Water cooler abstract
A modular system for holding water cooler bottles on their sides
so as to be easily stored and readily accessible for removal and
placement in a water cooler. The present invention is an integrally
formed molded plastic bottle holder unit which is vertically stackably
interconnectable and horizontally interconnectable to form a bottle
holder system. Each unit has four vertical supports. Two parallel
horizontal supports are provided, each integrally formed with and
connecting a pair of vertical supports. These pairs of connected
vertical supports are connected by two horizontal supports each
shaped and arcuately contoured to support the curved side of a water
bottle. An integrally formed horizontal support member extends between
the two contoured horizontal support members substantially parallel
to the bottle longitudinal axis. Each vertical support has an upper
and lower end which are open and form a receiving cavity for either
an end cap, a caster holder, a transition element between two stacked
bottle units or a connector or connector caster member for connecting
two or more horizontally adjacent bottle units. The individual connectors,
caster holders, end caps or transition elements each have wedging
surfaces integrally formed in the faces of the sides thereof.
Water cooler claims
What is claimed is:
1. A water bottle storage unit for holding a water cooler bottle
placed substantially horizontally thereon, comprising:
means for holding said water bottle, said holding means contoured
to conform to the water cooler bottle and including a longitudinal
member for supporting the bottle along an underside thereof;
means for supporting said holding means attached to said holding
means,
said support means adapted to be interconnected with one or more
similar said storage units.
2. A water bottle storage unit as in claim 1 wherein said supporting
means includes a plurality of substantially vertical supports.
3. A water bottle storage unit as in claim 2 wherein each said
vertical support has a socket cavity formed in the bottom thereof.
4. A water bottle storage unit as in claim 2 wherein each said
vertical support has a socket cavity formed in the top thereof.
5. A water bottle storage unit as in claim 2 wherein each said
unit is adapted to be vertically connected to a similar storage
unit by means of a male transition element.
6. A water bottle storage unit as in claim 2 wherein each said
unit is adapted to receive a connector for horizontally connecting
said units, said connector comprising a pair of horizontally adjacent
connected frustopyramids having wedging surfaces formed on the faces
thereof for engaging socket cavities in said vertical supports.
7. A water bottle storage unit as in claim 2 wherein each said
unit has a frustopyramid shaped transition element formed integrally
with the top of each said vertical support for engaging a socket
cavity in the bottom of a storage unit to be stacked vertically
thereon.
8. A water bottle storage unit as in claim 2 wherein each said
unit has a frustopyramid shaped transition element formed integrally
with the bottom of each said vertical support for engaging a socket
cavity in the top of a storage unit upon which said unit is to be
vertically stacked.
9. A water bottle storage unit as in claim 2 further comprising
an end cap for engaging a socket cavity in the top of each said
vertical support.
10. A water bottle storage unit as in claim 2 further comprising
a pair of frustopyramidal shaped elements connected horizontally
for engaging socket cavities in adjacent said units.
11. A water bottle storage unit as in claim 2 further comprising
a caster for engaging a bottom socket cavity of a vertical support,
said caster comprising a roller disposed within a frustopyramidal
shaped member having a plurality of wedging surfaces formed thereon.
12. A water bottle storage system for holding a plurality of water
cooler bottles, each said bottle placed substantially horizontally
thereon, comprising:
a plurality of water bottle storage units, each including:
means for holding a water bottle, said holding means contoured
to conform to the water cooler bottle and including a longitudinal
member for supporting the bottle along the underside thereof,
means for supporting said holding means attached to said holding
means, and
means for connecting said plurality of water bottle storage units,
said connecting means connecting said units in a configuration selected
from the group of configurations consisting of vertically connected
units, horizontally connected units and vertically and horizontally
connected units.
13. A water bottle storage system as in claim 12 wherein said
supporting means includes a plurality of substantially vertical
supports.
14. A water bottle storage system as in claim 13 wherein each
said vertical support has a socket cavity formed in the bottom thereof.
15. A water bottle storage system as in claim 13 wherein each
said vertical support has a socket cavity formed in the top thereof.
16. A water bottle storage system as in claim 13 wherein each
said unit is adapted to be vertically connected to a similar storage
unit by means of a male transition element.
17. A water bottle storage system as in claim 13 wherein each
said unit is adapted to receive a connector for horizontally connecting
said units, said connector comprising a pair of horizontally adjacent
connected frustopyramids having wedging surfaces formed on the faces
thereof for engaging socket cavities in said vertical supports.
