Patent Publication Number: US-2022225752-A1

Title: Hands-free beverage holder

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a holder for beverage containers, such as bottles and cans. More particularly, the disclosed holder allows the beverage to be supported in a hands-free manner. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In their free time, people commonly engage in recreational activities, such as walking, gardening, hiking, and bike riding. During these activities, bottled water and other beverages are commonly used to replenish bodily fluids. Specifically, bottles of water are often carried in a backpack, in the user&#39;s pocket, or held in the user&#39;s hand and are consumed when needed. However, such methods of transporting bottled beverages are cumbersome and inconvenient for most activities. For example, carrying a water bottle in the user&#39;s pocket can be bulky and uncomfortable. In addition, when the user desires to drink the beverage carried in a backpack, the container must first be located. Often, the beverage has shifted in the user&#39;s bag requiring items to be removed in an effort to locate the beverage container. Further, conventional drink holders commonly move from side to side as the user moves, causing annoyance and requiring constant readjustment, such as when bending down or running. It is also common for the beverage to be dropped during use, which can result in spilling of the beverage and soiling of the container. It would therefore be beneficial to provide an improved beverage holder that addresses the cited shortcomings in the prior art. 
     SUMMARY 
     In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a container holder assembly. Particularly, the holder assembly comprises a receptacle defined by a top edge comprising an open mouth, a bottom edge comprising a bottom face, and a sidewall, wherein the open mouth is operably connected to an internal cavity. 
     The holder assembly further comprises a harness comprising a pair of shoulder straps and a chest strap, wherein each shoulder strap and the chest strap are defined by a first end, a second end, and a length therebetween and wherein the first and second ends comprise a connector. The receptacle comprises a set of opposing links at or adjacent to the top edge and a set of opposing links at or adjacent to the bottom edge. Each connector is configured to releasably attach to a corresponding link, and the receptacle cavity is configured to house a container. 
     In some embodiments, the container holder assembly further comprises a back pad that allows a portion of the length of each shoulder strap to criss-cross. 
     In some embodiments, the container is selected from a bottle, can, cup, flask, canister, or combinations thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the links and connectors are selected from clips, snaps, loops, buttons, magnets, zippers, ties, hook and lop closure, or combinations thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the receptacle is constructed from a flexible or semi-rigid material. 
     In some embodiments, the receptacle is constructed from one or more insulative materials selected from foam, neoprene, fabric, or combinations thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the receptacle is constructed from one or more elastic materials, allowing the cavity to be easily stretched to accommodate containers of various shapes and sizes. 
     In some embodiments, the elastic materials are selected from stretchable fabric, elastomer, elastic, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene/vinyl acetate, or combinations thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the shoulder straps and chest strap are constructed from one or more elastic materials. 
     In some embodiments, one or more shoulder strap or chest strap comprises an adjuster that allows the length of the strap to be elongated or shortened. 
     In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a method of transporting a container hands-free. Specifically, the method comprises configuring a container holder assembly on a user such that the receptacle is positioned on a front side of the user&#39;s chest. The container holder assembly comprises a receptacle defined by a top edge comprising an open mouth, a bottom edge comprising a bottom face, and a sidewall, wherein the open mouth is operably connected to an internal cavity; and a harness comprising a pair of shoulder straps and a chest strap. Each shoulder strap and the chest strap are defined by a first end, a second end, and a length therebetween and wherein the first and second ends comprise a connector. The receptacle comprises a set of opposing links at or adjacent to the top edge and a set of opposing links at or adjacent to the bottom edge. Each connector is configured to releasably attach to a corresponding link, and the receptacle cavity is configured to house a container. The method includes attaching the first end of the first shoulder strap to a link at the top edge of the receptacle and attaching the second end of the first shoulder strap to the opposing link at the top edge of the receptacle. The method further includes attaching the first end of the chest strap to a link at the bottom edge of the receptacle and attaching the second end of the chest strap to the opposing link at the bottom edge of the receptacle. The method comprises positioning a container within the cavity of the receptacle, wherein the container can be transported by the container holder assembly without the use of the user&#39;s hands and wherein the receptacle top and bottom edges contact the front of the user. 
     In some embodiments, the method comprises sliding a portion of the lengths of the shoulder straps through a back pad configured adjacent to the user&#39;s back. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The previous summary and the following detailed descriptions are to be read in view of the drawings, which illustrate some (but not all) embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 1 a    is a front plan view of a holder in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 1 b    is a rear plan view of the holder of  FIG. 1   a.    
