CA2324614A1 - Vehicle cupholder - Google Patents
Vehicle cupholder Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2324614A1 CA2324614A1 CA002324614A CA2324614A CA2324614A1 CA 2324614 A1 CA2324614 A1 CA 2324614A1 CA 002324614 A CA002324614 A CA 002324614A CA 2324614 A CA2324614 A CA 2324614A CA 2324614 A1 CA2324614 A1 CA 2324614A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- holder
- container
- bladder
- valve
- switch
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N3/00—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for
- B60N3/10—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of receptacles for food or beverages, e.g. refrigerated
- B60N3/105—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of receptacles for food or beverages, e.g. refrigerated for receptables of different size or shape
Abstract
A beverage container holder which is especially suited for use in vehicles is disclosed. The holder includes a container support including a support surface delineating a bottom of a container receiving space. The surface is for engagement with the bottom of a beverage container when the holder is in use. The support including upstanding portions delineates the perimeter of the container space and an inflatable bladder is operably connected to the upstanding portions for engaging at least three locations about a perimeter of a container when the holder is in use.
Description
VEHICLE CUPHOLDER
Field of Invention The present invention relates to vehicle so-called cupholders and more particularly to a beverage holder which is especially suited for use in vehicles.
. Background of the Invention Currently, typical highway vehicles are each equipped with beverage .holders often referred to as cupholders. The cupholders are provided to allow vehicle operators to set a beverage container down in order that the operator can have~both hands free for operating a vehicle. Cupholders are also provided for the convenience of passengers.
Prior cupholders exhibited a number of shortcomings. Beverage containers .
come in a range of sizes. If a prior cupholder~was large enough for larger sizes, it was too large for smaller sizes and obviously and conversely if appropriately sized for smaller sizes it Was too small for larger sizes. As a consequence cupholders while usually providing adequate vertical support, proviced little if any lateral support with the result that tipage and spillage occurred all too often. Spillage was especially likely if the vehicle was operating in rough conditions.
Recently there has been a trend towards the utilization of larger and larger beverage container sizes. While at one time a typical soft drink beverage or carry out coffee or other beverage serving was six ounces, containers of 12 ounce and larger servings have become very popular. Indeed beverages are sometimes provided in ' containers as large.as 32 ounce quarts. These larger sizes are reasonably popular among over the highway truck and tractor operators because such operators often travel several hours between stops and opportunities to replenish a beverage supply.
?5 It would be desirable to have a holder which accomodates a substantial range of beverage container sizes and securely holds~containers sized to fall within the range.
Summary of the Invention _ A cupholder embodying the invention includes a recessed base. The recess is t.
sized to receive the lower portion of a beverage container which can be mounted on a base surface at the bottom of the recess. A mechanism is provided to perimetrally grip a container after it has been mounted in the recess.
In the disclosed arrangement the mechanism is in the form of an annular inflatable bladder positioned within the recess and around a beverage container receiving space. When a beverage container is mounted on the base surface a valve is actuated to initiate air supply communication with the interior of the annular bladder.
The bladder is inflated until it perimetraly grips the container holding it securely in an upright position.
While the preferred and disclosed embodiment includes an annular bladder it should be apparent that other fours ,~nay be provided so bong as a circular beverage container is engaged in at least three spaced locations since three points locate a circle.
Accordingly, the objects of the invention are to provide a novel and improved beverage container holder especially adapted for use in vehicles and a process for a supporting beverage container in a vehicle when it is in operation.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a cupholder of this invention;
Figures 2 and 3 are sectional views of the cupholder of Figure 1 showing an inflatable bladder in deflated condition in Figure 2 and in an inflated condition in Figure 3;
Figure 4 shows a more sophisticated embodiment including a photovoltaic cell . and a pressure sensitive membrane each for sensing the presence of a beverage container; and Figure 5 is a somewhat schematic view of a vehicle with a cupholder of the present invention mounted in its cab.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments In the drawings a cupholder shown generally at 10. In Figure 5, the cupholder is shown mounted in a truck or tractor 11 at a location convenient to the operator. The holder 10 includes a body 12 which is shown as a plastic molding. The body 12 has a central container receiving aperture 14. A beverage support 15 is provided at the base of the aperture 14. A beverage container shown in phantom at 16 in Figures 2 and 3 is positioned atop the support 15 when the holder is in use.
