Consumer Convenience Product Holder System

Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20220087459
  • Publication Number
    20220087459
  • Date Filed
    November 23, 2020
    3 years ago
  • Date Published
    March 24, 2022
    2 years ago
  • Inventors
    • Patten; Terry (Hamilton, OH, US)
Abstract
This present invention relates to a consumer convenience product holder and includes a tray having a plurality of recesses or areas to hold or receive different sized consumer convenience products, such as a vessel for holding a liquid and one of a vaporizer or a lighter. The product holder may further be provided with indicia and or graphics, and the recesses or receiving areas may include absorbent, anti-slip, or other retention materials.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to personalized and convenient holders for removable accessories. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tray or other supporting device which enables an individual to hold a cup to, for example, consume a beverage, while also having a smoking function in the form of a vaporizer or lighter. Even more specifically, the present invention describes a platform for holding a beverage container such as cup for coffee, tea, soft drinks, water, juice and the like, and a decorative apparatus for holding or otherwise supporting a vaporizer or lighter. By positioning the two elements in close proximity to one another and the user, the user can easily access either or both of the items without having to move from his or her current position, and without having to search for the individual items. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that certain aspects of the present invention are also amendable with other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, when enjoying a cup of coffee, tea, soft drink, water, juice, beer, wine, cocktail or other beverage, an individual has to find a place for the cup, mug, can or other vessel holding the beverage. If they also wish to vape or smoke while enjoying the beverage, the user must also locate his or her vaporizer or lighter in order to be able to simultaneously enjoy both pursuits at the same time. Often these two types of products are located at different places in the residence or other location where the individual is located. This requires the individual to expend time and effort in separately locating the two items, which instead could be spent enjoying their beverage and smoke related product.


Today, vessels for containing a beverage may be held by a cup or drink holder which typically is placed in a vehicle or even a part of a “couch caddy” or similar apparatus. Vaping accessories and lighters are also found, separately and may have their own unique holder or other apparatus. As such, having a convenient and easy to use platform which provides a holder for both types of items would provide an efficient way for an individual to enjoy both offerings at once, without having to conduct a search for the individual items, which may be both time consuming and inconvenient.


Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a tray, holder or other platform that can easily support both a beverage container and a vaporizer and/or lighter. There is also a long felt need in the art for a tray, holder or other platform that can support both a beverage container and a vaporizer/lighter in close proximity to one another, thereby making it easy for an individual to both locate and access the same. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a tray, holder or other platform that is comprised of one or more recesses that are specifically designed to receive such items, and that allows the individual to enjoy one or both items without interference from the other. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for tray, holder or other platform that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and that is safe and easy to use.


Generally stated, the beverage container and smoking or vaping tray of the present invention comprises a platform having a first recess sized and configured to hold a beverage container, and a second recess sized and configured for holding one of a vaporizer or a lighter, wherein the beverage container, vaporizer and lighter are all located in relatively close proximity to one another on the platform and to the user. In this manner, the beverage container and smoking or vaping tray of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, and substantially departs from the concepts and designs of conventional devices.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.


The present invention provides a consumer convenience platform by combining the elements needed to engage in two leisure activities on a single, easy to use platform. The platform, support or tray of the present invention receives both a beverage container or vessel and a lighter or a vaporizer, so that an individual may, for example, enjoy a cup of coffee and smoke or vape at the same time. By placing the two items together in a single easy to use platform, the individual achieves convenience and efficiency by being able to easily find the elements for a morning, afternoon or evening ritual to relax.


In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a combination product holder and tray is disclosed, wherein the tray is comprised of first and second sides and first and second edges. The respective sides and edges define an area, and the area has first and second recesses for holding first and second products. Further, at least one of the first and second sides is also comprised of an indicia, graphic, or a combination thereof. The first product is a container for holding a fluid, and the second product is one of a vaporizer or lighter, wherein an individual's use of the first product does not interfere with the individual's used of the second product.


In a further exemplary embodiment of the presently described invention, a customized consumer convenience holder is disclosed. The consumer convenience holder is comprised of a base having first and second transversely extending edges and first and second longitudinally extending sides, wherein each of the first and second transversely extending edges and first and second longitudinally extending sides define an area. The area is further comprised of first and second portions designed to receive first and second consumer products. At least one of the first and second sides has indicia, graphics or a combinations thereof. Additionally, the first and second portions have geometric shapes and are positioned so that each of the first and second consumer products are not impeded by placement or removal of the other of the first and second consumer products.


