Patent Publication Number: US-9895016-B2

Title: Container holder having interchangeable holder and interchangeable top

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of container holders, and more particularly to a container holder having an interchangeable holder and an interchangeable top for holding objects having different shapes and sizes. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     When bringing groceries home in a vehicle, unless properly secured, bottles containers and jugs, such as one-gallon plastic milk jugs, wine bottles, liquor bottles, water bottles, sports drink bottles and orange juice containers, may fall over and roll around when the vehicle is moving. When the vehicle turns a corner, these bottles have a tendency to fall over, and if the bottle has a cylindrical or similar shape, it starts to roll around, possibly even breaking, cracking or rupturing, causing the contents of the bottle to spill into the vehicle. The cost of replacing expensive wines or liquors can be high, plus the damage to a vehicle can be a problem for cleaning up broken bottles and spilled contents. Most of these bottles, containers and jugs do not fit into a typical cup holder found in a vehicle. Therefore, what is needed is for a container holder that would hold objects, bottles, containers and jugs in an upright position when being transported vehicle. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a container holder having a base, an interchangeable holder part and an interchangeable top to hold one or more bottles, containers and jugs, including for example a typical one-gallon plastic milk jug, or bottles of liquor, wine, sports, orange juice. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a container holder that holds one or more bottles, containers and jugs in an upright position during movement of a vehicle. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an interchangeable holder that can be changed for accommodating different shapes, sizes and types of bottles, containers and jugs. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an interchangeable top part that can accommodate different types of openings for holding different types of bottles, containers and jugs. 
     The present invention in one embodiment is a container holder comprising, a base having a shape of rectangular prism and having an opening proportionally centered and having a length and a width; a holder having four sides and an opening at a top and a bottom, the holder having an outside length and an outside width being substantially similar to the length and width of the opening in the base, the holder attached to the base in the opening; and a top attached to the holder at the top. 
     The present invention in another embodiment is a container holder comprising, a base having a top, a bottom, and one or more sides; an interchangeable holder having one or more sides and an opening at a top, the holder attached to the base via one of adhesive, glue and one or more snap fit connectors, the holder attached to the top of the base; and a top attached to the holder at the top. 
     The present invention in yet another embodiment is a container holder comprising, a base having a top, a bottom, one or more sides; and a holder having one or more sides, an opening at a top, and one or more snap fit connectors, the holder being attached to the base by the one or more snap fit connectors, wherein a width and a length of the base is greater than a width and a length of the holder; wherein the interchangeable holder is capable of holding one of: one or more milk jugs, one or more bottles of wine, one or more bottles of liquor, and a combination thereof. 
     Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed and not to limit it. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a side view of a container holder according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a container holder according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate different snap fit connections between the holder and the base according to different embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate a top having snap fit connectors according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a grate according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate an interchangeable top having different openings according to different embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate an interchangeable holder having different openings according to different embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a side view of a container holder  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Holder  10  comprises a base  20 , a holder  30 , and a top  40 . The base  20 , the holder  30  and the top  40  can be each made of wood, plastic, metal or any other material or combination thereof. The container holder  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1  is made of wood, where an adhesive (glue or similar) attaches the base  20  to the holder  30 . The bottom interior (or inside) portion  42  of the top  40  is made to fit around and against the top, exterior (or outside) edge  32  of holder  30 . 
     The top  40  has an opening at the top and bottom for which all or part of the containers, bottles and jugs can be inserted therein. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the top  40  has four openings or holes  44  for holding four sports or water bottles, or other similar containers, bottles or jugs. In other embodiments, top  44  can have different holes and openings for other types of bottles, containers and jugs. The top  40  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  has at least four sides. The bottom interior portion  42  of the top  40  fits over a portion of the top, outside edge  32  of the holder  32 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The dimensions of the top  40  match the outside dimensions of the holder  30  so that the two piece attach or connect to each other via friction. In some embodiments, the top  40  is not needed. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the base  20  is shaped as a rectangular prism having rounded side edges, but can also be other shapes or sizes. In one embodiment, base  20  supports a single holder part  30 . In other embodiments, the base  20  supports multiple holders  30  for holding different types of objects, such as a standard one-gallon milk jug in one holder  40  and four bottles of water in other holder  40 . Base  20  has to be sturdy and durable for supporting the one or more objects (e.g., bottles, containers and jugs) that are inserted into the container holder  10 . 
