Self-balancing, stable beverage container support

Abstract

A cup-holder includes a side-of-the-cup supporting element for supporting a cup. The side-of-the-cup supporting element has contact with the side(s) of the beverage container at at least three points distributed around the side(s) of the beverage container. The contact points may be continuous or discontinuous. The points of contact are provided by a side-contact element that that bridges at least the 200° of circumference and has a vertical support element that provides direct support to the side contact element. The three points of contact also must be at a height of the beverage container that is at least 25% upward along the height of the container, and preferably above the center of gravity of a liquid-filled beverage container to provide vertical rotational stability to the system described herein.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates generally to an improved device for holding drinks through suspension of the device manually, on an edge of a surface (e.g., table, desk, chair, counter, etc.), carrying a beverage container by a single finger while using both hands or within a vehicle, such as an automobile and the like. The term cup as used throughout is intended to encompass any beverage holder, as for example cans, glasses, bottles and cups as normally understood.[0003]2. Background of the Art[0004]Many individuals find it convenient or “necessary” to drink a beverage “on the run.” People may purchase a cup of coffee at a drive-up window of a “fast food” restaurant, and wish to continue driving while drinking the coffee in the confines of his vehicle, or buy their beverage at a coffee shop and rush off to work while carrying briefcases, laptops, newspapers and other items. It is, of course, inconvenient, as well as dangerous, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The support system described in the patent allows for a cup to be suspended in a way that prevents tilting and spillage of its contents. This is achieved by using a multi-string attachment system that helps to stabilize the cup and level it out as it rotates in a centrifugal force. This design prevents the cup from tilting too much, reducing the likelihood of spillage.

Problems solved by technology

It is, of course, inconvenient, as well as dangerous, to simply carry the beverage while overloaded, or even while merely rearrangement the distribution of the additional load being carried, especially with hot liquid beverages.

It should be recognized that either of these designs has the common feature of being fixed to a portion of the vehicle so that abrupt stops or turns made by the vehicle are likely to cause spilling and splashing of the liquid.

In the city, however, where such stopping, starting and frequent turning is not uncommon, such movements by the vehicle can result in the jarring of the basket holder by the door itself, resulting in oscillatory wave-like movement of the liquid within the cup.

Since the holder is fixed to the door, when the cup contains any substantial amount of liquid, the above-mentioned stops and / or turns will inevitably cause spilling and splashing of the liquid out of the cup.

This in itself can cause spills or can cause the holder to become accidentally dislodged from its mount.

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