Abstract:
The presently claimed invention discloses a portable beverage container holder that can be used by an end user during travel to hold beverages and other types of items. The portable beverage container can be used in conjunction with a laptop computer or other type of planar surface and can be folded up when not in use to minimize its size during storage. The device also includes a means for clamping to a laptop computer and other planar surface that minimizes damage to the laptop computer and enables an end user to quickly clamp and unclamp the device during transit.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to the field of beverage container holders, and more particularly pertains to a traveling beverage container holder adapted for mounting to a laptop computer. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]    With the increased availability and decreased cost of various transportation modalities, traveling has become commonplace. Whether commuting between home and office, partaking in business trips, or traveling abroad or domestically, consumers spend a significant amount of time in transit. Often, a businessperson may travel to multiple cities in the course of conducting transactions or visiting clients. Some business travelers routinely shuttle back and forth between various corporate offices, while still other business travelers spend a large percentage of time in transit in an effort to generate sales. To put the need to travel in perspective, it is estimated a person spends on average approximately 1.3 hours traveling a day, with the average distance traveled equaling approximately 7,400 miles per year. Most current research estimates project the amount of time a person spends in transit to increase in upcoming years. Because a significant portion of a person&#39;s day is devoted to traveling, there is growing need for accessories and accoutrements that enable a traveler to take advantage of time spent in transit. 
         [0003]    Perhaps no other tool has become as indispensable to the traveler as the laptop computer and other such portable computing devices. With wireless broadband internet access now available at a great variety of non-traditional locales such as parks, coffee shops and transportation terminals, the use of laptop computers and other portable computing devices is fast becoming the norm. With the advent of wireless communication protocol and the increased proliferation of laptop computers and other portable computing devices, time that was normally wasted during transit can now be utilized to conduct business transactions, to perform research, or to draft documents. No longer are individuals limited to using computers solely in the confines of the office or the home, as portable computing devices enable individuals to access and utilize the world wide internet from virtually anywhere and at any time, even when traveling. 
         [0004]    Regardless of the reason for travel, businesspeople have common needs: the need to maintain contact with the office and the need to utilize travel time to continue. Because laptop computers are portable, end users often utilize laptop computers during travel, whether such travel is by car, train, or airplane. This trend is reflected in the growing number of railroad cars, airlines, and buses that provide travelers with access to power outlets and wi-fi hotspots. When deploying laptop computers and other computing devices during transit, most travelers attempt to re-create a compact and portable office environment that mimics a full-sized office environment. While in transit, travelers have a need to reference papers and notes and have a need to use pens, pencils and other such office accessories, but are often constricted by the amount of space available to place these items. Likewise, travelers frequently consume beverages while traveling and are limited by the amount of space available to place beverages, especially when laptop computers and other portable computing devices occupy the majority of available space. The small surface areas provided by the fold-down table trays found on most airplanes, buses, and trains often leave little to no extra space for resting and/or securing beverage containers or other office accessories. Often, there might not even be a fold down tray table or other such surface available to the traveler, giving the traveler even less space to work. 
         [0005]    Because of the minimal amount of workspace available in transit, it is not uncommon for travelers to spill beverages or lose various accompanying items. For example, many commuters drink coffee in the morning and throughout the day. While on a train, drinking coffee and working on a laptop computer simultaneously can be a difficult if not impossible task, especially when the amount of workspace available is at a minimum. Moreover, the stop-and-go motion of the train greatly increases the risk of damage to a traveler&#39;s laptop computer via spills and errant splashes from the adjacent beverage container. Likewise, documents, pens, pencils, and other office supplies are often displaced from the limited workspace available during transit. Documents fall beneath seats, and pens and pencils become wedged between cushions or seat rows, all of which disrupt a traveler&#39;s workflow and efficiency. Consequently, it is apparent there is a growing need for a simple and effective means for increasing the amount of workspace available to a traveler, so as to prevent accidental and damaging spills from beverage containers and to be able to place documents, pens, pencils and other accessories in a secure area. The presently contemplated invention described herein addresses the need for creating additional workspace during travel by proposing a portable beverage container used in conjunction with a laptop computer and other such portable computing devices, with said beverage container holder being used to hold beverages or other types of office supplies, items and accessories. 
