MULTIPURPOSE DRINKWARE HOLDER

Abstract

The present invention relates to a beverage container holding device for holding various types of beverage containers. The holding device can be used for both hot and cold beverages and can be in the shape of a chalice. More specifically, the holding device includes a bowl portion for receiving and accommodating a beverage container, and a stem extending from the bottom end of the bowl portion to a weighted base. The weighted base includes a non-slip bottom surface, and is used for placing the device on a horizontal surface such as a bar table. The device can be in the form of a single unit structure or can have modular components. The bowl portion includes an inner non-slip and insulating material to maintain temperatures of drinks and to secure placement of the container therein.

Claims

1. A beverage container holder comprising: a bowl portion; a stem, wherein said bowl portion and said stem are integrally molded as a single unit; and a base, wherein said base is removably attached to said stem, and further wherein said base is weighted.

2. The beverage container holder of claim 1, wherein said bowl portion comprises a diameter from about 2 inches to about 4 inches.

3. The beverage container holder of claim 2, wherein said stem comprises a length from about 2 inches to about 6 inches.

4. The beverage container holder of claim 3, wherein said bowl portion comprises a depth from about 2 inches to about 4 inches.

5. The beverage container holder of claim 4, wherein said bowl portion comprises a circular top rim and an inner concave surface.

6. The beverage container holder of claim 5, wherein said inner concave surface is in contact with a lower portion of a beverage container placed therein.

7. The beverage container holder of claim 6, wherein said inner concave surface comprises a non-slip texture surface.

8. The beverage container holder of claim 6, wherein said bowl portion comprises a thermal insulating material.

9. The beverage container holder of claim 6, wherein said bowl portion, said stem and said base comprise a material selected from a group consisting of a wood and a metal.

10. The beverage container holder of claim 6, wherein said base comprises a non-slip bottom surface.

11. The beverage container holder of claim 6, wherein said beverage container holder is microwavable.

12. The beverage container holder of claim 11, wherein said beverage container holder is freezable.

13. A beverage container holder comprising: a bowl portion having a diameter from about 2 inches to about 4 inches and a depth from about 2 inches to about 4 inches; a stem having a length from about 2 inches to about 6 inches; and a base, wherein said base is weighted.

14. The beverage container holder of claim 13, wherein said bowl portion and said stem are integrally molded as a single unit.

15. The beverage container holder of claim 14, wherein said base is removably attached to said stem.

16. The beverage container holder of claim 15, wherein said bowl portion comprises a thermal insulating material.

17. A beverage container holder comprising: a bowl portion; a stem, wherein said bowl portion and said stem are integrally molded as a single unit; and a base that is weighted and is removably attached to said stem, wherein said beverage container holder is both microwavable and freezable.

18. The beverage container holder of claim 17, wherein said bowl portion comprises a diameter from about 2 inches to about 4 inches.

19. The beverage container holder of claim 18, wherein said bowl portion comprises a depth from about 2 inches to about 4 inches.

20. The beverage container holder of claim 19, wherein said bowl portion comprises a thermal insulating material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a multipurpose drinkware holder of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a beverage bottle placed in the multipurpose drinkware holder of FIG. 1 in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the multipurpose drinkware holder of the present invention accommodating a beverage can in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the chalice-shaped beverage holder of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0020] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0021] As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for an improved drinkware holder that securely holds a drinkware or beverage container. There is also a long felt need in the art for an improved beverage container holder that can be used with standard bottles, cans, tumblers/cups, and glasses of various sizes. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved beverage container holder that is versatile and easy to use. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved drinkware holder that can retain, and can be used with, both hot and cold beverages. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a drinkware holder that prevents any stains on the table and prevents the table's surface from being damaged. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved beverage container holder that offers a way to support a beverage container while the container sits higher than other containers of similar size. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved drinkware holder that prevents stains on a table and prohibits spilling of the beverage while securely holding the beverage container.

[0022] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel chalice-shaped beverage container holder that is configured to securely hold various types of bottles, cans and mugs while preventing staining of tables due to the bottles, cans, and mugs being separated from direct contact with the table. The holder comprises: a bowl portion including a continuous opening for receiving a bottle, can or mug; a stem extending from the bottom surface of the bowl portion to a base; and, the base including a non-slip bottom surface for placing the holder directly upon a horizontal surface. The bowl portion includes an inner concave-shaped surface that includes a non-slip texture for preventing slipping of the bottle, can, or mug when placed in the bowl portion wherein the inner concave-shaped surface circumscribes the accommodated bottle, can or mug. In one potential embodiment, the chalice-shaped beverage container holder features insulated material on the bottom surface of the bowl portion to ensure the drink is maintained at the desired temperature.

