Patent Application
20240215719
The present invention relates generally to the field of water bottle storage devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an aesthetically pleasing storage unit for plastic water bottles. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference to the present invention. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in water bottle storage devices. Generally, people may buy multiple cases of water from the store and place them on the ground in their home, office, garage, etc. The plastic cases are unsightly and may create a tripping hazard if placed in certain areas. Further, water bottles can come loose from the packages and roll onto the floor, causing a mess and/or hazard.
Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in bottled water consumption. Multiple water bottles are usually stored in a variety of different places, such as closets, offices, hallways, under desks, or in any space that might accommodate the water bottles. Often, water bottle storage is an afterthought that occurs out of necessity.
Accordingly, the principal object of the present invention is to provide an improved water bottle storage and retrieval system in which a user can easily and rapidly position and store water bottles.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a water bottle storage device that provides users with an aesthetically pleasing storage unit for plastic water bottles. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a water bottle storage device that features a V-shaped, circular, or triangular configuration for the unit. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a water bottle storage device that can accommodate several water bottles simultaneously. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that allows users to easily pull a single bottle from the system for consumption. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a water bottle storage device that prevents water bottles from being stored in plastic cases on the floor or loose in a kitchen, office, pantry, or other area. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a water bottle storage device that offers a way to neatly store plastic water bottles and keep them off the floor.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a water bottle storage device. The device is an improved storage system for plastic water bottles. The device comprises a perimeter frame that can be shaped into multiple configurations, such as a V-shaped frame, a circular frame, and a triangular frame, etc. The frames comprise a plurality of shelves or recesses/indentations to receive and retain different sizes of water bottles. Specifically, users can store 16 ounce and 20 ounce plastic water bottles within the device. Thus, the device is used to neatly store water bottles above a floor surface and may be comprised of different types of aesthetically pleasing materials, such as wood or metal.
In this manner, the water bottle storage device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that provides a way to neatly store plastic water bottles and keep them off the floor. The device is a wood and/or metal frame with shelves or indentations for receiving water bottles. The device can be a uniquely designed frame-shape to house water bottles.
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/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 subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a water bottle storage device. The device is an improved storage system for plastic water bottles. The device comprises a perimeter frame that can be shaped into multiple configurations, such as a V-shaped frame, a circular frame, and a triangular frame, etc. The frames comprise a plurality of shelves or recesses/indentations to receive and retain different sizes of water bottles. Specifically, users can store 16 ounce and 20 ounce plastic water bottles within the device. Thus, the device is used to neatly store water bottles above a floor surface and may be comprised of different types of aesthetically pleasing materials, such as wood or metal.
In one embodiment, the water bottle storage device comprises a perimeter frame. The perimeter frame comprises different configurations, such as a V-shape, circular-shape, or triangular-shape configuration, or any other suitable configuration as is known in the art.
Generally, in the circular and triangular-shaped configurations, a front face and a rear face are connected together by the perimeter frame to form the structure. Thus, the front face is spaced apart from the rear face via the perimeter frame. Specifically, the front face meets the side wall (perimeter frame) at a forward edge. Similarly, the side wall meets the rear face at a rearward edge. Further, the front face comprises a plurality of through holes for receiving different sizes of water bottles. A spacer component is then secured to a bottom of each through hole and connected to the rear face to help retain a water bottle in the device.
In one embodiment, the plurality of through holes or recesses are shown as cylinders having circular cross sections. However, through holes, openings or recesses that are elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, etc., in shape are also possible and within the scope of the invention.
In another embodiment, the device comprises a curved support surface extending between front face and a rear face to provide support to each water bottle placed in the device. Further, the device comprises a plurality of inserts or cradles, adapted to be attached thereto to provide support to the water bottles. Cradles may be made from numerous materials, such as metal or plastic, but preferably are comprised of a plastic material. Cradle defines a curved support surface. A curved support surface has an arc length extending between the edges thereof, wherein the curved support surface extends between edges along the length of the cradle and has a radius of curvature. Radius of curvature is preferably equal to or slightly greater than a radius of the outer diameter of water bottle. Thus, curved support surface extends between the front face and rear face and will support water bottles along an underside thereof. The support surface will contact bottles along the outermost diameter thereof.
Generally, in the V-shape configuration, the perimeter frame is secured to a closed rear face with an open front face and at least one shelf secured to the rear face. The shelf allows water bottles to be positioned above and below the shelf and secured in a V-shape formation following the perimeter frame. Thus, when a water bottle is removed, the other water bottles roll down the shelving toward the middle of the device allowing a user to load additional water bottles on the sides of the device. In one embodiment, the V-shaped configuration has an open and spacious appearance and is more compatible with certain styles or modes of furniture and architecture.
In one embodiment, the shelf is angled so that the portion of shelf nearest the middle is at its lowest point. Traveling along the shelf away from the middle, the shelf inclines upward and is positioned at its highest at each end of the shelf forming a V-shaped configuration.