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a holder receptacle in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a receptacle comprising a gripping element within the interior surface of the cavity in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
         FIGS. 4 a  and 4 b    are perspective views illustrating insertion of a can and bottle into the holder receptacle in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 5 a    is a front plan view of a holder receptacle comprising a plurality of links in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 5 b    is a front plan view of a holder receptacle comprising a plurality of links in different locations in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 5 c    is a fragmentary front plan view illustrating the connection between a strap and a receptacle in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
         FIGS. 5 d -5 f    are top plan view of a holder receptacle in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 6  is a front plan view of a holder in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 7 a    is a front plan view of a holder strap in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 7 b    is a fragmentary front plan view of a strap connector in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 7 c    is a front plan view of a strap adjuster in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 7 d    is a front plan view of a strap comprising padding in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 8  is a fragmentary front plan view illustrating a holder back pad in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 9  is a front plan view of a holder being worn in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The presently disclosed subject matter is introduced with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. The descriptions expound upon and exemplify features of those embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are now described. 
     Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in the subject specification, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a device” can include a plurality of such devices, and so forth. 
     Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of components, conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the instant specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter. 
     As used herein, the term “about”, when referring to a value or to an amount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration, and/or percentage can encompass variations of, in some embodiments +/−20%, in some embodiments +/−10%, in some embodiments +/−5%, in some embodiments +/−1%, in some embodiments +/−0.5%, and in some embodiments +/−0.1%, from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate in the disclosed packages and methods. 
     The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a hands-free holder that can be worn by the user to secure a wide variety of beverage, refreshment, or snack containers. Specifically, one embodiment of holder  5  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 a  and 1 b   . As shown, the holder includes receptacle  10  that removably yet securely holds a beverage bottle, can, or other container  11 . The holder further includes a harness that releasably supports the receptacle and secures it to the user&#39;s body. The harness comprises a pair of adjustable straps  15  and/or  20 , both releasably engaged with the receptacle. In some embodiments, the straps can be secured together at back pad  25  which can be positioned adjacent to the wearer&#39;s back. 
     As set forth above, the disclosed holder includes receptacle  10  sized and shaped to house one or more containers. The term “container” as used herein refers to any vessel that can be used to carry or house a product. Suitable containers can therefore include bottles (e.g., water bottles, sports drink bottles, juice bottles), cans (e.g., soda cans, beer cans), cups, flasks, thermoses, canisters, and the like. Thus, the receptacle can house a wide variety of containers in an assortment of shapes and sizes made from a range of materials (e.g., aluminium, glass, plastic). It should be appreciated that the receptacle can house liquids as well as solids, such as snacks, tools (nuts and bolts), keys, or other items that the user wishes to keep secure. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of receptacle  10  comprising bottom wall  12 , sidewall  13 , and open mouth  40 . The open mouth defines an inner cavity  35  for receiving container  11 . Thus, the receptacle can be configured in a cylindrical shape. However, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited and the receptacle can have any desired shape (e.g., cube) that accommodates a container. Receptacle  10  further includes length  45  and width  50 . The term “length” refers to the longest dimension of the receptacle. The term “width” refers to the dimension perpendicular to the length. The receptacle can be configured in a variety of lengths and widths. For example, the receptacle can have a length and/or width of at least about (or no more than about) 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, or 10 inches. However, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited and the receptacle can be constructed with a length and/or width outside the range given above. 
     Receptacle cavity  35  is sized and shaped to house container  11 . In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity can be round to accommodate a round water bottle or can. However, the cavity can have any desired cross-sectional shape (e.g., oval, square, rectangular, abstract, or the like). The cross-sectional shape of cavity  35  can therefore be the same or can differ from the cross-sectional shape of the container. 
     In some embodiments, the interior of the cavity can include one or more gripping elements to retain the container within the cavity until the user applies a pulling force to remove the container. One embodiment of gripping element  41  configured as a series of textured regions is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . However, the gripping element is not limited and can include (but is not limited to) areas of light adhesive, padding, teeth, interior rings, arms, and the like. Such elements are well known in the art. It should be appreciated that the gripping elements are optional. 
