INTERCHANGEABLE HOLDER

An interchangeable holder system or apparatus that can be modified quickly, without tools, that provides a user with a plurality of safe and convenient means of holding an object, such as a cigar or a flashlight or a large object.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take at least the meanings explicitly associated herein unless the context dictates otherwise. The meanings identified below do not necessarily limit the terms, but merely provide illustrative examples for the terms. The meaning of “a” “an” and “the” includes plural reference, and the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” The phrase “in one embodiment,” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. The phrase “in one aspect” or “in accordance with one aspect” or “in another aspect” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same aspect, although it may. The phrase “in one embodiment” or “in accordance with another embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. As used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or” operator, and is equivalent to the term “and/or,” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “based, in part, on”, “based, at least in part, on”, or “based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “coupled” means at least either a direct connection between the items being connected, or an indirect connection through one or more passive or active intermediary devices or components. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation.

Various aspects of the present invention are incorporated in the disclosed embodiments of the present invention. The aspects, as shown in the embodiments, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, where like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, the aspects of the present invention, as shown in any examples set forth in this specification, are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the claimed invention.

Referring now toFIG. 1andFIG. 1A, a cradle10is shown that includes two arms10aand10b. The cradle10is roughly V-shaped and includes an outwardly projecting stem11at the bottom of the cradle10. The shape of the cradle is not intended as a limitation and various other shapes can be considered within the scope of the present invention. The arms10aand10bof the cradle10become increasingly close to each other, from top to bottom, until eventually joining at the bottom of the V. Objects of various sizes, such as a flashlight or a cigar, are held in place between the arms10aand10bof the cradle10with pressure by lightly pressing the object downward, into the cradle10. The arms10aand10bof the cradle are cylindrically shaped so that the object is not damaged while it is held in place between the arms10aand10b.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, top ends12aand12bof the arms10aand10b, respectively, are tapered from the inside towards the outside, such that the diameter at the distal ends of the arms10aand10bbecome smaller. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the diameter of the arms10aand10bis unchanged. The ends12aand12bof the arms10aand10b, respectively, are rounded at the distal tips to avoid accidentally piercing or damaging the object on one of the tips when an object is being placed in the cradle10.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, each arm, such as arms10aand10b, is approximately three inches long making it easy to transport in a pocket or small bag. The distance between the distal ends12aand12bcan range from 0.5 inches to 4 feet, including about 1 inch, which can accommodate large diameter objects. The diameter of the arms10aand10bcan range from 0.1 inches to 6 inches including about 0.2 inches, which is sufficiently wide to securely hold larger objects and yet small enough to be easily transportable by the user. The scope of the present invention is not limited by the length/distance between or the diameter of the arms10aand10b. Furthermore, the length and diameter are provided as an example and not intended as a limitation. In accordance with the various aspects of the present invention, the stem11is proportional to the size of the cradle10. Thus, the diameter of the stem11will correspond to the diameter of the cradle10, which are both based on the size and weight of the object intended to be held by the cradle10. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention and other embodiments, the stem11includes and defines a female portion of notch or similar groove (not shown) at the end of the stem11, which is to be connected to or secured to the cradle10. The cradle10would also include a corresponding and matingly similar male portion to the female portion of the groove, such that when the cradle10and the stem11are brought together, they are paired to each other and then connected or secured.

For example, the cradle10may be secured to a base that is mounted on a vehicle. In this case, the cradle would be large enough to hold a large object, such as a tree or a pipe, to allow the user to securely hold and cut or work with the large object.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the stem11is integrated to the bottom of arms10by metalworking such as welding, brazing or soldering so as to create durability and reliability.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the stem11of the cradle10is fastened to a base by turning the stem11in a clock-wise direction so that the stem11moves downwardly, into a bore defined by a base, as disclosed herein.

Referring now toFIG. 2, a mounting base15is shown. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the base15includes a bore14that is capable of receiving the stem11ofFIG. 1to secure the cradle10to the base15and create a system for holding an object. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the base15is magnetic to allow securing the system to a metal surface. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the base15is made of a non-magnetic material.