As shown, the holder 12 includes an annular wall 18 which delineates the perimeter of the aperture 't4.. The wall includes a lower recessed portion 20 extending upwardly from the support 15 to a smaller diameter lip portion 22.
An annular inflatable bladder 24 is positioned in the recessed portion 20. The bladder 24 is shown in a deflated condition in Figure 2 for readily receiving a container.
The bladder 24 is shown in an inflated condition in Figure 3 perimetraty gripping the container 16.
An air line 25 is connected to a source of air under pressure, not shown. In the embodiment.of Figures 1-3 the air line is also connected to a manually actuated control valve 26. The valve 26 include a control button 28 which is manually operable and which functions to open and close valve 26. Thus, the valve 26 when open allows air under pressure from the supply line 25 to flow through a line 30 to inflate the bladder as shown in Figure 3. When in a closed position the valve vents the bladder through the line 30 to atmosphere to allow the bladder to deflate to the condition shown in Figure 2.
Referring to the embodiment of Figure 4, the support 15' is a flexible membrane as contrasted with a rigid support of 15 in Figure 1. A pressure sensitive switch is provided at 32, the pressure sensitive switch is actuated by movement of the flexible membrane 15' in response to the weight a beverage container positioned in the holder.
,A signal from the pressure sensitive switch 32 causes a valve 26' to open and inflate the bladder 24 when the presence of beverage container has been sensed.
A photovoltaic cell 35 is mounted in a lip portion 22' . The photovoltaic cell sense the presence of a container being placed in the cupholder to cause the valve 26' to open and bladder inflation results. The provision of the photovoltaic cell 35 maybe in addition to, or as an alternate to, the pressure sensitive switch 32. In either event when the beverage container 16 is removed from the holder 12' of Figure 4 the valve 26' will open and vent the bladder to atmosphere producing the condition shown in Figure 4.
Although the invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction, operation and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. .
Field of Invention The present invention relates to vehicle so-called cupholders and more particularly to a beverage holder which is especially suited for use in vehicles.
. Background of the Invention Currently, typical highway vehicles are each equipped with beverage .holders often referred to as cupholders. The cupholders are provided to allow vehicle operators to set a beverage container down in order that the operator can have~both hands free for operating a vehicle. Cupholders are also provided for the convenience of passengers.
Prior cupholders exhibited a number of shortcomings. Beverage containers .
come in a range of sizes. If a prior cupholder~was large enough for larger sizes, it was too large for smaller sizes and obviously and conversely if appropriately sized for smaller sizes it Was too small for larger sizes. As a consequence cupholders while usually providing adequate vertical support, proviced little if any lateral support with the result that tipage and spillage occurred all too often. Spillage was especially likely if the vehicle was operating in rough conditions.
Recently there has been a trend towards the utilization of larger and larger beverage container sizes. While at one time a typical soft drink beverage or carry out coffee or other beverage serving was six ounces, containers of 12 ounce and larger servings have become very popular. Indeed beverages are sometimes provided in ' containers as large.as 32 ounce quarts. These larger sizes are reasonably popular among over the highway truck and tractor operators because such operators often travel several hours between stops and opportunities to replenish a beverage supply.
?5 It would be desirable to have a holder which accomodates a substantial range of beverage container sizes and securely holds~containers sized to fall within the range.
Summary of the Invention _ A cupholder embodying the invention includes a recessed base. The recess is t.
sized to receive the lower portion of a beverage container which can be mounted on a base surface at the bottom of the recess. A mechanism is provided to perimetrally grip a container after it has been mounted in the recess.
In the disclosed arrangement the mechanism is in the form of an annular inflatable bladder positioned within the recess and around a beverage container receiving space. When a beverage container is mounted on the base surface a valve is actuated to initiate air supply communication with the interior of the annular bladder.
The bladder is inflated until it perimetraly grips the container holding it securely in an upright position.
While the preferred and disclosed embodiment includes an annular bladder it should be apparent that other fours ,~nay be provided so bong as a circular beverage container is engaged in at least three spaced locations since three points locate a circle.