     Receptacle open mouth  40  slidably engages a container to house the container within cavity  35 . For example,  FIG. 4 a    illustrates one embodiment of a receptacle configured to house a can (e.g., a soft drink or beer can). Likewise,  FIG. 4 b    illustrates one embodiment of a receptacle comprising an internal cavity sized and/or shaped to house a bottle (e.g., a water or soda bottle). Specifically, all or a portion of a corresponding container can be housed within cavity  35 . 
     Advantageously, the receptacle cavity is oriented such that container  11  is held upright and secure when the wearer is seated, standing, and/or when walking or running. In this way, the container is prevented from slipping out of the receptacle. 
     The receptacle further includes one or more links  51  that allow for connection to shoulder straps  15  and chest strap  20 . For example,  FIG. 5 a    illustrates one embodiment of receptacle  10  comprising a pair of upper links  51 . The upper links allow for releasable connection with each end of straps  15 . The receptacle can include one or more additional links positioned at any location, as shown in  FIG. 5 b    (e.g., to attach a chest strap). Link  51  can include any element that allows for releasable connection with a strap end (e.g., a strap connector). Suitable links can therefore include (but are not limited to) clips, snaps, loops, buttons, magnets, zippers, ties, VELCRO®, and the like.  FIG. 5 c    illustrates one embodiment of link  51  releasably attached to strap connector  50  configured as a clip that opens and closes. 
     In some embodiments, the links  51  are positioned on opposing sides of the receptacle (e.g., at angle A of about 180 degrees apart), as shown in  FIG. 5 d   . Alternatively, the links can be positioned at an angle of less than about 180 degrees apart (e.g., at least/no more than about 180, 170, 160, 150, 140, 130, 120, 110, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, or 10 degrees apart), as shown in  FIG. 5   e.    
     In some embodiments, each link will accommodate the attachment of more than one strap connector. Alternatively, in some embodiments a link will accommodate a single strap connector. Thus, each opposing side of the receptacle can include multiple links, as shown in  FIG. 5   f.    
     Link  51  can be attached to the receptacle using any known method, such as (but not limited to) the use of adhesives, welding, sewing, heat sealing, mechanical closures (screws, bolts, nails, etc.). 
     Receptacle  10  can be constructed from a wide variety of materials. For example, receptacle  10  can include one or more flexible or semi-rigid materials. The term “flexible” refers to a material that is pliable and capable of flexing and/or bending without breaking. The term “semi-rigid” refers to a characteristic that allows a material to bend without breaking but not to same degree as a flexible material. Suitable flexible and semi-rigid materials can include (but are not limited to) fabric, foam, mesh, rubber, leather, foil, silicone, plastic, or combinations thereof. 
     However, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited and in some embodiments the receptacle can be constructed from a rigid material that is stiff and/or hard. Suitable rigid materials can include hard plastic, metal, Styrofoam, wood, fiberglass, and the like. Thus, it will be appreciated that receptacle  10  can be constructed from any desired material(s). 
     In some embodiments, one or more materials used to construct receptacle  10  provides an insulative quality to the receptacle. An “insulative quality” as used herein refers to a characteristic of resisting a change in temperature. For example, when a cool beverage is inserted into receptacle cavity  35 , the insulative materials of the receptacle aid in maintaining the beverage at a cool temperature. It should be appreciated that the insulative material likewise functions to keep a hot or warm beverage from cooling off. Thus, the receptacle can be used for hot liquids (e.g., a cup of coffee) or cold beverages (e.g., soda). The receptacle therefore insulates the container  11  from the ambient atmosphere, lengthening the time interval for the beverage to reach the ambient temperature. In addition, the insulative materials allow the receptacle to maintain a comfortable hand temperature by shielding the user&#39;s hand from the cold (or hot) container while drinking. Suitable insulative materials can include (but are not limited to) polyethylene foam, neoprene, fabric, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the insulative materials are positioned in cavity  35 , as an interior layer, or as an exterior layer of the receptacle. 
     The materials used to construct receptacle  10  can optionally include one or more absorbent materials. For example, when a chilled container is inserted into cavity  35  of the receptacle, the temperature difference between the container and the ambient air typically causes liquid to condense on the external surface of the container. When the receptacle comprises absorbent materials (e.g., within the cavity), the condensation is absorbed so that the moisture does not soak into the clothing of the wearer. 
     In some embodiments, the materials used to construct receptacle  10  are elastic in nature, allowing cavity  35  to be easily stretched to accommodate containers of various shapes and sizes. Thus, the receptacle can be conformable to any size and/or shape of beverage container  11 , providing a “one size fits all” benefit. Suitable elastic materials can include (but are not limited to) one or more of stretchable fabric, elastomer, elastic, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene/vinyl acetate, and the like. The term “elastic material” is therefore broadly constructed to include any material that allows stretching to accommodate an object that is larger in size, allowing for a snug fit. 
