US20020096613A1

US20020096613A1 - Holding system for inverted containers

Info

Publication number: US20020096613A1
Application number: US09/766,801
Authority: US
Inventors: Thomas Czepowicz
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-01-22
Filing date: 2001-01-22
Publication date: 2002-07-25

Abstract

A system for storing a container housing a viscous material in an inverted and nearly vertical position, thereby storing the viscous material nearer the container opening for easier and quicker access. It provides an arcuate holder having two arcuate edges and two approximately-straight longitudinal edges for so holding at least one shampoo or conditioner type container. Shown are both a single-container and a multiple-container versions; and these holders may be efficiently made by the illustrated method for manufacturing, from either a natural bamboo rod or a multiple-foot-long right round hollow cylindrical body having a central axis.

Description

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to holding systems for containers containing viscous liquid in which it is difficult to move the viscous liquid to the container opening. More specifically, this invention provides a more efficient system for storing or holding a container in an inverted position, thereby storing the viscous liquid nearer the container opening for easier and quicker access.

Typically, items such as shampoo and conditioner are stored in plastic containers and are kept in the shower for immediate access when needed. These items are often kept in the upright position and placed either in rack-type structures or the tub sill. When the contents of the containers start running low, especially when the containers are not very full, it is increasingly time consuming and difficult to move the viscous liquid to the container opening. The user often must shake and squeeze the containers multiple times in order to expel the containers contents. Time/energy is wasted turning the container upside down, shaking it, etc. Even when a person wants to leave the container in an inverted position, there is nothing more convenient than perhaps leaning the container in a shower caddy.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

A primary object and feature of the present invention is to fulfill the above-mentioned need by the provision of a system that would provide a container holder to hold the container neatly in a fully inverted position. A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a holder system which is efficient, inexpensive, and handy. In addition, other objects and features of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following invention descriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this invention provides a holder system for holding at least one inverted container for viscous substances in an inverted position between uses, comprising, in combination: a body means, comprising a portion of an approximate right round hollow cylinder having an arcuate surface having two arcuate edges and two approximately-straight longitudinal edges lying approximately in a plane, for being supported along such longitudinal edges in a stable position on an approximately horizontal surface; and an aperture means, comprising, in an upper portion of such arcuate surface, at least one hole, for loosely receiving a container cap of the inverted container; wherein such holder system is constructed and arranged to maintain the inverted container in about a vertical position.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, this invention provides a holder system for holding at least one inverted container for viscous substances in an inverted position between uses, comprising, in combination: an arcuate body, comprising a portion of an approximate right round hollow cylinder having an arcuate surface having two arcuate edges and two approximately-straight longitudinal edges lying approximately in a first plane, constructed and arranged to be supported along such longitudinal edges in a stable position on an approximately horizontal surface; and a)in an upper portion of such arcuate surface, at least one hole structured and arranged to loosely receive a container cap of the inverted container; wherein such holder system is constructed and arranged to maintain the inverted container in about a vertical position. It also provides such a system wherein such longitudinal edges comprise a non-slip surface; and wherein b) such non-slip surface comprises a slit tube And it provides such a system wherein each such arcuate edge comprises less than 180 degrees of arc.

Further, it provides such a system wherein c)each such arcuate edge comprises from about 120 degrees to about 180 degrees of arc; and, wherein an effective outside diameter of such portion of such approximate right round hollow cylinder is at least about three inches; and, wherein such upper portion of such arcuate surface comprises at least two such holes; and further, wherein each respective such hole is approximately round and has an associated respective centerline axis perpendicular to such first plane.

Even further, it provides such a system wherein d) a minimum first distance between any adjoining pair of such respective centerline axes is about four inches; and wherein e) a minimum second distance between a centerline axis and a such arcuate edge is about one inch. And it provides such a system wherein

1. each such hole has about the same hole diameter as each other such hole; and a size of each such hole diameter is selected from the group consisting of: about one and one-quarter inches,

2. about two inches.