Accordingly, the objects of the invention are to provide a novel and improved beverage container holder especially adapted for use in vehicles and a process for a supporting beverage container in a vehicle when it is in operation.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a cupholder of this invention;
Figures 2 and 3 are sectional views of the cupholder of Figure 1 showing an inflatable bladder in deflated condition in Figure 2 and in an inflated condition in Figure 3;
Figure 4 shows a more sophisticated embodiment including a photovoltaic cell . and a pressure sensitive membrane each for sensing the presence of a beverage container; and Figure 5 is a somewhat schematic view of a vehicle with a cupholder of the present invention mounted in its cab.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments In the drawings a cupholder shown generally at 10. In Figure 5, the cupholder is shown mounted in a truck or tractor 11 at a location convenient to the operator. The holder 10 includes a body 12 which is shown as a plastic molding. The body 12 has a central container receiving aperture 14. A beverage support 15 is provided at the base of the aperture 14. A beverage container shown in phantom at 16 in Figures 2 and 3 is positioned atop the support 15 when the holder is in use.
As shown, the holder 12 includes an annular wall 18 which delineates the perimeter of the aperture 't4.. The wall includes a lower recessed portion 20 extending upwardly from the support 15 to a smaller diameter lip portion 22.
An annular inflatable bladder 24 is positioned in the recessed portion 20. The bladder 24 is shown in a deflated condition in Figure 2 for readily receiving a container.
The bladder 24 is shown in an inflated condition in Figure 3 perimetraty gripping the container 16.
An air line 25 is connected to a source of air under pressure, not shown. In the embodiment.of Figures 1-3 the air line is also connected to a manually actuated control valve 26. The valve 26 include a control button 28 which is manually operable and which functions to open and close valve 26. Thus, the valve 26 when open allows air under pressure from the supply line 25 to flow through a line 30 to inflate the bladder as shown in Figure 3. When in a closed position the valve vents the bladder through the line 30 to atmosphere to allow the bladder to deflate to the condition shown in Figure 2.
Referring to the embodiment of Figure 4, the support 15' is a flexible membrane as contrasted with a rigid support of 15 in Figure 1. A pressure sensitive switch is provided at 32, the pressure sensitive switch is actuated by movement of the flexible membrane 15' in response to the weight a beverage container positioned in the holder.
,A signal from the pressure sensitive switch 32 causes a valve 26' to open and inflate the bladder 24 when the presence of beverage container has been sensed.
A photovoltaic cell 35 is mounted in a lip portion 22' . The photovoltaic cell sense the presence of a container being placed in the cupholder to cause the valve 26' to open and bladder inflation results. The provision of the photovoltaic cell 35 maybe in addition to, or as an alternate to, the pressure sensitive switch 32. In either event when the beverage container 16 is removed from the holder 12' of Figure 4 the valve 26' will open and vent the bladder to atmosphere producing the condition shown in Figure 4.
Although the invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction, operation and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. .
Claims (19)
1. A beverage container holder comprising:
(a) a container support including a support surface delineating a bottom of a container receiving space, the surface being for engagement with the bottom of a beverage container when the holder is in use;
(b) the support including upstanding portions delineating at least sections of the perimeter of the container space; and (c) an inflatable bladder operably connected to the upstanding portions for engaging at least three locations about a perimeter of a container when the holder is in use.
(a) a container support including a support surface delineating a bottom of a container receiving space, the surface being for engagement with the bottom of a beverage container when the holder is in use;
(b) the support including upstanding portions delineating at least sections of the perimeter of the container space; and (c) an inflatable bladder operably connected to the upstanding portions for engaging at least three locations about a perimeter of a container when the holder is in use.
2. The holder of claim 1 wherein the bladder is an annulus surrounding a beverage container.
3. The holder of claim 1 wherein the bladder is connected to an air supply conduit and wherein a valve is provided for controlling a flow of air under pressure from the conduit to the bladder.