18. A water bottle storage system as in claim 13 wherein each
said unit has a frustopyramid shaped transition element formed integrally
with the top of each said vertical support for engaging a socket
cavity in the bottom of a storage unit to be stacked vertically
thereon.
19. A water bottle storage system as in claim 13 wherein each
said unit has a frustopyramid shaped transition element formed integrally
with the bottom of each said vertical support for engaging a socket
cavity in the top of a storage unit upon which said unit is to be
vertically stacked.
20. A water bottle storage system as in claim 13 further comprising
an end cap for engaging a socket cavity in the top of each said
vertical support.
21. A water bottle storage system as in claim 13 further comprising
a pair of frustopyramidal shaped elements connected horizontally
for engaging socket cavities in adjacent said units.
22. A water bottle storage system as in claim 13 further comprising
a caster for engaging a bottom socket cavity of a vertical support,
said caster comprising a roller disposed within a frustopyramidal
shaped member having a plurality of wedging surfaces formed thereon.
23. A water bottle storage unit as in claim 1 wherein said supporting
means are adapted to be interconnected by male members having cross-sections
selected from the group of cross-sections consisting of circular
and polygonal cross-sections.
24. A water bottle storage system as in claim 12 wherein said
connecting means comprise male members having cross-sections consisting
of circular and polygonal cross-sections.
25. A water bottle storage unit for holding a water cooler bottle
placed substantially horizontally thereon, comprising:
means for holding said water bottle, said holding means including:
a pair of substantially horizontal supports, each said support
connecting a pair of said vertical supports,
a pair of substantially horizontal bottle supports, one said support
connected to a pair of vertical supports at the front of said bottle
storage unit, the other said support connected to a pair of vertical
supports at the back of said bottle storage unit, and
a longitudinal support connecting said horizontal bottle supports;
means for supporting said holding means attached to said holding
means, said supporting means including a plurality of substantially
vertical supports;
said supporting means adapted to be interconnected with one or
more similar said storage units.
26. A water bottle storage unit as in claim 25 further comprising
a stop formed on said back horizontal support member.
27. A water bottle storage unit as in claim 25 wherein said horizontal
support members each have an arcuately formed portion for cradling
the bottle therein.
28. A water bottle storage unit for holding a water cooler bottle
placed substantially horizontally thereon, comprising:
means for holding said water bottle;
means for supporting said holding means attached to said holding
means,
said supporting means adapted to be interconnected with one or
more similar said storage units,
wherein said unit is integrally formed as a single unitary structure.
29. A water bottle storage unit for holding a water cooler bottle
placed substantially horizontally thereon, comprising:
means for holding said water bottle;
means for supporting said holding means attached to said holding
means, said supporting means including a plurality of substantially
vertical supports;
said supporting means adapted to be interconnected with one or
more similar said storage units, wherein each said unit is adapted
to be vertically connected to a similar storage unit by means of
a male transition element shaped as a mirrored frustopyramid, having
a plurality of wedging surfaces formed on the faces of said mirrored
frustopyramid, said wedging surfaces for engaging socket cavities
in said vertical supports.
30. A water bottle storage unit for holding a water cooler bottle
placed substantially horizontally thereon, comprising:
means for holding said water bottle;
means for supporting said holding means attached to said holding
means, said supporting means including a plurality of substantially
vertical supports;
said supporting means adapted to be interconnected with one or
more similar said storage units, wherein each said unit is adapted
to receive a connector caster for horizontally connecting said units,
said connector caster comprising a pair of horizontally adjacent
connected frustopyramids having wedging surfaces formed on the faces
thereof for engaging socket cavities in the faces of said frustopyramids,
and further comprising a roller disposed between said pair of frustopyramids.
31. A water bottle storage system for holding a plurality of water
cooler bottles, each said bottle placed substantially horizontally
thereon, comprising:
a plurality of water bottle storage units, each including:
means for holding a water bottle, said holding means including:
a pair of substantially horizontal supports, each said support
connected to a pair of vertical supports at the front of said bottle
storage unit, the other said support connected to a pair of vertical
supports at the back of said bottle storage unit, and
a longitudinal support connecting said horizontal bottle supports;
means for supporting said holding means attached to said holding
means, said supporting means including a plurality of substantially
vertical supports; and
means for connecting said plurality of water bottle storage units,
said connecting means connecting said units in a configuration selected
from the group of configurations consisting of vertically connected
units, horizontally connected units and vertically and horizontally
connected units.
