U.S. patent application number 11/023190 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-15 for floor located vehicle container holder.
Invention is credited to Andrews, Michael L..
Application Number | 20050199770 11/023190 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46303593 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050199770 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Andrews, Michael L. |
September 15, 2005 |
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
mounting portion of the container holder slips behind a vehicle
component adjacent a vehicle floor or includes a multiple of pins
to penetrate into a carpeted panel along the vehicle transmission
tunnel. The container holder utilizes 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: |
46303593 |
Appl. No.: |
11/023190 |
Filed: |
December 27, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11023190 |
Dec 27, 2004 |
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10427775 |
May 1, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/311.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 3/103 20130101;
B60N 3/108 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/311.2 |
International
Class: |
A47K 001/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A vehicle container holder comprising: a bottomless container
retention section which defines an axis, said bottomless container
retention section including a pair of arms which are adjacent and
separated to partially surround said axis for a height to maintain
a container in a generally vertical position therein; and a
mounting section extending from said container retention section,
said mounting section operable to engage a generally vertical
surface adjacent a vehicle floor such that a container is supported
upon the vehicle floor and the bottomless container retention
section maintains the container in the generally vertical
position.
2. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 1, wherein 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 laterally offset
relative the axis, said arcuate spring mounting arm portion formed
as an arc defining an obtuse angle relative a rear container
portion.
3. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 2, wherein said
arc of said arcuate mounting arm portion is greater than 120
degrees.
4. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 2, wherein said
arcuate spring mounting arm portion is resilient.
5. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 2, wherein said
mounting end portion defines a radiused end segment to said spring
mounting arm portion
6. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 1, wherein said
mounting section comprises a multiple of pins which extend from a
rear portion of said container section generally opposite said arm
ends.
7. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 6, wherein said
multiple of pins include an upper set of pins and a lower set of
pins.
8. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 7, wherein said
upper set of pins are mounted to a pin plate, said pin plate
mounted to said rear portion of said container section generally
opposite said arm ends.
9. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 7, wherein said
upper set of pins and said lower set of pins are angled relative
said axis.
10. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 1, wherein
said bottomless container retention section comprises a frustro
conical geometry.
11. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 1, wherein
said bottomless container retention section and said mounting
section are formed from a single planar sheet of material.
12. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 11, wherein
said material comprises a stainless steel.
13. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 12, further
comprising a liner attached to said bottomless container retention
section.
14. A method of retaining a container within a vehicle comprising
the steps of: (1) locating a bottomless container retention section
adjacent a vehicle floor, said bottomless container retention
section including a pair of arms which are adjacent and separated
to partially surround an axis for a height to maintain a container
in a generally vertical position therein; (2) locating a mounting
section extending from the container retention section along a side
of a vehicle center transmission tunnel such that the container is
supported upon the vehicle floor and the bottomless container
retention section maintains the container in a generally vertical
position.
15. A method as recited in claim 14, wherein said step (1) further
comprises locating the container retention section upon the vehicle
floor and forward of a vehicle front seat.
16. A method as recited in claim 14, wherein said step (2) further
comprises locating the mounting section extending from the
container retention section behind a vehicle interior component
extending along a side of the center transmission tunnel.
17. A method as recited in claim 16, wherein said step (2) further
comprises resiliently maintaining the mounting section in a flexed
condition behind the vehicle interior component.
18. A method as recited in claim 16, wherein said step (2) further
comprises locating the mounting section behind the vehicle interior
component and in front of a vehicle carpeted panel.
19. A method as recited in claim 16, wherein said step (2) further
comprises inserting a multiple of mounting pins extending from the
mounting section at least partially through a carpeted panel
mounted upon the side of the vehicle center transmission
tunnel.
20. A method as recited in claim 16, wherein said step (2) further
comprises inserting an upper set of mounting pins in a first
direction and a lower set of mounting pins in a second direction
through a carpeted panel mounted upon the side of the vehicle
center transmission tunnel.