         [0006]    There are a variety of prior art patents disclosing the use of portable beverage container holders in conjunction with objects other than computers. U.S. Pat. No. 6,832,745 B2 to Lindsay, for example, discloses a vehicle accessory holder adapted for use in a motor vehicle having vertical support posts in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. While the invention contemplated in Lindsay describes a means of providing a detachable container holder, the invention nonetheless is limited to automobiles and further limited to automobiles having a particular vertical support post in the passenger compartment. The invention described in Lindsay does not work in buses, airplanes, trains, or in automobiles lacking the vertical support post. Consequently, the invention described in Lindsay fails to address the need for a portable container that can be used in every travel scenario or the need for a portable container that can be used in conjunction with a laptop computer or other such portable computing device. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,356,107 to Sinohuiz also discloses a beverage container holder. Specifically, the beverage container holder described in Sinohuiz is capable of being removably attached to a substantially vertical chair member, with the beverage container being rigid and not collapsible. The invention described in Sinohuiz is primarily geared towards lawn chairs, with the beverage container specifically configured to snap onto the arm of a typical lawn chair. The beverage container holder disclosed in Sinohuiz is not capable, however, of attaching to a surface other than the arm of a typical lawn chair, nor is the Sinohuiz beverage container holder easy to transport since it is rigid and not collapsible. Thus, the invention disclosed by Sinohuiz fails to address the prior art problem of a portable beverage container holder that can be used in any transportation modality and in conjunction with a laptop computer or other such portable computing device. The same limitations described in Sinohuiz also apply to U.S. Pat. No. 6,505,802 B2, issued to Fowler. The beverage holder described in Fowler is permanently attached to a mounting surface via a threaded bolt and a threaded nut, and cannot easily be removably attached, transported or reattached to other surfaces. Consequently, the beverage container holder disclosed in Fowler, just like the previously described patents, fails to address the need for a portable beverage container holder that can easily attach itself to a laptop computer regardless of the travel environment. 
         [0008]    There are a slew of prior art patents that contemplate the use of cup holders in conjunction with other types of surface environments. For example, there are various beverage container holders found in the art that secure to a horizontally disposed support structure, such as the handlebar of a bicycle, including U.S. Pat. No. 4,256,281 to Harris, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,427 B1 to McConnell. The inventions described in Harris and in McConnel are limited, however, in that they are not portable, require multiple steps to install the beverage container holder, and can not be used in settings that lack a horizontal support structure. As a whole, prior art portable beverage container holders fail to address the traveler&#39;s specific need for an easy to store means for increasing workspace and holding beverages during transit. 
         [0009]    Attempts to utilize beverage container holders in conjunction with desktop computers have been addressed in the prior art, specifically in U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,737 B1 to Sai, et. al. The Sai patent discloses a beverage container holder that secures to the side of a stationary desktop computer monitor via a vertically disposed clamp. The beverage container holder in Sai can be affixed to either the right or left vertical side of a desktop computer monitor. The beverage container holder claimed in Sai, however, is limited to desktop computer monitors and does not disclose use of the beverage container holder with a laptop computer or other such portable computing device. Moreover, the invention disclosed in Sai is not configured to attach to a laptop computer or to the monitors of a laptop computer, and consequently are not compatible with laptop computers and would not be useful during travel. 
         [0010]    In reviewing the breadth of prior art there is a common and reoccurring problem, namely that prior art devices are rigid, bulky, and not specifically adapted to the current needs of laptop computer users. There is a clear need for a beverage container holder that is portable, flexible, lightweight, and capable of supporting different shapes and sizes of beverage containers and other types of office items and accessories. Regarding laptop computer use in particular, there is a need for a convenient, travel-friendly beverage container holder that safely and easily connects to the laptop computer support surface or the laptop base itself (in cases where the laptop computer operator&#39;s lap is the support surface). The presently claimed invention solves the problems present in the prior art and addresses the currently unmet needs of laptop computer users while in transit. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved device for holding and receiving beverage containers during transit. The present invention essentially comprises a portable beverage container for a laptop computer, having a pocket adapted to hold and receive the beverage container, with at least one aperture disposed about a length of the pocket and the aperture providing access to an inner compartment of the pocket. The portable beverage container is comprised additionally of at least one ring assembly which is itself comprised of an upper ring assembly and a lower ring assembly, with the pocket fastened between the upper ring assembly and the lower ring assembly. The ring assembly and pocket are connected to a means for clamping which in turn can be used to clamp to a laptop computer or other planar surface. It is an object of this presently contemplated invention to provide a beverage container holder that is removable, can be installed to the surface of a laptop computer or any other such portable computing device and increase the amount of workspace available to an end user while in transit. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0012]    These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully disclosed in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, which is to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of the portable beverage container holder connected to an open laptop computer; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective overview of the portable beverage container holder connected to a cross section of a laptop computer; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of the various components of an embodiment of the portable beverage container holder; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of the various components of an embodiment of the portable beverage container holder, with the lower arm in a locked position; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a side perspective view of portable beverage container holder, with the portable beverage container holder set in the travel position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a side perspective view of the various components of an alternate embodiment of the portable beverage container holder; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a side perspective view of the various components of an alternate embodiment of the portable beverage container holder, in the closed position; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a side perspective view of the various components of an alternate embodiment of the portable beverage container holder; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a side perspective view of the various components of an alternate embodiment of the portable beverage container holder, in the closed position; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a side perspective view of the various components of an alternate embodiment of the portable beverage container holder, in the closed position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a side perspective view of the various components of an alternate embodiment of the portable beverage container holder, in the open position; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of ring assembly and pocket, illustrating the leveling ability of the portable beverage container holder. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0025]    This description of preferred embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description of this invention. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. In the description, relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms including “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral” and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term “operatively connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses, if used, are intended to cover the structures described, suggested, or rendered obvious by the written description or drawings for performing the recited function, including not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. 
