COMMUNICATION DEVICE HOLDING AND LIQUID DISPENSING APPARATUS

Abstract

A communication device holding and liquid dispensing apparatus dispenses a liquid for consumption from a vessel, and retains a mobile communication device in an upright or side position for operation and viewing. The apparatus provides a vessel, a detachable cap, and a pivotally extendable and retractable cradled handle. The cradled handle is defined by a curved plane that fits the palm of the hand while drinking from the vessel, and also forms a supportive surface for retaining the communication device. The cradled handle has multiple perimeter flanges that retain the communication device in an upright or side position on the cradled handle, inhibit slippage by the communication device, and restrict pivotal retraction by the cradled handle while retaining the communication device. The cradled handle includes a handle latch member that forms a snap fit relationship with a corresponding cap latch member to fasten cradled handle in the retracted position.

Claims

1. A communication device holding and liquid dispensing apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a vessel defined by a sidewall, a base end, and a top end forming an opening to a cavity; a cap detachably coupled to the top end of the vessel, the cap comprising a cap latch member and a cap hinge member; a cradled handle pivotally joined with the cap, the cradled handle defined by a curved plane, a distal edge, a proximal edge, and a pair of lateral edges, the cradled handle comprising: a distal flange joined with the distal edge of the cradled handle; a proximal flange joined with the proximal edge of the cradled handle; a lateral flange joined with one of the lateral edges of the cradled handle; a handle hinge member that joins with the cap hinge member to form a pivotal relationship, whereby the cradled handle pivots between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the cap; and a handle latch member that forms a snap fit relationship with the cap latch member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vessel has a cylindrical shape.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base end of the vessel has a tapered configuration.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the opening in the top end is sized to receive a straw.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top end of the vessel comprises vessel threads.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the cap comprises cap threads that form a rotatable relationship with the vessel threads.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle latch member is disposed at the junction of the lateral flange and the distal flange.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cradled handle is operable to retain a mobile communication device in an upright or side position, whereby the mobile communication device leans on the sidewall of the vessel and engages the flanges.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the distal flange is operable to inhibit the mobile communication device from distal movement.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the lateral flange is operable to inhibit the mobile communication device from lateral movement.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the proximal flange is configured to inhibit the cradled handle from pivoting to the retracted position while supporting the mobile communication device.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cradled handle comprises a non-slip surface.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cap hinge member comprises a barrel hinge and an axle.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the handle hinge member comprises a pair of rings in alignment with the barrel hinge, whereby the rings and the barrel hinge allow only a limited angle of rotation between the cradled handle and the cap.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cap latch member is a curved protruding member.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the handle latch member is a tab.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the cap latch member and the handle latch member detachably join to fasten the cradled handle in the retracted position against the sidewall of the vessel.

18. A communication device holding and liquid dispensing apparatus, the apparatus consisting of: a cylindrical shaped vessel defined by a sidewall, a base end, and a top end forming an opening to a cavity, the top end of the vessel comprising vessel threads; a cap detachably coupled to the top end of the vessel, the cap comprising a cap latch member and a cap hinge member, the cap further comprising cap threads that form a rotatable relationship with the vessel threads; a rectangular shaped cradled handle pivotally joined with the cap, the cradled handle defined by a curved plane, a distal edge, a proximal edge, and a pair of lateral edges, the cradled handle comprising: a distal flange joined with the distal edge of the cradled handle; a proximal flange joined with the proximal edge of the cradled handle; a lateral flange joined with one of the lateral edges of the cradled handle; a handle hinge member that joins with the cap hinge member to form a pivotal relationship, whereby the cradled handle pivots between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the cap; and a handle latch member that forms a snap fit relationship with the cap latch member.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the cap hinge member comprises a barrel hinge and an axle.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the handle hinge member comprises a pair of rings in alignment with the barrel hinge, whereby the cap hinge and the barrel hinge allow only a limited angle of rotation between the cradled handle and the cap.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an communication device holding and liquid dispensing apparatus supporting a mobile communication device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the cap detached from the vessel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the vessel with the cradled handle in an extended position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0049] FIG. 4 illustrates a blow up view of the vessel and the cradled handle, detailing the handle latch member and cap latch member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word exemplary or illustrative means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any implementation described herein as exemplary or illustrative is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms upper, lower, left, rear, right, front, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0052] A communication device holding and liquid dispensing apparatus 100 is referenced in FIGS. 1-4. The communication device holding and liquid dispensing apparatus 100, hereafter apparatus 100 provides a unique dual functionality of containing a liquid for consumption, and retaining a mobile communication device 200 in an upright or side position for operating and viewing. The dual functionality of apparatus 100 creates a convenient source for accessing a liquid, while simultaneously operating and viewing mobile communication device 200.

