Drink Holder

Abstract

A drink holder may comprise a main assembly, two deformable spring arms, and a divider configured to separate two drinks, each drink secured in one of the arms.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 63 / 777,004 filed on Mar. 25, 2025, titled “Drink Holder,” and the inventor of which is Andrew Page.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] People love drinks, especially canned drinks, but sometimes it can be difficult to transport them to various activities, e.g., outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, sporting events etc. What is needed is an improved drink holder.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] An improved drink holder may comprise a main assembly, two deformable spring arms, and a divider configured to separate two drinks, each drink secured in one of the arms.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1 shows two drink holders secured together.

[0005] FIG. 2 shows a top-down view of a drink holder.

[0006] FIG. 3 shows the view from the back of a drink holder.

[0007] FIG. 4 shows two drink holders secured together.

[0008] FIG. 5 shows an elevated angle back view of a drink holder.

[0009] FIG. 6 shows an elevated angle front view of a drink holder.

[0010] FIG. 7 shows a drink holder with one arm holding a drink and the other arm empty.

[0011] FIG. 8 shows two drink holders secured together in which each drink holder has one arm holding a drink and the other arm is empty.

[0012] FIG. 9 shows two drink holders secured together in which one drink holder is holding two drinks and the other drink holder is holding one drink.

[0013] FIG. 10 shows two drink holders secured together and in use holding four drinks.

[0014] FIG. 11 shows two drink holders secured together and in use holding four drinks.

[0015] FIG. 12 shows one drink holder in use holding two drinks.

[0016] FIG. 13 shows manufacturing details for an exemplary drink holder.

[0017] FIG. 14 shows manufacturing details for an exemplary drink holder.

[0018] FIG. 15 shows manufacturing details for an exemplary drink holder.

[0019] FIG. 16 shows manufacturing details for an exemplary drink holder.

[0020] FIG. 17 shows manufacturing details for an exemplary drink holder.

[0021] FIG. 18 shows two drink holders that have not been secured to each other.

[0022] FIG. 19 shows two drink holders that have not been secured to each other.

[0023] FIG. 20 shows two drink holders that have not been secured to each other.

[0024] FIG. 21 shows the connection mechanism on a drink holder.

[0025] FIG. 22 shows two drink holders that have been partially secured to each other.

[0026] FIG. 23 shows two drink holders in a fully secured (to each other) configuration.

[0027] FIG. 24 shows two drink holders in a fully secured (to each other) configuration.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] A drink holder apparatus is disclosed.TABLE OF REFERENCE NUMBERS FROM DRAWINGS

[0029] The following table is for convenience only and should not be construed to supersede any potentially inconsistent disclosure herein.ReferenceNumberDescription100drink holder104main assembly106divider110arm120arm130non-slip material135non-slip material140strap attachment point150connection mechanism200drink holder250connection mechanism

[0030] A drink holder 100 is designed to carry 2-4 rigid cylinders, such as those typically used to hold beverages. These can include rigid can insulators (e.g., Koozies®), rigid water / beverage bottles, thermoses, or tumblers. Drink holder 100 may be manufactured in multiple sizes to fit / accommodate a wide range of bottles / insulators / tumblers available to the public.

[0031] Drink holder 100 may comprise a main assembly 104; a divider 106; flexible arms 110 and 120 that partially wrap around the cylinder to be carried in the drink holder; non-slip material 130 and 135 to enhance grip of the device against the cylinder; an optional attachment point(s) 140 for a handle or strap; and a mechanism 150 that can connect one device to another in order to carry up to four items.

[0032] The main assembly connects arms 110 and 120, and also provides an origination / connection location for divider 106. The different components may be manufactured monolithically or may secured together using adhesives, hardware, or other securement mechanisms.

[0033] The non-slip material 130 and 135 may be a strip on the arm 110 and / or arm 120, or on the housing, or otherwise in a location that will come in contact with the drinker / cylinder be carried to prevent or mitigate potential slipping.