         [0026]    The presently claimed invention envisions any one of numerous embodiments, all of which enable a user to utilize a beverage container holder that can be permanently and/or temporarily connected to a laptop computer or other such portable computing device. As an overview of the presently claimed invention, the reader is directed to  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 1  depicts a beverage container holder  1  attached to a laptop computer  2  in the open position  2   a,  with bottle  22  inserted into and supported by pocket  9 . While  FIG. 1  presents the reader with a general overview of the presently claimed invention, the ensuing figures and drawings will examine the granular details of various embodiments of beverage container holder  1 . 
         [0027]    Turning now to  FIG. 2 , presented is an more detailed example of how a given embodiment of the presently claimed invention operates in conjunction with a laptop computer. As contemplated in a typical embodiment of the presently claimed invention, beverage container holder  1  connects to laptop computer  2  or any other type of portable communication device via means for clamping  10 , with bottle  22  being placed in pocket  9 , pocket  9  being connected to means for clamping  10  via ring assembly  20 . For purposes of this patent application, a “laptop computer” shall refer to a small mobile personal computer, usually weighing approximately one-quarter (¼) of a pound to five (5) pounds, depending on size, materials and other factors; laptop computers typically contain components that are substantially similar to desktop computers and perform many if not all of the same functions, but are miniaturized and optimized for mobile use and efficient power consumption. “Laptop computers” usually have monitors comprised of liquid crystal displays, plasma or other means utilized in the art for computer monitor displays. In addition to a built-in or attachable keyboard or other data input means, laptop computers may also utilize a touchpad or a pointing means for data input, although an external keyboard or mouse can usually be attached. As used in the art and herein, the term “laptop computer” also includes any number of other portable computing devices that enables a user to perform data manipulation, such as, but not limited to tablet PCs or any other type of portable computing devices found in the art. 
         [0028]    Referring still to  FIG. 2 , the means for clamping  10  can be adapted or configured to connect to a laptop computer  2  of various shapes, sizes, widths, thicknesses and lengths. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , for example, beverage container holder  1  connects via means for clamping  10  to a laptop computer  2  that has a thickness of ½ inch; but beverage container holder  1  can be adapted to connect to a laptop computer  2  with a thickness greater or less than ½ inch, encompassing any possible thickness and/or width presently utilized or produced in the future for laptop computers or other such portable computing devices. Beverage container holder  1  is advantageous to an end user, because when beverage container holder  1  is connected to a laptop computer  2  via clamping  10 , a desired beverage can be placed and held in pocket  9 , with pocket  9  connected to means for clamping  10  via ring assembly  20 . Regardless of the setting in which the laptop computer  2  is deployed, beverage container holder  1  provides a means for holding and supporting an end user&#39;s beverage. In addition, although the drawings set forth herein depict beverage container holder  1  attached to a laptop computer, it is contemplated that the beverage container holder  1  can be attached to a multitude of additional surfaces, such as, without limitation, fold down table trays, seats, tables, desks, chairs, or any other planar surface. 