32. A water bottle storage system as in claim 31 further comprising
a stop formed on said back horizontal support member.
33. A bottle storage system as in claim 31 wherein said horizontal
support members each have an arcuately formed portion for cradling
the bottle therein.
34. A water bottle storage system for holding a plurality of water
cooler bottles, each said bottle placed substantially horizontally
thereon, comprising:
a plurality of water bottle storage units, each said unit integrally
formed as a single unitary structure, including:
means for holding a water bottle,
means for supporting said holding means attached to said holding
means, and
means for connecting said plurality of water bottle storage units,
said connecting means connecting said units in a configuration selected
from the group of configurations consisting of vertically connected
units, horizontally connected units and vertically and horizontally
connected units.
35. A water bottle storage system for holding a plurality of water
cooler bottles, each said bottle placed substantially horizontally
thereon, comprising:
a plurality of water bottle storage units, each including:
means for holding a water bottle,
means for supporting said holding means attached to said holding
means, said supporting means including a plurality of substantially
vertical supports; and
means for connecting said plurality of water bottle storage units,
said connecting means connecting said units in a configuration selected
from the group of configurations consisting of vertically connected
units, horizontally connected units and vertically and horizontally
connected units; wherein each said unit is adapted to be vertically
connected to a similar storage unit by means of a male transition
element shaped as a mirrored frustopyramid, having a plurality of
wedging surfaces formed on the faces of said mirrored frustopyramid,
said wedging surfaces for engaging socket cavities in said vertical
supports.
36. A water bottle storage system for holding a plurality of water
cooler bottles, each said bottle placed substantially horizontally
thereon, comprising:
a plurality of water bottle storage units, each including:
means for holding a water bottle,
means for supporting said holding means attached to said holding
means, said supporting means including a plurality of substantially
vertical supports; and
means for connecting said plurality of water bottle storage units,
said connecting means connecting said units in a configuration selected
from the group of configurations consisting of vertically connected
units, horizontally connected units and vertically and horizontally
connected units; wherein each said unit is adapted to receive a
connector caster for horizontally connecting said units, said connector
caster comprising a pair of horizontally adjacent connected frustopyramids
having wedging surfaces formed on the faces thereof for engaging
socket cavities in the faces of said frustopyramids, and further
comprising a roller disposed between said pair of frustopyramids.
37. A receptacle storage unit for holding a receptacle placed substantially
horizontally thereon, comprising:
means for holding said receptacle, said holding means contoured
to conform to the receptacle and including a longitudinal member
for supporting the receptacle along an underside thereof;
means for supporting said holding means attached to said holding
means,
said support means adapted to be interconnected with one or more
similar said storage units.
38. A receptacle storage unit as in claim 37 wherein said supporting
means includes a plurality of substantially vertical supports.
39. A receptacle storage unit as in claim 48 wherein said holding
means includes:
a pair of substantially horizontal supports, each said support
connecting a pair of said vertical supports,
a pair of substantially horizontal receptacle supports, one said
support connected to a pair of vertical supports at the front of
said receptacle storage unit, the other said support connected to
a pair of vertical supports at the back of said receptacle storage
unit, and
a longitudinal support connecting said horizontal receptacle supports.
40. A receptacle storage unit as in claim 37 wherein said unit
is integrally formed as a single unitary structure.
41. A receptacle storage unit as in claim 38 wherein each said
vertical support has a socket cavity formed in the bottom thereof.
42. A receptacle storage unit as in claim 38 wherein each said
vertical support has a socket cavity formed in the top thereof.
43. A receptacle storage unit as in claim 38 wherein each said
unit is adapted to be vertically connected to a similar storage
unit by means of a male transition element.
44. A receptacle storage unit as in claim 43 wherein said male
transition element is shaped as a mirrored frustopyramid, having
a plurality of wedging surfaces formed on the faces of said mirrored
frustopyramid, said wedging surfaces for engaging socket cavities
in said vertical supports.
45. A receptacle storage unit as in claim 38 wherein each said
unit is adapted to receive a connector for horizontally connecting
said units, said connector comprising a pair of horizontally adjacent
connected frustopyramids having wedging surfaces formed on the faces
thereof for engaging socket cavities in said vertical supports.
