Abstract:
A triangularly configured multi-cup holder is provided and constructed to conveniently hold up to ten cups in a “bowling pin” formation, for use in the drinking game “Beer-Pong,” or “Beirut,” or similar. The reusable holder includes cup holes in a triangular row formation (back to front) of four, three, two and one cups. Rubber or rubber-like grips on each corner of the bottom of the holder add stability to the cups, via the holder, during use. The uniform and equidistant placement of the holes provides for the correct orientation of the cups for optimal playing of the drinking game mentioned above.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     N/A  
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     N/A  
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX  
       [0003]     N/A  
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     This invention is for use in a recreational manner and in accompaniment with the consumption of beverages (presumably beer). The sole intended purpose of the invention itself is to be used in conjunction with a pre-existing party game known widely as “Beer-Pong” or “Beirut” as a means to improve the quality and effectiveness of the game (see pages 1 &amp; 2 for common rules of the pre-existing aforementioned game as well and  FIG. 4  for a visual representation). The game, which the invention assists, contains the usage of plastic cups to be arranged on a table in a certain configuration. The invention is simply a modified cup holder that will allow the cups to be arranged in the correct manner, more expediently, precisely, and securely, thus resulting in the improvement of the game and the elimination of problems.  
       DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART  
       [0005]     The invention is to be used in conjunction with and in the improvement of the existing game known as “Beer-Pong” or “Beirut,” and for the expressed purpose of eliminating problems that exist with the game. The rules and objectives of said game are listed below, as they are most commonly, and for better understanding of the use and need for the invention.  
         [0006]     Read the following rules in conjunction with page 5/6 and 6/6 of the DRAWINGS section.
    1. Set up on opposite sides (length wise) of a standard ping-pong table, or table of comparable size, two triangular configurations (one on each side of the table) of ten, sixteen-ounce plastic party cups each in a four, three, two, one configuration (see  FIG. 4 ).     2. Each triangle of cups should be centered in the middle of the table end, with the (longest) back row approximately one inch from the table edge (see  FIG. 4 ).     3. Two teams of two people each take part in the game. Each team resides on opposite sides of the table, positioned behind their set of ten cups.     4. Each set of cups is to be filled with, normally, but not always, beer, to a determined level. The level is based either on the equal distribution of a certain amount of liquid (for example: two cans of beer), or up to a certain line on the cup decided by the game&#39;s participants.     5. The purpose of the game is for each team to take turns trying to eliminate the other team&#39;s cups by throwing or bouncing ping-pong balls into the cups. Any cups that ping-pong balls fall into, will be taken out of the formation, and the liquid within must be drunk by the team whose cups were eliminated.     6. Which team begins the game depends upon a method chosen by the participants (i.e., coin toss, etc.). The two people on the starting team will take two shots; one shot each, consecutively.     7. After the starting team has taken both of their shots, the other team will then have its turn to take its two shots in the attempt to eliminate the other team&#39;s cups.     8. The objective is to eliminate the opposing team&#39;s cups first, and the victor is the team that does so.     9. Throughout the course of the game, and depending upon the number of cups that have been removed, the existing cups can be rearranged to form an easier target at the request of the opposing team.   
 
         [0016]     There are many rules and addendums to this game depending upon where the game is played and who is playing it, but the above rules are the most basic guidelines that are followed fairly closely no matter the location or participants of the game.  