         [0029]    In the particular embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , pocket  9  holds and supports bottle  22 . For purposes of this invention, the composition and/or weight of bottle  22  is immaterial, as is the type of liquid contained in bottle  22 . As contemplated herein, bottle  22  can have the form of a coffee container, carton, can, or any other type of container that holds liquid, and bottle  22  can be comprised of plastic, glass, or any other type of material that can hold liquid. In addition, pocket  9  can be used to support and hold any number of individual items or combination of items other than bottle  22 . Such non-limiting examples of such items include: pens, pencils, markers, paper, post-it-notes, coins, transportation tickets, maps portable computing and communication devices and/or any other item that can fit within pocket  9 . 
         [0030]    The presently described invention depicts a pocket  9  that is comprised of mesh, but pocket  9  can be comprised of any type of suitable material, such as, without limitation: animal-based textiles, plant-based textiles, mineral-based textiles, synthetic-based textiles, or any other textile or material suitable for holding items. In addition, it is contemplated that pocket  9  can be comprised of metallic mesh or chain mail. Moreover, the present invention contemplates pocket  9  being lined with or comprised of materials having certain insulating properties so as to keep inserted items hot and/or cold, depending on an end user&#39;s preference. It is also envisioned that pocket  9  can be of a rigid nature, or that pocket  9  can be “collapsible,” thereby allowing an end user to elongate or shorten the length of pocket  9  along the y-axis to accommodate differing shapes and lengths of various inserted items, bottles, or containers. In addition, although pocket  9  is depicted in  FIG. 2  as having a similar shape as bottle  22 , pocket  9  can be adapted to take any possible shape, such as, without limitation, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a square shape, a trapezoidal shape, or any other polygonal shape necessary to hold an applicable item. It is contemplated that pocket  9  can be tapered from the top to bottom or bottom to top, and it is contemplated that pocket  9  can be fitted with a means of opening or closing the bottom of pocket  9  so as to remove inserted items from the bottom of pocket  9  instead of from the top of pocket  9 . The top of pocket  9  can also be fitted with a means of opening or closing pocket  9  to remove inserted items. Pocket  9  may also have separate pocket compartments, disposed about the sides, top or bottom of pocket  9 , so as to provide additional means of segregating change, tokens, pens, pencils and any other type of inserted item. Pocket  9  can also be fitted with an additional support structure at any point along pocket  9 , such as without limitation, an additional cylindrical support structure disposed about the bottom of pocket  9 . For purposes of this presently claimed invention, however, regardless what an end user places in pocket  9 , the composition of pocket  9 , or the configuration of pocket  9 , beverage container holder  1  allows an end user to place a beverage or other such item in pocket  9 , thereby obviating the need for an end user to hold a beverage or an item in his/her hand. By freeing up both of an end user&#39;s hands, an end user can type with both hands, thereby more efficiently interacting with the laptop computer  2 . 
         [0031]    Now that a brief overview of beverage container holder  1  has been described, a more thorough explanation of each of the component parts of various contemplated embodiments will follow. Referring now to  FIG. 3 , beverage container holder  1  is typically comprised of at least two main sections, the means for clamping  10  and ring assembly  20 . Means for clamping  10  and the ring assembly  20  can either be permanently connected or temporarily connected via junction point  25 . In the particular embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , ring assembly  20  is connected to junction point  25  via snap point  20   d,  with snap point  20   d  permanently connected to junction point  25 . Snap point  20   d  can either permanently or removably connect ring assembly  20  to junction point  25 . In the particular embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , snap point  20   d  is connected to ring assembly  20  via a screw, but can be attached via any known connecting means used in the art. 
         [0032]    Junction point  25  connects to means for clamping  10 , with such connection being either permanent or detachable. In the particular embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , junction point  25  is connected to means for clamping  10  via an appropriately configured mechanical screw  40   a  disposed through an aperture running horizontally through the x-axis of junction point  25  and through the x-axis of means for clamping junction point  10   a,  with means for clamping junction point  10   a  being permanently attached to and a part of means for clamping  10 ; but any other means used to connect such structures known in the art can be utilized, such as, without limitation: hitch pins, cotter pins, springs, and welding. 
         [0033]    For purposes of this invention, means for clamping  10 , junction point  25  and ring assembly  20  can be comprised of any material that is known in the art. Polymeric materials useful for all or some of the components of the means for clamping  10 , junction point  25  and ring assembly  20  include, without limitation: plastics, thermoplastics (crystalline or non-crystalline, cross linked or non-cross linked), thermosetting resins, elastomers, or composites thereof. Means for clamping  10 , junction point  25  and ring assembly  20  can also be comprised of conductive and non-conductive metals, metal alloys, wood, wood-plastic composites, plastic-glass fiber reinforced composites, or any other suitable material utilized in the art. Moreover, it is contemplated that means for clamping  10 , junction point  25  and ring assembly  20  can be comprised of the same material or comprised of different combinations of materials, depending on the desired configuration. 