Referring now toFIGS. 3A and 3B, a system13is shown that includes the cradle10and base15ofFIG. 2. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the cradle10is secured to the base15by inserting the stem11, located at the bottom of the cradle10, into the bore14that is defined by the base15. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the length of the stem11is approximately 0.4 inches and the diameter is approximately 0.2 inches, which corresponds to the dimensions of the bore14. It will be apparent that the scope of the present invention is not limited by the length or diameter of the stem11. The stem11is sufficiently long and wide to create a secure connection to the base15, yet short enough to conceal the entire stem11within the bore14of the base15so as to avoid interrupting the aesthetics of the system13. In accordance with other aspects of the present invention, the stem11may be longer and exposed. For example, a longer stem will prevent contact between the cradle10and the respective base.

The scope of the present invention is not limited by the type of material used for the system13. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the stem11, cradle arms10aand10b, and base15may be made of the same material such as steel or another type of heat or fire-resistant material. The color, texture and decorative aspects of the system13may vary. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the stem11of the cradle10is fastened to the base15by turning the stem11in a clock-wise direction so that the stem11moves downwardly, into the bore14.

Referring now toFIG. 4, a system13ais shown in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. The system13aincludes a bore14aat a location that is consistent with the desired function and aesthetics of the related base15. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the bore14amay be embedded within the base15so that it is flush with the top side of the base15that is intended to rest on a flat surface. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the bore14may be attached within a cylindrically shaped protuberance from the top of a stake-style base or magnetic base15as seen inFIGS. 3A and 3B. Thus, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention is not limited by the functional location of the bore relative to the base, except for as claimed herein.

The method of incorporating the bore to the base may also vary based upon considerations such as the function, aesthetics and composition of the interchangeable base. For example, if the base is made using a material that can be deformed with pressure, such as hardened rubber, then the bore may be embedded within a recess in the top side of the stand where the depth of the recess is roughly equal to the length of the bore, and the diameter of the recess is slightly smaller than the bore so that the bore will remain in place when pressed into the recess during the manufacturing process. In the case of the stake-style base and magnetic base, the bore may be embedded within the cylindrical protuberance by metalworking and the cylindrical protuberance may be attached to the stake and magnet also by metalworking. Thus, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention is not limited by the method of attaching a bore to a base, except for as claimed herein.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the stem11of the cradle10is fastened to a base by turning the threaded stem11in a clock-wise direction so that the stem11moves downwardly, into the bore14auntil the stem11is thumb-tight inside the bore14a. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the stem11of the cradle10is fastened to or screwed into the base15by turning the stem11in a clock-wise direction so that the stem11moves downwardly, into the bore14a.

Referring now toFIG. 5andFIG. 5A, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a system50is shown that includes the cradle10secured to a base52. The cradle10is secured to the base52using the stem11. The base52defines a bore54that receives the stem11. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the stem11of the cradle10is fastened to or screwed into the base52by turning the stem11in a clock-wise direction so that the stem11moves downwardly, into the bore54.

Referring now toFIG. 6, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a system60is shown. The system60includes the cradle10secured to an ash tray62using the stem11in a bore64defined by the ash tray62. As indicated above, the cradle10may be removed by unscrewing the cradle10from the ash tray62. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the stem11of the cradle10is fastened to or screwed into the ash tray62by turning the stem11in a clock-wise direction so that the stem11moves downwardly, into the bore64.

Referring now toFIG. 7andFIG. 7A, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a system70is shown. The system70includes the cradle10and a holder72. The holder72is a clamp type apparatus that defines a hole74. The hole74receives the stem11of the cradle10and the cradle is secured in place to the holder72using a fastener or nut73. As shown, the nut73includes a toothed washer, however any type of nut and washer system can be utilized and is considered within the scope of the present invention. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the stem11of the cradle10is fastened to or screwed into the holder72using the nut73by turning the stem11in a clock-wise direction so that the stem11moves downwardly, into the hole72.

