FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure relates generally to tableware and containers and, more particularly, to a no slip vessel.
BACKGROUND
Vessels including containers and other tableware items such as cups are widely available for many different uses. One class of vessel is a bowl or plate used to hold a variety of foodstuffs for eating. These vessels are often used to feed children and babies. Youngsters, while learning their table manners, often will grab or slap at the vessel holding their foodstuffs knocking the vessel to the ground and spilling the contents. A variety of different solutions have been proposed that in one way or another fix a container to its supporting surface restricting the ability of the child to spill the vessel contents. Various approaches are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,025,169; 8,028,850,8,757,418; 9,814,332; 9,844,205 and 10,058,200. Other approaches are described in US Patent Publication Nos. 2002/0040906, 2006/0201952 and 2018/0368594. In these prior solutions, the vessel or container is generally fixed or held to the underlying surface in such a way that the vessel is released by lifting but not by lateral motion. This creates a problem with small children who may grab the vessel in such a way as to release the vessel and causing the contents to spill. A need has arisen for a container that can be easily locked into position and not disrupted by childish antics.
SUMMARY
The present invention is directed to a no slip vessel. The no slip vessel in one embodiment comprises a container, a base, a plunger, and a suction cup. The container has an open end and a closed end with a platform adjacent the closed end. The platform has an outer ring and a shaft, the outer ring is adapted to receive the base and the shaft is adapted for receiving the plunger. The platform is configured for the container and base to rotate relative to one another and for the plunger to move vertically relative to the container. The base is adapted for removable attachment to the platform and has at least one opening for receiving the shaft and the plunger. The base is adapted for translating rotational motion relative to the container to vertical motion of the plunger. A suction cup is removably fixed to the base for contacting a support surface. The suction cup has a deformable member having a first position adapted to seal to the support surface and a second position adapted to release from the support surface. The plunger is attached to the platform and to the base and adapted for vertical motion relative to the base. The vertical motion of the plunger creates open and closed states. In the closed state the plunger forms an airtight seal with the deformable member of the suction cup to enhance the seal to the support surface. In the open state the plunger forms an opening in the surface of the suction cup to diminish the seal to the support surface. In another embodiment, the no slip vessel further comprises a seal inserted between the plunger and the base. In another embodiment, the no slip vessel further comprises a retaining sleeve fixing the suction cup to the base. In another embodiment, the deformable member of the suction cup is formed with an angle between 0° and 90°. In another embodiment, the deformable surface of the suction cup is formed with an angle less than 45° and as low as 15°. In another embodiment, the plunger and the shaft have complimentary threads. In another embodiment, the container is a bowl. In another embodiment, the container is a plate. In another embodiment, the container is a cup.
In another embodiment, a no slip vessel comprises a container, a base, a plunger, and a suction cup. The container has two ends, an open end and a closed end opposite the open end, a platform constructed in the closed end. The platform has a fixture for receiving the base and a threaded shaft for receiving the plunger. The base is rotatably attached to the fixture. The base has a central opening for receiving the threaded shaft and the plunger. The suction cup is fixed to the base and adapted for contacting a support surface. The suction cup has a deformable member with a curvature in the range of between 0° and 90°. The deformable member has a central opening adapted to receive the plunger. The plunger is movably attached to the threaded shaft and has complimentary threads to the threaded shaft. The plunger has arms fixing the plunger to the base so that the plunger rotates with the base translating the rotational motion to vertical motion relative to the threaded shaft. The plunger has a face complimentary to the deformable member wherein the vertical motion of the plunger has a first end where the plunger face forms an airtight seal with the suction cup and a second end where the plunger face forms an opening in the suction cup. In another embodiment, the base, plunger and suction cup are removably attached to the container. In another embodiment, the base rotates relative to the container. In another embodiment, the base rotates relative to the vessel establishing an open position where the vessel is not sealed to the support surface, a closed position where the vessel is sealed to the support surface and a remove position where the base is detachable from the container.
