Abstract:
A multi-positional drink coaster includes a generally planar outer rim defining a periphery of the drink coaster. A base wall skirts downwardly from the outer rim to a base of the drink coaster. The base is configured to rest atop an underlying surface. A flexible central support depends laterally inwardly from the outer rim and includes opposed upper and lower surfaces. The flexible central support area is manually deflectable between a stationary collapsed position and a stationary expanded position. In the collapsed position, the upper surface defines a generally horizontal plane for supporting an object thereon and the lower surface is generally convex. In the expanded position, the flexible central support area forms an ornamental dome structure with both the upper surface being generally convex and the lower surface being generally concave.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/052,827, filed on Sep. 19, 2014, entitled “Multi-Positional Drink Coaster,” the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to drink coasters and, more specifically, to a coaster that can be manipulated into various positions. It is well known in the art that drinking or eating vessels (herein collectively referred to as vessels), such as cups, mugs, glasses, and bottles, can cause damage to surfaces of furniture due to the heat from the vessels&#39; contents or the condensation that may be produced by the vessels&#39; chilled contents. Accordingly, the drink coaster was invented decades ago to guard surfaces from the damaging effects of these vessels and their contents. The art has continued to develop over recent years with introductions such as the Non-stick Drink Coaster (U.S. Pat. No. 4,858,873), Compact Disc Drink Coaster (U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,669), Sandal Drink Coasters (U.S. application Ser. No. 13/669,443), Electronic Drink Coaster (U.S. Pat. No. 7,353,136), and Attachable Beverage Coaster (U.S. Pat. No. 4,759,525). 
         [0003]    These developments signify a shift from focusing purely on the functionality of a drink coaster to a more decorative nature. In another section of the art, there is a focus on dual functions such as the Drink Coaster and Air Freshener (U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,272). Clearly, there is a need for drink coasters that serve other functions in conjunction with protecting furniture surfaces from damage. Thus, it is one object of the present invention to provide a drink coaster with more than two uses. The preferred embodiment accomplishes this by having a first configuration, a second configuration, and a constant decorative nature. 
         [0004]    The preferred first configuration, for example, may function solely to protect furniture from damage caused by a vessel. A second configuration may also function in the form of a cute novelty item or decorative trinket. Regardless of the configuration, the preferred drink coaster always provides viewers with a decorative nature which can be appreciated when in use or when stagnant. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a decorative coaster for use with vessels containing either hot or cold liquids that will prevent damage to furniture supporting the same. 
         [0005]    These and other objects of the present invention will become more apparent upon a reading of the complete description thereof in combination with the following drawings. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Briefly stated, one aspect of the present invention is directed to a multi-positional drink coaster. The drink coaster includes a generally planar outer rim defining a periphery of the drink coaster. A base wall skirts downwardly from the outer rim to a base of the drink coaster. The base is configured to rest atop an underlying surface. A flexible central support depends laterally inwardly from the outer rim and includes opposed upper and lower surfaces. The flexible central support area is manually deflectable between a stationary collapsed position and a stationary expanded position. In the collapsed position, the upper surface defines a generally horizontal plane for supporting an object thereon and the lower surface is generally convex. In the expanded position, the flexible central support area forms an ornamental dome structure with both the upper surface being generally convex and the lower surface being generally concave. 
         [0007]    Another aspect of the present invention is also directed to a multi-positional drink coaster. The drink coaster includes a generally planar outer rim defining a periphery of a top surface of the coaster. A base wall skirts downwardly from the outer rim to a base of the drink coaster. The base is configured to rest atop an underlying surface. A flexible central support area is located inward of the outer rim, the central support area including at least a first section depending inwardly from the outer rim, a second section depending inwardly from the first section and a plurality of support members projecting upwardly from the first and second sections. The central support area is manually deflectable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. In the collapsed position, the first section depends from the outer rim at a concave angle, the second section depends from the first section at a concave angle and the support members project upwardly to the outer rim, defining a generally horizontal plane for supporting an object thereon. In the expanded position, the first section depends from the outer rim at a convex angle and the second section depends from the first section at a convex angle, such that central support area and the support members form an ornamental dome structure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings an embodiment which is presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a drink coaster in a collapsed position in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a right side and top perspective view of the drink coaster of  FIG. 1  in the collapsed position; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a rear right perspective view of the drink coaster of  FIG. 1  in the collapsed position; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a front right perspective view of the drink coaster of  FIG. 1  in the collapsed position; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a front left perspective view of the drink coaster of  FIG. 1  in the collapsed position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a rear left perspective view of the drink coaster of  FIG. 1  in the collapsed position; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of the drink coaster of  FIG. 1  in the collapsed position; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a rear left elevational view of the drink coaster of  FIG. 1  in the collapsed position; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a top plan view of the drink coaster of  FIG. 1  in an expanded position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a right side and top perspective view of the drink coaster of  FIG. 1  in the expanded position; 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a rear right elevational view of the drink coaster of  FIG. 1  in the expanded position; 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is a front right elevational view of the drink coaster of  FIG. 1  in the expanded position; 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is a front left elevational view of the drink coaster of  FIG. 1  in the expanded position; 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  is a rear left elevational view of the drink coaster of  FIG. 1  in the expanded position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  is a bottom plan view of the drink coaster of  FIG. 1  in the expanded position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  is a rear right cross-sectional view of the drink coaster of  FIG. 1  in the expanded position; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 17  is a rear right cross-sectional view of the drink coaster of  FIG. 1  in the collapsed position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one”. The words “right,” “left,” “lower,” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” or “distally” and “outwardly” or “proximally” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center or orientation of the drink coaster and related parts thereof. The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. 
