Drink glass caddy

Abstract

A drink caddy includes a cradle having a beveled inner surface to mate with a drink glass. The cradle has an open section and a circular arc shape. An upward-extending stem includes a bend allowing attachment to an offset location of the cradle. A handle is positioned at the upper end of the stem. The stem is bent sufficiently to place the handle above the center of gravity of a glass held by the cradle. The drink caddy may have two cradles offset to the side for carrying two glasses. The cradle, stem, and handle can be made from plastic, metal, or wood materials. An alternate embodiment includes internal lighting and clear acrylic construction to illuminate portions of the caddy.

Description

BACKGROUND1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to drink holders, and more particularly to a drink caddy designed for securely carrying one or more drink glasses using a curved cradle and offset handle configuration.2. Description of the Prior Art

[0002] Drink holders have long been used to facilitate the transportation and handling of various types of beverages. Traditional drink holders often struggle to accommodate the unique shapes and delicate nature of stemware, such as wine glasses, martini glasses, and champagne flutes. These glasses typically feature a wide bowl balanced atop a narrow stem, making them prone to tipping and spilling when carried.

[0003] Many existing drink caddies are designed for standard cups or bottles, lacking the specialized support needed for stemware. This can lead to instability and potential breakage when attempting to transport filled glasses. Additionally, the center of gravity for stemware is higher than that of standard drinkware, further complicating the task of secure transportation.

[0004] There is a growing demand for drink holders that can safely and elegantly transport stemware, particularly in social settings where wine and cocktails are served. Current solutions often fail to provide adequate stability or require two hands for safe carrying, limiting the user's ability to multitask or socialize while holding their drink.

[0005] Furthermore, existing drink caddies frequently lack versatility in accommodating different sizes and shapes of stemware. This limitation can be particularly problematic in environments where various types of glasses are used, such as restaurants, bars, or home entertaining settings. A more adaptable solution that can securely hold different stemware designs while maintaining stability and ease of use would address many of the shortcomings in current drink holder technology.SUMMARY

[0006] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a drink caddy is provided. The drink caddy includes a circular arc-shaped cradle having an open section and a beveled inner surface configured to mate with a drink glass. The drink caddy also includes an upward-extending stem attached to the cradle at an offset location, the stem including at least one bend. The drink caddy further includes a handle attached to an upper end of the stem. The at least one bend in the stem is configured to position the handle above a center of gravity of a glass held by the cradle.

[0007] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the drink caddy may include one or more of the following features. The cradle may have an interior diameter in the range of 2.75 inches to 3.5 inches. The beveled inner surface of the cradle may be angled between 45 degrees to 60 degrees when measured from a horizontal plane. The drink caddy may include two cradles offset to opposite sides of the stem. The distance between the two cradles may be approximately 1.5 to 3 inches. The stem may include two 45 degree angles. The cradle, stem, and handle may be made from a material selected from the group consisting of plastic polymer, metal, wood, and acrylic. The drink caddy may include an internal light source and power source configured to illuminate at least a portion of the drink caddy. The light source may be positioned in at least one of the handle and the cradle. The cradle may include a roughened surface to enhance grip of the glass. The stem may be attached to the cradle and handle using at least one of a press-fit connection, a mechanical fastener, and an adhesive. The drink caddy may be made from materials that are corrosion-resistant and dishwasher safe. The handle may include a customized logo imprint or engraving.

[0008] For a more complete understanding, reference is made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the views in which:BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a drink caddy, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates an orthogonal side view of the drink caddy, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates an orthogonal front view of the drink caddy, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the drink caddy, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates an orthogonal side view of a drink caddy with two cradles, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates an orthogonal side view of the drink caddy with two cradles, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates an orthogonal front view of the drink caddy with two cradles, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the drink caddy with two cradles, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The following description sets forth exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the description also encompasses combinations and modifications to those exemplary aspects described herein.

[0018] The present disclosure relates to a drink caddy designed for securely holding and transporting beverage glasses. The drink caddy may include a cradle configured to support various types of glassware, such as martini glasses, wine glasses, or pilsner glasses. In some cases, the cradle may have a beveled inner surface to accommodate different glass shapes.

[0019] The drink caddy may also comprise a stem extending upward from the cradle. This stem may incorporate one or more bends or curves to position a handle above the center of gravity of a supported glass. Such positioning may enhance stability and ease of use when carrying filled glasses.