Still further, it provides such a system wherein a)such upper portion of such arcuate surface comprises four such holes, comprising two outer such holes, each adjacent a such arcuate edge, and two inner such holes situate between such two outer holes. And, it provides such a system wherein b)such two outer holes each have a diameter of about one and one-quarter inches; and such two inner such holes each have a diameter of about two inches.

Moreover, it provides such a system wherein c)a distance between any adjoining pair of such respective centerline axes of such inner and outer holes is about four inches; and a distance between a centerline axis of a such outer hole and a such arcuate edge is about one and one half inches. Also it provides such a system wherein each such hole has about the same hole diameter as each other such hole; and each such hole diameter is about 0.85 inches. And also, wherein such upper portion of such arcuate surface comprises at least two such holes; and d)all such holes are arranged along a horizontal longitudinal row, having a midpoint, of such arcuate surface.

It also provides such a system wherein e) an effective outside diameter of such portion of such approximate right round hollow cylinder is at least about three inches; f) such arcuate body has a longitudinal length of about four inches and a transverse height of about one and one-half inches; each respective such hole is approximately round and has an associated respective centerline axis perpendicular to such first plane; a distance between any adjoining pair of such respective centerline axes of such holes is about two inches; and a distance between a such centerline axis of a such hole and an adjoining such arcuate edge is about one inch.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, this invention provides a method of making a holder system for holding at least one inverted container for viscous substances in an inverted position between uses, comprising, in combination, the steps of: providing a multiple-foot-long right round hollow cylindrical body having a central axis; cutting, along a first plane, such long right round hollow cylindrical body longitudinally, parallel to such central axis, in such manner as to provide at least two resulting first body portions, each such first body portion having two arcuate edges and two approximately-straight longitudinal edges lying approximately in such first plane; cutting, along a second plane, each such resulting first body portion, transversely, perpendicular to such central axis, in such manner as to provide multiple resulting second body portions, each such second body portion having two arcuate edges and two approximately-straight longitudinal edges lying approximately in such first plane; and drilling, along a third plane, each such multiple resulting second body portion, in such manner as to provide spaced holes along such third plane, parallel to such central axis and perpendicular to such first plane. And it provides such a system further comprising the step of smoothing all resulting cut edges of all such second body portions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the holding system of the present invention illustrating a four-hole holder with containers held in an upside down position. [0014]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the holder of FIG. 1 without containers. [0015]
FIG. 3 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. [0016]
FIG. 4 is an end view, partially in section, of a preferred embodiment of the instant holding system with at least one holding hole. [0017]
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating a two-hole holder with tube-like containers held in an upside down position. [0018]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating a two-hole holder with non-slip tubing along the bottom longitudinal edges. [0019]
FIG. 7 is a sectional view through the section [0020] 7-7 of FIG. 6.
FIGS. 8A through 8E illustrate one preferred method of manufacturing an embodiment of the present invention (utilizing a bamboo rod as the material), briefly described as follows: [0021]
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a section of bamboo rod being cut longitudinally. [0022]
FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a section of bamboo rod being cut into smaller segments, transversely. [0023]
FIG. 8C is a perspective view of a cut segment of bamboo being drilled to make a hole. [0024]
FIG. 8D is a perspective view of a cut segment of bamboo being sanded with a belt sander. [0025]