         [0027]    Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout,  FIGS. 1-17  show a drink coaster, generally designated  100 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The drink coaster can be used to create a barrier between one surface and the base of a vessel. However, the drink coaster may also function as a decorative trinket or cute novelty item when in certain positions described herein.  FIGS. 1-8 , and  17  show the drink coaster in a first configuration wherein the drink coaster is in a collapsed position.  FIGS. 9-16  show the drink coaster in a second configuration wherein the drink coaster is in an expanded position. 
         [0028]    The drink coaster  100  is preferably of one piece construction and is fabricated from a polymeric material, such as a silicone material, using injection molding or other similar manufacturing techniques. However, the drink coaster  100  is not limited to being constructed using these materials or techniques and may be constructed of any material and using any technique that is able to produce the general size and shape of the drink coaster  100  that functions in the manner of the drink coaster  100 , as is described in greater detail below. 
         [0029]    In the preferred embodiment, the drink coaster  100  resembles a Testudine; however, it may resemble any mammal, fish, plant, other members of the animal kingdom or another design, such as a golf ball. In the illustrated embodiment, the drink coaster  100  is generally of a circular shape. However, the drink coaster  100  may take form in any of the various geometric shapes. Further, the drink coaster  100  may resemble anything, such as a planet or mountain or computer or sports paraphernalia or similar, or nothing at all such as a purely geometric shape. 
         [0030]    The drink coaster  100  may be situated in either a collapsed position or an expanded position described herein. For clarity, the drink coaster  100  will be initially described with respect to its collapsed position shown in  FIGS. 1-8 ,  17 . 
         [0031]    As shown, the drink coaster  100  includes a base wall  102  which defines the outer edge of the drink coaster  100 . The drink coaster  100  further includes an outer rim  103  which defines the peripheral edge of a top surface  110  of the drink coaster. The outer rim  103  may, for example, be of a generally circular shape, or, alternatively, any other shape. The base wall  102  depends downwardly and outwardly at a generally arcuate angle from the outer rim  103 . However, the base wall  102  may extend downwardly from the outer rim  103  at any angle or any orientation, such as perpendicularly, acutely, or obtusely. The base wall  102  includes a top section  102   a  and a bottom section  102   b . The top section  102   a  abuts the outer rim  103 . The bottom section  102   b  demarcates the limit of the base wall  102  and abuts a base  150 . 
         [0032]    In the illustrated embodiment, at one location exists a head member  108   f  which may, for example, denote the front of the drink coaster  100 . The head member  108   f  depicts the head of a Testudine in the illustrated embodiment, but is not so limited and may simply depict, for example, a geometric shape. The head member  108   f  generally protrudes outwardly from the base wall  102 . As shown, outer feet  108   a - d  are also located radially around the base wall  102 . The outer feet  108   a - d  may be unnecessary to provide additional stabilization for the drink coaster  100 , or there may be a need for additional feet (not shown). The outer feet  108   a - d  protrude generally radially outwardly from the base wall  102 . At another position radially about the base wall  102  is a hanging member  108   e  which protrudes generally outwardly from the base wall  102 . The hanging member  108   e  may provide additional support for the drink coaster  100  or may assist in ease of storage or be used at a store display, but is not so limited. Ease of storage may be achieved by, for example, hanging the drink coaster  100  from a fixture by using a hanging hole  112 . The hanging hole  112  is a through hole oriented perpendicularly to the hanging member  108   e . In the illustrated embodiment, the hanging member  108   e  is located radially opposite from the head member  108   a , but may be located at any position radially along the base wall  102  with respect to the head member  108   a . Additionally, the hanging hole  112  is not restricted to a specific orientation or form and may, for example, be oriented parallel to the hanging member  108   e  or at any other angle. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the outer rim  103  is preferably planar with the top surface  110  of the drink coast  100 . The top surface  110  generally occupies a plane T. In the collapsed position, the top surface  110  is generally planar and remains generally parallel to an underlying resting surface  200 . The resting surface  200  may include a kitchen counter, table, stand, or similar furniture-like object for placing vessels on top of. A plane B exists below and parallel to plane T. The drink coaster  100  contacts the resting surface  200 , via the base  150 , on plane B. However, the drink coaster  100  could also contact the resting surface  200 , via the top surface  110 , on plane T. 