In another embodiment, a no slip vessel comprises a container, a platform, and a suction cup. The container has an open end and a closed end. The open end defines a containment zone. The platform is adjacent to the closed end and opposite the containment zone. The platform has a ring and a shaft. The ring is adapted to receive the suction cup. The shaft has threads. The suction cup is adapted to sealingly fit within the ring and has a shaft fixed to a region. The shaft has threads and is adapted to interact with the plunger translating rotational motion of the container to vertical motion of the plunger. The shaft vertical motion establishes an open position where the suction cup is unsealed with respect to a support surface and a closed position where the suction cup is sealed to a support surface. In another embodiment, the suction cup has an outer surface for contact with the support surface and an inner surface contacting the shaft. In another embodiment, the suction cup has an outer surface for contact with the support surface and an inner surface contacting the shaft and the inner surface further comprises a stop for limiting the rotational motion of the container. In another embodiment, the platform has a third position releasing the suction cup from the platform and the container. In another embodiment, the platform is fixed to the container. In another embodiment, the shaft is fixed to the suction cup. In another embodiment, the shaft and plunger have complimentary threads.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 in a non-vacuum state;
FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the line 4-4 in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the embodiment of the circled region in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is another side view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 in a non-vacuum state;
FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of the line 7-7 in FIG. 6 showing the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the assembled position;
FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the line 7-7 in FIG. 6 showing the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the assembled start position;
FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of the line 7-7 in FIG. 6 showing the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the vacuum engagement position;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a vessel useful in practicing various embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a base useful in practicing the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 12 is a side view of the base shown in FIG. 11 and useful in practicing the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a suction cup useful in practicing the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 14 is a side view of the suction cup shown in FIG. 13 and useful in practicing the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a retainer useful in practicing the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 16 is a side view of the retainer shown in FIG. 15 and useful in practicing the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a plunger useful in practicing the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 18 is a top view of the plunger shown in FIG. 17;
FIG. 19 is a cross section of the plunger shown in FIG. 17 along the line 19-19;
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a seal useful in practicing the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 21 is a top view of the seal shown in FIG. 20;
FIG. 22 is a side view of the seal shown in FIGS. 20 and 21;
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 24 is an exploded view of the second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 23;
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a fixture useful in practicing the second embodiment of FIG. 23;
FIG. 26 is a side view of the fixture shown in FIG. 25;
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a suction cup useful in practicing the second embodiment of FIG. 23;
FIG. 28 is a side view of the suction cup shown in FIG. 27;
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a plunger useful in practicing the second embodiment of FIG. 23;
FIG. 30 is a top view of the plunger of FIG. 29;
FIG. 31 is a bottom view of the plunger of FIG. 29;
FIG. 32 is a side view of the plunger of FIG. 29;
FIG. 33 is a perspective view of third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 34 is an exploded view of the third embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 33;
FIG. 35 is a bottom view of the vessel shown in FIG. 33;
FIG. 36 is a cross section of the vessel shown in FIG. 35 along the line 36-36;
FIG. 37 is a top perspective view of a base useful in practicing the third embodiment of FIG. 33;
FIG. 38 is a top view of the base of FIG. 37;
FIG. 39 is a side view of the base of FIG. 37;
FIG. 40 is a top view of the insert of the base of FIG. 37; and
FIG. 41 is a side view of the insert shown in FIG. 40.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
Reference is now made in detail to the description of the embodiments as illustrated in the drawings. While several embodiments are described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention, no slip vessel 10 is shown. No slip vessel 10 includes container 12 having handles 14. Container 12 has an open end 16 and closed end 18. Open end 16 defines a containment zone 32 suitable for holding food products or the like. Attached to closed end 18 is platform 24. Connected to platform 24 is base 20 and suction cup 22.
Referring now to FIG. 2, an exploded view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, shows the detailed components of the FIG. 1 embodiment. No slip vessel 10 is comprised of container 12 having platform 24 adapted to removably attach plunger 26, base 20 and suction cup 22. Seal 28 is provided for creating a tight fit between plunger 26 and base 20. The entire assembly is held in place with retainer 30.
Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2, the no slip vessel 10 in the first embodiment comprises a container 12, a base 20 a plunger 26, and a suction cup 22. The container 12 has an open end 16 and a closed end 18 with a platform 24 adjacent the closed end 18. Container 12 is shown as a bowl but could take any form such as a plate or cup. Referring to FIGS. 6-9, the platform 24 has outer ring 40 and a tube or shaft 34, the outer ring 40 is adapted to receive the base 20 and the shaft 34 is adapted for receiving the plunger 26. Still referring to FIGS. 6-9, the platform 24 is configured for the container 12 and base 20 to rotate relative to one another and for the plunger 26 to move vertically relative to the container 12. The base 20 is adapted for removable attachment to the platform 24 and has at least one opening 25 (FIG. 11) for receiving the shaft 34 and the plunger 26. The base 20 is adapted for translating rotational motion relative to the container 12 to vertical motion of the plunger 26. A suction cup 22 is removably fixed to the base 20 for contacting a support surface. The suction cup 22 has a deformable member 23 having a first position adapted to seal to the support surface and a second position adapted to release from the support surface. The deformable member 23 is constructed with an angle of between 0° and 90°, preferably 15°. The various positions and operations of the invention are shown in more detail in FIGS. 7-9. The plunger 26 is attached to the platform 24 and to the base 20 and adapted for vertical motion relative to the base 20. The vertical motion of the plunger 26 creates open and closed states, see FIGS. 7-9. In the closed state, FIG. 9, the plunger 26 forms an airtight seal with the deformable member 23 of the suction cup 22 to enhance the seal to the support surface. In the open state, FIG. 8, the plunger 26 forms an opening in the surface of the suction cup 22 to diminish the seal to the support surface.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a side view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, suction cup 22 is shown the deformable member 23 in the non-vacuum state spaced away from base 20. Referring now to FIG. 4, a cross-section view of the line 4-4 in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5, an enlarged view of the embodiment of the circled region in FIG. 4, details of how platform 24, base, 20, suction cup 22, plunger 26, seal 28 and retainer 30 are assembled is explained. Platform 24 is show in the preferred embodiment integral with the closed end 18 of container 12. Platform 24 has shaft 34 with external threads 36 that are complimentary to internal threads 38 of plunger 26. Platform 24 also has ring 40 and inner sidewall 42 that form region 44 for positioning and receiving base 20. Ring 40 has an undercut (not shown) that is complimentary to overhang 46 of base 20. Base 20, plunger 26, seal, 28 and suction cup 22 are attached to platform 24 of container 12 by retainer 30.
FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 in the non-vacuum state. The various states of no slip vessel 10 are shown in FIGS. 7-9. FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of the line 7-7 in FIG. 6 showing the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 6 in the assembled position. FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the line 7-7 in FIG. 6 showing the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 6 in the assembled start position. FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of the line 7-7 in FIG. 6 showing the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 6 in the vacuum engagement position.
Referring now to FIG. 7, a cross-section view of the line 7-7 in FIG. 6, shows the interaction of platform 24 and base 20 when no slip vessel 10 is in position for initial assembly. Base inner ring 48 is shown with tabs one through four, 50, 52, 54 and 56. Adjacent tab three 54 is notch one 58 and adjacent tab 56 is notch two 60. Inner sidewall 42 is configured to interact with base inner ring 48. Inner sidewall 42 has tooth one 62, tooth two 64 and tooth three 66. In the assemble position, tooth two 64 has been turned clockwise past notch 58. It should be noted that the directions are described from the perspective of a user viewing no slip container 10 from the top. So clockwise motion when viewed from the top perspective will be viewed as counterclockwise motion when viewed from the bottom perspective. Ring 40 has prongs one, two and three 68, 70 and 72. Base outer ring 74 has gaps one, two and three 76, 78 and 80. Prong one 68 aligns with gap one 76, prong two 70 aligns with gap two 78 and prong three 72 aligns with gap three 80. When the prongs and gaps are aligned, base 20 can be is in position to be attached to platform 24 of container 12. As container 12 and platform 24 are rotated clockwise, prongs one, two and three, 68, 70 and 72 pass under an undercut 82 (FIG. 11) of base outer ring 74. Prongs one, two and three 68, 70 and 72, are dimensioned so they form a tight fit with the undercut 82 of base outer ring 74. The configurations of FIGS. 7-9 are shown with container 12 and platform 24 rotating relative to base 20 in a clockwise direction. To disassemble container 12 from base 20, container 12 together with platform 24 are rotated counterclockwise.
