U.S. patent application number 10/427775 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-04 for floor located vehicle container holder.
Invention is credited to Andrews, Michael L..
Application Number | 20040217247 10/427775 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33310250 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040217247 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Andrews, Michael L. |
November 4, 2004 |
Floor located vehicle container holder
Abstract
A vehicle container holder includes a bottomless container
retention section and a mounting section. The container retention
section defines a container axis along which a container is
received and rested upon the vehicle interior component. The
container holder is manufactured from a single planar sheet of
material which is formed to the desired shape. The mounting portion
of the container holder slips behind a vehicle component adjacent a
vehicle floor. The container holder therefore is not permanently
affixed to any interior component of the vehicle. The container
holder does not include a bottom and utilizes a vehicle component
such as the vehicle floor as the bottom support for the retained
container. Such a bottomless design provides greater ability to
handle a range of container sizes and provides a greater range of
adjustment/variance with respect to vehicle designs while
simplifying manufacturing.
Inventors: |
Andrews, Michael L.;
(Annandale, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CARLSON, GASKEY & OLDS, P.C.
400 WEST MAPLE ROAD
SUITE 350
BIRMINGHAM
MI
48009
US
|
Family ID: |
33310250 |
Appl. No.: |
10/427775 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/311.2 ;
224/926 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 3/103 20130101;
B60N 3/108 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/311.2 ;
224/926 |
International
Class: |
A47K 001/08 |
Claims
1. A vehicle container holder comprising: a bottomless container
retention section which defines an axis; and a mounting section
extending from said container retention section, said mounting
section comprises an intermediate arm portion, and a mounting arm
end portion interconnected by an arcuate spring mounting arm
portion, said intermediate arm portion and said mounting arm end
portion generally parallel but offset relative the axis, said
arcuate spring mounting arm portion defining an obtuse angle.
2. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 1, wherein said
bottomless container retention section at least partially surrounds
said axis for a height to maintain a container in a generally
vertical position therein.
3. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 1, wherein said
bottomless container retention section comprises a plurality of
arms having arm ends which do not meet.
4. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 1, wherein said
bottomless container retention section comprises a frustro conical
geometry.
5. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 1, wherein said
bottomless container retention section comprises an upper portion
and a lower portion, said upper portion defines a larger perimeter
about said axis than said lower portion.
6. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 1, wherein said
bottomless container retention section comprises an upper portion
and a lower portion, said upper portion sloping toward said lower
portion.
7. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 1, wherein said
bottomless container retention section and said mounting section
arc formed from a single planar sheet of material.
8. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 7, wherein said
material comprises a stainless steel.
9. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 1I further
comprising a liner attached to said bottomless container retention
section.
10.-12. (CANCELED)
13. A method of retaining a container within a vehicle comprising
the steps of: (1) locating a bottomless container retention section
adjacent a vehicle floor; and (2) locating a mounting section
extending from the container retention section behind a vehicle
interior component; and locating a container within the bottomless
container retention section such that the, container is supported
upon the vehicle floor and the bottomless container retention
section maintains the container in a generally vertical
position.
14. A method as recited in claim 13, further comprising the step
of: mounting an anti-rattle lining to the bottomless container
retention section.
15. A method as recited in claim 13, wherein said step (1) further
comprises providing a frustro conical geometry to the bottomless
container retention section.
16. A method as recited in claim 13, wherein said step (1) further
comprises providing a plurality of arms having arm ends which do
not meet to receive a container handle.
17. A method as recited in claim 13, wherein said step (2) further
comprises maintaining the mounting section in a flexed condition
when the mounting section is mounted behind the vehicle interior
component.
18. A method as recited in claim 13, wherein said step (2) further
comprises maintaining the vehicle interior component in a flexed
condition when the mounting section is mounted behind the vehicle
interior component.
19. A method as recited in claim 13, wherein said step (2) further
comprises locating the mounting section behind the vehicle interior
component and in front of a second vehicle interior component.
20. A method as recited in claim 13, wherein said step (2) further
comprises locating the mounting section behind the vehicle interior
component wherein the bottomless container retention section is
positioned at a location under and displaced from a bend of a
person's leg when in a seated position.
21. (CANCELED)
22. A method as recited in claim 13, wherein said step (2) further
comprises locating the mounting section such that a container
retained within the bottomless container retention section at least
partially rests upon the vehicle floor forward of a vehicle
seat.
23. A method of retaining a container within a vehicle comprising
the steps of: (1) locating a container retention section adjacent a
vehicle floor; (2) locating a mounting section extending from the
container retention section behind a vehicle interior component
along a side of a center transmission tunnel; (3) retaining
locating a container within the container retention section wherein
the container is supported upon the vehicle floor and the
bottomless container retention section maintaining the container in
a generally vertical position.