         [0034]    The exemplary drink coaster  100  further includes a central support area  120  located inward from the outer rim  103 . The central support area  120  preferably provides a flat surface for placing items on the drink coaster  100  in the collapsed position. In the illustrated expanded position, the central support area  120  becomes a dome-like structure that may be used as a trinket or novelty item, for example. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  7  and  11 , the drink coaster  100  also includes a first section  121  and a second section  122 . The first section  121  depends radially inwardly from the outer rim  103  at a generally concave angle. When in the collapsed position, a top side  121   a  of the first section  121  forms the concave angle. The first section  121  also includes a bottom side  121   b  which opposes the top side  121   a  of the first section  121 . Preferably, the bottom side  121   b  of the first section  121  forms the same concave angle as the top side  121   a  of the first section  121 . However, the top side of the first section  121   a  and bottom side of the first section  121   b  may form different angles, for example, if the first section  121  is not of uniform thickness. 
         [0036]    In the illustrated embodiment, at a given point, the second section  122  depends from the first section  121  radially inwardly at an angle generally less concave than the concave angle of the first section  121  depending from the outer rim  103 . The second section  122  is not so limited and may extend at a concave angle equal to or greater than the concave angle of the first section  121 . When in the collapsed position of  FIGS. 1-8 ,  17 , a top side  122   a  of the second section  122  forms a concave angle. The second section  122  also includes a bottom side  122   b  which opposes the top side  122   a  of the second section  122 . Preferably, the bottom side  122   b  of the second section  122  forms the same concave angle as the top side  122   a  of the second section  122 . However, the top side  122   a  of the second section  122  and bottom side  122   b  of the second section  122  may form different angles, for example, if the second section  122  is not of uniform thickness. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  7  and  11 , in the illustrated embodiment, the second section  122  extends inwardly at a concave angle to plane B. One embodiment of the drink coaster  100  further includes a support section  125  depending inwardly from the second section  122  at an angle generally parallel to plane B. The support section  125  makes contact with the resting surface  200 . The support section  125  may provide additional support for the drink coaster  100  in a location more central than the base  150 . When in the collapsed position of  FIGS. 1-8 ,  17 , a top side  125   a  of the support section  125  is parallel to plane B. The support section  125  also includes a bottom side  125   b  of the support section  125  which opposes the top side  125   a  of the support section  125 . Preferably, the bottom side  125   b  of the support section  125  forms the same angle as the top side  125   a  of the support section  125 . However, the top side  125   a  of the support section  125  and bottom side  125   b  of the support section  125  may form different angles, for example, if the support section  125  is not of uniform thickness. 
         [0038]    In other embodiments, a support section  125  may not be necessary to provide additional support for the drink coaster  100 . Moreover, the support section  125  may be oriented, for example, at any angle not parallel plane B. 
         [0039]    In the illustrated embodiment, a third section  123  depends inwardly from the support section  125  at a generally convex angle. The third section  123  is not so limited, however, and may depend from the second section  122 . Furthermore, the third section  123  may depend from the support section  125  or second section  122  at any angle, such as, for example, perpendicular to plane T, or at a concave angle. When in the collapsed position of  FIGS. 1-8 ,  17 , a top side  123   a  of the third section  123  forms a convex angle relative to plane B. The third section  123  also includes a bottom side  123   b  which opposes the top side  123   a  of the third section  123 . Preferably, the bottom side  123   b  of the third section  123  forms the same convex angle as the top side  123   a  of the third section  123 . However, the top side  123   a  of the third section  123  and bottom side  123   b  of the third section  123  may form different angles, for example, if the third section  123  is not of uniform thickness. 