FIG. 8E is a perspective view of a cut segment of bamboo being sprayed with a sealant coating.[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the holder system of the present invention illustrating a four-[0027] hole holder 20 with containers being held and supported by holder 20 in an upside down position. Four-hole arcuate container holder 20 preferably holds one or more (e.g.) shampoo containers 22 and/or one or more (e.g.) conditioner containers 24 in an inverted position. Holder 20 embodies herein a holder system for holding at least one inverted container for viscous substances in an inverted position between uses, comprising, in combination: a body means, comprising a portion of an approximate right round hollow cylinder having an arcuate surface having two arcuate edges and two approximately-straight longitudinal edges lying approximately in a plane, for being supported along such longitudinal edges in a stable position on an approximately horizontal surface; and an aperture means, comprising, in an upper portion of such arcuate surface, at least one hole, for loosely receiving a container cap of the inverted container; wherein such holder system is constructed and arranged to maintain the inverted container in about a vertical position. The containers 22 and 24 may be any of a variety of commercially available hair care products or any product (typically viscous) in a container which will fit one of the preferably cylindrical holes. Preferably, the four-hole arcuate container holder 20 is structured such that it sets on a flat surface 26 (such holder embodying herein an arcuate body, comprising a portion of an approximate right round hollow cylinder having an arcuate surface having two arcuate edges and two approximately-straight longitudinal edges lying approximately in a first plane, constructed and arranged to be supported along such longitudinal edges in a stable position on an approximately horizontal surface). In one preferred embodiment, the flat surface 26 may be a tub/shower ledge or shelf.
FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrate, in different views, four-hole [0028] arcuate container holder 20. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 without containers. FIG. 3 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, further illustrating a four-hole arcuate container holder 20 which preferably holds one or more shampoo containers 22 and/or one or more conditioner containers 24 in an inverted position. In a preferred embodiment, an arcuate container holder, including the four-hole arcuate container holder 20, is preferably made from a synthetic material, such as recycled or virgin polymer resin. In another preferred embodiment, an arcuate container holder, including the four-hole arcuate container holder 20, is preferably made from natural bamboo (see the method of making which is illustrated herein and will be further explained below). The containers are preferably round plastic containers, as shown, but may be made from a variety of other materials.
The container capacities are preferably 12-32 ounces with cap sizes of slightly less than one and one-quarter inches or slightly less than two inches. Preferably, the cylindrical holes in the four-hole [0029] arcuate container holder 20 are spaced such that one or more shampoo containers 22 and/or one or more conditioner containers 24 do not overlap each other. In a preferred embodiment of the four-hole arcuate container holder 20, the hole sizes are either one and one-quarter inches or two inches in diameter (embodying herein that a size of each such hole diameter is selected from the group consisting of: about one and one-quarter inches; about two inches). These two sizes will allow the most common cap sizes currently used in the caps of the shampoo containers 22 and conditioner containers 24 in the 12-32 ounce size container to fit in the holes. Preferably, in the embodiment of the four-hole arcuate container holder 20, there are two one and one-quarter inch holes, hole 28 and hole 30, and two two-inch holes, hole 32 and hole 34 (embodying herein that such upper portion of such arcuate surface comprises four such holes, comprising two outer such holes, each adjacent a such arcuate edge, and two inner such holes situate between such two outer holes; and, wherein such two outer holes each have a diameter of about one and one-quarter inches; and such two inner such holes each have a diameter of about two inches).
Holes [0030] 28, 30, 32, and 34 are centered along axis A-A, along the top of the arc 40, perpendicular to the plane of the flat surface 26, i.e., the plane of the two straight longitudinal edges 18 and 19 (embodying herein that each respective such hole is approximately round and has an associated respective centerline axis perpendicular to such first plane). Holes 28, 30, 32, and 34 are preferably located approximately as follows: hole 28 centerline axis C-C, one and one-half to two inches from the end B-B; hole 30 centerline axis F-F, one and one-half to two inches from the end G-G (the arrangement of hole 28 and hole 30 embodying herein that a distance between a centerline axis of a such outer hole and a such arcuate edge is about one and one-half inches); hole 32 centerline axis D-D, five and one-half to six inches from the end B-B and hole 34 centerline axis E-E, five and one-half to six inches from the