     In some embodiments, a thin layer of slide resistant material  22 , such as for example, Velcro, rubber or tape, can be attached via an adhesive (e.g., glue) to all or part of the bottom of base  20 . The slide resistant material  22  can be in strips (e.g., three strips being parallel to each other) or one large piece that is centrally located. The slide resistant material  22  would give extra traction to prevent the container holder  10  from sliding around in a moving vehicle. In some embodiments, a strip of shock-absorbing material, such as for example rubber or foam, can be attached to the sides  24  of base  20  to provide protection so that base  20  does not damage other objects in the vehicle, and so that other objects or the vehicle do not damage the base  20 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the top of base  20  has a recessed hole or an opening  26 . The width and the length of the opening  26  is made to match the outside length and outside width of the holder  30 , thereby allowing the bottom part of the holder  30  to fit into the opening  26  in the base  20 . The opening  26  is centrally located in the base  20 , so that the edges provide proper distribution of weight for an object being held in the base  20 . The bottom of the object being held in container holder  10  will rest in the opening  26 . In other embodiments, there are multiple openings in the base  20  for attaching different holders  30 . Moreover, the opening  26  could have both a rectangular and overlapping circular opening, thereby allowing either a rectangular prism or a cylinder to be inserted therein. In other embodiments, the base  20  does not have an opening  26 , so that the holder  30  rests on the top of the base  20 . Some or all of the embodiments can be held in place via snap fit connections which are explained below. 
     The holder  30  comprises a rectangular prism having four sides and an opening at the top and bottom of the holder  30 . Holder  30  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  as having four sides, but other shapes and sizes can be used, such as a cylindrical shape or cubed shape. In some embodiments, the holder  30  may also have a bottom, so that an object when inserted into the holder  30  would rest on the bottom piece. The holder  30  can be molded into one piece of plastic, wood or other material, or the sides and/or bottom bonded with those techniques known to those skilled in the art. The sides of the holder  30  are of sufficient length, width and height to hold one or more particular object in place. For example, if the container holder  10  is to hold a standard one-gallon milk jug, the sides will have sufficient length, width and height to provide proper support to hold the milk jug and prevent it from tipping over. In another example, where the container holder  10  would hold a vodka bottle or a scotch bottle, the sides of the cylindrical holder would be of sufficient circumference, height and width to hold such bottles in place during transport. 
     If the holder  30  does not have a bottom, in some embodiments, the holder  30  could have an optional ledge or shelf  34  that extends in a perpendicular direction from the bottom of the sides in the interior portion of holder  30  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The ledge  34  can be bonded as one piece of plastic or other material with the holder  30 , or alternatively, the ledge  34  can be attached via adhesives, other commercially available bonding agents or L-shaped connectors or hinges and screws. The ledge  34  provides additional strength and stability to the holder  30 , so that the container holder  10  will provide proper support and stability to an object being held therein. The ledge  34  also provides an area for bonding, connecting and securely fastening the holder  30  into the base  20  especially when adhesives, glue or screws are used. In other embodiments, the ledge  34  may be triangle portions attached to the corners of where two sides of the holder  30  connect. 
     Adhesives, screws/nuts, clips, snap-fit connectors and any other connector or attachments can be used to join, bond, or connect the base  20  to the holder  30 . In some embodiments, the base  20  and the holder  30  can be molded into one piece of plastic or other type of material. 
     Snap-fit connectors can be used for joining or connecting the holder  30  to the base  20 , and the top  40  to the holder  30 . Snap fits are commonly used as an assembly method for injection molded parts. Snap fits are useful because they eliminate screws, clips, adhesives or other joining methods. The snaps are molded directly into the holder  30 , so additional parts are not needed to join them together. Additionally, some snap fits can be dissembled and reassembled several times without any problems. A snap fit can either be designed as a permanent snap or a multiple snap. Permanent snap fits are used in disposable parts that are never meant to be disassembled. Multiple snaps are used in most designs where disassembly is expected. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate different snap fit connections between the holder  30  and the base  20  according to different embodiments of the present invention. The U-shaped snap connector arm  36  in both  FIGS. 3A and 3B  is located on, molded into or attached to the bottom of the holder  30 . The connector arm  36  fits into or slides into the hole or opening  28  in base  20 .  FIG. 3A  illustrates a U-shaped snap fit arm  36  that uses an angled surface for both the assembly and disassembly portions of the cantilever arm  36  and the recess  29 . The snap fit arm  36  can be removed with the same force used in assembly. To assemble, the arm  36  is pushed into the hole  28  in base  20 , whereby the snap fit protrusion  38  on arm  36  will slide over the lip  27  and into the recess  29 . The bottom of the base  30  touches the top of base  20 , and the snap fit arm  29  touches parts of the hole  28  as illustrated in  FIG. 3A . To release and disassemble the holder  30  from the base  20 , the top part  37  of arm  36  is pushed, thereby the force on the arm  36  releases the snap fit protrusion  38  from the recess  29  in base  20 , and then the base  20  can be pulled upward to release the snap fit connector arm  36  from the hole  28  in the base  20 . 