4. The holder of claim 3 wherein the valve is controlled by a container activated switch.
5. The holder of claim 4 wherein the switch is a photovoltaic cell.
6. The holder of claim 4 wherein the switch is pressure sensitive.
7. The holder of claim 3 wherein the valve is manually actuable.
8. For use in a vehicle, an improved beverage container holder comprising;
(a) base adapted to be mounted in a vehicle at a location readily accessible to at least one vehicle occupant;
(b) the base defining a container receiving recess;
(c) an inflatable bladder connected to the base and positioned to engage at least three permitral points on a portion of a container positioned in the recess;
(d) an air supply conduit connected to the bladder for supplying air under pressure to the bladder; and (e) a valve operably connected to the conduit for controlling the supply of air to the bladder.
(a) base adapted to be mounted in a vehicle at a location readily accessible to at least one vehicle occupant;
(b) the base defining a container receiving recess;
(c) an inflatable bladder connected to the base and positioned to engage at least three permitral points on a portion of a container positioned in the recess;
(d) an air supply conduit connected to the bladder for supplying air under pressure to the bladder; and (e) a valve operably connected to the conduit for controlling the supply of air to the bladder.
9. The holder of claim 8 wherein the bladder is an annulus surrounding a beverage container.
10. The holder of claim 8 wherein the bladder is connected to an air supply conduit and wherein a valve is provided for controlling a flow of air under pressure from the conduit to the bladder.
11. The holder of claim 10 wherein the valve is controlled by a container activated switch.
12. The holder of claim 10 wherein the switch is a photovoltaic cell.
13. The holder of claim 10 wherein the switch is pressure sensitive.
14. The holder of claim 10 wherein the valve is manually actuable.
15. In an over the highway vehicle adapted to be a selected one of a truck and a tractor, an improved process of supporting a beverage container comprising:
(a) positioning a beverage container on a support surface at a lower end of a container receiving recess in a container holder mounted within a cab of the vehicle;
(b) moving a container gripping mechanism toward the container;
and, (c) continuing the movement until the container is engaged at least three perimetrally spaced points whereby to secure the container in the holder.
(a) positioning a beverage container on a support surface at a lower end of a container receiving recess in a container holder mounted within a cab of the vehicle;
(b) moving a container gripping mechanism toward the container;
and, (c) continuing the movement until the container is engaged at least three perimetrally spaced points whereby to secure the container in the holder.
16. The process of claim 15 wherein the gripping mechanism is a diaphragm and the mechanism movement is accomplished by inflating the diaphragm.
17. The process of claim 16 wherein the inflating step is initiated by operating a manually controlled valve to communicate a source of air under pressure with the bladder.
18. The process of claim 16 wherein the inflating step is initiated in response to a signal from a proximity switch to establish communication between a source of air under pressure and the bladder.
19. The process of claim 16 wherein the inflating step is initiated in response to a signal from a pressure sensitive switch to establish communication between a source of air under pressure and the bladder.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US51390800A | 2000-02-28 | 2000-02-28 | |
| US09/513,908 | 2000-02-28 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2324614A1 true CA2324614A1 (en) | 2001-08-28 |
Family
ID=24045074
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002324614A Abandoned CA2324614A1 (en) | 2000-02-28 | 2000-10-27 | Vehicle cupholder |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20040031895A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2324614A1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MXPA01002128A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN107901812A (en) * | 2017-12-26 | 2018-04-13 | 无锡市盛源汽车配件厂 | The vehicle-mounted cup fixing groove of intelligent heating type and its supporting cup |
