Abstract:
A cylindrical object latch is a holding device that has a face that fits the height of a cylindrical object and two ends that fit over the ends of the cylindrical object and exert tension on both ends of the cylindrical object to hold the cylindrical object in place.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. US 61/873,494 filed Sep. 4, 2013. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to the securing of cylindrical objects and particularly to the securing or holding of beverage cans. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Cylindrical objects are a part of everyday life. Take the example of a beverage container such as a can. Cans come in six packs, twelve packs, and even cases of 24. They store conveniently in refrigerators, coolers, or boxes. 
         [0006]    The cylinder fits the natural shape of the hand and is convenient to hold. 
         [0007]    However when it comes to securing a beverage container or other cylindrical object without using hands, users only have available cylindrical sleeves or cups, commonly referred to as “drink insulators” or “coozies”, designed to encase the bulk of a can by sliding over it from the bottom up. 
         [0008]    Some sleeves include a loop, clip, or other fastener used to attach the sleeve to another object. As an example, a sleeve with an attached clip may be attached to a users belt. This allows the user to secure a can while using both hands. 
         [0009]    Such sleeves are convenient enough when occupied by the can or other object. However, once the object is removed, the hollow cylindrical sleeve becomes useless and the space it occupies becomes a nuisance to the user. 
         [0010]    Additionally, the bottoms of such sleeves are prone to collecting dirt, condensation, and other debris and generally becoming unsanitary. 
         [0011]    The present invention addresses the need to hold a cylindrical object such as a beverage container and the desire to not have the holding device occupy the same space as the object held once the object is removed. And by virtue of not creating a cup, sleeve, or otherwise encasing the cylindrical object, the present invention has much less potential to collect debris and become dirty and unsanitary. 
       SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0012]    The present invention, a cylindrical object latch, is a slim device meant to hold a cylindrical object such as a beverage can. The latch is configured to fit the shape of the can. The can is securely held in place by the top and bottom members, which snap over the ends of the can and exert tension onto the can. The tension holds the can against the inner face of the device. Without the can inserted the latch takes up minimal space. 
         [0013]    The outer face of the device is available for attaching a fastener. The fastener may be any number of already existing connection points or technology that allow the device to be secured to other objects. Examples of such fasteners include clips, belt loops, Velcro and similar fasteners. 
         [0014]    In a refined embodiment, the latch is comprised of a singularly molded structure of plastic, rubber, metal, or other molded material that allows the ends to snap over the can. The inner face of such embodiment includes a concave curve that fits the convex curve of the can. 
         [0015]    A refined embodiment may also comprise a fastener, such as a belt clip or belt loop. Said fastener allows the user to wear the latch, and hence the can, on his side by attaching it to his belt. This places the object, such as the can, “at the ready” for when the user needs it. Once the object is removed, the low profile of the latch itself does not take up significant room. The fastener may be permanently affixed or removable as the need demands. 
         [0016]    While a can has been used as the primary example, the latch may be used to carry numerous cylindrical objects and is not limited to beverage cans. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a rear view of one embodiment of a latch in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a latch in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a side view of one embodiment of a latch in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a latch in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a top view of one embodiment of a latch in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    The present invention provides a cylindrical object latch that works by applying pressure on the ends of a cylindrical object such as a beverage can. This pressure pulls the can into the inner face ( 20 ) of the latch and the constant tension exerted by the top end ( 40 ) and bottom end ( 50 ) securely holds the can in place against the inner face ( 20 ). General embodiments of the latch are illustrated in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 5   
         [0023]    An embodiment of the latch, as pictured in  FIGS. 2-4 , comprises a concave curved inner face ( 20 ) that fits the convex curve of the can and a top end ( 40 ) and bottom end ( 50 ) that sandwich the top and the bottom of the can therebetween. The top end ( 40 ) and bottom end ( 50 ) are spaced and arranged such that they snap snugly over either end of the can. The ends ( 40  and  50 ) are designed with built in flexibility where they connect to the structure. This arrangement squeezes the can between the top end ( 40 ) and the bottom end ( 50 ) and the pressure exerted on the can by the ends ( 40  and  50 ) pulls the object against the face and holds it securely in place. 
         [0024]    Where the can to be held is not flat on its ends, the ends ( 40  and  50 ) of the latch can be molded to correspond to the shape of the ends of the can. An embodiment of the latch with molding is useful for holding cans and other cylindrical objects with figured ends. Lips or other surface features on the can allow the molded ends ( 40  and  50 ) to better grip the can creating a secure hold on the can. 
         [0025]    Another embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 2 &amp; 3  further comprises a raised grip ( 10 ) roughly perpendicular to the top end ( 40 ). Said grip ( 10 ) may be placed on either the top end ( 40 ), the bottom end ( 50 ), or both ends ( 40  and  50 ) of the latch. The grip ( 10 ) assists the user in removing the can by providing a leverage point. The user may use one hand to simultaneously pull the can away from the latch while pushing on the grip ( 10 ) to both a) push the latch away, and b) flex the ends ( 40  and  50 ) outward to remove the tension securing the can. 
         [0026]    The outer face (the convex side of an embodiment with a curved face) ( 30 ) is useful for attaching connection points onto the latch. To assist in the attachment of connection points, the outer face ( 30 ) may include a flat spot where a good contact point may be made. These connection points can be permanently affixed to the latch, such as through the use of a glue or epoxy, or can be non-permanent removable connection points, such as through the use of magnets or a male-female connection system. Said connection points may then be used to attach the entire latch, and hence the can it holds, to something else. As examples, and not as means of limitation, a fastener, such as a belt clip or an alligator clip, may be attached to the outer face ( 30 ). An embodiment with a belt clip allows the user to wear the latch on his belt, and an embodiment with an alligator clip may be attached to any thin surface. 
         [0027]    A refined embodiment comprises a singular integrally molded structure made of plastic, rubber, metal, or other molded material with inherent flexibility. Said structure has an inner face ( 20 ) curved to mirror the curve of the can to be held and the arrangement, spacing, and flexibility of the top end ( 40 ) and bottom end ( 50 ) allow the can to snap therebetween and securely hold the can against the inner face ( 20 ). Said embodiment further comprises a raised grip ( 10 ) to assist the user in removing the can and a fastener attached on the outer face ( 30 ) so the user may attach the latch, with can, onto another surface, such as his belt buckle. 
         [0028]    It should be understood that although the latch has been described herein as being useful for attachment to beverage cans (or just cans) and the like, the latch may also be attached to other types of cylindrical objects, including but not limited to canned food, canned goods of any nature, and industrial cylinders.