         [0017]     As  FIG. 4  shows, in the game “Beer-Pong” or “Beirut” without cup holder, the cups are arranged directly on the surface of the table with nothing to prevent slipping, sliding or falling of the cups. Without the holder, the accuracy and speed in which the cups are initially placed and rearranged is based solely on the proficiency of the participants doing so. As  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 5   a  show, the invention creates a unit to hold the cups in position on the table, and to prevent slipping and sliding, as well as the potential for the cups to fall over in the course of play. It also takes the speed and accuracy of cup placement and rearrangement out of the hands of the players.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0018]     This invention, which is essentially a collection of many cup holders arranged in a triangular configuration, aims to solve the past difficulties of playing the aforementioned game “Beer Pong” or “Beirut.” The invention improves the game by organizing and securing the cups used in play. The invention will also eliminate time needed to configure the cups used for the game. And it will eliminate the unwanted knocking, sliding, or falling over of the cups during the course of the game, thus eliminating the controversy and argument among players that is a result of such unwanted happenings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]      FIG. 1 : This figure depicts an aerial view of the invention in order to show the arrangement of the specific cup holes, as well as their positioning on the holder. This figure also displays the intended shape of the holder itself along with the corresponding measurements for the frame excluding the measurements of curved portions.  
         [0020]      FIG. 1 : This figure is the same as on Pg. 1/6, but gives the measurements of the curved portions of the frame of the holder. It also gives the necessary measurements for the construction of the frame that could not fit on Pg. 1/6. The base frame curves with measurements of 3{fraction (2/32)}″ can also be figured from one fourth the circumference of a circle with a radius of 1{fraction (31/32)}″. The upper frame curve with a measurement of 2 {fraction (3/64)}″ can be figured from one sixth the circumference of a circle with a radius of 1 {fraction (31/32)}″.  
         [0021]      FIG. 1   a:  This figure shows an individual cup hole removed from the holder for the purpose of clearer viewing. The Diameter of the hole is provided on this figure and is the same for all the other holes.  
         [0022]      FIG. 2 : This figure best depicts the invention in its entirety. This is a three-dimensional view of the holder that enables the width measurement to be shown.  
         [0023]      FIG. 3 : This figure depicts an aerial view of the underside of the holder. The purpose of this view is to show the rubber grips that are placed near the three comers of the holder. The suggested diameter of the grips is also listed.  
         [0024]      FIG. 4 : This figure is not for the purposes of production or design of the holder. This Figure is for the purpose of visually explaining how the game that the holder will be used for is set up and played, so that the reader of this document can develop the necessary understanding. The figure shows an aerial view of the surface for which the game is to be played, as well as the arrangement of the cups.  
         [0025]      FIG. 5 : This figure is also not for the purposes of production or design of the holder. This figure is a side view of  FIG. 4  and is present to reinforce the idea and need behind the holder. This figure demonstrates the cups set up directly on the table, and also the cups set up with the holder.  
         [0026]      FIG. 5   a:  This figure is also not for the purposes of production or design of the holder. This figure is necessary to demonstrate the functions that the holder serves in the prevention of movement of the cups, as well as the knocking over of cups, via the rubber grips and the stationary placement. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0027]     The purpose of this invention is to increase the effectiveness in which the games “Beer-Pong” or “Beirut” are played. The invention aims to do this by decreasing the time it will take to prepare the game, as well as eliminating existing problems. These problems include the time and accuracy that it takes to assemble the cups, and the frequent accidental knocking over of the cups during the course, or preparation of the game. The invention aims to eliminate these problems as follows:  
         [0028]     Previously, those who were partaking in the game would have to configure the cups one at a time on the surface in front of them, making sure that the intended formation of the cups took the precise shape. This process takes an inordinate amount of time as well as concentration on the part of the person/persons assembling the cups. On the other hand, the invention has the correct positions of the cups pre-cut into the holder, thus eliminating the excess time, strain, and concentration needed to perfectly arrange the cups by eye. The pre-cut holes on the invention place the cups in the precise position and distance they should be, therefore enabling the arrangement of the cups to be placed quickly and with ease (see  FIG. 1 ). The problem of inadvertent knock-over of cups is remedied through the same principle as the cup assembly solution. Because the cups are placed in the pre-cut holes in the invention, and the invention has depth to it, the cups are stabilized and stationary so that even contact with the cups will not knock them over (see  FIG. 5 &amp; 5   a ). As far as the position of the holder itself is concerned, a substance such as rubber or plastic, or any material that possesses the property of grip is adhered to the bottom of the holder in its manufacture, or as inclusion in the holder kit (see  FIG. 3 ). This grip will prevent the holder itself from moving out of place, therefore preventing the cups themselves from being disturbed (see  FIG. 5 &amp; 5   a ).  