[0034] When a can / bottle / insulator / tumbler is placed within a flexible arm 110 / 120, the spring action exerts a clamping force on the item (bottle, can, etc.), clamping it in place. The addition of a non-slip material, such as TPU, enhances the grip of the flexible arm along the long axis of the cylinders held.

[0035] Two drink holders 100 and 200 may be connected so that the connected device can carry up to four drinks / items. The flexible / spring arms 110 and 120 may be made of a flexible thermoplastic such as ABS. Other materials, many of which are known in the art, may be used.

[0036] The default shape of each of arms 110 and 120 is such that the arm is slightly smaller than the item (e.g., drink / beverage / cylinder) that will be carried so that when the item is inserted into the drink holder, the bent / stretched arm exerts a force on the item to keep it in place.

[0037] The attachment point 140 for a handle or strap may be a small hole in the assembly. The strap may be placed into the hole during assembly and may be thicker and wider on one side—thereby preventing the strap from being pulled out during use.

[0038] The mechanism 150 that connects one device to another may be a male-to-male snap-fit 150. The snap-fit mechanism is constrained by three rails. As shown in the figures, devices 100 and 200 may be connected to each other by sliding their respective snap-fit mechanisms 150 and 250 (snap-fit mechanisms 150 and 250 are identical to each other) past each other such the that triangular tabs of snap-fit mechanism 150 and 250 slide past each other and lock into place. Many different mechanisms that may be known in the art could be used to connect two drink holders together.

[0039] When used, the strap is complimentary to the snap-fit and uses the weight of the device to prevent disconnection while the device is being carried.

[0040] Although the device is referred to herein as a “drink holder,” it may also be used to hold other items that fit in the device.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0028]A drink holder apparatus is disclosed.

TABLE OF REFERENCE NUMBERS FROM DRAWINGS

[0029]The following table is for convenience only and should not be construed to supersede any potentially inconsistent disclosure herein.

ReferenceNumberDescription100drink holder104main assembly106divider110arm120arm130non-slip material135non-slip material140strap attachment point150connection mechanism200drink holder250connection mechanism

[0030]A drink holder 100 is designed to carry 2-4 rigid cylinders, such as those typically used to hold beverages. These can include rigid can insulators (e.g., Koozies®), rigid water / beverage bottles, thermoses, or tumblers. Drink holder 100 may be manufactured in multiple sizes to fit / accommodate a wide range of bottles / insulators / tumblers available to the public.

[0031]Drink holder 100 may comprise a main assembly 104; a divider 106; flexible arms 110 and 120 that partially wrap around the cylinder to be carried in the drink holder; non-slip material 130 and 135...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 63 / 777,004 filed on Mar. 25, 2025, titled “Drink Holder,” and the inventor of which is Andrew Page.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] People love drinks, especially canned drinks, but sometimes it can be difficult to transport them to various activities, e.g., outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, sporting events etc. What is needed is an improved drink holder.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] An improved drink holder may comprise a main assembly, two deformable spring arms, and a divider configured to separate two drinks, each drink secured in one of the arms.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1 shows two drink holders secured together.

[0005] FIG. 2 shows a top-down view of a drink holder.

[0006] FIG. 3 shows the view from the back of a drink holder.

[0007] FIG. 4 shows two drink holders secured together.

[0008] FIG. 5 shows an elevated angle back view of a drink holder.

[0009] FIG. 6 shows an elevated angle front view of a drink holder.

[0010] FIG. 7 shows a drink holder with one arm holding a drink and the other arm empty.

[0011] FIG. 8 shows two drink holders secured together in which each drink holder has one arm holding a drink and the other arm is empty.

[0012] FIG. 9 shows two drink holders secured together in which one drink holder is holding two drinks and the other drink holder is holding one drink.

[0013] FIG. 10 shows two drink holders secured together and in use holding four drinks.

[0014] FIG. 11 shows two drink holders secured together and in use holding four drinks.

[0015] FIG. 12 shows one drink holder in use holding two drinks.

[0016] FIG. 13 shows manufacturing details for an exemplary drink holder.

[0017] FIG. 14 shows manufacturing details for an exemplary drink holder.