[0020] In some implementations, the drink caddy may feature a single cradle for holding one glass, while in other cases, it may include multiple cradles for simultaneously carrying multiple glasses. The structure of the drink caddy may be composed of various materials, potentially including plastics, metals, or other suitable substances.

[0021] The disclosed drink caddy may offer a solution for safely transporting beverages in settings such as bars, restaurants, or home environments. By providing a secure means of carrying glasses, the drink caddy may reduce the risk of spills and breakage during transport.

[0022] The drink caddy 100 includes a cradle 102 designed to securely hold various types of glassware. As shown in FIG. 1, the cradle 102 has a circular arc shape with an open section, forming a partial circular structure. The cradle 102 includes a beveled edge 104 along its interior surface, which is configured to mate with different drink glass shapes.

[0023] In some cases, the cradle 102 may have an interior diameter in the range of 2.75 inches to 3.5 inches. Preferably, the interior diameter may be about 3 inches, allowing the cradle 102 to accommodate a variety of glass sizes, including wine glasses, martini glasses, and pilsner glasses.

[0024] The beveled edge 104 of the cradle 102 may be angled at 45 degrees to 60 degrees when measured from the horizontal plane. In some implementations, the beveled edge 104 may preferably be angled at 52.5 degrees. This angled configuration allows the beveled edge 104 to provide secure support for various glass shapes, particularly conical glasses such as martini glasses.

[0025] As illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the cradle102 includes cradle ends 106 positioned on opposite sides of an arcuate section 108. The arcuate section 108 forms the curved portion of the cradle 102, while the cradle ends 106 define an opening that allows for insertion and removal of glasses. This design enables users to easily place glasses into the cradle 102 or remove them while the glasses are resting on a table or other horizontal surface.

[0026] In some implementations, the beveled surface of the cradle 102 may be knurled or roughed to improve grip and prevent glasses from sliding or rotating within the cradle 102. This feature may enhance the stability and security of the glasses during transport.

[0027] The cradle 102 may incorporate adjustable features to accommodate a wider range of glass sizes and shapes. For example, the cradle 102 may include telescoping arms that can expand or contract to fit different glass diameters. Alternatively, the cradle 102 may be designed with interchangeable inserts featuring varying bevel angles to optimally support different glass types.

[0028] These design features of the cradle 102 work together to provide a versatile and secure holding mechanism for a variety of drink glasses, enhancing the functionality and usability of the drink caddy 100.

[0029] The drink caddy 100 includes a stem 110 that extends upwardly from the cradle 102, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. The stem 110 connects the cradle 102 to a handle 112, providing a structure for carrying the drink caddy 100.

[0030] The stem 110 includes a stem lower end 116 that connects to the cradle 102, and a stem upper end 114 that connects to the handle 112. Between the stem lower end 116 and the stem upper end 114, the stem 110 incorporates one or more bends. These bends are designed to position the handle 112 above a center of gravity x of a glass when placed in the cradle 102.

[0031] In some cases, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the stem 110 may include two bends, each forming a stem bend angle γ. The stem bend angle γ may be approximately 45 degrees in some implementations. This configuration with two 45-degree angles may be particularly suitable for a version of the drink caddy 100 with two cradles.

[0032] The bent configuration of the stem 110 serves a specific purpose related to the center of gravity x. By incorporating these bends, the stem 110 positions the handle 112 directly above the center of gravity x of a glass or glasses supported by the cradle 102. This alignment may enhance the stability and balance of the drink caddy 100 when in use, potentially reducing the risk of spills or tipping.

[0033] In some cases, the stem 110 may have an elongate design with gentle curves instead of alternating straight and angled portions. This curved configuration may still achieve the same functional goal of positioning the handle 112 above the center of gravity x of the supported glass or glasses. The curved design may provide a different aesthetic appearance while maintaining the essential function of the stem 110.

[0034] The stem 110 may connect to the arcuate section 108 of the cradle 102 at the stem lower end 116. This connection point may be selected to provide stability to the overall structure of the drink caddy 100. At the stem upper end 114, the stem 110 may connect to the handle 112, creating an integrated structure for carrying drinks.