In a still further embodiment of the presently described invention, a combination product holder and tray is presented. The combination product holder and tray is comprised of a first side, a second side, a first edge and a second edge. The first and second sides and first and second edges define an area, wherein the area is comprised of a first recess for holding a first product and a second recess for holding a second product. At least one of the first and second sides and the first and second edges comprise an indicia, a graphic or a combination thereof. The first product being a container for holding a fluid, and the second product being one of a vaporizer or lighter, or vice versa, wherein an individual's use of the first product does not interfere with the individual's use of the second product.


To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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



FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of two separate potential embodiments of the consumer convenience platform product holder of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture and each having a beverage container and lighter or vaporizer holder in close proximity thereto;



FIG. 1B illustrates a top perspective view of one potential embodiment of the consumer convenience platform product holder of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;



FIG. 1C illustrates a side elevational view of one potential embodiment of the consumer convenience platform product holder of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;



FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the consumer convenience platform product holder of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture and having a beverage container and lighter or vaporizer holder in the form of an animate object in close proximity thereto;



FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a user enjoying the vaping component of one potential embodiment of the consumer convenience platform product holder of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;



FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a user enjoying the beverage component of one potential embodiment of the consumer convenience platform product holder of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and



FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a user enjoying one potential embodiment of the consumer convenience platform product holder of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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 neither intended as an exhaustive description of the invention, nor do they 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.


The present invention provides a convenience platform that allows an individual to enjoy a beverage, while at the same time, vaping or smoking. The platform holds both types of devices in a convenient to use arrangement that allows the individual to use either item on the platform without interfering with the other item on the tray, and without having to separately search for each item. The support or tray has an area for holding each item, as well as other features that permit use of the consumer products disposed on the tray.


Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of two separate potential embodiments of the consumer convenience platform product holder 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, and with each having a first consumer item or beverage container 110 and a second consumer item 115, such as a lighter or vaporizer holder in close proximity thereto. More specifically, the consumer convenience platform product holder 100 comprises a tray 105 for supporting the first and second consumer items 110, 115, wherein the tray 105 has a first recess 111 for receipt of the first consumer item 110 and a second recess or portion 112 for holding the second consumer item 115. The first and second recesses/portions 111, 112 are positioned along the tray 105 such that first and second consumer items 110, 115 are placed therein, respectively, such that an individual's 150 use of the first consumer item 110 does not interfere with the second consumer item 115 and vice versa. In one of the embodiments in FIG. 1A, the second consumer item 115 is a vaporizer 120 in the shape of an animate or inanimate object, though it should be understood that the vaporizer or lighter can take the shape of any geometric element, animate or inanimate object, character or combinations thereof.



FIG. 1B illustrates a top perspective view of one potential embodiment of the consumer convenience platform product holder 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the tray 105 of the platform product holder 100 is comprised of a first longitudinally extending side 116, a second and opposite longitudinally extending side 117, a first transversely extending edge 118, and a second transversely extending edge 119. While the tray 105 is depicted as a square or rectangle in the FIGS., it should be understood that the tray 105 may take any other geometric shape including, without limitation, a square, circle, pentagon, triangle, hexagon, octagon or the like, or may take any other shape or configuration such as that of animate or inanimate objects, characters or the like.


In FIG. 1B, the tray 105 is shown with two recesses or portions 111, 112 to hold first and second consumer items 110, 115, respectively, such as a beverage container and a vaporizer as shown in FIG. 1A. The first recess 111 is shown as being circular and has a magnet 121 in the base which would serve to hold a container in position and which has a corresponding magnetic or attractive surface, until needed. The second recess 112 is shown with an absorbent material 125 so that it may absorb spilled liquids or the like. Alternatively, the material in either recess 111, 112 could be a rubberized material 125 held in place by a removable or releasable adhesive, hook and look fasteners or the like. The rubberized or absorbent material 125 would be used to prevent sliding or slipping when the second consumer item 115 is placed in the second recess 112. The tray 105 may have recesses 111, 112 disposed inwardly of the surface or alternatively, the portion or area may be placed on the surface indicating where such items should be positioned. FIG. 1B also shows an indicia 132 and a graphic 130, either of which may be any sort of indicia, trademarks, words, phrases or the like. For example, the graphics 130 may contain any sort of design, insignia, teams, marketing information or the like, and the tray 105 could be provided with marketing collateral of a company making vaping products or the tray 105 may be a promotional item which could be given away with such items after purchase.