46. A receptacle storage unit as in claim 38 wherein each said
unit is adapted to receive a connector caster for horizontally connecting
said units, said connector caster comprising a pair of horizontally
adjacent connected frustopyramids having wedging surfaces formed
on the faces thereof for engaging socket cavities in the faces of
said frustopyramids, and further comprising a roller disposed between
said pair of frustopyramids.
47. A receptacle storage unit as in claim 38 wherein each said
unit has a frustopyramid shaped transition element formed integrally
with the top of each said vertical support for engaging a socket
cavity in the bottom of a storage unit to be stacked vertically
thereon.
48. A receptacle storage unit as in claim 38 wherein each said
unit has a frustopyramid shaped transition element formed integrally
with the bottom of each said vertical support for engaging a socket
cavity in the top of a storage unit upon which said unit is to be
vertically stacked.
49. A receptacle storage unit as in claim 38 further comprising
an end cap for engaging a socket cavity in the top of each said
vertical support.
50. A receptacle storage unit as in claim 38 further comprising
a pair of frustopyramidal shaped elements connected horizontally
for engaging socket cavities in adjacent said units.
51. A receptacle storage unit as in claim 38 further comprising
a caster for engaging a bottom socket cavity of a vertical support,
said caster comprising a roller disposed within a frustopyramidal
shaped member having a plurality of wedging surfaces formed thereon.
52. A receptacle storage unit as in claim 39 further comprising
a stop formed on said back horizontal support member.
53. A receptacle storage unit as in claim 39 wherein said horizontal
support members each have an arcuately formed portion for cradling
the receptacle therein.
54. A receptacle storage unit for holding a receptacle placed substantially
horizontally thereon, comprising:
means for holding said receptacle, said holding means including:
a pair of substantially horizontal supports, each said support
connecting a pair of vertical supports,
a pair of substantially horizontal receptacle supports, one said
support connected to a pair of vertical supports at the front of
said receptacle storage unit, the other said support connected to
a pair of vertical supports at the back of said receptacle storage
unit, and
a longitudinal support connecting said horizontal receptacle supports;
means for supporting said holding means attached to said holding
means, said supporting means including a plurality of substantially
vertical supports;
said supporting means adapted to be interconnected with one or
more similar said storage units.
55. A receptacle storage system for holding a plurality of receptacles,
each said receptacle placed substantially horizontally thereon,
comprising:
a plurality of receptacle storage units, each including:
means for holding a receptacle, said holding means including:
a pair of substantially horizontal supports, each said support
connected to a pair of vertical supports at the front of said receptacle
storage unit, the other said support connected to a pair of vertical
supports at the back of said receptacle storage unit, and
a longitudinal support connecting said horizontal receptacle supports;
means for supporting said holding means attached to said holding
means, said supporting means including a plurality of substantially
vertical supports; and
means for connecting said plurality of receptacle storage units,
said connecting means connecting said units in a configuration selected
from the group of configurations consisting of vertically connected
units, horizontally connected units and vertically and horizontally
connected units.
Water cooler descriptionFIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a modular water cooler bottle
storage system. More particularly, the invention relates to a water
cooler bottle storage system which is comprised of vertically stackable
and interconnectable bottle stands which are also horizontally interconnectable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The storage of filled water cooler bottles before use and the subsequent
storage of empty water bottles after use poses a problem of ready
access and esthetic appearance. Filled water bottles are sometimes
delivered to users as individual bottles, or alternatively, in stackable
crate-like holders. Such crates are not interconnected and hence
are easily slidable relative to one another. In addition, such holders
are unsightly and are frequently relegated to closets and other
storage areas remote from the location of the water cooler. This
results in full (and hence heavy) water bottles having to be moved
from their place of storage to the water cooler location. Similarly,
the empty bottles must be moved back to the storage area.
It is desirable, therefore, to have a bottle storage system which
can be located next to the water cooler, is easily assembled, is
readily transportable, is attractive in appearance, and is versatile
in arrangement in various configurations to hold an appropriate
number of full and empty bottles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a versatile modular system
for holding water cooler bottles on their sides so as to be easily
stored and readily accessible for removal and placement in a water
cooler. The present invention is an integrally formed molded plastic
bottle holder unit which is vertically stackably interconnectable
and horizontally interconnectable to form a bottle holder system.