         [0029]     The characteristics of the invention&#39;s functions result in a number of improvements: One, the reduction in the preparation and assembly time of the game. Two, the elimination of the possibility of the knocking over of the cups that is especially important, because the cups contain liquid, so when knocked over, the cup/cups must be replaced, and refilled; in addition, any argument resulting from knocking over the cups must be quelled. Hence, the invention presents a number of functions that directly and indirectly result in the improvement of the game as well as the reduction of problems.  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0030]     Although this invention is basically a cup holder, the difference between this product and any existing holders lies in the number of cup openings provided, as well as the configuration of the holder. Moreover, the purpose of the invention is for a use that differs from uses of other holders. Past holders have only possessed the capability to hold a few cups at a time for the purpose of individual transportation and use, or for transportation of a multitude of cups associated with food service, manufacturing, etc. This cup holder is designed not for the transportation of cups containing liquid, but for the holding and stabilization of cups used in a specific game, arranged in a unique configuration as never before designed in the past (see  FIG. 1 ). The invention, shown most clearly in  FIG. 2 , is designed in a three-dimensional triangular shape. The specific shape is to enable the invention to hold a maximum of ten cups to be placed in triangle, starting from the back and proceeding to the front: four, three, two, one (see  FIG. 1 ). This invention also allows for the cups to be placed to a specific depth to keep their height even and uniform (see  FIG. 2 ). Present on the invention are grips that are attached to the bottom of the holder (see  FIG. 3 &amp; 5   a ) so that the holder and cups will maintain their position on the surface of the table. Past cup holders generally do not possess this certain characteristic, and certainly not for the intention to be used with this invention.  
         [0031]     The method in which the invention is made depends on the desired life span of the holder. This previous sentence may sound unusual, but it is a pertinent statement depending on the intentions of person/organization that might be manufacturing, producing, and marketing the product. Because of the simplicity of this invention, there are a number of materials and hence a number of processes via which it can be created.  
         [0032]     The Holder could be developed from a number of materials, in direct accordance with the measurements provided in the attached drawings. Someone with no experience in design or construction could simply make the invention out of common materials (such as cardboard, corrugated cardboard, foam core etc.) by cutting to the measurements provided in the sketches. In the case of cardboard or something of similar makeup, a simple adhesive such as glue or tape could be used to attach the open ends. In the case of polystyrene, the invention could be cut from a solid block. The only additional tool to assist in polystyrene production might be a drill press with an attached rotor bit, to cut the cup holes in the polystyrene to the correct depth. Once again, the measurements provided are adequate enough for the production of the invention using polystyrene, the only additional skill one would need to possess is the capability to use a drill press with a rotor, as well as the tool itself In both cases, the grip could be cut to size out of rubber, plastic, etc from the measurements provided and simply attached to the bottom of the holder with an adequate adhesive.  
         [0033]     In the event that a long life span of the invention be desired for whatever reasons, plastic could be used to form a solid, one-piece, virtually indestructible holder. In this case, a professional trained in the skill of plastic injection molding would need to be the maker. A special mold would have to be created to facilitate this form of production, a task, which any person of ordinary skill in the pertinent art of injection molding would be able to do, based on the provided measurements.  
         [0034]     Should the invention be bought and manufactured by a company for use as a promotion to be included with one of their existing products, then cardboard or polystyrene would be the best mode for production of this invention due to impermanent makeup; it would encourage re-purchase of the base product, when the promotional item (the invention) is no longer viable. Should the invention be produced as its own entity for purchase and use, cardboard would not be the best mode for production of the invention; plastic would be the material of choice, due to its durable permanent characteristics in relationship to the use at hand.  
         [heading-0035]     Sequence Listing  
         [0036]     N/A