Flush valve mounted beverage holder and associated method

Details Flush valve mounted beverage holder and associated method Flush valve mounted beverage holder and associated method

1999-08-12

2001-06-12

Moy, Joseph M. (Department: 3727)

Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons

Flush closet

C220S737000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06243885

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of holders for beverage containers and, more particularly, to a beverage container holder configured for mounting on a flush valve such as found on commercial urinals and toilets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Commercial sanitary fixtures such as urinals and toilets are in widespread use. These fixtures are installed in buildings and facilities where large groups of people congregate for sporting events, concerts, conferences, and other gatherings. In addition, these fixtures are also commonly found in eating and drinking establishments such as restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
The public attending crowded events such as football games, or visiting a concert facility or nightclub, will eventually visit the restroom where these fixtures are installed. Often, a person will be carrying a drink container of some kind, a cup, bottle or glass, for which the person will need to find a safe resting place while the person uses the toilet or urinal. Commonly, the person may try to balance the beverage container upon the edge of the sanitary fixture or on the associated plumbing, often resulting in a spilled drink, or broken bottle, and liquid and glass covering the floor of the restroom. Such a spill creates a highly unsafe condition for all patrons, and frustration for the patron who accidentally spills his/her beverage in that manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
With the foregoing in mind, the present intention advantageously provides a beverage container holder connected to the flush valve housing of a sanitary fixture such as a urinal or toilet. The flush valve mounted holder has a closed bottom and an open top, the closed bottom being configured to replace the original cover of the flush valve in a commercial sanitary fixture such as a urinal or toilet. The flush mounted holder includes a base positioned to form the closed bottom of the holder, the base having threads for connecting to the flush valve housing, to thereby mount the holder on the flush valve in place of the original flush valve cover. The holder also includes a body connected to the base and positioned to form the open top of the flush valve mounted holder, the open top having a shape suitable for holding at least one item for a person using the sanitary fixture. The open top may be shaped as a shelf, as an ashtray, and as a holder for beverage containers.
The holder may preferably further include a body having an outer wall extending vertically upwardly from the base to form a hollow receptacle including an inner cavity having a floor and a mouth opening having a mouth rim. The hollow receptacle, mouth opening and inner cavity are suitably dimensioned for receiving a beverage container therein, to preferably define a beverage container holder. In a preferred embodiment the holder may further include a hexagonally shaped element positioned to receive a wrench for aiding in connecting and disconnecting the holder relative to the flush valve housing.
Additionally, the present invention includes associated methods for advertising, including the step of connecting an advertisement to a flush valve assembly of a commercial sanitary fixture such as a urinal or toilet by replacing an original part of the flush valve assembly with a functionally equivalent part bearing the advertisement. The method preferably further includes the step of providing the functionally equivalent part in a predetermined color, to thereby promote a sports team or other entity associated with the color. Also, the method may preferably include the advertisement designed as a predetermined logo, to thereby promote a specified entity such as a university or sports team.


REFERENCES:
patent: 1957353 (1934-05-01), Piersall
patent: 3799037 (1974-03-01), Schmidt
patent: 3850398 (1974-11-01), Kantor
patent: 4215445 (1980-08-01), Antos et al.
patent: 4683598 (1987-08-01), Jones
patent: 5169108 (1992-12-01), Carlson
patent: 5356107 (1994-10-01), Sinohuiz
patent: 5695162 (1997-12-01), DiCastro
patent: 6006371 (1999-12-01), Korte

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