In use, for one embodiment of the water bottle storage device, a user can easily store full water bottles on the shelf/shelves intended to receive them. Then, the user can remove a full water bottle, as needed. As the user lifts the full water bottle from the device, the other water bottles roll down the incline, toward the middle of the device. Thus, the next water bottle rolls into position to occupy the space of the removed water bottle in the V-shaped configuration.
Other embodiments may include additional shelves, or the length of shelves may vary depending upon the particular application and requirements of the device. In one embodiment, the shelf may be long enough to accept seven or eight standard size water bottles along the length of each shelf. However, perhaps due to space limitations, the configuration of the device may require that more or fewer water bottles be stored along shelves. The device configuration is easily adaptable to accommodate a variety of different shelf lengths and additional number of shelves. Further, the angles of the shelves may also be adjusted to accommodate specific requirements.
In one embodiment, the perimeter frame of the water bottle storage device comprises at least two legs to support the structure off of the floor during use. However, any suitable number of legs can be utilized as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.
In one embodiment, the water bottle storage device can be utilized in areas such as next to staircases, in pantries, along a wall, etc., which benefit from having the perimeter frame in a triangular, V-shaped, or circular configuration.
In one embodiment, the water bottles are generally cylindrical objects having a first or forward end, a rear or second end, and a longitudinal axis. A neck extends forward from the forward end. The portion of the water bottle between the ends may be referred to as a body portion. Further, the body portion of the water bottle has an outer surface defining a first outer diameter.
In one embodiment, usage of the device comprises placement of water bottles directly on the recesses or shelves. Water bottles would directly contact each shelve or recessed opening. The recessed opening is curved to allow for an additional support surface on the water bottles. The added support alleviates, and virtually eliminates, damage to water bottles during storage.
In one embodiment, the water bottle storage device stores a plurality of water bottles of varying sizes. Typically, 16 ounce and 20 ounce water bottles can be stored in the device. Generally, the water bottles are stored such that their longitudinal axis are parallel to the ground. As will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art, storage of water bottles with their longitudinal axis parallel to the ground is in many instances highly advantageous.
In one embodiment, the frame components and front and rear faces may be manufactured of wood, metal, plastic, foam, or other similar materials, or any combination thereof. When the frame is manufactured of plastic or similar materials, the frame may be manufactured by processes such as by injection, blow or rotational molding, or formed by a casting process, which manufacturing processes are well known to those having ordinary skill in the art.
In one embodiment, the water bottle storage device comprises an electrical light assembly affixed to the rear face. The light assembly comprises a two-element electrical cord, a bulb socket, and a light source. In a preferred embodiment, the light source may comprise a light emitting diode or some other light source which does not generate heat. Such light sources may be of various glass and different colors. In this embodiment, the water bottle storage device may be comprised of polypropylene or other transparent or semi-transparent material. In this configuration, the effect of the light on the device is esthetically pleasing to the observer without degrading the advantages of the invention.
In yet another embodiment, the water bottle storage device comprises a plurality of indicia.
In yet another embodiment, a method of storing a plurality of water bottles is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a water bottle storage device comprising a perimeter frame with a plurality of shelves or recesses for receiving a plurality of water bottles. The method also comprises placing the water bottle storage device in a house or office. Further, the method comprises positioning a plurality of water bottles within the shelves and recesses for storage. Finally, the method comprises removing a water bottle from the device, as needed.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
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 are 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.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
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.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a water bottle storage device that provides users with an aesthetically pleasing storage unit for plastic water bottles. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a water bottle storage device that features a V-shaped, circular, or triangular configuration for the unit. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a water bottle storage device that can accommodate several water bottles simultaneously. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that allows users to easily pull a single bottle from the system for consumption. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a water bottle storage device that prevents water bottles from being stored in plastic cases on the floor or loose in a kitchen, office, pantry, or other area. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a water bottle storage device that offers a way to neatly store plastic water bottles and keep them off the floor.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel water bottle storage device. The device is an improved storage system for plastic water bottles. The device comprises a perimeter frame that can be shaped into multiple configurations, such as a V-shaped frame, a circular frame, and a triangular frame, etc. The frames comprise a plurality of shelves or recesses/indentations to receive and retain different sizes of water bottles. Specifically, users can store 16 ounce and 20 ounce plastic water bottles within the device. Thus, the device is used to neatly store water bottles above a floor surface and may be comprised of different types of aesthetically pleasing materials, such as wood or metal. The present invention also includes a novel method of storing a plurality of water bottles. The method includes the steps of providing a water bottle storage device comprising a perimeter frame with a plurality of shelves or recesses for receiving a plurality of water bottles. The method also comprises placing the water bottle storage device in a house or office. Further, the method comprises positioning a plurality of water bottles within the shelves and recesses for storage. Finally, the method comprises removing a water bottle from the device as needed.
Referring initially to the drawings,
As shown in the various figures, the water bottle storage device 100 comprises a perimeter frame 102. The perimeter frame 102 comprises different configurations, such as a V-shaped frame 200, a circular-shaped frame 300, or a triangular-shaped frame 500, etc., or any other suitable configuration as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.
