U.S. patent application number 10/646251 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-19 for vehicle cupholder.
This patent application is currently assigned to Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.. Invention is credited to Langhoff, Richard.
Application Number | 20040031895 10/646251 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24045074 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040031895 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Langhoff, Richard |
February 19, 2004 |
Vehicle cupholder
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.
Inventors: |
Langhoff, Richard;
(Greensboro, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WATTS HOFFMANN CO., L.P.A.
P.O. Box 99839
Cleveland
OH
44199-0830
US
|
Assignee: |
Volvo Trucks North America,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
24045074 |
Appl. No.: |
10/646251 |
Filed: |
August 22, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10646251 |
Aug 22, 2003 |
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09513908 |
Feb 28, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/311.2 ;
224/926 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 3/105 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/311.2 ;
224/926 |
International
Class: |
A47K 001/08 |
Claims
Claims:
1. A holder for releasably securing a manually carryable article in
a vehicle, said holder comprising: a securement means for anchoring
a manually carryable article within an occupant compartment of a
vehicle, said securement means comprising an inflatable bladder
having a deflated configuration for facilitating insertion of an
article therein and establishing an article-release configuration
of the holder, and an inflated configuration for impeding
disengagement of an inserted article therefrom and establishing an
article-securing configuration of the holder.
2. The holder for releasably securing a manually carryable article
in a vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein said securement means
is coupled to an interior of an occupant compartment of a vehicle
and spatially fixed therein within reach of at least one vehicle
occupant.
3. The holder for releasably securing a manually carryable article
in a vehicle as recited in claim 2, wherein said securement means
is mounted to a console within the occupant compartment of the
vehicle.
4. The holder for releasably securing a manually carryable article
in a vehicle as recited in claim 2, wherein said securement means
is mounted to a dashboard within the occupant compartment of the
vehicle.
5. The holder for releasably securing a manually carryable article
in a vehicle as recited in claim 2, further comprising: a support
body defining an interior space therein; and the inflatable bladder
confined within the interior space of the support body.
6. The holder for releasably securing a manually carryable article
in a vehicle as recited in claim 5, wherein the support body
further comprises an open-top recess surrounded by a substantially
annular wall that defines the interior space of the support
body.
7. The holder for releasably securing a manually carryable article
in a vehicle as recited in claim 6, further comprising: an inwardly
protruding lip located at a top portion of the substantially
annular wall, the inwardly protruding lip having a reduced inner
diameter relative to an inner diameter of the substantially annular
wall.
8. The holder for releasably securing a manually carryable article
in a vehicle as recited in claim 2, wherein said inflatable bladder
of the securement means is configured for releasably gripping a
hand-held beverage container.
9. The holder for releasably securing a manually carryable article
in a vehicle as recited in claim 2, further comprising: a pressure
feed line fluidly interconnected between the inflatable bladder and
a vehicular fluid pressure source.
10. The holder for releasably securing a manually carryable article
in a vehicle as recited in claim 9, further comprising: a control
valve disposed between the inflatable bladder and the vehicular
fluid pressure source, the control valve configurable to transition
the holder between the article-release configuration and the
article-securing configuration.
11. The holder for releasably securing a manually carryable article
in a vehicle as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a sensing
means for detecting the presence of an inserted article and causing
the inflatable bladder to transition between the inflated and
deflated configurations.
12. The holder for releasably securing a manually carryable article
in a vehicle as recited in claim 11, wherein said sensing means is
a motion sensor.
13. The holder for releasably securing a manually carryable article
in a vehicle as recited in claim 11, wherein said sensing means is
a photovoltaic-cell.
14. The holder for releasably securing a manually carryable article
in a vehicle as recited in claim 11, wherein said sensing means is
a pressure sensor.
15. A method for releasably securing a manually carryable article
in a vehicle, said method comprising: anchoring a manually
carryable article in a holder located within an occupant
compartment of a vehicle utilizing an inflatable bladder, said
anchoring step comprising: establishing an article-release
configuration of a holder by establishing a deflated configuration
of the inflatable bladder thereby facilitating insertion of the
manually carryable article therein; inserting the manually
carryable article into an interior space of the holder; and
establishing an article-securing configuration of the holder by
inflating the inflatable bladder thereby impeding disengagement of
the inserted article therefrom.
16. The method as recited in claim 15, further comprising: locating
the holder within an interior of the occupant compartment of the
vehicle within reach of at least one vehicle occupant.