[0023] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a multipurpose drinkware holder 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The drinkware holder 100 of the present invention is designed in the form of a chalice, and can be used for accommodating/holding various bottles, cans, glasses and tumbler/cups, and enables users to maintain their beverages at a desired drinking temperature. More specifically, the drinkware holder 100 includes a bowl portion 102, a stem 104, and a foot or base 106. The bowl portion 102 and the stem 104 can be integrally-molded as one unit in the present embodiment. The foot or base 106 can be either integrated or removably-attached to the stem 104. The foot 106 is a weighted base that provides support to the holder 100 even when a heavy beverage container is placed in the holder 100 as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0024] The bowl portion 102 includes a circular top rim 108 and an inner concave or cylindrical surface 110. The inner concave or cylindrical surface 110 forms a continuous opening 112 for receiving and accommodating a drinkware or beverage container. The inner surface 110 includes a non-slip texture that prevents slipping of the drinkware or container when placed in the opening 112. The holder 100 can be made from a thermal insulating material and can include an aesthetically-desirable appearance such as simulated crystals. The bowl portion 102 maintains the temperature of the beverage in the beverage container, thereby enabling a consumer to consume the beverage at an optimum temperature. The base 106 can also be made from wood, metal, or any other durable and sturdy material. The bottom surface 1060 of the base 106 can include non-slip properties and can stabilize the holder 100 even on a horizontal wet surface.

[0025] In the present embodiment, the bowl portion 102 can include a bowl depth in the range of from about 2 inches to about 4 inches, and the stem 104 can include a stem length in the range of from about 2 inches to about 6 inches. The diameter of the circular rim 108 can be in the range of from about 2 inches to about 4 inches for accommodating various types of drinkware and beverage containers.

[0026] The drinkware holder 100 finds useful application at both home and commercial places such as a bar, where cold or hot beverages can cause stains on tables or other surfaces forcing repeated cleaning. The drinkware holder 100 is reusable and the bowl portion 102 can be kept in a refrigerator/freezer or can be heated in a microwave for reuse. Further, the drinkware holder 100 is comfortable to use, durable, unbreakable, environmentally-friendly and requires easy maintenance.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing a beverage bottle 200 placed in the drinkware holder 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, a conventional beverage bottle 200 is securely placed in the bowl portion 102 such that the bottom surface 202 of the bottle 200 abuts the inner concave surface 110 of the bowl portion 102. The bottle 200 is placed in the continuous opening 112 of the holder 100. Further, the concave surface 110 also circumscribes and supports the bottle 200 and supports the bottled beverage. As a result of securely placing the bottle 200 in the holder 100, the bottle 200 is not placed directly on a table or bar surface, and thus staining of the surface is prevented. The insulation properties of the holder 100 maintain the temperature of the beverage stored in the bottle 200. The interior surface 110 of the bowl portion 102 is in surface-to-surface contact with a portion of the beverage container 200 which stabilizes the bottle 200. When the bottle 200 is lifted from the chalice 100, the chalice 100 remains stable and upright. The bowl portion 102 also collects any moisture or water created due to condensation of the cold beverage. The holder 100 is placed on a horizontal surface on the base 106 and can be held or moved by a user using the stem 104.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing the drinkware holder 100 of the present invention accommodating a beverage can 300 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As stated supra, the chalice-shaped drinkware holder 100 can be used for accommodating various types of beverage containers. In the present embodiment, a beverage can 300, such as a beer can, is accommodated in the bowl portion 102 of the holder 100. The bottom surface 302 of the can 300 sits on the interior surface of the bowl portion 102. The can 300 can be easily lifted off the bowl portion 102 and replaced without destabilizing the holder 100.

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the chalice-shaped beverage holder of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the present embodiment, the chalice-shaped holder 400 can be made from metal. The bowl portion 402 is configured to hold a beverage container. Proximal to a bottom end 4020 of the bowl portion 402, a pair of insulating handles 410a,410b can be integrated for easy handling of the holder 400 having a stored beverage container therein. The upper stem portion 404 extends from the bottom end 4020 of the bowl portion 402 to a lower stem portion 406. Proximal to the lower stem portion 406, a non-slip base 408 is integrally-molded or removably-attached for placing the holder 400 on a surface.

[0030] The beverage container holder 100, 400 is available in a variety of sizes and colors to enable users to use for a variety of beverage containers. Accordingly, the holder 100,400 offers a fun and colorful way to protect tables from stains and condensation, and enables users to securely place their beverages therein. The beverage container holder 100, 400 is versatile, easy to use and can be produced in various colors (red, blue, yellow, tan, green, pink, etc.) to appeal to all consumers.

[0031] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “beverage container holder”, “chalice shaped beverage holder”, “holder”, “drinkware holder”, and “multipurpose drinkware holder” are interchangeable and refer to the chalice shaped beverage holder 100,400 of the present invention.

[0032] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the chalice shaped beverage holder 100,400 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the chalice shaped beverage holder 100,400 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the chalice-shaped beverage holder 100,400 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the chalice-shaped beverage holder 100,400 are important design parameters for user convenience, the chalice-shaped beverage holder 100,400 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0033] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments including different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0034] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for the purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.