofFIG. 1 taken along the line6-6 ofFIG. 2;
• FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view of the beverage holder ofFIG. 1 taken along the line7-7 ofFIG. 5; and
• FIG. 8 is a transverse sectional view taken along the line8-8 ofFIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• FIGS. 1-8 show a preferredembodiment15 of an adjustable beverage holder of the present invention. Theholder15 includes anadjustable container support16 that is vertically adjustable when theholder15 is in a use orientation. The container support has anouter sleeve17 and a generally concentricinner sleeve18 that is telescopically received within theouter sleeve17. Preferably, eachsleeve17 and18 is generally cross-sectionally circular, but eachsleeve17 and18 has a longitudinal discontinuity orgap21 and22, respectively, defined therein. Eachdiscontinuity21 and22 can extend continuously through a cylindrical side of eachsleeve17 and18, respectively, and preferably eachdiscontinuity21 and22 has straight sides. The relationship between thesleeves17 and18 is such that at least one of the sleeves, preferably theinner sleeve18 is slightly radially yieldingly biased towards each other so that theengaged sleeves17,18 are normally in a radially adjacent but slidable relationship relative to each other.
• This bias is easily overcome in order to longitudinally slidesleeve18 relative tosleeve17 by manually squeezing thesleeve18 diametrically (preferred) or by enlarging the sleeve19 diametrically.
• Theinner sleeve18 is provided with a preferably unitarily formedcircular bottom plate40. As shown, the perimeter of thebottom plate40 extends across the longitudinal discontinuity22 in theinner sleeve18. In the region of the discontinuity22, thebottom plate40 continuously extends and is provided with a raised peripheral vertical (that is, parallel to the side wall of sleeve18)shoulder41 in the region of the discontinuity22. In addition, theinner sleeve18 along the longitudinal extent of each side of the longitudinal discontinuity22 is provided with a similar, preferably unitarily formed, radially extending, out-turnedflange25. The circumferential spacing between the side edges of the discontinuity22 and thediscontinuity21, respectively, is preferably uniform and similar. Each out-turnedflange25 passes through, along and adjacent to a different respective edge of thelongitudinal discontinuity21. The upper outer circumferentially extending edge region of theouter sleeve17 is preferably provided, as shown, with a radially out-turnedflange36 which does not extend across thediscontinuity21. Theflanges36 and25 with theshoulder41 are believed to enhance the convenient use of theadjustable container support16. For example, squeezing theflanges25 towards one another provides a convenient and preferred means for separatingstud posts20 from holes19 (as described below).
• Theinner sleeve18 can be located and retained relative to theouter sleeve17 in a temporary but changeable position by detent means. Various arrangements for the detent means can be used, but it is presently preferred to provide as the detent means both a plurality of holes19 that are preferably defined in and through theouter sleeve17 and also a plurality ofstud posts20 that are preferably defined on the outer cylindrical surface of theinner sleeve18. Various combinations of holes and stud posts can be utilized as those skilled in the art will appreciate.
• The interrelationship between the holes19 and thestud posts20 in abeverage holder15 is such that at least some of thestud posts20 are receivable in corresponding holes19 when theinner sleeve18 is located in one of at least two different predetermined longitudinal positions relative to theouter sleeve17. In each position, theinner sleeve18 is retained and fixed relative to theouter sleeve17 by such receipt. Thus, during longitudinal movement of theinner sleeve18 relative to theouter sleeve17, with thesleeves17 and18 being initially in a radially separated relationship as desired to disengage thestud posts20 from the holes19, theinner sleeve18 is located in a selected one of the predetermined positions. In such a position, with the yielding bias normal, predeterminedstud posts20 engage predetermined holes19. As a result, a beverage container can be set in the verticallyoriented container support16 and rested upon theplate40 when thebeverage holder15 is operable.