Each unit has four vertical supports. Two parallel horizontal supports
are provided, each integrally formed with and connecting a pair
of vertical supports. These pairs of connected vertical supports
are connected by two horizontal supports each shaped and arcuately
contoured to support a portion or arc length of the curved side
of a water bottle. An integrally formed horizontal support member
extends between the two contoured horizontal support members substantially
parallel to the bottle longitudinal axis. Each vertical support
has an upper and lower end which are open and form a receiving cavity
for a variety of male members. Such male members include an end
cap, a caster holder, a transition element for interconnecting two
stacked bottle units, a dual end cap connector or dual connector
caster member, which dual end cap connector or dual connector caster
member is for connecting two or more horizontally adjacent bottle
units. The individual connectors, caster holders, end caps or transition
elements each have wedging surfaces integrally formed in the faces
of the sides thereof. The preferred embodiment is for frustopyramidal
shaped male members. Alternatively, it is contemplated that circular
or polygonal cross-sectioned male members can be used, with correspondingly
shaped receiving cavities.
The modular nature of the individual storage units coupled with
the various connecting elements permits versatility in assembling
vertical and horizontal configurations of water bottle storage systems.
With the foregoing and other advantages and features of the invention
that will become hereinafter apparent, the nature of the invention
may be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed
description of the invention, the appended claims and to the several
views illustrated in the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a water bottle storage system in
accordance with the present invention, showing vertically stacked
and interconnected and horizontally connected individual bottle
storage stands;
FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of an individual bottle storage
stand according to the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of an individual bottle storage stand
according to the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of an individual bottle storage stand
according to the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a partially exploded view of a transition element for
vertically connecting two bottle storage stands to be stacked one
upon the other;
FIG. 6 is a partially exploded view of a caster element to be mated
with a vertical support of a bottle storage stand;
FIG. 7 is a partially exploded view of an end cap to be mated with
a vertical support of a bottle storage stand;
FIG. 8 is a partially exploded view of a caster connector element
to be mated with the vertical supports of two horizontally adjacent
bottle storage stands;
FIG. 9 is a partially exploded view of an end cap connector element
to be mated with the vertical supports of two horizontally adjacent
bottle storage stands; and
FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of an integrally formed transition
element for vertically connecting bottle storage stands.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings in detail, there is illustrated in
FIG. 1 a perspective view showing a system, designated generally
by the numeral 5 of vertically stackable and interconnectable and
horizontally connectable bottle storage stands, each designated
generally by the numeral 10. A bottle B is shown in phantom, stored
horizontally on one of the stands 10. As described in further detail
below, each bottle storage stand 10 is preferably integrally formed
as a unitary member of a suitable material such as molded plastic.
Each bottle storage stand 10 can be used alone to hold a single
bottle. Alternatively, each bottle storage stand 10 is adapted to
receive transition elements (FIG. 5) for connecting vertically stacked
bottle storage stands and also adapted to receive dual end cap connectors
12 and dual caster connectors 14 for connecting horizontally adjacent
bottle storage stands. Each bottle storage stand 10 is also adapted
to receive end caps 16 and casters 18. As shown in FIG. 1 a system
can be assembled having four individual bottle storage stands 10
interconnectably arranged in two horizontal rows and two vertical
columns. Alternatively, a system can be arranged of only a vertical
stack of storage stands. Similarly, a system can be assembled of
only horizontally interconnected storage stands. Of course, other
interconnected arrangements of multiple rows or columns of stands
are contemplated.
FIGS. 2-4 illustrate the details of each individual bottle storage
stand 10. Four vertical supports or legs 20 are provided. The legs
20 are connected by two horizontal supports 22 which are arranged
substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L of a bottle B
to be placed in the bottle storage stand 10. A front support 24
and a rear support 26 are provided for cradling the bottle. A longitudinal
support 28 connects front support 24 and rear support 26. A stop
or tab 30 is provided on rear support 26 to limit rearward movement
for the water bottle. As shown in FIG. 4 webbing or bracing 32
is provided in the underside of longitudinal support 28 front support
24 and rear support 26. Front support 24 and rear support 26 each
have an arcuately formed concave surface 34 which conforms to the
contours of the side of a water bottle to be supported or cradled
therein. Top socket cavities 36 and bottom socket cavities 38 are
provided in vertical supports or legs 20. These socket cavities
36 38 are adapted to receive transition elements, connectors, casters,
caster connectors, or end caps, as described below, to permit the
vertical stacking and interconnection and horizontal interconnection
as described for FIG. 1 above.
The dimensions of the legs 20 and the front and rear support 24
26 locations permit the bottle to be stored in the space between
the front and rear supports of a stand stacked vertically above
the stand on which the bottle is stored. Inherent in this feature
is the elevation of the center of gravity of the bottle B, thus
reducing the amount of bending over required to lift a full bottle
in removing it from a stand.