         [0034]    Although the means by which means for clamping  10  can clamp can be comprised of any one of many possible means known in the art, in the particular embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3  means for clamping  10  utilizes upper arm  12  and lower arm  14 . Upper arm  12  and lower arm  14  can be manipulated to lengthen or shorten space  13  disposed between upper arm  12  and lower arm  14 . Laptop computer  2  is placed in space  13 , with the end user manipulating upper arm  12  and lower arm  14  vertically along the y-axis, thereby decreasing or increasing the height of space  13  until upper arm  12  and lower arm  14  clamp onto a laptop computer  2 . By manipulating upper arm  12  and lower arm  14  vertically up and down the y-axis, an end user can accommodate various laptop computer  2  widths and thereby enable upper arm  12  and lower arm  14  to clamp onto laptop computers of various thicknesses. It is contemplated that upper arm  12  and bottom arm  12  may be fitted (either individually or jointly) with various rib configurations, notches, grooves or other such features that enable upper arm  12  and lower arm  14  to grip onto a laptop at various points of contact. In the particular embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , upper arm  12  and lower arm  14  are equipped with cushion  16 , which prevents either upper arm  12  and lower arm  14  from scratching the surface of laptop computer  2  or otherwise damaging laptop computer  2  when upper arm  12  and lower arm  14  clamp onto laptop computer  2 . Cushion  16  has the additional benefit of creating a friction interface with laptop computer  2 , which limits slippage of the laptop computer  2  once it is disposed between upper arm  12  and lower arm  14 . 
         [0035]    There are a variety of possible means by which an end user can manipulate upper arm  12  and lower arm  14  to clamp onto laptop computer  2 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , for example, thumbscrew  30  serves as the means of raising and lowering lower arm  14  in reference to laptop computer  2 , with upper arm  12  remaining in a stationary position relative to lower arm  14  as lower arm  14  traverses up and down the y-axis. A “thumbscrew” is defined herein as a specialized type of screw with a tall head and ridged or knurled sides, intended to be tightened and loosened by hand. Referring still to  FIG. 3 , an end user can either tighten or loosen thumbscrew  30  by rotating thumbscrew  30  to the left or the right. The tightening or loosening of thumbscrew  30  can be carried out via turn button  41 .  FIG. 3  depicts thumbscrew  30  disposed on the top of and through upper arm  12 , extending down the y-axis and through an aperture bored through lower arm  14 , with thumbscrew shaft  31  connected to locking lever  35  by a hinge pin  61 . The net effect of tightening or loosening thumbscrew  30  via turn button  41  is to either increase or decrease the length of threaded thumbscrew shaft  31  in relation to lower arm  14 . In this particular embodiment, spring  33  is disposed about thumbscrew shaft  31 , with spring  33  exerting a downward force on lower arm  14 . Turning thumbscrew  30  causes threaded thumbscrew shaft  31  to traverse up or down the vertical y-axis, thereby raising or lowering lower arm  14  vertically up and down the vertical y-axis in relation to the surface of laptop computer  2 . 