Description
[0001] The present application is a Continuation in Part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/427,775, filed May 1, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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
[0007] The vehicle container holder according to the present
invention generally includes a bottomless container retention
section and a mounting section.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] Another container holder embodiment of the present invention
includes a mounting section with a multiple of mounting pins which
extend from a pin plate mounted to a rear container portion of the
container holder generally opposite the arm ends. The mounting pins
maintain the container holder in place, but are light enough to
flex and release in the event some unusual force is applied (e.g.,
a seat is moved forward quickly, someone pulls hard, etc.) The
container holder requires only a carpeted panel to receive the
pins. Benefits include a somewhat easier installation, a more
finished and interior-neutral appearance, more flexibility as far
as placement, and better adaptability across cars (including
greater potential for transferring it to other/future cars.)
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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
[0014] 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:
[0015] FIG. 1A is a general perspective view of a container holder
designed according to the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 1B is a general top perspective view of a container
holder designed according to the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 1C is a general side perspective view of a container
holder designed according to the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 1D is a general front perspective view of a container
holder designed according to the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 1E is a general back perspective view of a container
holder designed according to the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 1F is a general back perspective view of a container
holder in an installed position;
[0021] FIG. 1G is an exploded side view of a container holder in an
installed position between vehicle components;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a general plan view of a container holder prior to
forming;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a general perspective view of a container holder
in an installed position retaining an exemplary container;.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a general perspective view of a container holder
in an installed position retaining another exemplary container;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a general perspective view of a container holder
in an installed position retaining another exemplary container.
[0026] FIG. 6A is an expanded view of the container holder at an
initial position during installation;
[0027] FIG. 6B is an expanded view of the container holder being
installed past the FIG. 6A position;
[0028] FIG. 6C is an expanded view of the container holder in a
final installed position;
[0029] FIG. 7A is a general perspective view of a container holder
designed according to the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 7B is a general top perspective view of a container
holder designed according to the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 7C is a general side perspective view of a container
holder designed according to the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 7D is a general front perspective view of a container
holder designed according to the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 7E is a general back perspective view of a container
holder designed according to the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 7F is a general back perspective view of a container
holder in an installed position;
[0035] FIG. 7G is an exploded side view of a container holder in an
installed position upon a carpeted vehicle panel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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 defines 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.
[0039] The upper portion 22 slopes toward the lower portion 20 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] The arm ends 1B are non-parallel (FIG. 1D). The distance
between the arm ends 18 becomes more narrow from the upper portion
22 to the lower portion 20. A cup handle h (FIG. 4) may be received
therebetween and grip the handle.
[0042] The mounting section 14 includes a mounting arm portion 26
which extends from the container retention section 12 generally
parallel to the container axis C. The mounting arm portion 26
includes an intermediate arm portion 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 arm portion 26. The mounting arm portion 28
defines a radiused end to arcuate mounting arm portion 32.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 1F, the container holder 10 is illustrated
in an installed position. The container holder 10 is shown mounted
to a vertical surface such as 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 in
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.
[0047] The mounting section 14 of the container holder 10 slips
behind a generally vertical 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.
[0048] The arcuate mounting arm portion 32 formed in a generally
arcuate manner and is preferably an obtuse angle relative to a rear
container portion 12r as defined by arc (FIG. 1C). 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 first
be somewhat flattened during insertion toward 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 section 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 spring-like action of the mounting
section 14 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 spring-like action of
the mounting section 14 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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 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.
[0051] 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).
[0052] 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.
[0053] FIGS. 7A-7G illustrate a general perspective view of another
vehicle container holder 40 designed according to the present
invention. The container holder 40 generally includes a bottomless
container retention section 42 and a mounting section 44.