Referring now to FIG. 8, a cross-section view of the line 7-7 in FIG. 6, no slip vessel 10 is shown assembled and in the start or open position with no vacuum suction. Container 12 and platform 24 have been rotated clockwise so that tooth two 64 on inner sidewall 42 is aligned with notch one 58 on base inner ring 48. The rotation of container 12 also causes shaft 34 to rotate. The rotation of shaft 34 with external threads 36 translates the rotational motion of container 12 to vertical motion of the plunger 26 (FIGS. 4 and 5).
Referring now to FIG. 9, a cross-section view of the line 7-7 in FIG. 6, no slip vessel 10 is shown assembled and vacuum position. Container 12 and platform 24 has been rotated clockwise so that tooth two 64 is now aligned with notch two 60. The rotation of container 12 causes shaft 34 to further rotate translating the rotational motion of container 12 to vertical motion of the plunger 26 (FIGS. 4 and 5). Plunger 26 rises away from a support surface for supporting no slip vessel 10 increasing the vacuum holding no slip vessel 10 in place.
Referring now to FIG. 10, a perspective view of a vessel useful in practicing the embodiment of FIG. 1, no slip vessel 10 is shown comprising container 12 with open end 16 and closed end 18. Open end 16 defines a containment zone for holding foodstuffs and the like. Container 12 is shown with handles 14.
Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, respectively a perspective view and a side view of a base useful in practicing the embodiment of FIG. 1, the various tabs and notches of base 20 are depicted. Base 20 has base outer ring 74 and base inner ring 48 mounted on platform 86. Platform 86 is configured to conform to suction cup 22. Base outer ring 74 has overhang 46 dimensioned to form undercut 82. Base outer ring 74 includes gaps one, two and three, 76, 78 and 80. Base inner ring 48 includes tabs 84 that align with notches 88 of retainer 30. Base inner ring 48 also includes tabs one through four, 50, 52, 54 and 56, that interact with complimentary teeth one through three, 62, 64 and 66. Associated with tab three 54 is notch one 58 and associated with tab four 56 is notch two 60.
Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, respectively a perspective view and a side view of a suction cup useful in practicing the embodiment of FIG. 1, suction cup 22 is described in detail. Suction cup 22 has boot 90 that forms a vacuum with a supporting surface. In the preferred embodiment, boot 90 is deformable and has a curvature so that when it rests on a supporting surface it forms an air tight seal along edge 96. Suction cup 22 is provided with disk 94 that has spacers 92 that are adapted to mate with corresponding gaps in the bottom of base 20. Suction cup 22 is also provided with shoulder 98 that is configured to receive retainer 30. In the preferred embodiment, suction cup 22 is constructed of a flexible material such as silicone.
Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, respectively a perspective view and a side view of a retainer useful in practicing the embodiment of FIG. 1, is described in detail. Retainer 30 comprises wall 100 positioned on ledge 104. Wall 100 is configured with notches 88 adapted to receive tabs one through four, 52, 54, 56, 58, of base 20 and wings 108 of plunger 26. Wall 100 has loop 102 that is adapted to fit over shoulder 98 of suction cup 22 so that suction cup 22 is removably fastened to retainer 30. Also, retainer 30 makes a removably rigid attachment to base 20 at retainer ring 85. Each of notches 88 has stops 106 to rest against tabs one through four, 52, 54, 56, 58, of base 20. Each of notches 88 are adapted to receive wings 108 of plunger 26. In the preferred embodiment, retainer 30 is constructed of a rigid material such as polypropylene.