[0035] Based upon the foregoing disclosure, it is seen that the present disclosure provides a drink caddy with a stem design that effectively positions the handle above the center of gravity of supported glasses. This configuration may offer improved stability and ease of use compared to traditional drink carriers. The drink caddy also surpasses the prior art because of its versatile stem design, which can accommodate both angled and curved configurations while maintaining optimal balance for carrying beverages.

[0036] The drink caddy 100 includes a handle 112 positioned at the upper end of the stem 110, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The handle 112 may be designed to provide a comfortable grip for users while carrying the drink caddy 100. In some cases, the handle 112 may be attached to the stem upper end 114 using various methods, such as press-fitting, mechanical fasteners, or adhesives.

[0037] The positioning of the handle 112 is a key feature of the drink caddy 100. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the stem 110 incorporates bends or curves that position the handle 112 directly above the center of gravity of a glass when placed in the cradle 102. This configuration may enhance stability and balance when carrying filled glasses, potentially reducing the risk of spills or accidents during transport.

[0038] In some implementations, the handle 112 may be designed with adjustable features to improve ergonomics and user comfort. For example, the handle 112 may incorporate a rotating mechanism that allows users to adjust the angle of the handle 112 relative to the stem 110. This feature may enable users to customize the grip position based on their preferences or the specific requirements of different glass types.

[0039] Additionally, the handle 112 may be designed with a collapsible structure in some cases. This feature may allow the handle 112 to fold down against the stem 110 when not in use, potentially reducing the overall profile of the drink caddy 100 for more compact storage. The collapsible handle 112 may incorporate a locking mechanism to secure it in both the extended and folded positions, ensuring stability during use and storage.

[0040] The handle 112 may be constructed from various materials, such as plastic, metal, or wood, to complement the overall design of the drink caddy 100. In some implementations, the handle 112 may feature a textured or contoured surface to enhance grip and reduce the risk of slipping during use. The specific design and material choice for the handle 112 may be selected to optimize comfort, durability, and aesthetic appeal while maintaining the functional benefits of the drink caddy 100.

[0041] The drink caddy 200 may include a dual cradle configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8. In this configuration, the drink caddy 200 may comprise two cradles 202 positioned side by side. The cradles 202 may be designed to accommodate multiple glasses simultaneously.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, the cradles 202 may be connected by a central structure. Each cradle 202 may include beveled edges 104 along their interior surfaces, similar to the single cradle version. The beveled edges 104 may provide support for various types of glassware.

[0043] The stem 210 in the dual cradle version may extend upwardly from a position between the two cradles 202, as depicted in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7. The stem 210 may include a stem lower end 216 that connects to the area between the cradles 202, and a stem upper end 214 that connects to the handle 112.

[0044] In some cases, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the stem 210 may incorporate two angled sections. These angled sections may position the handle 112 above the center of gravity x of glasses supported by the cradles 202. This configuration may enhance the stability and balance of the drink caddy 200 when carrying multiple glasses.

[0045] The distance between the two cradles 202 may be approximately 1.5 to 3 inches. This spacing may allow the drink caddy 200 to accommodate various glass sizes while maintaining a compact overall design.

[0046] FIG. 8 provides a top view of the dual cradle configuration, showing how the cradles 202 are positioned relative to each other and how the stem 210 extends upward from the central position between them. The arcuate sections 108 of each cradle 202 may form circular arc-shaped portions, with cradle ends 106 defining openings for glass insertion and removal.

[0047] Based upon the foregoing disclosure, it is seen that the present disclosure provides a drink caddy with a dual cradle configuration that allows for the simultaneous transport of multiple glasses. The drink caddy also surpasses the prior art because of its balanced design, which positions the handle above the center of gravity of the supported glasses, potentially enhancing stability and reducing the risk of spills during transport.

[0048] The drink caddy may be constructed from a variety of materials, each selected to provide specific properties and benefits. In some cases, the cradle, stem, and handle may be made from plastic polymers. Plastic materials may offer advantages such as lightweight construction, corrosion resistance, and the ability to be molded into complex shapes. Additionally, many plastic polymers are dishwasher safe, which may facilitate easy cleaning and maintenance of the drink caddy.

[0049] In other implementations, metal may be used for some or all components of the drink caddy. Metals such as aluminum or stainless steel may provide durability and a premium aesthetic. These materials may also offer excellent corrosion resistance, making them suitable for use in environments where exposure to moisture or cleaning agents is common. Metal components may be machined, cast, or formed using various manufacturing processes to achieve the desired shapes and features of the drink caddy.