       FIG. 3B  shows a snap fit connector arm with a 90° hook and a 90° recess. This type of snap fit connection is used where a permanent connection is desired and where disassembly is not needed. As illustrated in  FIG. 3B , a U-shaped snap-fitting arm  36  is located on, molded into or attached to the bottom of the holder  30 . The snap-fitting arm  36  fits into a snap-fit opening or hole  28  in the base  20 , whereby the snap fit protrusion  38  slides over the lip or extension  27  at the top of the opening  28 , and then engages the bottom of the lip  27  with the snap fit protrusion  38  as illustrated in  FIG. 3B . The bottom of the holder  28  rests on top of the base  20 , and the snap fit arm  36  rests on portion of the inside of the opening  28 . 
     There are many types of snap fit connectors that can be used other than those illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  for joining the holder  30  to the base  20 . Also, the location and the number of snap fit connectors  36  on a holder  30  can be varied. In one example, a snap fit connector may be located on the center point along the bottom of the edge of each of the sides of the holder  30 . This configuration allows the holes  28  in the base  20  to be used for holders  30  having different shapes (e.g., rectangular prism, a cube and cylinder), but sharing the same location of the snap fit arms in relation to the base  20 . In another example, two snap fit connectors would be located on one side of the holder  30 , and two other snap fit connectors would be located on the opposite side. In another example, eight snap fit connection would be located on a rectangular prism where two snap fit connectors would be on each side, one snap fit connector close to the each of the end of the sides. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate the top  40  having snap fit connectors  46  according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 4A , the protrusion of the snap fit connector  46  slides over an extending lip around the top of the holder  40 , whereby the snap fit protrusion makes contact with the bottom of the extending lip. The snap fit connector arm of the top  40  has a 90° hook, and the holder  30  has a 90° recess. The top  40  is held in place on the holder  30 , but can be disassembled by pulling the top of the arm  46  so the protrusion disengages from the extending lip. A snap fit connector  46  can be located in the center point, region or area on each side of the top  40  as illustrated in  FIG. 4B , although other locations can be used as well. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a grate  50  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The grate  30  is shaped to match the shape of the holder  30 , and has dimensions to fit inside the holder  30 . The grate has various holes of different shapes and sizes on the top as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The grate  30  fits through the opening of the holder  30 , and rests along the inside edge of the bottom of the holder  30 . Depending on the configuration, grate  30  may rest on the top of the base  20 , on the top of the opening  26  in the base  20 , or on the bottom ledge  34  of the holder  30 . In one embodiment, the sides of grate  50  have enough height so that a cooling agent (such as frozen gel pac or something similar) can rest underneath the grate  50  to provide a way to keep the objects resting on the grate cool. In other embodiment, the sides of grate  50  such that condensation that drips from object stored in the container holder  10  would drip through the openings on grate  50  and onto a sponge-like material to absorb such condensation. The grate  50  can be made of any material, including for example, wood, stone, plastic, metal, etc. 
     In some embodiments, the holder  30  and the top  40  are interchangeable parts of the container holder  10 . This interchangeable configuration allows the container holder  10  to be assembled to hold certain objects, then disassembled and assembled for different objects. The interchangeable top  40  can have four openings  44  for holding water bottles or sports bottles as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Alternatively, the interchangeable top  40  can have a single opening as illustrated in  FIG. 6A  for holding a milk jug for example. Further, the interchangeable top  40  can have smaller openings as illustrated in  FIG. 6B  for holding the necks of wine bottles or other liquor bottles for example. These types of interchangeable tops  40  can be held via friction where the inside portion of a particular top would make contact with the outside top of the holder  30 , or via a snap lock connection (or otherwise) as illustrated in  FIG. 4A . In some embodiments, the top  40  and the holder  30  are formed or molded into one piece, where the top of the holder has a particular shape to hold an object in place. 
     Similarly, the holder  30  can be interchangeable with different shapes and sizes. The holder  30  illustrated in  FIG. 2  can be shaped as a rectangular prism that fits into an opening in the base  20  or rests on top of the base  20 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7A , the interchangeable holder  20  could be shaped as a cylinder, for holding larger bottles of liquor, such as scotch, vodka or wine. The shape of the holder  30  as illustrated in  FIG. 7B  is for holding two one-gallon milk jugs in a configuration to help balance them and offset any tendency to fall over during transport in a moving vehicle. 
     It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the container holder  10  of the present invention can hold a variety of different objects depending on the shape and size of the base  20 , the holder  30  and the top  40 . One configuration of the container holder  10  can hold a one-gallon milk jug, or four bottles or wine, or four bottles or water or sports drink, or any other type of bottle, container or jug. While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.