17. The method as recited in claim 16, further comprising: mounting
the holder to a console within the occupant compartment of the
vehicle.
18. The method as recited in claim 16, further comprising: mounting
the holder to a dashboard of the vehicle.
19. The method as recited in claim 15, further comprising:
providing the holder in a form having a support body that defines
an interior space therein; and confining the inflatable bladder
within the interior space of the support body.
20. The method as recited in claim 19, further comprising:
providing the support body with an open-top recess surrounded by a
substantially annular wall that defines the interior space of the
support body.
21. The method as recited in claim 20, further comprising:
providing an inwardly protruding lip located at a top portion of
the substantially annular wall, the inwardly protruding lip having
a reduced inner diameter relative to an inner diameter of the
substantially annular wall.
22. The method as recited in claim 15, further comprising:
releasably gripping a hand-held beverage container utilizing the
inflatable bladder.
23. The method as recited in claim 15, further comprising:
providing a pressure feed line fluidly interconnected between the
inflatable bladder and a vehicular fluid pressure source.
24. The method as recited in claim 23, further comprising:
providing a control valve disposed between the inflatable bladder
and the vehicular fluid pressure source; and configuring the
control valve to transition the holder between the article-release
configuration and the article-securing configuration.
25. The method as recited in claim 15, further comprising:
detecting the presence of an inserted article in the holder
utilizing a sensor and responsively causing the inflatable bladder
to transition between the inflated and deflated configurations.
26. A beverage container holder for use in a vehicle 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; c) an
inflatable bladder connected to an air supply conduit and operably
connected to the upstanding portions for engaging at least three
locations about a perimeter of such a container when the holder is
in use; d) a valve for controlling a flow of air under pressure
from the conduit to the bladder; and, e) a container activated
switch that controls said valve.
27. The holder of claim 26 wherein the switch is a photovoltaic
cell.
28. The holder of claim 26 wherein the switch is pressure
sensitive.
29. 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 an air supply conduit and 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; e) a valve operable connected to the conduit for
controlling a flow of air under pressure from the conduit to the
bladder; and, f) a container activated switch that controls the
valve.
30. The holder of claim 29 wherein the switch is a photovoltaic
cell.
31. The holder of claim 29 wherein the switch is pressure
sensitive.
32. An improved process of supporting a beverage container in
selected one of truck and a tractor, the process, comprising: a)
positioning a beverage container on a support surface at a lower
end of a container receiving recess in a container holder mounted
with a cab of the vehicles; b) moving a container gripping
diaphragm toward the container by inflating the diaphragm initiated
by a signal from a proximity switch that establishes communication
between a source of air under pressure and the diaphragm. c)
continuing the movement until the container is engaged at least
three perimetrally spaced points whereby to secure the container in
the holder.
33. An improved process of supporting a beverage container in
selected one of a truck and a tractor, the process, comprising: a)
positioning a beverage container on a support surface at a lower
end of a container receiving recess in a container holder mounted
with a cab of the vehicles; b) moving a container gripping
diaphragm toward the container by inflating the diaphragm initiated
by a signal from a pressure sensitive switch that establishes
communication between a source of air under pressure and the
diaphragm; and, c) continuing the movement until the container is
engaged at least three perimetrally spaced points whereby to secure
the container in the holder.
Description
Relate Bacck
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of co-pending
application Ser. No. 09/513,908, entitled "Vehicle Cupholder,"
filed on Feb. 28, 2000.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] 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
[0003] 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.
[0004] Prior cupholders exhibited a n umber 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,
provided 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] It would be desirable to have a holder which accommodates a
substantial range of beverage container sizes and securely holds
containers sized to fall within the range.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A cupholder embodying the invention includes a recessed
base. The recess is 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] While the preferred and disclosed embodiment includes an
annular bladder it should be apparent that other forms may be
provided so long as a circular beverage container is engaged in at
least three spaced locations since three points locate a
circle.
[0010] Accordingly, the objects of the invention include providing
a novel and improved beverage container holder especially adapted
for use in vehicles and a process for a supporting a beverage
container in a vehicle when it is in operation.