Referring now to FIG. 17, a perspective view of a plunger useful in practicing the embodiment of FIG. 1, plunger 26 is described in detail. Plunger 26 is comprised of two main components, tube 110 and seal 28. Tube 110 includes wings 108 and internal threads 38. In the preferred embodiment, tube 110 is constructed of a hard material such as polypropylene and seal 28 is constructed of a soft flexible rubber-like material such as silicone or an equivalent rubber-like material. Seal 28 can be adapted so that it is removably fixed to tube 110 or in an alternative embodiment it can be permanently fixed using standard over molding techniques well known to those skilled in the industry. Internal threads 38 are adapted to be complimentary to the external threads 36 of shaft 34.
Referring now to FIG. 18, a top view of a plunger useful in practicing the embodiment of FIG. 1, and FIG. 19, a cross section of the plunger shown in FIG. 17 along the line 19-19, an embodiment of plunger 26 wherein seal 28 is removably attached to tube 110 is described in additional detail. Tube 110 is configured with slot 112 formed by top 116 and bottom 118.
Slot 112 is adapted to receive finger 114 of seal 28. In this embodiment, tube 110 is constructed of a hard or rigid material and seal 28 is constructed of a flexible material so that finger 114 slides over bottom 118 to fit snuggly in slot 112.
Referring now to FIGS. 20, 21 and 22, respectively a perspective view, a top view and a side view of a seal useful in practicing the embodiment of FIG. 1, seal 28 is shown in detail. In this embodiment seal 28 is shown removed from tube 110. Seal 28 is shown with finger 114 that fits into slot 112. Seal 28 has interference seal 27 that has an outside diameter that is greater than the diameter of inner wall 31. Seal 28 also has pressure seal 29 that presses against inner wall 31. The combination of interference seal 27 and pressure seal 29 create an airtight fit for plunger 26.
Referring now to FIG. 23, a perspective view of second embodiment of the present invention, shows an alternative embodiment of no slip vessel 10 where base 20 is replaced by fixture 120 shown in FIG. 24. No slip vessel 10 includes container 212 having handles 214. Container 212 has an open end 216. Open end 216 defines a containment zone 215 suitable for holding food products or the like. Attached to container 212 is platform 224. Connected to platform 224 is suction cup 222. In this embodiment, suction cup 222 is attached to platform 224 by way of fixture 120.
Referring now to FIG. 24, an exploded view of the second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 23, the various components of an alternative embodiment of no slip vessel 10 are described. Container 212 is shown with the details of platform 224 described. Platform 224 has outer wall 122 for receiving fixture 120. Suction cup 222 is adapted to fit within inside ring 126 of fixture 120. Retainer 130 is adapted to removably attach suction cup 222 and fixture 120 to platform 224 of container 212.
Still referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, in a second embodiment, a no slip vessel 10 comprises a container 212 with a platform 224, a fixture 120, and a suction cup 222. The container has two ends, an open end 216 and a closed end, not shown, opposite the open end 216, a platform 224 is constructed adjacent the closed end. The platform 224 attaches to a fixture 120 for attaching the suction cup 222 to container 212. The fixture 120 is rotatably attached to the platform 224. The fixture 120 has a central opening 218 for receiving a threaded portion 226 and the retainer 130. The suction cup 222 is fixed to the platform 224 and the fixture 120 and adapted for contacting a support surface. The suction cup 222 has a deformable member 228 with a curvature in the range of between 0° and 90°. The deformable member 228 has a central opening 230 for receiving a threaded portion 226 of platform 224 and the retainer 130. The retainer 130 is movably attached to the threaded portion 226 and has complimentary threads. The rotation of container 212 causes threaded portion 226 of platform 224 to rotate translating the rotational motion to vertical motion of retainer 130 and suction cup 222. The suction cup 222 has a deformable member 228 wherein the vertical motion of suction cup 222 has a first position where the deformable member 228 of suction cup 228 forms an airtight seal with the supporting surface and a second position where the interface between suction cup 222 and fixture 120 creates an opening releasing the vacuum between suction cup 222 and the support surface.
Referring now to FIGS. 25 and 26, respectively a perspective view and a side view of a fixture useful in practicing the second embodiment of FIG. 23, fixture 120 is shown in detail. Fixture 120 has posts 128 that align within platform 224.