     Receptacle  10  can be manufactured in various colors and/or patterns, providing variety and selection to the wearer. 
     As set forth above, holder  5  further includes a harness comprising left and right shoulder straps  15  and chest strap  20  that allow the holder to be worn by the user. One embodiment of harness  21  is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . As shown, a first end of each shoulder strap  15  connects to the receptacle and extends over the user&#39;s shoulder. In some embodiments, each shoulder strap connects to back pad  25  and then extends down under the user&#39;s opposite arm to form the chest strap. Thus, each end of the shoulder strap can attach at or near a top edge of the receptacle. In some embodiments, the chest and shoulder straps can be formed by a single pair of straps (left side and right side). Chest strap  20  fits around the user&#39;s chest. The chest and shoulder straps each comprise a front section and a rear section, where the front section is adapted to fit over the chest and front torso of the wearer, and the rear section is adapted to fit over the back and rear torso of the wearer. 
     Alternatively, the harness can be configured with separate straps for the shoulder strap and the chest strap. For example, shoulder straps  15  can each include a first end that attaches to link  51  and a second end that attaches to the back pad (or any other attachment element). The chest straps can each include a first end that attaches to link  51  (which can be the same link or a different link that the shoulder strap is attached to) and a second end that attaches to the back pad (or any other element that allows for attachment). 
       FIG. 7 a    illustrates one embodiment of a strap that can be used with harness  21  (e.g., shoulder strap or chest strap). The term “strap” refers to a length of material, generally used to secure another component. The straps can be constructed from any desired material, such as (but not limited to) fabric, nylon, cotton, woven material, braided material, rope, polypropylene, polyester, and the like. The straps can be designed to be comfortably worn around the wearer&#39;s body. Specifically, the straps are adapted to secure around the wearer&#39;s shoulders and/or chest to support receptacle  10  (and container  11  when positioned within the receptacle cavity). 
     In some embodiments, the disclosed straps are elastic, allowing them to stretch and closely fit to the user&#39;s body when the holder is assembled. Thus, the straps can include elastic web, elastic fabric, rubber, and/or any elastic material. The straps are configured to be pulled out a desired length and then when the force is applied can revert back to their original length. In some embodiments, the straps can stretch to about 100, 150, 200, or more times their original length. 
     Each strap includes first and second ends  60 ,  61  with length  65  therebetween. Shoulder strap  15  and/or chest strap  20  can have any desired length, such as about 20-60 inches (e.g., at least/no more than about 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, or 60 inches). However, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited and each strap can have a length greater than or less than the range given above. 
     Each strap end comprises connector  50  that attaches or mates with a corresponding link on the receptacle. For example,  FIG. 7 b    illustrates one embodiment of shoulder strap  15  comprising connector  50  that can be used to releasably attach one end of the strap to the receptacle. Connector  50  can include any attachment mechanism known or used in the art, such as (but not limited to) VELCRO®, snaps, magnets, buttons, clips, ties, hooks, clasps, and the like. For example, the connector can include a loop that opens to connect with a link on a receptacle. In other embodiments, the connector can interlock and be fastened with the link. 
     The connectors are attached to each end of a strap using any known method, such as (but not limited to) sewing, adhesives, welding, screws, bolts, clips, magnets, and the like. 
     In some embodiments, the length of each strap can be adjusted to accommodate users of varying sizes. Any element can be used to adjust the length of the strap. For example, the shoulder straps can include adjuster  70  adapted to adjust the length of the shoulder straps, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 c   . In some embodiments, the adjuster can be configured as a slide made of metal or plastic. A strap is looped through the slide, through a release buckle, and then back through the slide. By feeding more or less of the length of the strap through the slide, the overall length of the strap can be increased or reduced. Each shoulder strap is independently adjustable relative to the other shoulder strap and the chest strap. 
     Optionally, at least a portion of a strap can include padding  75  for added user comfort, as shown in  FIG. 7 d   . For example, in some embodiments, a portion of each shoulder strap  15  can include padding  16  at a desired location (e.g., where the shoulder strap extends over the user&#39;s shoulder). The padding can include any known material, such as cotton, cloth, foam, and the like. The padding can be positioned along a portion of the strap, or along the entire length of the strap. 