FIG. 1C illustrates an elevational view of one potential embodiment of the consumer convenience platform product holder 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the tray 105 is comprised of first and second surfaces 107, 109, wherein the first surface 107 is shown with a first recess 111 and a second portion 112 in a raised area, to depict the two types of placement features for the consumer convenience products to be disposed on the tray 105. In a preferred embodiment, the second surface 109 is equipped with one or more rubberized feet 108 which can be used to prevent the tray 105 from sliding when put on a table or other surface. Notwithstanding, other anti-slip features may be used such as, without limitation, providing patterns of anti-slip material on the second or bottom surface 109 of the tray 105.


The tray 105 may have a thickness of between ½″ and 2 inches, a length of between 6 and 12 inches, and a width of between 4 and 12 inches. In this manner, the consumer convenience products 110, 115 may be placed on the tray 105 and not interfere with one another. If a recess 111 is provided, the recess 111 is preferably between ¾″ and 1 inch deep to allow sufficient depth to hold the consumer convenience product 110, 115 in the desired position. If a second portion 112 or area is provided on the tray 105, the portion or area 112 would be raised from the surface 107 between ¼″ and 1 inch to define a clearly distinguishable area for positioning each of the individual consumer convenience products 110, 115. The size of one recess 111 should be sufficient to accommodate standard configurations of beverage containers. As shown, the recesses or portions 111, 112 can take any particular shape that is needed in order to accommodate the consumer convenience product 110, 115 placed on the recess or portion.



FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the consumer convenience platform product holder 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture and having a beverage container and lighter or vaporizer holder in the form of an animate object in close proximity thereto. More specifically, FIG. 2 illustrates two convenience products 110, 115, which have been placed on the tray 105 in relatively close proximity to one another, such that the user does not need to search for the same, and can enjoy both simultaneously. The tray 105 may be manufactured from any suitable rigid or semi-rigid material including for example, wood, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof. The tray 105 could also be made of compressed fiberboard, recycled cardboard or other post-consumer waste materials, as well as other readily renewable materials such as bamboo, hemp, or the like.



FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an individual 150 enjoying the vaping component 155 of one potential embodiment of the consumer convenience platform product holder 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the platform product holder 100 comprises a tray 105 for supporting a first consumer product 110, such as a beverage, and a second consumer product 115, such as vape pen 155, in relatively close proximity to one another and the individual 150. In this manner, the individual 150 can enjoy both the first and second consumer products 110, 115 simultaneously, without having to search for either item as they are conveniently located and stored on tray 105.



FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an individual 150 enjoying the beverage component 110 of one potential embodiment of the consumer convenience platform product holder 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically and as previously stated, the platform product holder 100 comprises a tray 105 for supporting a first consumer product 110, here a coffee mug, and a second consumer product 115, such as a vape pen or lighter, in relatively close proximity to one another and the individual 150. In this manner, the individual 150 can enjoy both the first and second consumer products 110, 115 simultaneously, without having to search for either item, as they are conveniently located and stored on tray 105. Further, the placement of the first and second consumer products 110, 115 are not so close to one another that use of one of the same interferes with the individual's use of the other consumer product.



FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an individual 150 enjoying one potential embodiment of the consumer convenience platform product holder 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the individual 150 is done using each of the first and second consumer convenience products 110 and 120 and has returned the same into their respective positions along the top surface 107 of the tray 105, either in a recess 111 or a portion 112 clearly distinguishable thereon. In this manner, the first and second consumer convenience products 110, 115 may be conveniently stored until again needed, and are readily


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 “consumer convenience product”, “consumer product” and the like are interchangeable and refer to beverage containers such as mugs, cups, bottles and the like as well as smoking related products, such as vaporizers and lighters of the present invention.


Notwithstanding the forgoing, the consumer convenience platform product holder 100 of the present invention and its various components 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 consumer convenience platform product holder 100 of the present invention and its various components as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes of the consumer convenience platform product holder 100 of the present invention and its various components are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the consumer convenience platform product holder 100 of the present invention and its various components are important design parameters for user convenience, the consumer convenience platform product holder 100 of the present invention and its various components may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference.