Referring now to FIGS. 27 and 28, respectively a perspective view and a side view of a suction cup useful in practicing the embodiment of FIG. 23, suction cup 222 is shown in detail. Suction cup 222 has deformable member 228 and tabs 234 that align with slots 236 along inside ring 126 of retainer 120.
Referring now to FIGS. 29, 30, 31 and 32, respectively a perspective view, a top view, a bottom view and a side view of a retainer useful in practicing the embodiment of FIG. 23, details of retainer 130 are described. Retainer 130 has shoulder 238 fixed to wall 252. At the top of wall 252 is rail 246 with gaps 244. The bottom edge of rail 246 forms undercut 250. On the inner surface 254 of wall 252 are ledges 242. In ledges 242 are opening 240.
Referring now to FIG. 33, a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention, shows an alternative embodiment of no slip vessel 10 where the functions of fixture 120, suction cup 22 and retainer 130 have been merged into base 132. No slip vessel 10 includes container 312 having handles 314. Container 312 has an open end 316. Open end 316 defines a containment zone 332 suitable for holding food products or the like. Attached to container 312 is platform 324. Connected to platform 324 is base 132.
Referring now to FIG. 34, an exploded view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 33, details of base 132 are described. Base 132 includes suction cup 334 and shaft 136 having external threads 138. Shaft 136 form part of insert 138 that together with suction cup 334 forms base 132.
Referring now to FIGS. 35 and 36, respectively a bottom view and a cross sectional view along the line 36-36 of the vessel shown in FIG. 33, platform 324 is described in detail. Platform 324 includes outer wall 140 adapted to cooperate with suction cup 334 to form an airtight seal with a supporting surface and thus creating a vacuum. Platform 324 also has an integral hub 142 with inner threads 144 that are complimentary to external threads 138 of shaft 136. Platform 324 also has hold down wall 340 that abuts inner surface 338 of suction cup 334 hold suction cup 334 in position while the bottom portion of insert 146 to create a vacuum between outer surface 336 of suction cup 334 and the supporting surface.
Still referring to FIGS. 33-36, in the third embodiment, a no slip vessel 10 comprises a container 312, a platform 324, and a base 132. The container 312 has an open end 316, handles 314 and a closed end (not shown). The open end 316 defines a containment zone 332. The platform 324 is adjacent to the closed end and opposite the containment zone 332. The base 132 has an insert 146 fixed to a suction cup 334. The suction cup 334 has an outer surface 336 for contacting the support surface and an inner surface 338 for contacting platform 324. Insert 146 has shaft 136 with external threads 138. The suction cup 334 is adapted to sealingly fit within platform 324. The shaft 136 has external threads 138 and is adapted to interact with the hub 142 translating rotational motion of the container to vertical motion of the shaft 136 and suction cup 334. The vertical motion of shaft 136 establishes an open position where the suction cup is unsealed with respect to a support surface and a closed position where the suction cup is sealed to a support surface.
Referring now to FIGS. 37 and 38, respectively a top perspective view and a top view of a base useful in practicing the embodiment of FIG. 33, the details of base 132 are described. Base 132 includes insert 146 and suction cup 334. In the preferred embodiment, suction cup 334 is comprised of a generally soft, flexible material, such as silicone, while insert 146 is constructed of a rigid material such as polypropylene. In one embodiment, suction cup 334 has side fitting 150 for receiving insert 146. In an alternative embodiment, suction cup 334 can be over molded on to insert 146.
Referring now to FIG. 39, a side view of the base of FIG. 37, suction cup 334 is shown with insert 146 assembled and enclosed by side fitting 150 and surrounded by suction cup 334. Shaft 136 is shown with external threads 138.
Referring now to FIGS. 40 and 41, respectively a top view and a side view of the insert of the base of FIG. 37, a detailed description of insert 146 is provided. Shaft 136 is fixed to disk 152. Shaft 136 is shown with external threads 138. Disk 152 has holes 342 that are useful in the overmolding process.
Although exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes, modifications, or alterations to the disclosure as described may be made. All such changes, modifications, and alterations should therefore be seen as within the scope of the disclosure.
Patent Application
20210076854