     First and second ends  60 ,  61  of each strap are releasably attached to receptacle  10 . In this way, the shoulder straps and chest strap allow the receptacle to be worn by the wearer. Particularly, the first and second ends of shoulder straps  15  are operably connected at or near an upper edge of the receptacle, as shown in  FIG. 6 . The term “upper edge” refers to the edge that includes open mouth  40 . Similarly, the first and second ends of the chest strap are operably connected at or near a lower edge of the receptacle. The term “lower edge” refers to the receptacle edge that includes bottom wall  12 . 
     In some embodiments, first and second strap ends  60 ,  61  are releasably attached to the receptacle, allowing the straps to be attached and removed as desired by the user. Straps  15 ,  20  can be releasably attached to the receptacle using any mechanism known or used in the art. 
     In some embodiments, the harness can include back pad  25 . The back pad can be configured as a dorsal pad assembly that connects cross-crossing shoulder straps extending in a divergent fashion, as shown in  FIG. 8 . However, the back pad is not limited and can include any element that supports the shoulder straps (e.g., in a linear, non-crossed configuration). 
     In use, the wearer easily positions the harness around their torso. As shown in  FIG. 9 , first end  60  of each shoulder strap is releasably attached to upper receptacle link  51   a . The length of each shoulder strap is then positioned over the user&#39;s shoulders to connect with back pad  25 . In some embodiments, each shoulder strap criss-crosses and extends to the front of the user, under the user&#39;s opposing side ribcage to form chest strap  20 . The second end  61  of the shoulder strap is then releasably connected to the upper receptacle connector on the opposing side of the receptacle. In some embodiments, each end  60 ,  61  of a shoulder strap attaches to a single link. In other embodiments, the connector positioned at each end of the straps attach to separate links. 
     Each end of chest strap  20  can also be attached to receptacle lower unit  51   b , fitting around the chest of the wearer from front to back. 
     The lengths of the shoulder straps and chest strap can then be shortened or elongated using adjuster  70  to adapt to the wearer&#39;s size and/or comfort level. 
     After the harness is assembled, the receptacle is positioned on the wearer&#39;s front side, easily accessible by their hands. The top and bottom portions of the receptacle are held close to the user&#39;s body by straps  15 ,  20 . In some embodiments, the top and bottom portions of the receptacle contact the wearer&#39;s chest at all times (unless the wearer is drinking). In this way, the receptacle remains adjacent to the user&#39;s chest even when the user bends down, such as to pick up an item or during gardening or other activities. Accordingly, receptacle  10  stays out of the wearer&#39;s way and does not need readjusting. 
     A desired container is easily inserted into cavity  35  of the receptacle. As such, the user has direct access to water or any other item contained within the receptacle cavity. When the user desires to drink from container  11 , they simply lift the container to their lips to drink. The elastic nature of the shoulder and chest straps allow the receptacle to be easily moved to the user&#39;s mouth. When the user is finished drinking, they simply drop the receptacle and it returns to its original position, adjacent to and/or touching the user&#39;s chest. If a different beverage is desired, the user can simply remove container  11  using a pulling motion to dislodge it from cavity  40  and replace the container with a new one. 
     The disclosed holder is therefore convenient for a variety of events, such as gardening, sporting events, and the like. The disclosed holder is especially useful in situations where there is no convenient place to hold a beverage container. 
     When the user desires to remove the holder, they simply disconnect the chest and shoulder straps from the receptacle and store the holder for later use. 
     The disclosed assembly offers many advantages over the prior art. For example, the disclosed system is durable and convenient for the wearer. 
     The holder creates a convenient, temporary place for storing water or other refreshment beverages in any type of container and may also be adapted or configured for keeping food items such as french fries, nuts, chips or other items. 
     The wearer can move about relatively free from restraint. For instance, the wearer can jump or bend down without the receptacle moving from its position at the wearer&#39;s chest area. 
     The disclosed holder is hands-free and frees a wearer from the tedious and laborious task of continuously holding a beverage container. 
     The harness evenly distributes the weight of the receptacle such that even children or the elderly can easily use the device without stress or strain. 
     The holder is also easy and convenient to use. 
     While the presently disclosed subject matter has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalent elements may be substituted for elements thereof. The scope of the presently disclosed subject matter further includes any combination of the elements from the various embodiments set forth herein. In addition, modifications may be made without departing from the essential scope.