24. A method as recited in claim 23, wherein said step (2) further
comprises maintaining the mounting section in a flexed condition
when the mounting section is mounted behind the vehicle interior
component.
25. A method as recited in claim 23, wherein said step (2) further
comprises maintaining the vehicle interior component in a flexed
condition when the mounting section is mounted behind the vehicle
interior component.
26. A method as recited in claim 23, wherein said step (2) further
comprises locating the mounting section behind the vehicle interior
component and in front of a second vehicle interior component.
27. A method as recited in claim 23, wherein said step (1) further
comprises locating the container retention section adjacent the
vehicle floor and adjacent a vehicle front seat at a location under
and displaced from a bend of a person's leg when in a seated
position.
28. A method as recited in claim 13, wherein said step (1) further
comprises locating the container retention section adjacent the
vehicle floor and adjacent a vehicle front seat.
28. A method as recited in claim 13, wherein said step (2) further
comprises locating the mounting section extending from the
container retention section behind the vehicle interior component
along a side of a center transmission tunnel.
29. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 1, wherein
said arcuate mounting arm portion is greater than 120 degrees.
30. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 1, wherein
said arcuate spring mounting arm portion is resilient.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle container holder
and, more particularly, to a vehicle container holder which
utilizes the vehicle floor as a container support surface.
[0002] Beverage holders are common within current foreign and
domestic vehicles. Many differing types of such beverage holders
commonly referred to as cup holders exist and are located at
various positions within the vehicle. Oftentimes, the cup holders
are movable between a stowed and an extended position to minimize
obstructing driver or passenger movement within the vehicle when in
use.
[0003] Conventional cup holders often may leave much to be desired.
The cup holders may often be located in an inconvenient position
that is not readily accessible or which interferes with vehicle
controls or instruments. Other cup holder locations may share space
with other vehicle storage thereby limiting access to that storage.
Still other cup holders are often positioned relatively high within
the vehicle in a manner in which a quick stop or rapid maneuver may
result in spilled liquid. Moreover, spillage or condensation from
center console mounted cup holders may fall upon vehicle electronic
system, switches, gear shifters, or other difficult to clean areas
and components.
[0004] Numerous after-market cup holders have been developed with
varying degrees of effectiveness but often suffer from the
previously mentioned deficiencies. Such deficiencies may be further
magnified due to an aftermarket cup holder's lack of a readily
adaptable and secure mounting structure. The potential deficiencies
of effective aftermarket cup holders are particularly appreciated
when expenses must be maintained within a reasonable expenditure
commensurate with the expected market.
[0005] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a vehicle container
holder which is readily and securely mounted within a multiple of
different vehicles, minimizes spillage, avoids interfering with
vehicle controls, does not utilize existing storage space, is
convenient yet out of the way, improves safety by minimizing
dangers from spills on occupants and the potential for launching of
contents, and is relatively inexpensive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The vehicle container holder according to the present
invention generally includes a bottomless container retention
section and a mounting section.
[0007] The container retention section defines a container axis
along which a container is received and rested upon the vehicle
floor. The container retention section includes arms that at least
partially surround a container axis and do not meet such that a cup
handle may be received therebetween. The arms define a perimeter to
receive a wide range of containers.
[0008] The container holder is manufactured from a single planar
sheet of material, which is formed to the desired shape. The
container holder is preferably manufactured from a metallic
material such as stainless steel, however, other materials such as
plastics and composites will also benefit from the present
invention. A liner is located within the interior or around the
edge of the container holder to minimize rattle. The shape,
strength, location and adaptability of the container holder
according to the present invention provides advantages heretofore
unavailable.
[0009] The mounting portion of the container holder slips behind a
vehicle component adjacent a vehicle floor. The container holder
need not be permanently affixed to any interior surface of the
vehicle. The container holder rests on or just above the vehicle
floor, such that the contents rest on the floor of the vehicle.
Notably, the container holder does not include a bottom and
utilizes the vehicle floor or other vehicle component as the bottom
rest for the retained container. Such a bottomless design provides
greater ability to handle a range of container sizes and provides a
greater range of adjustment/variance with respect to differing
vehicles, lowers the container center of gravity within the
vehicle, and reduces manufacturing expense.
[0010] If, by chance, a spill does happen (most likely due to the
container itself and not the holder), the spill will be upon the
vehicle floor and mats which are relatively easily cleaned.
Moreover, the spill will not affect the vehicle electronic system,
switches, gear shifters, or other difficult to clean areas and
components and there is less potential for launching the container
within the vehicle in the event of rapid maneuvers due to the low
mounting location within the vehicle.