• In the preferredillustrative embodiment15 shown in the Figures, theouter sleeve17 is provided with a set of four upper holes19aand a set of four lower holes19b, and theinner sleeve18 is provided with a set of four corresponding stud posts20. If and when each of the fourstud posts20 is located so as to be received within a different one of each of the four upper holes19a, then thecontainer support16 is suitable for holding a beverage can. If and when each of the fourstud posts20 is located so as to be received within a different one of each of the four lower holes19b, then thecontainer support16 is suitable for holding a beverage bottle.
• To hold and support thebeverage holder15 relative to an adjacent top portion of a table (not shown) or the like, theouter sleeve17 of thecontainer holder16 is preferably unitarily associated with a bracket24 or the like. Various brackets can be employed. For reasons of simplicity, it is preferred to employ a bracket24 that has anupper support26 and alower support27.
• Theupper support26 extends laterally outwardly and preferably generally perpendicularly from an upper region of theouter sleeve17 preferably as an integral extension of theflange36. The upper support includes an outer orfirst portion28 that is adapted for resting upon an upper edge region of a table. Thelower support27 extends laterally preferably perpendicularly from a mid-region of theouter sleeve18 and includes an outer or second portion29 that is adapted to be in spaced adjacent vertical relationship relative to the outerfirst portion28 of theupper support26 and to be beneath but adjacent to an under or lower edge region of a table.
• Anadjustable bolt member30 is preferably provided that extends upwardly, threadably and perpendicularly through the outer second portion29 to provide clamping capability between thefirst portion28 and the head portion of thebolt member30 with an edge portion of a table (shown in phantom) located therebetween. Preferably, thebolt member30 includes a broadened, plate-like forward head35 that is adapted for engaging a table edge undersurface and also an easily hand graspedrearward head37 such as a spherical plastic or metal knurled knob, as shown. Preferably, the bolt length and threads of thebolt30 are sufficient to adapt the bracket24 for mounting to various tables and for thebeverage holder15 to hold various beverage containers.
• In a morepreferred bolt30, the second portion29 is associated with a split nut for thebolt30 that incorporates a toggle-like lever (conventional). When the toggle lever is in an open position, the nut is opened and permits one to loosen the nut frombolt30 threads for rapid and convenient slidable adjustable movement of the bolt therethrough. Once the bolt is in a desired position, the toggle-like lever is moved to a nut closed position, thereby locking the nut about bolt threads, permitting the bolt to be turned for vertical movement and either tightened to achieve a clamping or loosened to release a clamping.
• FIG. 4ashows an alternative clamping mechanism which includes a base portion42 having a lockingcam43 which when engaged provides for threaded engagement between thebolt member30 and the base portion42. When the lockingcam43 is disengaged by finger pressure, thebolt member30 can slide freely through an opening (not shown) in the base portion42. This mechanism allows for quick release and engagement of the broadenedhead35 of thebolt member30 and the undersurface of the table top.
• To elevate theouter portion28 ofupper support26 relative to theadjacent mouth31 of theouter sleeve17, it is optional but preferred to provide theupper support26 with a transversely extending (relative to sleeve17) upset orridge32 which can extend diagonally upwards (in the upper support26) preferably adjacent to themouth31 thereby to lower the level of themouth31 relative to a table top. To strengthen and rigidify thelower support27, a vertically extending and radially oriented (relative to upper sleeve17) brace33 is preferably extended between the lower face oflower support27 and an adjacent side portion of theouter sleeve17. It is convenient and preferred to provide the upper surface of theupper support26 with acoaster pattern34.
• Thebeverage holder15 can be fabricated using conventional methods and conventional materials, such as molded plastic (presently preferred), filled plastic, sheet metal, and the like. Where practical, unitary fabrication of components is preferred, but, if components are separately fabricated, conventional appropriate fasteners and fastening means can be employed, such as adhesives, weldments, elongated fasteners such as rivets, screws, nut and bolt assemblies, and the like.
• Although the invention has been shown and described with reference to particular embodiments and components, it will be readily understood that various modifications and additions, substitutions and the like can be used in the practice of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (9)