[0050] Wood may be utilized for certain components of the drink caddy, particularly the handle. Wooden handles may provide a natural, warm aesthetic and comfortable grip. In some cases, wood may be treated or sealed to enhance its durability and make it suitable for use in dishwasher-safe applications.

[0051] For some implementations, clear materials such as acrylic may be employed in the construction of the drink caddy. Acrylic components may offer a unique visual appeal and allow for the incorporation of illumination features. The transparency of acrylic may also enable users to easily see the contents of glasses held in the cradle.

[0052] The assembly of the drink caddy may involve various joining methods. In some cases, the stem may be press-fit into the handle and cradle. This method may provide a secure connection without the need for additional fasteners or adhesives. Alternatively, mechanical fasteners such as screws or pins may be used to attach the stem to the handle and cradle. This approach may allow for disassembly if needed for maintenance or replacement of components.

[0053] In other implementations, adhesives may be employed to join the stem to the handle and cradle. Suitable adhesives may be selected based on the materials being bonded and the desired strength of the connection. When using adhesives, care may be taken to ensure that the bonded joints remain intact during normal use and cleaning processes.

[0054] The manufacturing process for the drink caddy may vary depending on the materials and design chosen. For plastic components, injection molding may be a suitable method for producing large quantities with consistent quality. Metal parts may be manufactured using processes such as CNC machining, die casting, or metal injection molding. Wooden components may be shaped through traditional woodworking techniques or modern CNC routing processes.

[0055] In all cases, the manufacturing methods and materials may be selected to ensure that the final product is corrosion-resistant and dishwasher safe. This may involve the use of appropriate coatings, sealants, or inherently resistant materials to protect the drink caddy from degradation during use and cleaning.

[0056] Based upon the foregoing disclosure, it is seen that the present disclosure provides a drink caddy that offers versatility in material selection and manufacturing methods. The drink caddy surpasses the prior art because of its ability to be constructed from a range of materials, each offering specific benefits such as durability, aesthetic appeal, or unique functional properties. Additionally, the various assembly methods and manufacturing processes described allow for efficient production while maintaining the essential features and quality of the drink caddy.

[0057] In some cases, the drink caddy may incorporate optional features to enhance functionality and customization.

[0058] The drink caddy may have a modular design with detachable cradles and interchangeable stems. This modular configuration may allow users to customize the drink caddy for different glass types or quantities. For example, users may be able to swap out cradles of different sizes or attach additional cradles for carrying more glasses.

[0059] An illumination feature may be included in some implementations of the drink caddy. The illumination feature may comprise a light source positioned in the handle and / or cradle. This light source may provide aesthetic appeal as well as functional lighting in low-light environments.

[0060] The illumination feature may be powered by a small replaceable battery. In some cases, a lithium ion battery may be used. Alternatively, the illumination feature may utilize AAA or AA batteries. The use of replaceable batteries may allow for extended use of the illumination feature.

[0061] Customization options may be available for the drink caddy. For example, the handle may be designed to accommodate customized logo imprinting or engraving. This feature may be particularly useful for businesses looking to brand their drink caddies.

[0062] In some implementations, the illumination feature may include RGB LED lights. These RGB LED lights may be coupled with a control module that allows for color selection. Users may be able to choose from a range of colors or potentially program custom lighting patterns.

[0063] Based upon the foregoing disclosure, it is seen that the present disclosure provides a drink caddy with versatile optional features that enhance its functionality and customization potential. The drink caddy also surpasses the prior art because of its modular design and illumination capabilities, potentially offering greater adaptability and visual appeal in various serving environments.

[0064] The drink caddy 100 may integrate the cradle 102, stem 110, and handle 112 to provide a secure and stable means of holding and transporting glasses. As shown in FIG. 1, the cradle 102 may be designed with a beveled edge 104 and arcuate section 108 to accommodate various glass shapes and sizes. The stem 110 may extend upwardly from the cradle 102, connecting to the handle 112 at the stem upper end 114.

[0065] In some cases, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the stem 110 may incorporate bends or curves between the stem lower end 116 and the stem upper end 114. These bends may position the handle 112 above the center of gravity of a glass placed in the cradle 102. This configuration may enhance stability during transport, potentially reducing the risk of spills or tipping.