Referring now toFIG. 8andFIG. 8A, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a base system80is shown. The base system80includes a spike or probe82and a base84. The base84defines a bore86for receiving the stem11of the cradle10(not shown in this figure). The spike82is secured to the base84at a bore88defined by the base84. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the probe82can be screwed or pressed into the bore88, thereby allowing the spike82to be removable. In accordance with other aspects of the present invention, the probe82is permanently secured in the bore88of the base84through metalworking such as welding, brazing or soldering as well as any other means of creating a permanent attachment.

Referring now toFIG. 9andFIG. 9A, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a base system90is shown. The base system90includes a spike or probe92and a base94. The base94defines a bore96for receiving the stem11of the cradle10(not shown in this figure). The spike92is secured to the base94at a bore98defined by the base94. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the probe92can be screwed or pressed into the bore98, thereby allowing the spike92to be removably attached to the base94. In accordance with other aspects of the present invention, the probe92is permanently secured to the base94through metalworking such as welding, brazing or soldering as well as any other means of creating a permanent attachment.

Referring now toFIG. 10andFIG. 10A, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a system100is shown with the base system90ofFIG. 9. The system100includes a spike or probe102and a base104. The base104defines a bore106for receiving the stem11of the cradle10. The spike102is secured to the base104. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the probe102can be removably attached to the base104. In accordance with other aspects of the present invention, the probe102is permanently secured to the base104.

In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, removing or separating any base disclosed herein from the cradle10is accomplished by turning the cradle10in a counterclockwise direction so that the stem11moves upwardly, out of the bore or hole of the base, until the cradle10is free from the base. It will be apparent that any method of securing the cradle10to the base of any system can be utilized. For example, the cradle can engage the base of any system using a tension method, such as pressure fittings.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a threaded stem and threaded bore are used to secure the cradle to the base since this method of attachment will withstand the jarring, vibration and other jolts that the system may experience when attached to a supporting structure, such as a golf cart or during use of the system with larger objects. Nevertheless, other attachment mechanisms, such as clips, tapes, Velcro, etc. are all considered within the scope of the invention.

Thus, with respect to the various aspects of the present invention and the disclosed embodiments, a universal cradle may include an interchangeable attachment kit that would include a plurality of interchangeable bases that modify the function and decoration of the system.FIGS. 2 to 10show various aspects of the present invention with a cradle attached to various interchangeable bases including a magnetic base, a clamping device to grasp various supporting structures, a single and dual spike to be driven into the ground or any penetrable object, a tabletop stand, a tabletop stand with integrated ash tray, and a base designed to fit within the cup holder of automobiles. The bases described and shown herein are not meant to be an exhaustive list as it is expected that the bases may vary by material, color, texture, design, shape, size, and function.

Reference throughout this specification to “one aspect,” “various aspects,” “an aspect,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the invention is included in at least one aspect or embodiment of the invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one aspect,” “in various aspects,” “in certain aspects,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same of the invention.

It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill that the scope of the present invention is not limited by the type of material used for the cradle or the base as disclosed herein. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the stem11and the cradle10(as well as the systems disclosed herein) may be made of the same material such as steel or another type of heat or fire-resistant material. Furthermore, the color, texture and decorative aspects of the systems may vary.

It can be seen that the invention provides a convenient and economical method for changing the function of a holder based on the user's needs. While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those of ordinary skill will appreciate that modifications may be made that fall within the scope and spirit of the invention. In addition, the present invention should not be considered limited to the dimensions of the preferred embodiment described herein.

Accordingly, the preceding merely illustrates the principles of the invention. It will be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples and conditional language recited herein are principally intended to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventors to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof.

Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents and equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure. The scope of the present invention, therefore, is not intended to be limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Rather, the scope and spirit of present invention is embodied by the appended claims.