[0011] The present invention therefore provides a vehicle container
holder which is readily adapted and securely mounted within a
multiple of different vehicles, minimizes spillage, is more safe,
avoids interfering with vehicle controls yet is presented in a
convenient location, does not utilize existing storage space, and
is relatively inexpensive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The various features and advantages of this invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following
detailed description of the currently preferred embodiment. The
drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly
described as follows:
[0013] FIG. 1A is a general perspective view of a container holder
designed according to the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 1B is a general top perspective view of a container
holder designed according to the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 1C is a general side perspective view of a container
holder designed according to the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 1D is a general front perspective view of a container
holder designed according to the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 1E is a general back perspective view of a container
holder designed according to the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 1F is a general back perspective view of a container
holder in an installed position;
[0019] FIG. 1G is an exploded side view of a container holder in an
installed position between vehicle components;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a general plan view of a container holder prior to
forming;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a general perspective view of a container holder
in an installed position retaining an exemplary container;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a general perspective view of a container holder
in an installed position retaining another exemplary container;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a general perspective view of a container holder
in an installed position retaining another exemplary container.
[0024] FIG. 6A is an expanded view of the container holder at an
initial position during installation;
[0025] FIG. 6B is an expanded view of the container holder being
installed past the FIG. 6A position; and
[0026] FIG. 6C is an expanded view of the container holder in a
final installed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0027] FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate a general perspective view of a
vehicle container holder 10 designed according to the present
invention. The container holder 10 generally includes a bottomless
container retention section 12 and a mounting section 14.
[0028] The container retention section 12 defines a container axis
C along which a container is received (FIG. 3). The container
retention section 12 includes arms 16 which at least partially
surround the container axis C. Two arms 16 having arm ends 18,
which do not meet, are preferred such that a cup handle H (FIG. 4)
may be received therebetween; however, a single continuous arm is
contemplated by the present invention.
[0029] The arms 16 are generally arcuate. The arms 16 are
preferably of a frustro conical geometry (FIG. 1B) in which a lower
portion 20 of the arms 16 define a smaller perimeter than the upper
portion 22 of arms 16. It should be understood that relative
positional terms such as "forward," "aft," "upper," "lower,"
"above," "below," and the like are with reference to the normal
operational attitude of the vehicle and should not be considered
otherwise limiting.
[0030] The upper portion 20 slopes toward the lower portion 18 from
the mounting section 14 to the arm ends 18 (FIG. 1C). The lower
area of the slope permits a shorter container such as a mug (FIG.
4) to be accessible while the higher area of the slope provides
greater height to secure taller items such as a water bottle (FIG.
3). Also, the frustro conical geometry tends to naturally center
container placed within the arm along axis C.
[0031] The arms 16 define a perimeter to receive a wide range of
containers. Preferably, containers from short cans to tall bottles
and from large diameter mugs with handles to thin bottles will be
received within the container retention section 12. Furthermore, as
the container holder 10 is preferably manufactured of a flexible
material, the arms 16 may flex to receive and retain a large
container (FIG. 5), however, such contact need not occur to
securely retain the container. In addition the two arms 16 may be
plastically flexed to increase or decrease the distance between the
arm ends 18 and receive still more varied sized containers. The
general dimensions are optimized such that little or no adjustments
are required for standard-sized containers. The overall shape is
such that it causes containers placed within the container holder
10 to naturally center and be retained by the arms 16.
[0032] The arm ends 1B are non-parallel (FIG. 1D). The distance
between the arm ends 18 becomes more narrow from the upper portion
20 to the lower portion 18. A cup handle h (FIG. 4) may be received
therebetween and grip the handle.
[0033] The mounting section 14 includes a mounting arm 26 which
extends from the container retention section 12 generally parallel
to the container axis C. The mounting arm 26 section 12 includes an
intermediate arm potion 28 which extends from the container
retention section 12 and a mounting arm end portion 30 which are
generally parallel but offset relative axis C (FIGS. 1C and 1E). An
arcuate mounting arm portion 32 interconnects the intermediate
mounting potion 26.
[0034] A liner 34 is located within the interior of the container
holder 10. The liner 34 is preferably a relatively soft material
such as felt, rubber, suede, leather or the like. The liner 34
contacts the container and minimizes rattles and provides a smooth
surface to ease entry and exit of containers. The liner alternately
may be implemented in a way that forms to the rim and/or other
interior edges of the container holder 10.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, the container holder 10 is manufactured
from a single planar sheet S (FIG. 2) which is formed to the
desired shape. The container holder 10 is preferably manufactured
from a metallic material such as stainless steel, however, other
materials such as plastics and composites will also benefit from
the present invention. The shape and strength of the container
holder 10 according to the present invention provides advantages
heretofore unavailable. Moreover, as the container holder 10
utilizes a relatively inexpensive single sheet of material which
may be laser cut or stamped to shape. Final forming includes
bending the single sheet to shape which is likewise relatively
inexpensive in manufacture.