end G-G. Preferably, there is at least about a four-inch distance between the centerline axis C-C and D-D, D-D and E-E, and E-E and F-F (embodying herein that a minimum first distance between any adjoining pair of such respective centerline axes is about four inches; and a distance between any adjoining pair of such respective centerline axes of such inner and outer holes is about four inches). The four-inch distance is preferable as the shampoo containers 22 and conditioner containers 24 are generally less than four inches in diameter. The preferred overall dimension of arcuate container holder 20 is about 15-16 inches. It is understood that the distances described above are only one preferred embodiment and may be appropriately modified according to the specific requirements or request of a particular user.
FIG. 4 is an end view, partially in section, of a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating an inverted container system having at least one hole. The preferred dimensions of the [0031] arcuate container holder 20 and 50 are as follows: from top I to bottom H, a preferred distance of at least about one and one-half inches; from side J to side K, a preferred distance of at least about inches (embodying herein an effective outside diameter of such portion of such approximate right round hollow cylinder is at least about three inches), about three and one-third inches in the illustrated embodiment; the thickness L, a preferred thickness of at least about one-quarter inch. As shown, a container 44 is placed in the hole 46 such that the cap 48 and container 44 are in an inverted and nearly vertical position to the flat surface 26 (embodying herein, in an upper portion of such arcuate surface, at least one hole structured and arranged to loosely receive a container cap of the inverted container; wherein such holder system is constructed and arranged to maintain the inverted container in about a vertical position).
Such containers [0032] 44, including previously mentioned shampoo containers 22 and conditioner containers 24, are malleable or deformable such that they rest on the arcuate container holder 50 in a stable manner. Preferably, the shoulder 52 of the container 44 rests on the arcuate container holder 50 around and adjacent to the hole 46. The container 44 is thereby in an approximately vertical position and inverted, such that the viscous contents of the container 44 flow towards the cap 48. When one desires to use the contents of the container 44, it is preferably removed from the arcuate container holder 50 by the user. The opening of the cap and access to the container contents is well known and will not be further described. After use, the container 44 is simply returned, in an inverted position, to the arcuate container holder 50 by the user. It is noted that the simplicity of use of the arcuate container holder 50, its simple construction (which will be described in detail below) and its low production cost advantages are all preferable qualities of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating a two-[0033] hole holder 54, holding tube- like containers 60 and 62 in an inverted position. In this embodiment, the arcuate container holder 54 preferably has two holes, hole 56 and hole 58 (embodying herein that such upper portion of such arcuate surface comprises at least two such holes). The basic dimensions of arcuate container holder 54 are as follows, referring to the representative position axes as shown on FIG. 5 and FIG. 6: the overall dimension from end P-P to end R-R is about four inches. Hole 56 and hole 58 are preferably each about 0.85 inches in diameter (embodying herein each such hole has about the same hole diameter as each other such hole; and each such hole diameter is about 0.85 inches). The distance between N-N and O-O (see FIG. 6) is preferably about two inches. The holes 56 and 58 (see FIG. 5) are preferably centered along axis M-M, along the top of the middle of arc 40, perpendicular to the flat surface 26 (shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4). Axis N-N is preferably about one inch from end P-P; axis O-O is preferably about one inch from end R-R. The preferred minimum distance from axis S-S to axis T-T is about two and one-quarter inches. The preferred minimum material thickness of U is at least about one-quarter inch. The preferred minimum overall height from S-S to V-V is about one and one-quarter inches. The above-described preferred measurements embody herein that an effective outside diameter of such portion of such approximate right round hollow cylinder is at least about three inches; such arcuate body has a longitudinal length of about four inches and a transverse height of about one and one-half inches; each respective such hole is approximately round and has an associated respective centerline axis perpendicular to such first plane; a distance between any adjoining pair of such respective centerline axes of such holes is about two inches; and a distance between a such centerline axis of a such hole and an adjoining such arcuate edge is about one inch. As illustrated, this embodiment may be used for holding at least one tube 60 of viscous material that will tend to move toward a tube end by gravity means, for example, salmon paste tube 62. Often, such tubular materials are difficult to store. This embodiment of the present invention provides an arcuate container holder 54 that will store such tubes in an inverted position on a flat surface 26, for example, a refrigerator shelf.