[0053] For example, apparatus 100 enables a user to consume a liquid stored in a vessel 102 while on the move. The user can also retain mobile communication device 200 for operation and viewing across the apparatus, before or after drinking the liquid. The user can also add additional liquid into apparatus 100, and then retain mobile communication device 200 for viewing or operation. The user can also retain mobile communication device 200 upright for viewing, or on the side for a landscape viewing orientation.

[0054] Continuing, the apparatus 100 can also retain mobile communication device 200 for entering data, talk through, or reading from the screen, while the mobile communication device 200 is retained in the upright or side position. In some embodiments, the mobile communication device 200 may include, without limitation, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, a radio, and a walkie-talkie. Though any electronic device may be supported by the apparatus in this manner.

[0055] As referenced in FIG. 1, apparatus 100 is configured to dispense a liquid for consumption from a vessel 102. Vessel 102 is operable with a detachable cap 114 and a pivotally extendable and retractable cradled handle 120. Cradled handle 120 is defined by a curved plane that fits the palm of the hand while drinking from vessel 102. The curved plane is also effective in creating a supportive surface for mobile communication device 200.

[0056] Cradled handle 120 is further defined by multiple perimeter flanges that serve to retain the mobile communication device 200 in an upright or side position on the cradled handle 120, inhibit slippage by the mobile communication device 200, and restrict pivotal retraction by cradled handle 120 while retaining mobile communication device 200. Cradled handle 120 further includes a handle latch member 136 that forms a snap fit relationship with a corresponding cap latch member 116 to fasten the cradled handle 120 in the retracted positon against the surface of the vessel 102.

[0057] In one non-limiting embodiment, apparatus 100 comprises a vessel 102 defined by a sidewall 104, a base end 106, and a top end 108 forming an opening 110 to a cavity 112. In one non-limiting embodiment, vessel 102 has a cylindrical shape. Base end 106 of vessel 102 may have a tapered configuration, defined by a series of gradient concentric rings. The opening 110 in the top end 108 is sized to receive a straw or hose to facilitate drinking. Though in other embodiments, the opening 110 may be sized to fit the mouth. An integral nozzle may also be added to the opening 110. The top end 108 of the vessel 102 may also include vessel 102 threads that enable rotational attachment and detachment with a cap 114, as described below.

[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the apparatus 100 includes a cap 114 that detachably couples to the top end 108 of the vessel 102. The cap 114 comprises a cap latch member 116 and a cap hinge member 118. The cap 114 may have a cylindrical shape that matches the shape of the vessel 102. In one non-limiting embodiment, the cap 114 comprises cap threads 140 that form a rotatable relationship with the vessel threads 138. The cap latch member 116 may include a curved protruding member.

[0059] As FIG. 3 shows, apparatus 100 provides a cradled handle 120 used for the dual purpose of gripping the vessel 102 while drinking, and securely retaining the mobile communication device 200 in an upright or side position. Cradled handle 120 is configured to pivotally join with cap 114, rotating between an extended positon useful for gripping vessel 102 and retaining the mobile communication device 200, and a retracted positon when not in use.