         [0040]    The first section  121 , second section  122 , third section  123 , and support section  125  are not limited by the term “section” or the depiction in  FIGS. 1-17  of a ring-like geometry. Each may alternatively take the form of, for example, a polygon or triangle or any other shape and also may be formed of only one section. The drink coaster  100  may be of any size, shape, material, or other pertinent property, that is competent to deflect between a collapsed position and an expanded position. 
         [0041]    In at least one embodiment, the drink coaster  100  includes a plurality of vessel supports  130 . Preferably, the vessel supports  130  are oriented radially around and protrude upwardly from the first section  121 , second section  122  or third section  123  upwardly to the generally flat plane T at an angle generally perpendicular to plane T. This results in varying heights of the vessel supports  130  due to the arcuate angles of the first section  121 , second section  122 , and third section  123 . However, the vessel supports  130  may protrude in different orientations, such as normally to any of the respective sections  121 ,  122 ,  123 . Furthermore, the vessel supports  130  may not be needed to support items to be placed on the drink coaster  100 , for example, if items to be placed on the drink coaster  100  are supported by the outer rim  103 . 
         [0042]    The illustrated vessel supports  130  are generally polygonal in shape, but should not be so limited, and may include, for example, circular or linear shapes. The vessel supports  130  are arranged in a repeating symmetrical pattern radially about the drink coaster  100 . The vessel supports  130  are not so limited and may include, for example, asymmetric or non-repeating arrangements. The vessel supports  130  may also be formed from one continuous vessel support (not shown). 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 7-8 , the drink coaster  100  includes a base  150  and an inner wall  160 . The base  150  depends inwardly from the bottom section  102   b  of the base wall  102 . The base  150  is planar with plane B. The base  150  extends about the drink coaster  100  in a similar manner as does the base wall  102 . The base  150  contacts the resting surface  200 . In other embodiments, the base  150  may include protective measures such as pads, buffers, soft materials, or the like to further protect the resting surface  200 . The inner wall  160  depends perpendicularly upward from the base  150  and extends to the first section  121 . However, the inner wall  160  may depend from the base  150  at any angle, for example, arcuately, to provide additional or less structural support for the drink coaster  100 . 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIGS. 3-6 , the base  150  includes a plurality of cavities  158   a - d ,  158   f  oriented radially about the base  150  and base wall  102 . The cavities  158   a - d ,  158   f  accommodate the outer feet  108   a - d  and head member  108   f  which depend from the base wall  102 . However, the base  150  may not include such cavities  158   a - d ,  158   f  but may instead continue about the drink coaster  100  as to connect to the outer feet  108   a - d  and/or head member  108   f.    
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , the drink coaster  100  further includes a plurality of inner feet  152 . The inner feet  152  provide additional contact points between the drink coaster  100  and the resting surface  200 . The inner feet  152  protrude downwardly from the bottom side  122   b  of the second section  122  at an angle generally perpendicular relative to plane B and extend so far as plane B. The inner feet  152  are oriented radially about the bottom side  122   b  of the second section  122 . The inner feet  152  are generally polygonal in shape, but should not be so limited, and may include, for example, circular or linear shapes. Further, the plurality of inner feet  152  may be substituted for one continuous inner foot extending radially about the bottom side  122   b  of the second section  122 , or may include only one non-continuous inner foot. Additionally the inner feet  152  are not limited to protruding from the bottom side  122   b  of the second section  122 , and may, for example, protrude from the bottom side  121   b  of the first section  121  or the bottom side  123   b  of the third section  123 , or any combination thereof. Alternatively, the inner feet  152  may not be needed to provide additional support for the drink coaster  100  in other embodiments. 
         [0046]    The central support area  120  is preferably deflectable between the collapsed position (see  FIGS. 1-8 ,  17 ) and the expanded position (see  FIGS. 9-16 ) by applying upward force to the bottom side  121   b  of the first section  121 , bottom side  122   b  of the second section  122 , or bottom side  123   b  of the third section  123 . The central support area  120 , however, may be deflected in any way, for example, by pulling upwardly on the vessel supports  130 . After a certain amount of deflection, an internal spring bias (caused by the material from which the drink coaster  100  is formed or the geometry/size/shape of the first section  121 , second section  122 , or third section  123 , for example) moves at least the first section  121  and the second section  122  toward the expanded condition. As the first section  121  and the second section  122  move to the expanded condition, at least the first section  121  and second section  122  preferably assume a generally convex or inverted bowl shape. 