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating a two hole holder with non-slip tubing along the bottom [0034] longitudinal edges 70 and 72. FIG. 7 is a sectional view through section 7-7 of FIG. 6. Two-hole arcuate container holder 64 may be used to hold any combination of shampoo or conditioner container sizes with a one and one-quarter inch cap and/or a two-inch cap. The basic preferred dimensions arcuate container holder 64, using one and one-quarter inch diameter holes, are as follows (using the representative axes as shown on FIG. 5 and FIG. 6): the overall dimension from end P-P to end R-R is four inches. Hole 66 and hole 68 are preferably each one and one-quarter inches in diameter. The distance between hole axes N-N and O-O is preferably about two inches. The holes 66 and 68 are preferably centered along axis M-M, in the top of the arc 40, with hole axes perpendicular (as shown) to the flat surface 26, i.e. to the plane of longitudinal edges 70 and 72. Axis N-N is preferably about one inch from end P-P; axis O-O is preferably about one inch from end R-R. The preferred distance from edge axis S-S to edge axis T-T is about three and one-third inches in this embodiment. The preferred material thickness of U is at least about one-quarter inch. The preferred overall height from S-S to V-V is one and one-half inches.
If [0035] holes 66 and 68 are both two inches in diameter, then the basic dimensions of the present embodiment arcuate container holder 64 using two-inch diameter holes are as follows (using the representative axes as shown on FIG. 5 and FIG. 6): the overall dimension from end P-P to end R-R is about eight inches. Hole 66 and hole 68, as stated, are preferably each about two inches in diameter. The distance between N-N and O-O (shown in FIG. 6) is preferably about four inches. The holes 66 and 68 are preferably centered along axis M-M, as shown, in the top of the arc 40, with hole axes perpendicular to the flat surface 26. Axis N-N is preferably about two inches from end P-P; axis O-O is preferably about two inches from end R-R. The preferred distance from axis S-S to axis T-T is about three and one-third inches. The preferred material thickness of U is at least about one-quarter inch. The preferred overall height from S-S to V-V is about one and one-half inches. Although the preferred dimensions have been stated, there are, in accordance with the teachings herein, a number of alternate permutations in dimensions that may work in some circumstances without effecting the function of the present invention.
Illustrated in cross section in FIG. 7 is an embodiment of a [0036] non-slip tubing 76 preferably attached to the longitudinal bottom edges 70 and 72 of the arcuate container holder 64, or onto any of the longitudinal bottom edges in the above described embodiments. The non-slip tubing 76 is preferably made from tubes of about one-half inch O.D. (Outer Diameter) santoprene synthetic rubber tubing or urethane thermoplastic elastomer tubing. The non-slip tubing 76 is slit from end to end longitudinally (embodying herein that such non-slip surface comprises a slit tube), such that it may be slipped onto the longitudinal bottom edges 70 and 72 of arcuate container holder 64 (as shown) or onto any of the longitudinal bottom edges in the above described embodiments. The non-slip tubing 76 is preferably cut transversely to be about equal to the overall length of the arcuate container holder 64. Preferably, any of the longitudinal bottom edges in the above described embodiments may consist of a non-slip surface (embodying herein that such longitudinal edges comprise a non-slip surface). In alternate preferred embodiments, the non-slip surface may be integral (with the holder material) or applied.
FIGS. 8A through 8E illustrate one preferred method of manufacturing an embodiment of the present invention utilizing bamboo. Bamboo is a natural material that is relatively round, readily available, and is one preferred material for use in the described preferred embodiments as an arcuate container holder (embodying herein providing a multiple-foot-long right round hollow cylindrical body having a central axis). Preferably, the bamboo rod is pre-selected in regards sizing of the outer stalk (sometimes herein called rod) diameter. The preferred sizing is between three and four inches in stalk diameter. [0037]