[0054] The container retention section 42 defines a container axis
C along which a container is received as described above. The
container retention section 42 includes arms 46 which at least
partially surround the container axis C. The two arms 46 have arm
ends 48, which do not meet and are separated such that a cup handle
may be received therebetween as described above
[0055] A liner 50 is located about an edge of the container holder
40. The liner 50 is preferably a relatively soft material such as
felt, rubber, suede, leather or the like. The liner 44 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.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 7B, the mounting section 44 includes an
upper set of mounting pins 52U which extends from an upper pin
plate 54U and a lower set of mounting pins 52L mounted to a rear
container portion 55 of the container holder 40 generally opposite
the arm ends 48. The upper pin plate 54U serves as a support for
the pins and, when installed, minimizes the twist of the holder
side-to-side. The lower set of mounting pins 52L are preferably
mounted through interaction with the liner 50 (FIG. 7C)
[0057] The mounting pins 52U, 52L are preferably stainless steel
and include textile-quality points 56 which separate versus tear
threads as they penetrate. The upper set of mounting pins 52U
preferably provide four pins and the lower set of mounting pins 52L
preferably provide two pins. The mounting pins 52U, 52L are
generally non parallel to the container axis C. The lower set of
mounting pins 52L hold the bottom portion of the holder in place.
The lower set of mounting pins 52L face in an upward direction
opposite the upper set of mounting pins 52U to resist the holder
from pulling up vertically.
[0058] The mounting pins 52U, 52L maintain the container holder 40
in place, but are light enough to flex and release in the event
some unusual force is applied (e.g., a seat is moved forward
quickly, etc.)
[0059] Referring to FIG. 7D, the container holder 40 is illustrated
in an installed position. As described above, the container holder
40 is mounted in the generally same location as the container
holder 10, however, container holder 40 does not require a
generally vertical vehicle component P (FIG. 6F) such as a panel
adjacent a vehicle floor F. The container holder 40 requires only a
carpeted panel Pc to receive the pins 52U, 52L. Benefits include a
more finished and interior-neutral appearance, more flexibility as
far as placement, and better adaptability across cars.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 7E, to install the container holder 40, a
bottom rear edge 58 is located adjacent the vehicle floor F and the
lower set of mounting pins 52L are first inserted up and fully into
and behind the carpeted panel Pc. The bottom edge 58 of the
container holder 40 should initially be as flush to the vehicle
floor F as possible. The lower set of mounting pins 52L are
adjustable to obtain a desired angle to best accommodate an angle
between the carpeted panel Pc and the vehicle floor F. The lower
set of mounting pins 52L are preferably located to penetrate the
carpeted panel Pc in as vertical of a direction as possible.
[0061] Holding the lower part of the container holder 40 in place
an upper liner portion 50u is lifted to slightly flex the upper pin
plate 54U and the upper set of mounting pins 52U so that all are
straight and inserted slightly and then the tension is released
such that that the upper set of mounting pins 52U are also pressed
down and into the carpeted panel Pc as the container holder 40 is
moved in a reverse direction toward the vehicle floor F until the
bottom rear edge 58 of the bottomless container retention section
42 rests upon the vehicle floor F (FIG. 7D).
[0062] The upper set of mounting pins 52U are inserted through the
carpet so that they slip behind and pull/hold the upper pin plate
54U against the carpeted pane Pc. In this way, the upper set of
mounting pins 52U maintain the upper portion of the container
holder 40 from moving away from the carpeted panel Pc and from
moving forward and aft. Again, since the floor F bears the weight
of the container, the mounting section 44 need only locate the
container holder 40 in an upright position. Locating the bottom
rear edge 58 against the floor F further braces the container
holder 40 from moving off of the axis C.
[0063] When inserted, the upper and lower set of mounting pins 52U,
52L face in an opposing direction and act in a "bite-like" manner
to keep the container holder 40 in place. The upper set of mounting
pins 52U hold the upper area back toward the carpeted panel Pc and
limit motion side-to-side. The upper pin plate 54U limits rotation
off axis. The lower set of mounting pins 52L serve an auxiliary
purpose to hold the bottom in place and further limit movement
side-to-side (i.e., the bottom can't "swing") and facing in an
opposing direction to those above, serve to limit movement in an
upward direction to maintain the upper set of mounting pins 52U
pulled down and tighter into the carpet.
[0064] The exact configuration may vary by version/car. The lower
pins can be omitted using longer/stronger upper pins. As noted
above, the lower mounting may also employ a plate similar to that
used for the upper.
[0065] Alternatively, separate mounts for the pins may attach to
the holder using various fastening such as Velcro, mated
attachment, etc to simplify mounting/removal.
[0066] 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.
* * * * *