As shown in the V-shape configuration 200 in
Further, the shelf 206 is angled so that the portion of the shelf 206 nearest the middle 208 is at its lowest point. Traveling along the shelf 206 away from the middle 208, the shelf 206 inclines upward and is positioned at its highest at each end (sides 210) of the shelf 206 forming the V-shaped configuration 200.
In use, for one embodiment of the water bottle storage device 100, a user can easily store full water bottles 108 on the shelf/shelves 206 intended to receive them. Then, the user can remove a full water bottle 108 as needed. As the user lifts the full water bottle 108 from the device 100, the other water bottles 108 roll down the incline toward the middle 208 of the device 100. Thus, the next water bottle 108 rolls into position to occupy the space of the removed water bottle 108 freeing up the sides 210 such that a user can load another water bottle 108 on the sides 210 due to the V-shaped configuration 200 of the device 100.
Other embodiments may include additional shelves 206 or the length 212 of the shelves 206 may vary depending upon the particular application and requirements of the device 100. In one embodiment, the shelf 206 may be long enough to accept seven or eight standard size water bottles 108 along the length 212 of each shelf 206. However, perhaps due to space limitations, the configuration of the device 100 may require that more or fewer water bottles 108 be stored along the shelves 206. The device 100 configuration is easily adaptable to accommodate a variety of different shelf lengths 212 and an additional number of shelves 206. Further, the angles of the shelves 206 may also be adjusted to accommodate specific requirements, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.
Additionally, the water bottles 108 are generally cylindrical objects having a first or forward end 214, a rear or second end 216, and a longitudinal axis 218. A neck 220 extends forward from the forward end 214. The portion of the water bottle 108 between the ends 214, 216 may be referred to as a body portion 222. Further, the body portion 222 of the water bottle 108 has an outer surface 224 defining a first outer diameter 226. Thus, usage of the device 100 comprises placement of water bottles 108 directly on the shelves 206. Accordingly, water bottles 108 would directly contact each shelve 206 during use.
As shown in the circular 300 and triangular-shaped 500 configurations in
In one embodiment, the plurality of through holes 310 or recesses 106 are shown as cylinders having circular cross sections. However, through holes 310 or recesses 106 that are elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, etc., in shape or cross-section are also possible and within the scope of the invention.
Furthermore, the device 100 comprises a curved support surface 316 extending between the front face 302 and the rear face 304 to provide support to each water bottle 108 placed in the device 100. Further, the device 100 comprises a plurality of inserts or cradles 318 adapted to be attached thereto to provide support to the water bottles 108. Cradles 318 may be made from numerous materials, such as metal or plastic, but preferably are comprised of a plastic material. Cradle 318 defines a curved support surface 316. Curved support surface 316 has an arc length extending between the edges thereof. Curved support surface 316 extends between edges along the length of the cradle 318 and has a radius of curvature. Radius of curvature is preferably equal to or slightly greater than a radius of the outer diameter 226 of the water bottle 108. Thus, curved support surface 316 extends between the front face 302 and the rear face 304 and will support water bottles 108 along an underside thereof. Support surface 316 will contact bottles 108 along the outermost diameter 226 thereof.
Additionally, usage of the device 100 comprises placement of the water bottles 108 directly in the recesses 106 or through-holes 310. Water bottles 108 would directly contact each through-hole 310 or recessed opening 106. The recessed opening 106 and through-hole 310 are curved to allow for an additional support surface on the water bottles 108. The added support alleviates, and virtually eliminates, damage to water bottles 108 during storage.
In one embodiment, the perimeter frame 102 of the water bottle storage device 100 comprises at least two legs 320 to support the structure off of the floor 110 during use. However, any suitable number of legs 320 can be utilized as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Further, the legs 320 can be secured to the device 100 via any suitable securing means, as is known in the art, such as gluing, screws, adhesive, nails, etc.
Further, the water bottle storage device 100 can be utilized in areas such as next to staircases, in pantries, along a wall, etc., which benefit from having the perimeter frame 102 in a triangular 500, V-shaped 200, or circular 300 configuration.
As shown in
As shown in
In one embodiment, the water bottle storage device 100 comprises an electrical light assembly 502 affixed to the rear face 202, 304. The light assembly 502 comprises a two-element electrical cord 504, a bulb socket 506, and a light source 508. In a preferred embodiment, the light source 508 may comprise a light emitting diode or some other light source which does not generate heat. Such light sources 508 may be of various glass and different colors. In this embodiment, the water bottle storage device 100 may be comprised of polypropylene or other transparent or semi-transparent material. In this configuration, the effect of the light on the device 100 is esthetically pleasing to the observer without degrading the advantages of the invention.
In yet another embodiment, the water bottle storage device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 510. The frame component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the frame component 102, or any other indicia 510 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 510 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be water bottle, water, or brand related.
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 users 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 “water bottle storage device”, “storage device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the water bottle storage device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the water bottle storage device 100 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 water bottle storage device 100 as shown in
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.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/436,904, which was filed on Jan. 4, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63436904 | Jan 2023 | US |