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a section of bamboo rod being cut longitudinally. The first step in the manufacturing method is to arrange the [0038] bamboo rod 78 such that it cut longitudinally, as shown. Preferably, the bamboo is cut in half by saw 85, leaving two pieces 80 and 82, each piece having a surface having two slightly less than an approximately 180-degree arcuate edges 108 and 110 (embodying herein each such arcuate edge comprises less than 180 degrees of arc) and two approximately-straight longitudinal edges 100 and 102 lying approximately in a plane (the cutting method embodying herein cutting, along a first plane, such long right round hollow cylindrical body longitudinally, parallel to such central axis, in such manner as to provide at least two resulting first body portions, each such first body portion having two arcuate edges and two approximately-straight longitudinal edges lying approximately in such first plane). However, the bamboo rod 78 may also be cut in other combinations that would provide more than two pieces. For example, with two pieces, each piece represents an approximately 180 degree portion that could function as an arcuate container holder. Cutting the bamboo rod 78 in thirds, would provide two or three pieces, each such piece being between an approximately slightly less than 120-degree portion to an approximately 180-degree portion, depending on the cutting preference, and providing yet another embodiment that could function as an arcuate container holder (embodying herein that each such arcuate edge comprises from about 120 degrees to about 180 degrees of arc.
The next step in the manufacturing method, as illustrated by FIG. 8B, is a perspective view of a section of already-longitudinally-cut bamboo rod being cut in smaller sections, transversely in such manner as to provide multiple resulting body portions, (for example [0039] arcuate pieces 84, 88, and 90) and each such body portion having two arcuate edges and two approximately-straight longitudinal edges (embodying herein cutting, along a second plane, each such resulting first body portion, transversely, perpendicular to such central axis, in such manner as to provide multiple resulting second body portions, each such second body portion having two arcuate edges and two approximately-straight longitudinal edges lying approximately in such first plane). In this step, the nodes 86 of the bamboo 78 are removed. Preferably, the remaining approximately 180-degree pieces of bamboo are about six to twelve inches in length. These bamboo pieces may be further reduced to a uniform size as desired. For example, pieces 88 and 90 in FIG. 8B represent a single piece of bamboo 82 cut into two separate pieces.
The next step in the manufacturing method is represented by FIG. 8C, a perspective view of a [0040] cut section 84 of bamboo 82 being drilled. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the cut section 84 is drilled with a drill bit 92 providing a round hole 94. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 8C, there are two holes 94 and 96 each cut in the same diameter. As previously described a hole size of preferably one and one-quarter inches or two inches in diameter is preferred. Preferably the holes are drilled centered along axis Z-Z, in the top of the arc 101, perpendicular to the approximately-straight longitudinal edges 100 and 102 (embodying herein drilling, along a third plane, each such multiple resulting second body portion, in such manner as to provide spaced holes along such third plane, parallel to such central axis and perpendicular to such first plane).
The next step in the manufacturing process is illustrated by FIG. 8D, a perspective view of a [0041] cut section 84 of bamboo being sanded or smoothed with a belt sander 104. It should be understood that there are a variety of machining and manufacturing processes that are available for smoothing the rough edges which may suffice for this part of the process; this description is not intended to be limiting in that regard. The arcuate edges 108 and 110 and the longitudinal edges 100 and 102 of the cut section 84 are rough after sawing 85 and are preferably sanded smooth using a sanding device 104, as shown (embodying herein smoothing resulting cut edges of such second body portions). The final step in the manufacturing process is an optional step of sealing the bamboo with a spray-on sealant 112 as illustrated by FIG. 8E. FIG. 8E is a perspective view of a cut section 84 of bamboo being sprayed with a sealant 112. Sealants are well known by those skilled in the art and will not be further discussed herein.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as read in connection with the above specification. [0042]
Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims. [0043]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1) A holder system for holding at least one inverted container for viscous substances in an inverted position between uses, comprising, in combination:

a) a body means, comprising a portion of an approximate right round hollow cylinder having an arcuate surface having two arcuate edges and two approximately-straight longitudinal edges lying approximately in a plane, for being supported along said longitudinal edges in a stable position on an approximately horizontal surface; and

b) an aperture means, comprising, in an upper portion of said arcuate surface, at least one hole, for loosely receiving a container cap of the inverted container;

c) wherein said holder system is constructed and arranged to maintain the inverted container in about a vertical position.

2) A holder system for holding at least one inverted container for viscous substances in an inverted position between uses, comprising, in combination:

a) an arcuate body, comprising a portion of an approximate right round hollow cylinder having an arcuate surface having two arcuate edges and two approximately-straight longitudinal edges lying approximately in a first plane, constructed and arranged to be supported along said longitudinal edges in a stable position on an approximately horizontal surface; and

b) in an upper portion of said arcuate surface, at least one hole structured and arranged to loosely receive a container cap of the inverted container;

3) A holder system according to claim 2 wherein:

a) said longitudinal edges comprise a non-slip surface.

4) A holder system according to claim 3 wherein:

a) said non-slip surface comprises a slit tube.

5) A holder system according to claim 2 wherein:

a) each said arcuate edge comprises less than 180 degrees of arc.

6) A holder system according to claim 5 wherein:

a) each said arcuate edge comprises from about 120 degrees to about 180 degrees of arc.

7) A holder system according to claim 6 wherein:

a) an effective outside diameter of said portion of said approximate right round hollow cylinder is at least about three inches.

8) A holder system according to claim 7 wherein:

a) said upper portion of said arcuate surface comprises at least two said holes.

9) A holder system according to claim 8 wherein:

a) each respective said hole is approximately round and has an associated respective centerline axis perpendicular to said first plane.

10) A holder system according to claim 9 wherein:

a) a minimum first distance between any adjoining pair of said respective centerline axes is about four inches.

11) A holder system according to claim 10 wherein:

a) a minimum second distance between a centerline axis and a said arcuate edge is about one inch.

12) A holder system according to claim 11 wherein:

a) each said hole has about the same hole diameter as each other said hole; and

b) a size of each said hole diameter is selected from the group consisting of

i) about one and one-quarter inches

ii) about two inches.

13) A holder system according to claim 9 wherein:

a) said upper portion of said arcuate surface comprises four said holes, comprising

i) two outer said holes, each adjacent a said arcuate edge, and

ii) two inner said holes situate between said two outer holes.

14) A holder system according to claim 13 wherein:

a) said two outer holes each have a diameter of about one and one-quarter inches; and

b) said two inner said holes each have a diameter of about two inches.

15) A holder system according to claim 14 wherein:

a) a distance between any adjoining pair of said respective centerline axes of said inner and outer holes is about four inches; and

b) a distance between a centerline axis of a said outer hole and a said arcuate edge is about one and one half inches.

16) A holder system according to claim 11 wherein:

a) each said hole has about the same hole diameter as each other said hole; and

b) each said hole diameter is about 0.85 inches.

17) A holder system according to claim 2 wherein:

a) said upper portion of said arcuate surface comprises at least two said holes; and

b) all said holes are arranged along a horizontal longitudinal row, having a midpoint, of said arcuate surface.

18) A holder system according to claim 17 wherein:

a) an effective outside diameter of said portion of said approximate right round hollow cylinder is at least about three inches;

b) said arcuate body has a transverse height of about one and one-half inches;

c) each respective said hole is approximately round and has an associated respective centerline axis perpendicular to said first plane;

d) a distance between any adjoining pair of said respective centerline axes of said holes is about two inches; and

e) a distance between a said centerline axis of a said hole and an adjoining said arcuate edge is about one inch.

19) A method of making a holder system for holding at least one inverted container for viscous substances in an inverted position between uses, comprising, in combination, the steps of:

a) providing a multiple-foot-long right round hollow cylindrical body having a central axis;

b) cutting, along a first plane, said long right round hollow cylindrical body longitudinally, parallel to said central axis, in such manner as to provide at least two resulting first body portions, each said first body portion having two arcuate edges and two approximately-straight longitudinal edges lying approximately in said first plane;

c) cutting, along a second plane, each said resulting first body portion, transversely, perpendicular to said central axis, in such manner as to provide multiple resulting second body portions, each said second body portion having two arcuate edges and two approximately-straight longitudinal edges lying approximately in said first plane; and

d) drilling, along a third plane, each said multiple resulting second body portion, in such manner as to provide spaced holes along said third plane, parallel to said central axis and perpendicular to said first plane.

20) A method according to claim 19 further comprising the step of:

a) smoothing resulting cut edges of said second body portions.