[0066] The drink caddy 200, as depicted in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, may feature a dual cradle design. In this configuration, the stem 210 may extend from a position between two cradles 202. The stem 210 may still incorporate bends to position the handle 112 above the center of gravity of glasses held in the cradles 202, maintaining stability even when carrying multiple glasses.

[0067] In some implementations, the drink caddy 100 or 200 may include safety features to further enhance stability and ease of use. For example, non-slip surfaces may be incorporated on the bottom of the cradle 102 or 202 and the handle 112. These non-slip surfaces may provide additional grip when the drink caddy is set down on a table or when held by a user.

[0068] In some cases, the drink caddy 100 or 200 may feature retractable stabilizing legs. These legs may be deployed when the drink caddy is placed on a surface, providing additional support and stability. When not in use, the stabilizing legs may retract, allowing for compact storage and easy transport of the drink caddy.

[0069] The integration of these features-the secure cradle design, the balanced stem configuration, and additional safety elements-may work together to create a drink caddy that offers both stability and ease of use when transporting glasses.

[0070] Based upon the foregoing disclosure, it is seen that the present disclosure provides a drink caddy that offers enhanced stability and ease of use when transporting glasses. The drink caddy also surpasses the prior art because of its integrated design, which combines a secure cradle, a balanced stem configuration, and optional safety features to create a versatile and user-friendly solution for carrying beverages.

[0071] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A drink caddy, comprising:a cradle having a beveled inner surface configured to support a drink glass;a stem extending upwardly from the cradle; anda handle connected to an upper end of the stem, wherein the stem includes at least one bend configured to position the handle above a center of gravity of the drink glass when supported by the cradle.

2. The drink caddy of claim 1, wherein the cradle comprises an arcuate section forming a partial circular shape with an opening between two cradle ends.

3. The drink caddy of claim 2, wherein the opening between the two cradle ends is configured to allow insertion and removal of the drink glass.

4. The drink caddy of claim 1, wherein the beveled inner surface of the cradle is angled between 45 degrees and 60 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

5. The drink caddy of claim 1, wherein the stem comprises at least two angled sections.

6. The drink caddy of claim 5, wherein each of the at least two angled sections forms an angle of approximately 45 degrees.

7. The drink caddy of claim 1, wherein the cradle is configured to support at least one of a martini glass, a wine glass, or a pilsner glass.

8. The drink caddy of claim 1, further comprising a light source configured to illuminate at least a portion of the drink caddy.

9. The drink caddy of claim 8, wherein the light source is positioned in at least one of the handle or the cradle.

10. A method of manufacturing a drink caddy, comprising:forming a cradle with a beveled inner surface configured to support a drink glass;attaching a stem to the cradle, the stem extending upwardly from the cradle and including at least one bend; andconnecting a handle to an upper end of the stem, wherein the at least one bend in the stem is configured to position the handle above a center of gravity of the drink glass when supported by the cradle.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein forming the cradle comprises creating an arcuate section forming a partial circular shape with an opening between two cradle ends.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the opening between the two cradle ends is configured to allow insertion and removal of the drink glass.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the beveled inner surface of the cradle is formed at an angle between 45 degrees and 60 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein attaching the stem comprises forming at least two angled sections in the stem.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein each of the at least two angled sections is formed at an angle of approximately 45 degrees.

16. The method of claim 10, further comprising installing a light source configured to illuminate at least a portion of the drink caddy.

17. A drink caddy system, comprising:a first cradle and a second cradle, each having a beveled inner surface configured to support a drink glass;a stem extending upwardly from a position between the first cradle and the second cradle;a handle connected to an upper end of the stem, wherein the stem includes at least one bend configured to position the handle above a center of gravity of drink glasses when supported by the first cradle and the second cradle.

18. The drink caddy system of claim 17, wherein each of the first cradle and the second cradle comprises an arcuate section forming a partial circular shape with an opening between two cradle ends, the opening configured to allow insertion and removal of the drink glasses.

19. The drink caddy system of claim 18, wherein the beveled inner surface of each cradle is angled between 45 degrees and 60 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

20. The drink caddy system of claim 19, further comprising a light source positioned in at least one of the handle, the stem, or the first and second cradles, the light source configured to illuminate at least a portion of the drink caddy system.

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