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 having 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.


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 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.

Claims
  • 1. A personal accessory comprising: a platform comprised of a first recess sized and configured to hold a beverage container and a second recess sized and configured for holding one of a vaporizer or a lighter;the platform having an area larger than an area of each of the beverage container and one of the vaporizer and the lighter; andthe first and second recesses being positioned on the platform in a spaced apart fashion but in close proximity to one another, wherein at least one of the first and second recesses further comprise a material.
  • 2. The personal accessory as recited in claim 1, wherein the platform has a geometric shape including one of a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a pentagon, a hexagon and an octagon.
  • 3. The personal accessory as recited in claim 1, wherein the platform has a shape selected from one of a character or a theme.
  • 4. The personal accessory as recited in claim 1, wherein the material is an anti-slip material and selected from one of a reusable adhesive, a rubberized surface, a hook and loop fastener, or a magnet.
  • 5. The personal accessory as recited in claim 1, wherein the material is an absorbent material.
  • 6. The personal accessory as recited in claim 1, wherein the platform is comprised of a first surface having the first and second recesses, and a second surface having an anti-slip surface.
  • 7. The personal accessory as recited in claim 6, wherein the anti-slip surface on the second surface of the platform is comprised of a plurality of rubberized pieces.
  • 8. The personal accessory as recited in claim 1, wherein the vaporizer has a shape selected from one of a geometric shape, an animate object, an inanimate object, a theme, and a combination thereof.
  • 9. The personal accessory as recited in claim 1, wherein the beverage container is selected from one of a mug, a cup, a can, a bottle, or a vessel.
  • 10. The personal accessory as recited in claim 1, wherein the platform is provided with one of a graphic, an indicia, a symbol or a combination thereof.
  • 11. A customized consumer convenience holder comprising: a base having a first transversely extending edge, a second transversely extending edge, a first longitudinally extending side, and a second longitudinally extending side, wherein the first and second transversely extending edges and the first and second longitudinally extending sides define an area, and further wherein the area comprises a first portion designed to receive a first product and a second portion designed to receive a second product;the base further comprising at least one of an indica, a graphic or a combination thereof; andthe first and second portions have a geometric shape and being positioned so that a first one of the first and second products is not impeded by placement or removal of a second one of the first and second products.
  • 12. The customized consumer convenience holder as recited in claim 11 further comprising a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface is comprised of an anti-slip component.
  • 13. The customized consumer convenience holder as recited in claim 11, wherein the base is comprised of a rigid material.
  • 14. The customized consumer convenience holder as recited in claim 13, wherein the rigid material is one of a plastic, a wood, a metal, a compressed fiberboard, a recycled cardboard, a post-consumer waste product, a hemp, a bamboo or a combination thereof.
  • 15. The customized consumer convenience holder as recited in claim 11, wherein the first product is one of a mug, a cup, a can, a bottle, or a vessel, and the second product is one of a vaporizer or a lighter.
  • 16. The customized consumer convenience holder as recited in claim 15, wherein the vaporizer has a shape selected from one of a geometric shape, an animate object, an inanimate object, or a theme.
  • 17. A combination product holder and tray comprising: a tray having first and second sides and first and second edges, the sides and the edges defining an area, wherein the area is comprised of a first and a second recess for holding a first and a second product, respectively;one of the first and second sides having an indicia, a graphic or a combination thereof; andthe first product being a container for holding a fluid and the second product being one of a vaporizer or a lighter, wherein the first product and the second product are sufficiently spaced apart along the tray that a use of the first product does not interfere with a use of the second product.
  • 18. The combination product holder and tray as recited in claim 17, wherein the tray is manufactured from one of a plastic, a wood, a metal, a compressed fiberboard, a recycled cardboard, a post-consumer waste product, a hemp, a bamboo or a combination thereof.
  • 19. The combination product holder and tray as recited in claim 17 further comprising a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface has a plurality of anti-slip components disposed on at least a portion of the second surface.
  • 20. The combination product holder and tray as recited in claim 17, wherein the vaporizer has a shape selected from one of a geometric shape, an animate object, an inanimate object, a theme or a combination thereof.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/080,091, which was filed on Sep. 18, 2020 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
63080091 Sep 2020 US