[0018] FIG. 15 shows manufacturing details for an exemplary drink holder.

[0019] FIG. 16 shows manufacturing details for an exemplary drink holder.

[0020] FIG. 17 shows manufacturing details for an exemplary drink holder.

[0021] FIG. 18 shows two drink holders that have not been secured to each other.

[0022] FIG. 19 shows two drink holders that have not been secured to each other.

[0023] FIG. 20 shows two drink holders that have not been secured to each other.

[0024] FIG. 21 shows the connection mechanism on a drink holder.

[0025] FIG. 22 shows two drink holders that have been partially secured to each other.

[0026] FIG. 23 shows two drink holders in a fully secured (to each other) configuration.

[0027] FIG. 24 shows two drink holders in a fully secured (to each other) configuration.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] A drink holder apparatus is disclosed.TABLE OF REFERENCE NUMBERS FROM DRAWINGS

[0029] The following table is for convenience only and should not be construed to supersede any potentially inconsistent disclosure herein.ReferenceNumberDescription100drink holder104main assembly106divider110arm120arm130non-slip material135non-slip material140strap attachment point150connection mechanism200drink holder250connection mechanism

[0030] A drink holder 100 is designed to carry 2-4 rigid cylinders, such as those typically used to hold beverages. These can include rigid can insulators (e.g., Koozies®), rigid water / beverage bottles, thermoses, or tumblers. Drink holder 100 may be manufactured in multiple sizes to fit / accommodate a wide range of bottles / insulators / tumblers available to the public.

[0031] Drink holder 100 may comprise a main assembly 104; a divider 106; flexible arms 110 and 120 that partially wrap around the cylinder to be carried in the drink holder; non-slip material 130 and 135 to enhance grip of the device against the cylinder; an optional attachment point(s) 140 for a handle or strap; and a mechanism 150 that can connect one device to another in order to carry up to four items.

[0032] The main assembly connects arms 110 and 120, and also provides an origination / connection location for divider 106. The different components may be manufactured monolithically or may secured together using adhesives, hardware, or other securement mechanisms.

[0033] The non-slip material 130 and 135 may be a strip on the arm 110 and / or arm 120, or on the housing, or otherwise in a location that will come in contact with the drinker / cylinder be carried to prevent or mitigate potential slipping.

[0034] When a can / bottle / insulator / tumbler is placed within a flexible arm 110 / 120, the spring action exerts a clamping force on the item (bottle, can, etc.), clamping it in place. The addition of a non-slip material, such as TPU, enhances the grip of the flexible arm along the long axis of the cylinders held.

[0035] Two drink holders 100 and 200 may be connected so that the connected device can carry up to four drinks / items. The flexible / spring arms 110 and 120 may be made of a flexible thermoplastic such as ABS. Other materials, many of which are known in the art, may be used.

[0036] The default shape of each of arms 110 and 120 is such that the arm is slightly smaller than the item (e.g., drink / beverage / cylinder) that will be carried so that when the item is inserted into the drink holder, the bent / stretched arm exerts a force on the item to keep it in place.

[0037] The attachment point 140 for a handle or strap may be a small hole in the assembly. The strap may be placed into the hole during assembly and may be thicker and wider on one side—thereby preventing the strap from being pulled out during use.

[0038] The mechanism 150 that connects one device to another may be a male-to-male snap-fit 150. The snap-fit mechanism is constrained by three rails. As shown in the figures, devices 100 and 200 may be connected to each other by sliding their respective snap-fit mechanisms 150 and 250 (snap-fit mechanisms 150 and 250 are identical to each other) past each other such the that triangular tabs of snap-fit mechanism 150 and 250 slide past each other and lock into place. Many different mechanisms that may be known in the art could be used to connect two drink holders together.

[0039] When used, the strap is complimentary to the snap-fit and uses the weight of the device to prevent disconnection while the device is being carried.

[0040] Although the device is referred to herein as a “drink holder,” it may also be used to hold other items that fit in the device.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0028]A drink holder apparatus is disclosed.