         [0036]    In the particular embodiment found in  FIG. 3 , beverage container holder  1  has an additional means of manipulating the length of space  13 , as set forth in locking lever  35 . Instead of solely utilizing thumbscrew  30  to adjust the amount of space  13  disposed between upper arm  12  and lower arm  14 , an end user can utilize locking lever  35  to adjust the position of lower arm  14  along the y-axis. In  FIG. 3 , locking lever  35  is in the unlocked position, which creates a larger space  13  differential when compared to the amount of space  13  found in  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 4  differs from  FIG. 3  in that locking lever  35  in  FIG. 4  is depicted in the locked position. By placing locking lever  35  in the locked position depicted in  FIG. 4  or the unlocked position depicted in depicted in  FIG. 3 , the amount of space  13  between upper arm  12  and lower arm  14  can quickly be manipulated without having to manually turn thumbscrew  30 . This allows an end user to quickly lock lower arm  14  onto laptop computer  2  or to add additional tightness when lower arm  14  comes into contact with laptop computer  2 . When an end user shifts locking lever  35  to the locked position depicted in  FIG. 4 , spring  33  maintains compression tension between upper arm  12  and lower arm  14 . The compression tension, in turn, allows the cam interface surface of locking lever  35  to maintain contact with the bottom surface of lower arm  14 . Locking lever  35  is comprised of a cam surface configured so that when it is manipulated from left of the y-axis centerline of thumbscrew shaft  31 , as depicted in  FIG. 3 , to the locked position, depicted in  FIG. 4 , lower arm  14  is raised a certain approximate distance between the centerline of the hinge pin  61 , and contact surface of the locking lever  35 . Still referring to  FIG. 4 , as the locking lever  35  moves past a certain point, locking lever  35  snaps into the locked position via the compression pressure of spring  33 . The ongoing compression pressure of spring  33  enables locking lever  35  to remain in the “locked” position until the end user manipulates locking lever  35  to the unlocked position as shown in  FIG. 3 . Because locking lever  35  may be in close proximity to the end user, especially if laptop computer  2  is balanced on the end user&#39;s lap instead of a table or other such surface, locking lever  35  can be cushioned, disposed with a plastic coating, and/or ergonomically configured to protect an end user who may come in contact with locking lever  35 . 
         [0037]    It is noted that for all of the foregoing descriptions relating to the upper arm  12 , lower arm  14 , locking lever  35 , turn button  41 , and thumbscrew  30 , the orientation and location of each component is immaterial. The presently contemplated invention envisions lower arm  14  remaining stationary, with upper arm  14  moving vertically up and down the y-axis, and envisions both upper arm  12  and lower arm  14  moving simultaneously to manipulate the length of space  13 . In addition, although turn button  41  is located on the top of upper arm  12  in  FIG. 3 , turn button  41  can be positioned anywhere along beverage container holder  1 . 
         [0038]    Referring still to  FIG. 3 , we will now consider in greater detail ring assembly  20 . It is contemplated that ring assembly  20  can be constructed in any matter so long as pocket  9  is attached. In the particular embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , ring assembly  20  is comprised of upper ring assembly  20   a  and lower ring assembly  20   b,  with upper ring assembly  20   a  and lower ring assembly  20   b  connected together via fix point  20   c,  with pocket  9  is sandwiched between the upper ring assembly  20   a  and lower ring assembly  20   b  at fix point  20   c.  Fix point  20   c  connects upper ring assembly  20   a  and lower ring assembly  20  via any applicable means useful in the art, including, without limitation: adhesives and mechanical means. In  FIG. 3 , pocket  9  is held in place between upper ring assembly  20   a  and lower ring assembly  20   b,  with fix point  20   c  connecting upper ring assembly  20   a  and lower ring assembly  20   b  by means of a mechanical threaded screw. 
         [0039]    It is contemplated that pocket  9  can be removed from ring assembly  20  by disconnecting fix point  20   c  so as to enable an end user to clean pocket  9  or to insert a different type of pocket  9  to be used in conjunction with ring assembly  20 . In addition, ring assembly  20  can be constructed in such a way that pocket  9  is permanently connected to ring assembly  20  and is not removable. In considering the shape of ring assembly  20 , the particular shape is immaterial as the presently contemplated ring assembly  20  can have any given shape. In the given embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , for example, ring assembly  20  has a circular shape. Moreover, ring assembly  20  can come in many different dimensions and can have many different diameters, as applicable. For a ring assembly  20  with a circular shape (like the ring assembly depicted in  FIG. 3 ) it is contemplated that ring assembly  20  can have a diameter than can manually be increased or decreased by the end user in order to tighten or loosen the ring assembly  20  around whatever object that is placed in pocket  9 . 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , another advantage of the presently contemplated invention is depicted, specifically related to the means for transporting beverage container holder  1 . To enable an end user to transport beverage container holder  1  without taking up too much space in luggage or in other traveling accoutrements, the presently claimed invention includes a feature that renders beverage container holder  1  more compact and flat. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the means for transport involve ring assembly  20  being rotated approximately ninety (90) degrees around the x-axis until both upper ring assembly  20   a  and lower ring assembly  20   b  are perpendicular to the x-axis, thereby rendering beverage container holder  1  flat. Rotating ring assembly  20  around the x-axis can be accomplished in any one of many possible means, but in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 , junction point  25  (to which ring assembly  20  is connected) is connected to means for clamping junction point  10   a  via transverse screw  40 . Transverse screw  40  utilizes a traverse spring  45  coiled around traverse screw shaft  40   a  to keep junction point  25  adjacent to and flush with means for clamping junction point  10   a  via the spring constant pulling towards means for clamping junction point  10   a.  In  FIG. 5 , for example, traverse spring  45  is completely compressed up against traverse screw  40 . Traverse screw  40  is disposed in such a manner, however, that junction point  25  can be pulled by the end user away from means for clamping junction point  10   a,  in a direction opposite from the spring constant and away from means for clamping junction point  10   a,  thereby enabling the end user enough separation from means for clamping junction point  10   a  to rotate ring assembly  20  around the x-axis. Moreover, the upper arm assembly  12  can be notched so after the ring assembly  20  has been rotated into position, ring assembly  20  is retained within the notched area, which prevents unwanted movement during storage. This enables an end user to easily store beverage container holder  1  in a suitcase, briefcase, or even in the end user&#39;s pocket. 