FIGS. 5-10 show the various male elements which engage the socket
cavities 36 38 to affect vertical connection, horizontal connection,
end closure or permit rolling of the system, as appropriate.
FIG. 5 illustrates a transition element 40 which engages a top
socket cavity 36 of a lower bottle storage stand 10L and a bottom
socket cavity 38 of an upper bottle storage stand 10U. Transition
element 40 is essentially shaped as two mirrored frustopyramids
(frustum of a pyramid) 42 44. Each of the four sides of each frustopyramid
42 or 44 has a wedging surface 46 formed therein. Wedging surface
46 is essentially rectangular in shape and raised sufficiently from
the respective surface 42 44 so as to engage in a wedging fit with
the socket cavity 36 38 to which it is mated. As a result, a firm
connection is formed between vertically stacked bottle storage stands
10. FIG. 10 shows a transition element 48 which is integrally formed
with a vertical support 50. Thus, only one frustopyramid 52 is required,
having four wedging surfaces 54 identical to wedging surfaces 46.
As shown in FIG. 10 the integrally formed transition element 48
is formed at the top of a vertical support 50. However, the transition
element 48 could also be integrally formed at the bottom of the
vertical support 50. For an integrally formed transition element
48 the end caps, casters, connectors and connector casters described
herein would be modified to fit over or fit into transition element
48.
FIG. 6 shows a caster 18 (FIG. 1), formed as a frustopyramid substantially
the same as that for transition element 48 having wedging surfaces
62 substantially the same as wedging surfaces 46. A caster roller
64 as known in the art, is provided, engaging hole 66 in caster
18. The engagement of caster 60 with socket cavity 38 is substantially
the same as for transition element 48.
FIG. 7 shows an end cap 16 (FIG. 1) having a frustopyramidal shape,
with end 72 and wedging surfaces 74 for engaging socket cavity 36.
FIG. 8 and 9 show connecting elements for effecting the connection
between horizontally adjacent bottle storage stands. Specifically,
FIG. 8 shows dual caster connector 14 comprising two connectors
80 82 formed integrally and having a hole 84 for receiving a single
caster roller 86. Similarly to the individual caster 18 each connector
80 82 of dual caster connector 14 is frustopyramidal in shape,
having wedging surfaces 88 formed therein. Dual connectors 80 82
each engage bottom socket cavities 38 of horizontally adjacent vertical
supports or legs 20L, 20R.
FIG. 9 illustrates a dual end cap connector 12 (FIG. 1), having
two frustopyramids 92 94 with each having wedging surfaces 96.
Dual end cap connector 12 engages top socket cavities 36 of horizontally
adjacent vertical supports or legs 20L, 20R of horizontally adjacent
bottle storage stands 10L, 10R.
The components described in FIGS. 2-9 can be assembled into a variety
of system configurations, depending upon user needs. An individual
stand 10 can be used without any connectors, end caps or casters
as a stand alone system to hold a single bottle. A vertical stack
of interconnected bottle stands can be assembled by using transition
elements 40 to connect the individual stands 10 with individual
casters 18 being used on the bottom stand 10 with end caps 16 being
used on the top stand 10. Given the typical water cooler bottle
dimensions, a vertical stack system would likely comprise approximately
four individual interconnected stands 10. Alternatively, a one row
horizontal system can be assembled having a series of horizontally
interconnected adjacent stands 10. In such a configuration, the
stands 10 would be connected by dual caster connectors 14 at the
bottom and dual end cap connectors 12 at the top. As appropriate,
individual casters 18 and individual end caps 16 would be used.
Multiple row and column systems, such as shown in FIG. 1 can be
assembled using appropriate male members for connecting the individual
stands 10. Finally, a stationary system is contemplated, in which,
regardless of the configuration, the caster rollers are removed
and only the remaining portions are used as bottom end caps. Thus,
one skilled in the art will recognize the versatility of the present
invention.
The male members and the corresponding female socket cavities described
herein can be of different cross-section and shape than described
herein. For example, circular or polygonal cross-sections are contemplated
in addition to the frustopyramidal shape of the preferred embodiment.
Although certain presently preferred embodiments of the invention
have been described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled
in the art to which the invention pertains that variations and modifications
of the described embodiment may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that
the invention be limited only to the extent required by the appended
claims and the applicable rules of law. |