TABLE OF REFERENCE NUMBERS FROM DRAWINGS

[0029]The following table is for convenience only and should not be construed to supersede any potentially inconsistent disclosure herein.

ReferenceNumberDescription100drink holder104main assembly106divider110arm120arm130non-slip material135non-slip material140strap attachment point150connection mechanism200drink holder250connection mechanism

[0030]A drink holder 100 is designed to carry 2-4 rigid cylinders, such as those typically used to hold beverages. These can include rigid can insulators (e.g., Koozies®), rigid water / beverage bottles, thermoses, or tumblers. Drink holder 100 may be manufactured in multiple sizes to fit / accommodate a wide range of bottles / insulators / tumblers available to the public.

[0031]Drink holder 100 may comprise a main assembly 104; a divider 106; flexible arms 110 and 120 that partially wrap around the cylinder to be carried in the drink holder; non-slip material 130 and 135...

Claims

1. A drink holder, comprising:a main assembly;a drink divider;a first arm; anda second arm;wherein:the main assembly connects the first arm, second arm, and drink divider;the first arm is curved in a substantially circular curve having a default first arm curve radius and the first arm is deformable such that a cylindrically shaped item having a radius larger than the default first arm curve radius may be placed inside the first arm by deforming the first arm; andthe second arm is curved in a substantially circular curve having a default second arm curve radius and the second arm is deformable such that a cylindrically shaped item having a radius larger than the default second arm curve radius may be placed inside the second arm by deforming the second arm.

2. The drink holder of claim 1, wherein the drink holder comprises a connection mechanism configured to allow the drink holder to be rigidly secured to a second drink holder having a second drink holder connection mechanism that is identical to the connection mechanism of the drink holder.

3. The drink holder of claim 2, wherein the connection mechanism comprises a male-to-male snap fit comprising three rails and a snap tab.

4. The drink holder of claim 1, further comprising an attachment point configured to receive and secure a strap or handle.

5. The drink holder of claim 4, wherein the attachment point is configured to receive and secure a strap.

6. The drink holder of claim 5, wherein the attachment point comprises a hole in the main assembly.

7. The drink holder of claim 6, wherein a carrying strap is secured to the attachment point.

8. The drink holder of claim 1, wherein:the first arm comprises a first strip of non-slip material configured to contact a cylindrical item with the cylindrical item is placed inside the first arm; andthe second arm comprises a second strip of non-slip material configured to contact a cylindrical item with the cylindrical item is placed inside the second arm.

9. The drink holder of claim 1, wherein:the first arm is deformable as a spring arm; andthe second arm is deformable as a spring arm.

10. The drink holder of claim 1, wherein:the first arm is dimensioned to hold a cylindrically shaped drink can or drink can insulator sleeve; andthe second arm is dimensioned to hold a cylindrically shaped drink can or drink can insulator sleeve.

11. A drink holder, comprising:a main assembly;a drink divider;a first arm comprising a deformable spring arm;a second arm comprising a deformable spring arm;a connection mechanism configured to allow the drink holder to be rigidly secured to a second drink holder having a second drink holder connection mechanism that is identical to the connection mechanism of the drink holder;an attachment point configured to receive and secure a carrying strap; anda carrying strap secured to the attachment point;wherein:the main assembly connects the first arm, second arm, and drink divider;the first arm is curved in a substantially circular curve having a default first arm curve radius and the first arm is deformable such that a cylindrically shaped item having a radius larger than the default first arm curve radius may be placed inside the first arm by deforming the first arm;the second arm is curved in a substantially circular curve having a default second arm curve radius and the second arm is deformable such that a cylindrically shaped item having a radius larger than the default second arm curve radius may be placed inside the second arm by deforming the second arm; andthe connection mechanism comprises a male-to-male snap fit comprising three rails and a snap tab;the first arm comprises a first strip of non-slip material configured to contact a cylindrical item with the cylindrical item is placed inside the first arm; andthe second arm comprises a second strip of non-slip material configured to contact a cylindrical item with the cylindrical item is placed inside the second arm.

Images