         [0041]    Now that a thorough explanation of the given components of a particular embodiment has been completed, the inventors will now describe in detail some additional possible embodiments. Referring now to  FIG. 6 , depicted is an alternative means for clamping  10  and manipulating the amount of space  13  between upper arm  12  and lower arm  14 . In this embodiment, lower arm  14  is connected to upper arm  12  via swing point  14   c,  which allows lower arm  14  to become displaced in an approximate range of zero degrees to forty-five degrees from the x-axis, thereby manipulating the length of space  13 . Moreover, in the particular embodiment set forth in  FIG. 6 , thumbscrew  30  and thumbscrew shaft  31  are embedded within upper arm cavity  12   b.  Unlike previously described embodiments, an end user does not have access to thumbscrew  30  via the top of upper arm  12 . Instead, thumbscrew  30  and thumbscrew shaft  31  are fixed and in a stationary position. Thumbscrew shaft  31  is embedded in a threaded aperture disposed through link  50 , and can be screwed and unscrewed from the threaded aperture disposed through link  50 . By tightening or loosening link  50 , the length of threaded thumbscrew shaft  31  in relation to lower arm  14  is either increased or decreased. By increasing or decreasing the length of thumbscrew shaft  31  in relation to lower arm  14 , link  50  exerts a certain amount of downward force on lower arm  14 , and causes lower arm  14  to pivot about swing point  14   c.    FIG. 6  depicts lower arm  14  in a stationary position, with link  50  not protruding past bottom cusp  55 .  FIG. 7 , on the other hand, depicts lower arm  14  in a closed position, wherein lower arm  14  is displaced via from the x-axis in an approximate range of zero degrees to forty-five degrees swing point  14   c,  thereby decreasing the amount of space  13 . In  FIG. 7 , link  50  protrudes past bottom cusp  55 , which is caused by the end user turning and manipulating link  50  about thumbscrew shaft  31  until link  50  travels vertically down the y axis and past bottom cusp  55 , which subsequently causes a downward force on lower arm  14  and displaces lower arm  14  from the x-axis via swing point  14   c  and decreasing the length of space  13 . It is contemplated that the means described via  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7  can be accomplished in the reverse, i.e, manipulating upper arm  12  (as opposed to just lower arm  14 ) or by manipulating both upper arm  12  and lower arm  14 . It is noted that in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 , upper arm  12  and lower arm  14  are disposed with notches  12   a  and  14   a.  Notches  12   a  and  14   a  are an additional means of improving the grip upper arm  12  and lower arm  14  can exert on laptop  2  set in space  13 . 
