Double suction cup holder with vacuum control valve

A double suction cup holder in which the two suction cups are connected by a stem has a longitudinal air passageway through the stem connecting the two cups. A diametrical opening traverses the passageway and has a valve member rotatably mounted therein which has inter-communicating longitudinal and diametrical bores. When the valve is turned so that its diametrical bore communicates with the air passageway, the vacuum in the cups is spoiled releasing the holder.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates generally to vacuum holders having improved, novel 
vacuum spoiling means. 
STATEMENT OF PRIOR ART 
The prior art, as exemplified by U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,228,649; 2,711,765; 
3,716,307; 1,845,196; and 2,501,942 is generally illustrative of various 
devices of this type. While such devices are generally acceptable for 
their intended purpose they have not proven to be entirely satisfactory in 
that they are either complex and expensive to manufacture, or bulky and 
inconvenient to use, or require unusual skill and/or dexterity to operate. 
As a result of the shortcomings of the prior art, typified by the above, 
there has developed and continues to exist a substantial need for devices 
of the character described. Despite this need, and the efforts of many 
individuals and companies to develop such devices, a satisfactory device 
meeting this need has heretofore been unavailable. 
The principal object of this invention is to provide a novel double suction 
cup holder. 
Another object is to provide improved, novel vacuum spoiling means for 
suction cup holders of the character described. 
Other objects of this invention will in part be obvious and in part 
hereinafter pointed out. 
The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, 
combinations of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be 
exemplified in the construction hereinafter described, and of which the 
scope of application will be indicated in the following claims. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
This invention resides in a double suction cup holder in which the two 
suction cups are connected by a stem has a longitudinal air passageway 
through the stem connecting the two cups. A diametrical opening traverses 
the passageway and has a valve member rotatably mounted therein which has 
inter-communicating longitudinal and diametrical bores. When the valve is 
turned so that its diametrical bore communicates with the air passageway, 
the vacuum in the cups is spoiled releasing the holder.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
With reference to the drawing, there is shown and illustrated a double 
suction cup holder constructed in accordance with the principles of the 
invention and designated generally by reference character 10. The 
particular holder represented includes a first suction cup 12 connected by 
stem 14 to an identical second suction cup 16. Both cups are made of 
rubber or rubber-like material including certain plastic and resilient 
materials. Both cups 12 and 16 are arcuate, having a spherical concavity 
18 terminating in peripheral lip 20. Stem 14 is circular and cylindrical 
in shape and, as shown in the drawings, is coaxial with the cups 12 and 
16. 
As shown in FIG. 3, stem 14 has a circular cylindrical bore 40 extending 
axially therein and terminating in enlarged sections 22 in the centers of 
each cup. A diamerically extending opening 24 intersects bore 40. 
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 a plastic or hard rubber valve member 26 having a 
knurled turning knob 28 is provided. Member 26 is rotatably mounted in 
opening 24. Member 26 has an axial bore 30 terminating in a cylindrical 
circular diametrical hole 32. The lower end of member 26 is secured to the 
stem by washer 34 fitting in groove 36 thereof so that member 26 can 
rotate while being substantially in hermetic engagement with the stem 14. 
It will be readily appreciated that when valve member is in the position 
shown in FIG. 3, with its bore 32 not in communication with axial bore 40 
of stem 14, the vacuum in both cups will endure. When the member 26 is 
turned to place bores 32 and 40 in communication, the vacuum will be 
spoiled. 
The holder of this invention can be used to secure objects such as memo 
pads to any flat surface whether it be vertical, horizontal or diagonal. 
Depending on the size and/or weight of the object, a number of holders may 
be required such as one in each corner of the object. 
The operation and use of the invention hereinabove described will be 
evident to those skilled in the art to which it relates from a 
consideration of the foregoing. 
It will thus be seen that there is provided a device in which the several 
objects of this invention are achieved, and which is well adapted to meet 
the conditions of practical use. Its advantages are easily seen. 
It is thought that persons skilled in the art to which this invention 
relates will be able to obtain a clear understanding of the invention 
after considering the foregoing description in connection with the 
accompanying drawing. Therefore, a more lengthy description is deemed 
unnecessary. 
It is to be understood that various changes in shape, size and arrangement 
of the elements of this invention as claimed may be resorted to in actual 
practice, if desired.