1. An adjustable beverage holder comprising in combination:

an adjustable beverage container support comprising two telescopically interengaged sleeves radially biased into an adjacent relationship,

at least one of said sleeves having holes defined therein, and at least the other of said sleeves including stud posts defined therein, at least some of said stud posts being radially receivable in at least some of said holes when one of said sleeves is positioned in at least one predetermined position relative to the other said sleeve whereby said sleeves, said holes and said stud posts cooperate to define at said at least one predetermined position a beverage support, and

clamping means projecting from the outer one of said sleeves for clamping said container support to a table edge.

2. The beverage holder ofclaim 1 wherein said holes are defined in the outer one of said sleeves and said stud posts are defined in the inner one of said sleeves.

3. The beverage holder ofclaim 2 wherein said predetermined positions are two, said outer sleeve contains two sets of holes and said inner sleeve contains one set of stud posts on the outer wall thereof, and when said inner sleeve is in each of said two positions said stud posts engage one set of said holes.

4. The beverage holder ofclaim 1 wherein each of said sleeves has a longitudinal discontinuity defined therein, longitudinally outwardly extending flange means are defined on each longitudinal edge of said discontinuity of the inner one of said sleeves and said flange means each extend radially through said discontinuity of the outer one of said sleeves whereby when said flanges are squeezed towards one another, said biased adjacent relationship between said sleeves is overcome.

5. The beverage holder ofclaim 1 wherein said clamping means comprises a bracket having an upper arm and a lower arm each extending from the outer one of said sleeves and a bolt means that extends through said lower arm for clamping a table edge portion between said upper arm and said bolt means.

6. An adjustable beverage holder comprising in combination:

an adjustable beverage container support comprising two telescopically interengaged, elastomeric sleeves radially yieldingly biased into an adjacent relationship, and each of said sleeves having a longitudinal discontinuity defined therein,

longitudinally outwardly extending flange means defined on each longitudinal edge of said discontinuity of the inner one of said sleeves and each said flange means extending radially through said discontinuity of the outer one of said sleeves whereby when said flanges are squeezed towards one another, said biased adjacent relationship between said sleeves is overcome,

the outer one of said sleeves has holes defined therein, and the inner one of said sleeves has stud posts defined therein, and at least some of said stud posts are radially receivable in at least some of said holes when one of said sleeves is positioned in one of at least two predetermined positions of said sleeves relative to the one another whereby said sleeves, said holes and said stud posts cooperate to define a beverage support at each of said predetermined positions, and,

clamping means projecting from the outer one of said sleeves for clamping said container support to a table edge, said clamping means comprises a bracket having an upper arm and a lower arm each extending from the outer one of said sleeves and a bolt means that extends through said lower arm for clamping a table edge portion between said upper arm and said bolt means.

7. The beverage holder ofclaim 6 wherein said outer sleeve contains two sets of holes and said inner sleeve contains one set of stud posts on the outer wall thereof, and when said inner sleeve is in each of said two positions, said stud posts engage one set of said holes.

8. An adjustable beverage holder comprising in combination:

a vertically adjustable container support comprising

an outer sleeve having a first longitudinal discontinuity, and

an inner sleeve having a bottom wall and second longitudinal discontinuity, said inner sleeve being telescopically receivable in, and slidably moveable in, said outer sleeve,

at least one of said outer sleeve and said inner sleeve being radially elastomeric and radially yieldingly moveable relative to the other thereof,

detent means for locating and retaining said inner sleeve in at least one selected longitudinal position relative to said outer sleeve, said detent means comprising

a plurality of holes defined in said outer sleeve, and

a plurality of stud posts defined in said inner sleeve and extending outwards from said inner sleeve,

the interrelationship between said holes and said stud posts being such that at least some of said stud posts are receivable in at least some of said holes when said inner sleeve is in one of at least two predetermined longitudinal positions relative to said outer sleeve, whereby in said each said longitudinal position said inner sleeve is retained and fixed by receipt of said stud posts in said holes, and

a bracket having

an upper support that extends laterally from an upper region of said outer sleeve said upper support including a first outer portion for adjacent location at an upper edge surface of a table,

a lower support that extends laterally from a mid-region of said outer sleeve, said lower support including a second outer portion for positioning adjacent a lower edge surface of said table in a vertically spaced relationship relative to said first outer support portion, and

adjustable bolt means that extends threadably upwardly through said second outer portion for clamping said bracket to said table edge surface.9. The adjustable beverage holder ofclaim 8 wherein said upper support includes an offset portion which elevates said outer portion thereof above the upper end of said outer sleeve.

9. The adjustable beverage holder ofclaim 8 wherein said an adjustable beverage holder has two said predetermined positions.

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