         [0042]    Considering yet another possible embodiment of the presently contemplated invention, we will focus now on  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 . Referring to  FIG. 8 , depicted is yet another possible means for clamping  10  and manipulating the amount of space  13  between upper arm  12  and lower arm  14 . In this particular embodiment, the upper portion of thumbscrew shaft  31  is embedded in turn button  41 , with the lower portion of thumbscrew shaft  31  embedded in link  50 . Link  50  is disposed with a threaded aperture, into which thumbscrew shaft  31  can be screwed or unscrewed, and link  50  is connected to lower arm  14  via pivot pin  56 . As set forth in  FIG. 8 , lower arm  14  is connected to upper arm  12 , via pivot pin  56   a  As turn button  41  is rotated counterclockwise, thumbscrew shaft  31  moves out of the threaded aperture of pivot cap  50 , causing pivot cap  50  to exert a downward force on lower arm  14  and thereby creating a pivoting action around pivot pin  56 . The downward force exerted on lower arm  14  and the ensuing pivot action around pivot pin  56  causes lower arm  14  to pivot around pin  56   a  from approximately zero degrees to forty-five degrees, thereby raising lower arm  14  and decreasing space  13  and clamping lower arm  14  to laptop computer  2 .  FIG. 7 . depicts lower arm  14  in an open position, with link  50  and pivot pin  56   a  parallel and resting on the x-axis.  FIG. 9 , on the other hand, depicts lower arm  14  in a closed position, caused by the user rotating turn button  41  counterclockwise, exerting a downward force on lower arm  14  via pivot cap  50  and pushing lower arm  14  around pivot pin  56  below the x-axis of pivot pin  56   a.  It is contemplated that the means described via  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9  can be accomplished in the reverse, i.e, manipulating turn button  41  clockwise. By manipulating turn button  41  clockwise, it is thumbscrew shaft  31  becomes more deeply engaged into pivot cap  50 , thereby pulling pivot cap  50  upwards and resulting in a rotation around pivot pin  56  and pivot pin  56   a  that lowers lower arm  14 . In the particular embodiment depicted in  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 , a shaft retention washer  57  threaded on thumbscrew shaft  31  and disposed on the underside of upper arm  12  prevents thumbscrew screw  30  from vertical movement and keeps turn button  41  in contact with the top surface of upper arm  12 . 
         [0043]    Considering an additional embodiment of the presently claimed invention, we focus now on  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 1 . Referring to  FIG. 10 , depicted is an alternative means for clamping  10  and manipulating the space  13  between upper arm  12  and lower arm  14 . In  FIG. 10 , lower arm  14  is equipped with protruding tooth  70 . Although there is only one protruding tooth  70  depicted in  FIG. 10 , the presently claimed invention contemplates the use of a plurality of protruding teeth and envisions the use of protruding teeth disposed on an alternate side or sides of lower arm  14 , instead of just one side as is presently depicted. In this particular embodiment, protruding tooth  70  is adapted to fit protruding tooth notch  75   a , which is disposed about the lower portion of upper arm  12 . Because protruding tooth  70  fits in protruding tooth notch  75   a,  lower arm  14  is locked in place and is not able to move vertically down the y-axis, thereby fixing space  13  at a given distance. Referring to  FIG. 11 , it is noted that protruding tooth  70  has been displaced down the vertical y-axis to protruding tooth notch  75   b,  which lies beneath protruding tooth notch  75   a  on the vertical y-axis. By moving protruding tooth  70  from protruding tooth notch  75   a  to protruding tooth notch  75   b,  lower arm  14  is displaced down the vertical y-axis, thereby increasing the distance between upper arm  12  and lower arm  14  and increasing the distance of space  13 . In traversing down the y-axis, lower arm  14  is kept in place via block notch  80 . Block notch  80  is hinged with a pin forming a pivot point at block notch pivot  80   a.  A torsion spring, at the block notch pivot  80   a,  maintains pressure on block notch  80  keeping protruding tooth  70  in the desired protruding tooth notch. Lower arm  14  can be moved up into the cavity of lower arm  12  by simple hand pressure, which overcomes the torsion spring force permitting protruding tooth  70  to move up and down the vertical y-axis and reducing or increasing space  13  until maximum clamping force against the laptop computer  2  is reached. 
         [0044]    Focusing now on the last figure,  FIG. 12 , depicted is a front perspective view of pocket  9  and ring assembly  20 . This embodiment illustrates another contemplated feature of the invention, i.e. the ability to pivot ring assembly  20  about the x-axis and y-axis via assembly ring pivot point  85 . The ability to pivot ring assembly  20  about the x-axis and y-axis via assembly ring pivot point  85  allows an end user to self level the ring assembly  20  to ensure any inserted items do not spill and or fall from pocket  9  during adverse travel conditions. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 12 , the original position of ring assembly  20  is set forth via position  20   e,  which is completely parallel to the x-axis. After an end user pivots ring assembly  20  via assembly ring pivot point  85 , there is a displacement from the x-axis, as depicted in  FIG. 12 . Ring assembly can be rotated in any direction about the x-axis, depending on the end user&#39;s inclinations and needs. It is contemplated that leveling can occur via end user manipulation or automatically via counter weights or other means of automatic leveling known in the art. 
         [0045]    It is to be understood that the present invention is by no means limited only to the particular constructions herein disclosed and shown in the drawings, but also comprises any modifications or equivalents within the scope of the claims.