[0036] The container retention section 12 is generally delta shaped
with the mounting section 14 extending as a cantilever section from
the apex thereof. Relatively large radiuses 36 are provided at each
intersection for both an aesthetic pleasing appearance and
avoidance of snags. Apertures 38 are provided to further provide an
aesthetic pleasing appearance and weight reduction. It should be
understood that other aperture shapes or none at all will also
benefit from the present invention.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 1F, the container holder 10 is illustrated
in an installed position. The container holder 10 is shown mounted
to the side of a center transmission tunnel adjacent the vehicle
front seats, however, it will be appreciated that the container
holder 10 may be fastened to other areas of the interior of
vehicle. Preferably, the container holder 10 is positioning at a
location under the bend in the driver's leg which places it in a
location that is out of the way and in an area generally not used.
That is, the container holder 10 is located an area of the vehicle
that typically is not used and at a point relative to the driver's
seating position such that it does not interfere with comfort or
operation of the vehicle yet is still convenient and readily
accessible.
[0038] The mounting portion 12 of the container holder 10 slips
behind a vehicle component P such as a panel adjacent a vehicle
floor F. It should be understood that the term "floor" should be
broadly construed to include floor mats, carpeted sections of the
transmission tunnel and other vehicle components. The container
holder 10 therefore is not permanently affixed to any interior
component of the vehicle. The container holder 10 rests on or just
above the vehicle floor F. Notably, the container holder 10 does
not include a bottom and utilizes the vehicle floor F as the bottom
rest for the retained container. Such a bottomless design provides
greater ability to handle a range of sizes and provides a greater
range of adjustment/variance with respect to container height and
adaptability across different vehicles while simplifying
manufacturing.
[0039] The arcuate mounting arm portion 32 formed in a generally
arcuate manner. When inserted between two surfaces P and P' (FIG.
1G) within a vehicle, the curvature of the arcuate mounting arm
portion 32 causes it to be in a flexed state and to be pressed
against the opposing faces of the vehicle surfaces in a spring-like
fashion. In this state, the force exerted by the mounting portion
12 is sufficient to secure the container holder 10 in a desired
location and to maintain its contents in the desired manner and
position. The action of the mounting portion 12 in this manner
further provides for easy installation and removal by the user,
does not require modification to or cause damage within the
vehicle, and benefits manufacture and related cost by reducing
complexity and parts count. The shape and dimensions of the
mounting section are highly adaptable and may be altered as
necessary to achieve a best fit within specific vehicles and at
various locations within vehicles. The action of the mounting
portion 12 in the above manner need not preclude the use of
additional means of attachment where desired to supplement
retention and/or for a more permanent mounting, and provisions for
such additional mounting points may be incorporated into the
design.
[0040] If; by chance, a spill does happen (most likely due to the
container and not the holder), the spill will be upon the vehicle
floor and mats which are relatively easily cleaned. Moreover, the
spill will not affect the vehicle electronic system, switches, gear
shifters, or other difficult to clean areas and components.
Furthermore, any spills are less likely to occur on occupants and
contents are less likely to be launched in a hazardous way in the
event of a rapid motion and/or accident, thereby improving occupant
safety.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 6A, the container holder 10 is readily
installed by slipping the mounting arm end portion 30 of the
mounting arm 26 under and behind an edge E of the vehicle component
P approximately {fraction (1/4)}" to 1/2." The mounting arm 26
needs to slip under and past the edge, and then immediately up.
Although the container holder 10 may be positioned more to the
front or rear if desired.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 6B, the container holder 10 is pressed in
and upward until the arcuate mounting arm portion 32 are pushed
under the edge E vehicle component P and the container holder 10 is
in a near-vertical position against the carpet over the
transmission tunnel (FIG. 6C).
[0043] Referring to FIG. 6C, the arcuate mounting arm portion 32
operates in a spring-like fashion against the edge of the vehicle
component P to hold it in place. The edge E of the vehicle
component P may deflect slightly from the pressure. This is by
design and is intended to secure the holder as tightly as possible.
The edge E of the vehicle component P will return to its original
position when the holder is removed. When in place, the container
holder 10 will fit generally flush against the vehicle floor F at
the rear edge, with the front of the arms 16 slightly off of the
vehicle floor F. The container holder 10 preferably sits at a
slight angle toward the console to provide additional depth and
better hold containers. That is, axis C is casted toward the
vehicle center console. It should not move easily in a forward or
rearward direction, and it should spring back slightly toward the
console if the arms are pulled out gently toward the door.
[0044] The foregoing description is exemplary rather than defined
by the limitations within. Many modifications and variations of the
present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The
preferred embodiments of this invention have been disclosed,
however, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that
certain modifications would come within the scope of this
invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope
of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise
than as specifically described. For that reason the following
claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of
this invention.
* * * * *