         [0047]    The central support area  120  is also preferably deflectable from the expanded position to the collapsed position by applying downward or depressing force to the top side  121   a  of the first section  121 , top side  122   a  of the second section  122 , or the top side  123   a  of the third section  123 . The central support area  120 , however, may be deflected in any way, for example, by pushing downwardly on the vessel supports  130 . After a certain amount of deflection, the internal spring bias (caused by the material from which the drink coaster  100  is formed or the geometry/size/shape of the first section  121 , second section  122 , or third section  123 , for example) moves at least the first section  121  and the second section  122  toward the collapsed condition. As the first section  121  and the second section  122  move to the collapsed condition, at least the first section  121  and second section  122  preferably assume a generally concave or bowl shape. 
         [0048]    In the preferred embodiment, the first section  121  and second section  122  deflect between the collapsed position (see  FIGS. 1-8 ,  17 ) and the expanded position (see  FIGS. 9-16 ). In the collapsed position, the first section  121  and second section  122  preferably extend downwardly beyond plane T to form a concave or bowl shape. Further, in the collapsed position, the central support area  120  and outer rim  103  are planar with plane T. As described above, in the collapsed position, the first section  121  depends inwardly from the outer rim  103  at a generally concave angle and the second section  122  depends inwardly from the first section  121  at an angle less concave than the angle of the first section  121  relative to the outer rim  103 . In the collapsed position, the inner feet  152 , outer feet  108   a - d , hanging member  108   e , head member  108   f , support section  125  and base  150  contact the resting surface  200 . 
         [0049]    In the expanded position, the first section  121 , second section  122 , third section  123 , and support section  125  preferably extend upwardly beyond plane T (see  FIGS. 9-16 ). The drink coaster  100  in the expanded position is not so limited and any one of the first section  121 , second section  122 , third section  123 , and support section  125  may not extend above plane T so long as at least one of the sections thereof extends above plane T. In the expanded position, the central support area  120  and outer rim  103  are no longer planar with plane T, but instead are oriented at an arcuate angle extending upwardly beyond plane T. In other words, in the expanded position, the first section  121  depends inwardly from the outer rim  103  at a convex angle and the second section  122  depends inwardly from the first section  121  at the same convex angle above plane T. However, the second section  122  is not so limited and may, for example, depend at an angle more or less concave than the angle of the first section  121  relative to the outer rim  103 . Preferably, the third section  123  incurs no angle change. As such, the third section  123  still depends inwardly at a convex angle from the support section  125 . Further, in the expanded position, only the outer feet  108   a - d , hanging member  108   e , head member  108   f , and base  150  contact the resting surface  200 . Accordingly, the inner feet  152  and support section  125  do not contact the resting surface  200  in the expanded position. The dimensions of the base  150  and the base wall  102  remain constant while in the collapsed position and expanded position, respectively. The drink coaster  100  is not limited to retaining the same circumferences of the base  150  and base wall  102  when in the collapsed position and expanded position and may include either larger or smaller dimensions caused by switching between the collapsed position and the expanded position. 
         [0050]    As a result of the expanded position, the tops of the vessel supports  130  are no longer planar with plane T. In the expanded position, the central support area  120  forms a dome structure. The central support area  120  of the illustrated embodiment forms the same arcuate angle as the outer rim  103  in the expanded position. The central support area  120  extends beyond plane T to a height H ( FIGS. 8 ,  11 ). However, the central support area  120  is not limited to the same arcuate angle as the outer rim  103  and may form any arcuate angle. Alternatively, the central support area  120  in the expanded position is not restricted to being a dome structure, and may take the form of, for example, a symmetrical or asymmetrical linear structure such as a staircase or zigzag structure. 
         [0051]    Although the present invention is illustrated and described above with reference to certain specific embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention. For example, although the drink coaster  100  is illustrated with three sections  121 ,  122 ,  123 , the drink coaster  100  may have fewer or more sections. In addition, the central support area  120  in the expanded position may be oriented parallel to plane T, providing a similar area to rest items as the central support area  120  in the collapsed position. Moreover, the drink coaster  100  need not assume the Testudine embodiment, but may incorporate other shapes and geometric features, such as circular or polygonal geometries, members of the animal kingdom, or any other decorative representation. The dome shape of the first section  121 , second section  122 , and third section  123  may have other shapes and/or relative dimensions and still perform the same functions. The support section  125  may be eliminated altogether. The drink coaster  100  may include additional features such as trusses or pilings for support of the items resting on the top surface  110 . For example, the drink coaster  100  may include inner feet  152  oriented around the second section  122  or the third section  123 . 
         [0052]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.