[0060] In some embodiments, cradled handle 120 is defined by a curved plane shape. The curved plane shape is dimensioned to fit into the palm of the hand for facilitated gripping of vessel 102 while drinking. The curved plane shape is also configured to form a cradle for the mobile communication device 200. In one embodiment, cradled handle 120 comprises a non-slip surface or textured surface to inhibit slippage by the hand or mobile communication device 200.

[0061] In one non-limiting embodiment, cradled handle 120 comprises a distal edge 122 disposed distally from the vessel 102 when in the extended position 138, a proximal edge 124 disposed proximally to the vessel 102 when in the extended position 138, and a pair of lateral edges 126a, 126b. The edges 122, 124, 126a-b form a perimeter area that defined the gripping surface and retention surface for cradled handle 120. In one non-limiting embodiment, cradled handle 120 has a generally rectangular shape sized to receive the full length of a smart phone.

[0062] Turning now to FIG. 4, cradled handle 120 includes multiple flanges that help in retaining the mobile communication device 200 on cradled handle 120. The flanges generally extend perpendicularly from the edges of the cradled handle 120. In one operational use, the mobile communication device 200 leans on the sidewall 104 of vessel 102 from a first side while resting against the flanges from a second side.

[0063] In one non-limiting embodiment, a distal flange 128 extends perpendicularly from the distal edge 122 of the cradled handle 120. Distal flange 128 is operable to inhibit the mobile communication device 200 from distal movement. A proximal flange 130 extends perpendicularly from the proximal edge 124 of the cradled handle 120. Proximal flange 130 is configured to inhibit the cradled handle 120 from pivoting to the retracted position while supporting the mobile communication device 200.

[0064] Further, a lateral flange 132 extends perpendicularly from one of the lateral edges 126a, 126b of the cradled handle 120. In one embodiment, lateral flange 132 is disposed proximal to the lateral edge 126a, proximal to the top end 108 of the vessel 102. Lateral flange 132 is operable to inhibit the mobile communication device 200 from lateral movement.

[0065] As discussed above and as shown in FIG. 1, cradled handle 120 pivots between the retracted position and the extended position 138 through a limited angle of rotation. In some embodiments, a handle hinge member 134a, 134b joins with cap hinge member 118 on the cap 114, creating a pivotal relationship therebetween. In this manner, cradled handle 120 pivots about the cap 114 between extended position 138 and retracted position.

[0066] Looking again at FIG. 4, a handle latch member 136 that forms a snap fit relationship with the cap latch member 116. Cap latch member 116 and handle latch member 136 detachably join to fasten the cradled handle 120 in the retracted position against the sidewall 104 of the vessel 102. The handle latch member 136 is disposed at the junction of lateral flange 132 and distal flange 128.

[0067] In one non-limiting embodiment, cap hinge member 118 comprises a barrel hinge and an axle. The handle hinge comprises a pair of rings in alignment with the barrel hinge, whereby the cap 114 hinge and the barrel hinge allow only a limited angle of rotation between the cradled handle 120 and the cap 114. The handle latch member 136 is a tab that forms a snap fit relationship with the curved protruding member that is the cap latch member 116.

[0068] In operation, a user can fill vessel 102 with a liquid suitable for consumption. The liquid may include, without limitation, water, juice, milk, soup, and an energy drink. The opening 110 in the top end 108 is suitable for both filling and consuming the liquid. The user can pivot the cradled handle 120 outwardly to extended position 138 and grasp the handle for drinking the liquid from the opening 110 in the top end 108 of vessel 102.

[0069] In addition to drinking from vessel 102, the user can produce a mobile communication device 200 that requires support during operation or viewing. Vessel 102 is laid on its side and cradled handle 120 is extended. Mobile communication device 200 leans against the vessel 102 from a first side, and a second side that rests against the distal flange 128 and the lateral flange 132. Mobile communication device 200 is then viewable from a slight angle. After viewing, mobile communication device 200 is removed from cradled handle 120, and cradled handle 120 is retracted pivotally to rest against the sidewall 104 of vessel 102.

[0070] These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

[0071] Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.