[0011] In one embodiment, the presently claimed invention takes the
form of a holder for releasably securing a manually carryable
article in a vehicle. As discussed above, operators and passengers
of vehicles often desire to bring relatively small articles onboard
transporting vehicles and keep these articles nearby for ready
access. Examples of such articles include mobile telephones and
individual beverage servings typified by twelve ounce cans and
disposable cups of various sizes, all of which are defined herein
as being capable of being hand-carried and handheld. It should be
appreciated that manually carryable does not merely denote portable
articles, but items that are sufficiently small to be carried about
by hand. Holders configured according to this embodiment of the
invention comprise (include, but are not limited to) a securement
means for anchoring such manually carryable articles within an
occupant compartment of a vehicle. Such securement means can take
various forms, but in at least one exemplary embodiment disclosed
herein, the securement means incorporates an inflatable bladder
having a deflated configuration for facilitating insertion of an
article therein and which establishes an article-release
configuration of the holder. The inflatable bladder also has an
inflated configuration for impeding disengagement of an inserted
article therefrom and which establishes an article-securing
configuration of the holder. The resistance to disengagement
imposed by an inflated bladder is due to the applied squeeze effect
that the engorged bladder has on encircled article.
[0012] To avoid unintended movement of held or secured articles,
the securement means, or holder, is coupled to an interior of an
occupant compartment of a vehicle and spatially fixed therein
within reach of at least one vehicle occupant. Location within
arm's reach of an occupant is preferred because many of the
articles that are contemplated to be suitable for the presently
disclosed holders are of a nature which users wish to frequently
access, and which are typified by the examples of beverage
containers and mobile telephones. Advantageous mounting locations
for holders of the present type are on center-consoles and
dashboards traditionally found in occupant compartments of
transport vehicles at positions well within both operator and
passenger reach.
[0013] One particular embodiment of the holder includes a support
body that defines an interior space and the inflatable bladder is
confined within that interior space. The support body has an
open-top recess surrounded by a substantially annular wall that
defines the interior space of the support body.
[0014] In one particular embodiment, the support body and
inflatable bladder are predominantly round in horizontal
cross-section and are especially suited for releasably gripping a
hand-held beverage container.
[0015] In furtherance of the interior space's definition, an
inwardly protruding lip is located at a top portion of the annular
wall. The lip has a reduced inner diameter relative to an inner
diameter of the substantially annular wall.
[0016] Most commercial vehicles upon which the article holder of
the present invention is envisioned to be a suitable accessory has
one or both of a pressured air and hydraulic source. Capitalizing
thereupon, a pressure feed line is fluidly interconnected between
the inflatable bladder and such a vehicular fluid pressure source.
Preferably, a control valve is disposed between the inflatable
bladder and the vehicular fluid pressure source and is configurable
to transition the holder between the article-release configuration
and the article-securing configuration.
[0017] In an automated version, or at least semi-automated
embodiment of the presently disclosed article holder, a sensor or
sensing means is provided for detecting the presence of an inserted
article and causing the inflatable bladder to transition between
the inflated and deflated configurations. Examples of such sensing
means include motion sensors, photovoltaic-type sensors, and
pressure sensors.
[0018] In a commensurate embodiment, the invention takes the form
of a method for releasably securing a manually carryable article in
a vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
cupholder of this invention;
[0020] FIGS. 2 and 3 are sectional views of the cupholder of FIG. 1
showing an inflatable bladder in deflated condition in FIG. 2 and
in an inflated condition in FIG. 3;
[0021] FIG. 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
[0022] FIG. 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
[0023] In the drawings a cupholder is shown generally at 10. In
FIG. 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 FIGS. 2 and 3 is positioned atop the support 15
when the holder is in use.
[0024] As shown, the holder 12 includes an annular wall 18 which
delineates the perimeter of the aperture 14. The wall includes a
lower recessed portion 20 extending upwardly from the support 15 to
a smaller diameter lip portion 22.
[0025] An annular inflatable bladder 24 is positioned in the
recessed portion 20. The bladder 24 is shown in a deflated
condition in FIG. 2 for readily receiving a container. The bladder
24 is shown in an inflated condition in FIG. 3 perimetraly gripping
the container 16.
[0026] An air line 25 is connected to a source of air under
pressure, not shown. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 the air line is
also connected to a manually actuated control valve 26. The valve
26 includes 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 2.
[0027] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 4, the support 15' is a
flexible membrane as contrasted with a rigid support of 15 in FIG.
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.
[0028] 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 FIG. 4 the valve 26' will open and vent the
bladder to atmosphere producing the condition shown in FIG. 4.
[0029] 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.
* * * * *