Families Citing this family (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20050205739A1 (en) * | 2004-03-17 | 2005-09-22 | Depue Todd L | Cup holder with sensor |
| SE531042C2 (en) | 2005-12-29 | 2008-11-25 | Gm Global Tech Operations Inc | Grips and method for providing a gripper |
| US7766293B2 (en) | 2006-04-25 | 2010-08-03 | Raffel Systems, Llc | Lighted cup holder for seating arrangements |
| US20090261221A1 (en) * | 2008-04-22 | 2009-10-22 | Damon Kali | Automated and illuminated cupholding devices and methods of use |
| DE102008062278A1 (en) * | 2008-12-15 | 2010-06-17 | GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., Detroit | Holder for objects |
| US10244849B2 (en) * | 2014-04-11 | 2019-04-02 | Martin Donald Marino | Bottle holding system for backpacks |
| US9637078B2 (en) * | 2014-11-14 | 2017-05-02 | Nxp Usa, Inc. | Object restraint systems and methods of operation thereof |
| US10259370B2 (en) * | 2017-02-09 | 2019-04-16 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Item holder having a self-adjusting air bladder system |
| US10315551B2 (en) | 2017-02-09 | 2019-06-11 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Item holder having a self-adjusting air bladder system |
| CN106891791A (en) * | 2017-04-18 | 2017-06-27 | 重庆理工大学 | A kind of intelligent vehicle-carried cup holder |
| CN108454488A (en) * | 2018-04-18 | 2018-08-28 | 苏州伊而雅精密部件有限公司 | A kind of inflatable automobile saucer |
| CN108454489A (en) * | 2018-04-18 | 2018-08-28 | 苏州伊而雅精密部件有限公司 | A kind of height-adjustable inflatable automobile saucer |
| GB2583505B (en) * | 2019-04-30 | 2021-11-10 | The Unique Puck Company | Multi-functional carrier puck |
| WO2021041308A1 (en) * | 2019-08-28 | 2021-03-04 | Reagen Adam J | Crutch auxiliary carrying device and kit |
| CN112572259A (en) * | 2020-12-25 | 2021-03-30 | 武汉曦泽誉科技有限公司 | Car is from centre gripping type saucer based on injection mold processing |
Family Cites Families (16)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3006396A (en) * | 1959-02-11 | 1961-10-31 | Walton W Cushman | Collapsible container |
| US3339931A (en) * | 1964-12-31 | 1967-09-05 | Grace W R & Co | Inflatable gasket with wick |
| GB1583692A (en) * | 1977-02-07 | 1981-01-28 | Airflex Containers Ltd | Containers having an inflatable tubular seal |
| FR2386764A1 (en) * | 1977-04-05 | 1978-11-03 | Coger Cie Gle Entretien Repara | COUPLING FOR CONTAINER REFRIGERATION INSTALLATION |
| GB2048822B (en) * | 1979-05-22 | 1982-12-15 | Airflex Containers Ltd | Evacuable containers |
| US4571194A (en) * | 1984-04-13 | 1986-02-18 | Kiss James M | Collapsible and floatable beverage holder |
| US4671424A (en) * | 1986-10-27 | 1987-06-09 | Byrns James E | Insulated can holder |
| US5134930A (en) * | 1991-07-18 | 1992-08-04 | Mei Hwa Hsieh | Inflatable serving tray |
| US5115940A (en) * | 1991-08-08 | 1992-05-26 | Friedman Todd A | Container cooler apparatus |
| US5580132A (en) * | 1994-11-30 | 1996-12-03 | Rediske; Thomas E. | Inflatable tray seat |
| JP3443804B2 (en) * | 1995-02-14 | 2003-09-08 | 花王株式会社 | Article holding device |
| US5622261A (en) * | 1995-04-19 | 1997-04-22 | The Mead Corporation | Merchandising display device having inflatable decorative covering |
| US5845806A (en) * | 1996-05-29 | 1998-12-08 | Parchman; William J. | Inflatable insulating jacket for beverage container |
| KR100214994B1 (en) * | 1996-10-11 | 1999-08-02 | 정몽규 | Motor cupholder of automobile |
| US6302364B1 (en) * | 1998-11-04 | 2001-10-16 | Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. | Pneumatic container holder |
| DE29822972U1 (en) * | 1998-12-28 | 1999-03-04 | Sarnatech Paulmann & Crone | Device for holding beverage containers in motor vehicles |
-
2000
- 2000-10-27 CA CA002324614A patent/CA2324614A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2001
- 2001-02-27 MX MXPA01002128A patent/MXPA01002128A/en unknown
-
2003
- 2003-08-22 US US10/646,251 patent/US20040031895A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN107901812A (en) * | 2017-12-26 | 2018-04-13 | 无锡市盛源汽车配件厂 | The vehicle-mounted cup fixing groove of intelligent heating type and its supporting cup |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20040031895A1 (en) | 2004-02-19 |
| MXPA01002128A (en) | 2002-08-20 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |