U.S. patent application number 10/802897 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-22 for cup holder with sensor.
Invention is credited to DePue, Todd L., Hein, David A..
Application Number | 20050205739 10/802897 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34985226 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050205739 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DePue, Todd L. ; et
al. |
September 22, 2005 |
Cup holder with sensor
Abstract
A multi-purpose holder for supporting an article in a vehicle
includes a support member for supporting an article. A sensor is
adapted to generate a signal that is a function of a desired
position of the support member. An actuator is selectively coupled
to the support member, the actuator operable to enable the support
member to move in response to the signal.
Inventors: |
DePue, Todd L.; (Brighton,
MI) ; Hein, David A.; (Sterling Heights, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MACMILLAN, SOBANSKI & TODD, LLC
ONE MARITIME PLAZA-FOURTH FLOOR
720 WATER STREET
TOLEDO
OH
43604
US
|
Family ID: |
34985226 |
Appl. No.: |
10/802897 |
Filed: |
March 17, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/311.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 3/108 20130101;
B60N 3/106 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/311.2 |
International
Class: |
A47K 001/08 |
Claims
1. a multi-purpose holder for supporting an article in a vehicle
comprising: a support member for supporting an article; a sensor
adapted to generate a signal that is a function of a desired
position of said support member; and an actuator selectively
coupled to said support member, said actuator operable to enable
said support member to move in response to said signal.
2. The multi-purpose holder according to claim 1, wherein said
support member is movable by said actuator to a position which is
adjacent to the article to provide support for the article.
3. The multi-purpose holder according to claim 1, wherein said
multi-purpose holder further comprises a plurality of sensors, each
of said plurality of sensors is adapted to generate a signal that
is a function of a desired position of said support member.
4. The multi-purpose holder according to claim 1, wherein said
sensor includes a field effect device.
5. The multi-purpose holder according to claim 1, wherein said
sensor includes an optical sensor.
6. The multi-purpose holder according to claim 1, wherein said
desired position of said support member is determined as a function
of a condition of said article as detected by said sensor, and
wherein said condition of said article includes at least one of the
liquid level within the article, the height of the article, the
diameter of the article, the width of the article, the perimeter of
the article, the weight of the article, and the pressure exerted by
the article.
7. The multi-purpose holder according to claim 1, wherein said
multi-purpose holder further includes a body structured and
configured to receive the article.
8. The multi-purpose holder according to claim 7, wherein said body
defines a recess for receiving the article.
9. The multi-purpose holder according to claim 7, wherein said
desired position is a function of the presence of the article
within the body.
10. The multi-purpose holder according to claim 7, wherein said
body defines a substantially horizontal support surface for
vertically supporting the article.
11. The multi-purpose holder according to claim 10, wherein l said
sensor is positioned near said support surface of said body.
12. The multi-purpose holder according to claim 1, wherein said
sensor is positioned near said support member.
13. The multi-purpose holder according to claim 1, wherein said
support member comprises an inflatable bladder.
14. The multi-purpose holder according to claim 1, wherein said
support member comprises a flexible member, said flexible member
surrounding at least a portion of the article when the article is
disposed within said multi-purpose holder, wherein portions of said
flexible member are movable to engage the article.
15. The multi-purpose holder according to claim 1, wherein said
support member comprises at least one pivotally mounted arm member
movable to a position which is adjacent to the article to provide
support for the article.
16. The multi-purpose holder according to claim 1, wherein said
support member is movably mounted in a generally horizontal
direction between a retracted position and an extended position
which is adjacent to the article to provide support for the
article.
17. The multi-purpose holder according to claim 1, wherein said
support member is spring biased to at least one of a plurality of
positions.
18. The multi-purpose holder according to claim 1, wherein said
support member is vertically movable between a plurality of
positions for engaging the article at different height locations of
said article.
19. The multi-purpose holder according to claim 1, wherein said
actuator comprises one of a gear rack assembly, a cam assembly, and
a linear tooth rack.
20. The multi-purpose holder according to claim 1, further
comprising a controller, wherein said controller is a
microprocessor capable of receiving said signal from said sensor
and actuating said actuator.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a holder for supporting an
article. More particularly, the invention relates to a
multi-purpose holder for supporting an article in a vehicle.
[0002] Vehicle interiors typically include a variety of decorative
and functional trim panels. For example, the front area of the
interior of a vehicle, generally referred to as the cockpit area,
includes an instrument panel, typically formed of a molded plastic
material. Vehicles also may include a center console located
between the driver and passenger seats for storage and placement of
various articles. The instrument panel and/or center console can
include a variety of devices for holding beverage containers,
typically known as cup holders. It is often desirable for vehicle
occupants to store other articles or objects in a vehicle such that
the articles are within easy reach of the occupant. Known cup
holders typically are adapted to hold known beverage containers,
such as cans, cups, and bottles, and may be capable of holding
other articles, such as wireless telephones. Cup holders capable of
holding articles or containers having a variety of sizes are known.
However, such cup holders are often difficult to use, particularly
with very large and very small containers. It would therefore be
advantageous if there could be developed an improved multi-purpose
holder for supporting articles and containers having different
sizes and shapes in a vehicle.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates to a multi-purpose holder for
supporting an article in a vehicle. The multi-purpose holder for
supporting an article in a vehicle includes a support member for
supporting an article. The multi-purpose holder further includes a
sensor that is adapted to generate a signal that is a function of a
desired position of the support member. An actuator is selectively
coupled to the support member, the actuator is operable to enable
the support member to move in response to the signal. In a
preferred embodiment, the multi-purpose holder further includes a
body structured and configured to receive the article. In a more
preferred embodiment, the body is structured and configured to
receive a cup or beverage container.
[0004] Various objects and advantages of this invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a view of the interior of a passenger compartment
of a vehicle having a multi-purpose holder assembly according to
the present invention.
[0006] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the
multi-purpose holder assembly of FIG. 1.
[0007] FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the
multi-purpose holder assembly with the arm assembly in a disengaged
position of FIG. 2.
[0008] FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the
multi-purpose holder assembly with the arm assembly in an engaged
position of FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0009] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a second
embodiment of a multi-purpose holder assembly in accordance with
the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a third
embodiment of a multi-purpose holder assembly in accordance with
the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a fourth
embodiment of a multi-purpose holder assembly in accordance with
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0012] Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIG.
1 a portion of an interior passenger compartment of a vehicle,
indicated generally at 10. The illustrated vehicle interior
passenger compartment 10 is, in large measure, conventional in the
art and is intended merely to illustrate one environment in which
this invention may be used. Thus, the scope of this invention is
not intended to be limited for use with the specific structure for
the vehicle interior passenger compartment illustrated in FIG. 1 or
with vehicle interior passenger compartments in general. On the
contrary, as will become apparent below, this invention may be used
in any desired environment for the purposes described below.
[0013] The vehicle interior passenger compartment 10 includes an
instrument panel or dashboard 12. Positioned within the instrument
panel 12 are various visual gauges for the driver's convenience,
and various temperature and climate controls. Other controls,
storage compartments and stereo controls may be positioned within
the instrument panel 12 or within a lower console 14. The lower
console 14 is positioned between a passenger seat 16 and a driver
seat 18 and may include a storage compartment 20 that has a lid 22
that can also serve as an armrest. Also located within the
passenger compartment is a glove box 24 that may be partially
disposed within the instrument panel 12. The storage compartment 20
can be accessed by lifting the armrest lid 22. It will be
appreciate that the storage compartment 20 may extend into the back
seat area (not shown) of the vehicle interior passenger compartment
10. Alternatively, a second storage compartment (not shown) may be
provided in the back seat are (not shown). An overhead console (not
shown) can also be accessible from within the interior passenger
compartment of the vehicle. The overhead console can contain
various controls, such as a garage door opener, climate controls,
etc. The overhead console can also contain storage compartments for
sunglasses, portable media, or a mobile phone. The vehicle interior
passenger compartment 10 may be partially defined by vehicle doors
26.
[0014] Positioned between the driver seat 18 and the passenger seat
16, and connected with the storage compartment 20, there is a
second storage compartment or multi-purpose holder assembly 28.
However, it will be appreciated that the multi-purpose holder
assembly 28 may be positioned within or a portion of any portion of
the vehicle interior passenger compartment 10. For example, the
multi-purpose holder assembly 28 may be provided within at least
one of the instrument panel 12, the lower console 14, a portion of
the driver seat 18, a portion of the passenger seat 16, the
compartment 20, the lid 22, the glove box 24, a portion of the
vehicle doors 26, or any other portion or several portions of the
vehicle interior passenger compartment 10.
[0015] The multi-purpose holder assembly 28 may be used to receive
any desired article 30. The article 30 may be any object that is
desired to be restrained within the passenger compartment of the
vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the article 30 is a beverage
container, as shown in phantom in FIGS. 2, and 5 through 9, and
described below. It is anticipated that the article 30 may have a
generally cylindrical shape (e.g. soda can) or a generally tapered
cylindrical shape (e.g. fountain drink or coffee container).
However, the article 30 may be any removable item such as a mobile
phone, PDA, sunglasses, cigarette box, or portable media, and have
any shape. Also, a larger version of the multi-purpose holder
assembly 28 can also be implemented in accordance with this
invention such that a notebook computer or other larger object can
be supported therewith. It will also be appreciated that the
article 30 may be a liquid or beverage disposed directly within the
multi-purpose holder assembly 28.
[0016] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is an enlarged
cross-sectional view of the multi-purpose holder assembly 28 shown
in FIG. 1. Although the multi-purpose holder assembly 28 is shown
having a generally cylinderical shape, it should be appreciated
that the multi-purpose holder assembly 28 could be rectangular,
conical, or have any other desired shape.
[0017] The multi-purpose holder assembly 28 includes at least one
support member 32 and a sensor 34. An actuator 36 is selectively
coupled to the support member 32 such that the actuator 36 is
operable to enable the support member 32 to move in response to a
signal that is generated by the sensor 34. The multi-purpose holder
assembly 28 may also include a body 38 to further define the
multi-purpose holder assembly 28 and/or provide support for at
least one of the at least one support member 32, the sensor 34, and
the article 30, although such is not required. In a preferred
embodiment, the body 38 defines a recess 40 for receiving at least
a portion of the article. A controller 42 may be provided that is
operably connected to the sensor 34 such that the controller 42 may
receive and interpret a signal generated by the sensor 34 that is
indicative of a sensed condition. The controller 42 is also
operably connected to the actuator 36 such that in response to a
sensed condition, the controller 42 may generate a command to the
actuator 36 to move the at least one support member 32.
[0018] In FIG. 2, the at least one support member 32 is illustrated
as a plurality of arm members. However, it will be appreciated that
the at least one support member 32 may be a single member or
multiple members, and may be any desired size or shape to provide
support to an article placed within the multi-purpose holder 28.
Although such is not required, at least a portion of the at least
one support member 32 may be a flexible member, such that the at
least one support member 32 provides the article 30 flexible,
cushioned support to prevent undesirable contact between the
article 30 and the at least one support member 32 during operation
of the vehicle.
[0019] As illustrated, the at least one support member 32 is
pivotably connected to the body 38, although such is not required.
It will be appreciated that the at least one support member 32 may
be mounted to or supported by any portion of the vehicle interior
passenger compartment 10 in any manner. The at least one support
member 32 is movable from a first portion in which the at least one
support member 32 is generally disposed within the body 38. The at
least one support member 32 is movable to a second position in
which the at least one support member 32 is disposed adjacent the
article 30, as shown in phantom in FIG. 2. To move from the first
position to the second position, each of the at least one support
members 32 may pass through at least one opening or recess 43
formed in the body 38, although such is not required. The at least
one support member 32 may provide support for the article 30 and/or
prevent undesirable movement of the article 30 when the at least
one support member 32 is in at least one of first position and the
second position. The at least one support member 32 may be biased
toward the first position. The at least one support member 32 may
be pivotably movable between the first position and the second
position or may be movable horizontally and/or vertically between
the first position and the second position.
[0020] The sensor 34 is adapted to generate a signal that is a
function of a desired position of the support member 32. The sensor
34 may also sense at least one condition of the article 30, when
the article 30 is placed within the multi-purpose holder assembly
28. The sensor 34 may be any sensor capable of detecting at least
one condition of the article 30 and generating a signal
representative of that sensed condition or other condition that is
a function of the desired position of the support member 32. For
example, the sensor 34 may include a non-mechanical or non-movable
touch cell or switch, such as, but not limited to, resistive,
inductive, piezoelectric and capacitive switches. The sensor 34 may
include a non-contact cell or switch, such as a field effect device
or an optical sensor, although such is not required. In a preferred
embodiment, the sensor-34 may include a field effect cell, such as
the Mirus.TM. detector cells available from the Material Sciences
Corporation. The sensed condition may be at least one of the
height, the diameter, the width, the perimeter, the weight, and the
position of the article 30. The sensed condition may also include
the presence of the article 30 within the multi-purpose holder
assembly 28 and/or the pressure exerted by the article 30. Further,
the sensed condition may include the liquid level within the
article 30 or the multi-purpose holder assembly 28. In a preferred
embodiment, the sensor 34 includes a field effect sensor device and
may be particularly suited to detect the presence or conditions of
an article 30 that is at least partially comprised of one of a
metal and a liquid. The sensor 34 may be positioned near the body
38 or other portion of the multi-purpose holder assembly 28 or near
the at least one support member 32. The sensor 34 may be positioned
within or adjacent the multi-purpose holder assembly 28. It will be
appreciated that the sensor 34 may be a single sensor device or a
plurality of sensors, and each of the plurality of sensors may be
capable of detecting at least one of a plurality of conditions and
generating respective representative signals thereof.
[0021] The actuator 36 may be selectively coupled to the support
member 32 to enable the support member 32 to move in response to
the signal generated by the sensor 34. The actuator 36 may be any
actuation device capable of enabling the at least one support
member 32 to move. For example, the actuator 36 may include at
least one of a gear rack assembly, a cam assembly, and a linear
tooth rack, as will be described below. The at least one support
member 32 may be movable from the first position to the second
position by the actuator 36, and may be movable from the second
position back to the first position by a biasing means (not shown),
although such is not required. It will be appreciated that the
actuator 36 may facilitate the movement of the at least one support
member 32 between the first position and the second position and
the return movement from the second position to the first
position.
[0022] The body 38 is structured and configured to receive at least
a portion of the article 30. The body 38 may be formed integral to
or may form a portion of an interior trim component or other
portion of the vehicle, although such is not required. Preferably,
the body 38 defines at least a portion of the recess 40. The recess
40 may be shaped to receive the article 30. The body 38 may
additionally define a substantially horizontal support surface 44
for vertically supporting the article 30, although such is not
required. It will be appreciated that the article 30 may be
supported and/or restrained by the at least one support member 32
such that the multi-purpose holder multi-purpose holder assembly 28
does not require the body 38.
[0023] The controller 42 may be any microprocessor capable of
receiving and/or interpreting a signal generated by the sensor 34
and generating a command to the actuator 36 in response to that
signal. The controller 42 may be able to calculate or extrapolate
additional conditions or characteristics of the article 30 based on
the signal received from the sensor 34. For example, the desired
position of the support member 32 may be determined as a function
of the position or center of gravity of the article 30. The
position or center of gravity of the article 30 may be determined
as a function of a signal or signals received from the sensor 34
indicating the height, diameter, and/or weight of the article 30.
The controller 42 may access a look-up table or other series of
stored values to calculate, interpret, or extrapolate conditions of
the article 30, the desired position of the support member 32,
and/or the required movements of the actuator 36. It will be
appreciated that the controller 42 may receive multiple signals
from the sensor 34 or a plurality of sensors and may used a variety
of combinations of such signals to calculate at least one condition
or characteristic of the article 30 and the corresponding desired
position of the actuator 36. In response to the signal received and
interpreted and/or the additional conditions calculated for the
article 30, the controller 42 generates commands that are sent to
actuator 36. The commands sent to the actuator 36 may include
commands to control the movement of the actuator 36 such that the
actuator 36 moves the at least one support member 32 adjacent the
article 30 as determined by the controller 42. The controller 42
may include processing, memory, and storage devices as required to
perform the functions described herein.
[0024] As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the actuator 36
includes an actuator plate 46, although such is not required. It
will be appreciated that the actuator 36 is illustrative of one
device suitable for inducing movement in the at least one support
member 32 and that any actuation device may be used to induce
movement in the at least one support member 32 in accordance with
this invention. Further, if multiple members comprise the at least
one support member 32, each of the at least one support members may
be actuated independently of one another in accordance with this
invention. For example, if the article 30 is not symmetrical in
shape or not disposed symmetrically within the multi-purpose holder
assembly 28, it may be desirable to position each of the at least
one support members 32 in a nonsymmetrical manner to best support
the article 30.
[0025] As illustrated, the actuator plate 46 is capable of engaging
the at least one support member 32 to induce movement of the at
least one support member 32. The actuator plate 46 may be connected
to a motor 48 by a gear assembly 50 such that the motor 48
rotationally drives the actuator plate 46. As illustrated, a first
portion of the gear assembly 50 is connected to the shaft of the
motor 48 and a second portion of the gear assembly 50 is connected
to the actuator plate 46. The first and second portions of the gear
assembly 50 have correspondingly engageable gear teeth to
facilitate the transfer of rotational movement therebetween to
reduce and transfer the rotational drive of the motor 48 to the
actuator plate 46.
[0026] The actuator plate 46 includes at least one tang 52
corresponding to each of the at least one support members 32. The
actuator plate 46 is rotatably movable from a first position in
which each of the at least one tangs 52 is not engaging each
respective one of the at least one support members 32, as shown in
FIG. 3, to a second position in which each of the at least one
tangs 52 engages each respective one of the at least one support
members 32 to induce movement in each of the at least one support
members 32, as shown in FIG. 4. As illustrated, as each of the at
least one tangs 52 engages a respective one of the at least one
support members 32 so that each of the at least one support members
32 is pivotably rotated such that a portion of each of the at least
one support members 32 is moved adjacent the article 30. It will be
appreciated that the actuator plate 46 and the at least one tang 52
may engage and disengage the at least one support member 32 in any
manner to facilitate movement of the at least one support member 32
relative to the multi-purpose holder assembly 28 and/or the article
30.
[0027] The operation of the multi-purpose holder assembly 28 will
now be described. Prior to the article 30 being placed in the
multi-purpose holder assembly 28, the at least one support member
32 is in the first position in which the at least one support
member 32 is generally disposed within the body 38 and does not
extend into the recess 40. Once the article 30 is placed within the
multi-purpose holder assembly 28, preferably within the recess 40,
the sensor 34 detects at least one characteristic or condition of
the article 30 and transmits a signal indicative of the sensed
condition to the controller 42. The controller 42 receives and/or
interprets the signal. The controller 42 then determines the
appropriate movement (or lack of movement) required to position the
at least one support member adjacent the article 30. The controller
42 then commands the actuator 36 to induce movement of the at least
one support member 32, if required.
[0028] During operation of the multi-purpose holder assembly 28,
the sensor 34 may be continually detecting conditions indicative of
the multi-purpose holder assembly 28 being in use, and the sensor
34 may operate in various modes in which varying conditions are
detected. For example, the sensor 34 may operate in a non-use mode
in which the sensor 34 detects only the presence or absence of the
article 30 within the multi-purpose holder assembly 28. Once the
presence of the article 30 is detected, the sensor 34 may begin
operating in a use mode in which the sensor 34 detects conditions
of the article 30, such as height or liquid level. The sensor 34
may also detect or continue to detect conditions indicative of the
removal of the article 30 from the multi-purpose holder assembly
28. Once a condition is detected indicating that the article 30 is
being removed or has been removed, the sensor 34 may generate a
signal indicative of the removal, such that the actuator 36 may
return the at least one support member 32 to the first
position.
[0029] It will be appreciated that the sensor 34 and/or the
controller 42 may include thresholds that the sensed condition
readings must meet, exceed, or remain below in order to induce
corresponding movement in the at least one support member 32. The
thresholds could be implemented as requiring a time delay between
sensor readings or requiring changes in sensed conditions to meet
or exceed shock values, such as force as a function of time, to
prevent undesirable movement of the at least one support member 32.
For example, if the sensor 34 detects the force exerted by the
article 30 on the multi-purpose holder assembly 28, the movement of
the vehicle due vibration and to road hazards encountered during
normal vehicle operation might temporarily lift the article 30 from
the multi-purpose holder assembly 28 mimicking the removal of the
article 30 from the multi-purpose holder assembly 28. It would be
undesirable to allow the at least one support member 32 to retract
to the first position after the article 30 has been merely jarred
by vehicle movement. Thus, it may be desirable that the sensors 34
and/or the controller 42 be programmed or otherwise controlled to
prevent the undesirable actuation of the actuator 36 and at least
one support member 32.
[0030] The controller 42 receives and/or interprets the signal
generated by the sensor 34 and determines the corresponding desired
movement of the at least one support member 32. It will be
appreciated that it may be desirable to move the at least one
support member 32 into engagement with the article 30, such that
the at least one support member 32 contacts the article 30. It may
alternatively be desirable to move the at least one support member
32 adjacent to the article 30, so that the at least one support
member 32 is in close proximity to the article 30 but does not
touch the article 30. It will be appreciated that as the article 30
moves during normal operation of the vehicle, the at least one
support member 32 may contact the article 30, even if the at least
one support member 32 is initially positioned adjacent the article
30. The controller 42 may be programmed to position the at least
one support member 32 adjacent the article 30, such that the at
least one support member 32 is or is not in contact with the
article 30, as desired.
[0031] It will be appreciated that the multi-purpose holder
assembly 28 may be disabled such that the at least one support
member 32 remains in the first position, such that the at least one
support member 32 is not movable to provide additional support to
the article 30. In a preferred embodiment, a switch (not shown) may
be provided to disable the multi-purpose holder assembly 28,
although such is not required. In a more preferred embodiment, a
switch (not shown) may be provided to reset the multi-purpose
holder assembly 28, so that the at least one support member 32
returns to the first position, although such is not required.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is illustrated a second
embodiment of a multi-purpose holder assembly, indicated generally
at 128, in accordance with the present invention. The multi-purpose
holder assembly 128 is similar to the multi-purpose holder assembly
28 and only the components that differ will be described herein.
Many of the components of the multi-purpose holder assembly 128 as
illustrated in FIG. 5 are similar in structure and function to
corresponding components of the multi-purpose assembly 28 as
illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 4. Therefore, such corresponding
components are indicated by similar reference number in these
Figures, but with the components of the multi-purpose holder
assembly 128 as illustrated in FIG. 5 having the addition of 100 to
each reference number.
[0033] An article 130 may be disposed within the multi-purpose
holder assembly 128. The article 130 is illustrated in phantom in
FIG. 5 alternatively as a larger beverage holder or a smaller
mobile phone, respectively. However, it will be appreciated that
the article 130 may be any removable item such as a mobile phone,
PDA, sunglasses, cigarette box, or portable media device, and have
any shape.
[0034] At least one support member 132 is illustrated as a
plurality of arm members that are movable horizontally and/or
vertically through at least one opening 143 in a body 138. The at
least one support member 132 may be movable by at least one
actuator 136. As illustrated, the at least one actuator 136
includes a first actuator to facilitate vertical movement of the at
least one support member 132 and a second actuator to facilitate
horizontal movement of the at least one support member 132.
However, it will be appreciated that the at least one actuator 136
any number of actuators for facilitating movement of the at least
one support member 132 in any direction or multiple directions. The
at least one opening 143 in the body 138 may be shaped to
accommodate the movement of the at least one support member 132 so
that the at least one support member 132 may be moved adjacent the
article 130. It will be appreciated that the at least one opening
143 may also limit or prevent undesirable movement of the at least
one support member 132.
[0035] A sensor assembly 134 is disposed within a portion of the
body 138, although such is not required. The sensor assembly 134 is
illustrated as a first pair of sensors 134a disposed within a
recess 140 and a second plurality of sensors 134b disposed within
each of the at least one support members 132. However, it will be
appreciated that any number and arrangement of sensors may comprise
the sensor 134. As illustrated, the sensors 134a, 134b are exposed
directly to the article 130, although such is not required. The
sensors 134a, 134b comprising the sensor assembly 134 may be
located within a proximity to the article 130 when the article 130
is placed within the multi-purpose holder assembly 128 so that the
sensor 134 may detect a desired condition of the article 130. Thus,
it will be appreciated that the sensor assembly 134 may be located
within the multi-purpose holder assembly 128 such that a portion of
the multi-purpose holder assembly 128 is disposed between the
sensor 134 and the article 130 when the article is disposed within
the multi-purpose holder 128. Each of the sensors 134a, 134b
comprising the sensor assembly 134 may detect different conditions
and/or characteristics of the article 130. For example, the first
pair of sensors 134a may detect a condition of the article 130,
such as liquid level and height. The second pair of sensors 134b
may detect the presence and/or position of the article 130, such
that the signal generated by the second plurality of sensors 134b
may be used by the controller 142 to more precisely position the at
least one support member 132 relative to the article 130. The
signal or signals generated by the second plurality of sensors 134b
may be used to position the at least one support member 132 to
prevent undesirable contact between the at least one support member
132 and the article 130. For example, the signal generated by the
second plurality of sensors 134b may be representative of the
location of contact between the article 130 and the at least one
support member 132. Once this signal is received, the controller
142 may slightly reposition or back off the at least one support
member 132 to prevent undesirable contact, such as rubbing, between
the at least one support member 132 and the article 130. However,
it will be appreciated that the signal generated by the second
plurality of sensors 134b may be used in any manner described
throughout this application.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is illustrated a third
embodiment of a multi-purpose holder assembly, indicated generally
at 228, in accordance with the present invention. The multi-purpose
holder assembly 228 is similar to the multi-purpose holder assembly
28 and only the components that differ will be described herein.
Many of the components of the multi-purpose holder assembly 228 as
illustrated in FIG. 6 are similar in structure and function to
corresponding components of the multi-purpose assembly 28 as
illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 4. Therefore, such corresponding
components are indicated by similar reference number in these
Figures, but with the components of the multi-purpose holder
assembly 228 as illustrated in FIG. 6 having the addition of 200 to
each reference number.
[0037] An article 230 may be disposed within the multi-purpose
holder assembly 228. The article 230 is illustrated in phantom in
FIG. 6 as a beverage holder. However, it will be appreciated that
the article 230 may be any removable item such as a mobile phone,
PDA, sunglasses, cigarette box, or portable media, and have any
shape.
[0038] At least one support member 232 is illustrated as an
inflatable bladder disposed within an opening 243 within a body
238. The at least one support member 232 may not extend within a
recess 240 in the body 238 in a deflated position, as shown in FIG.
6, although such is not required. The at least one support member
232 is inflatable from the deflated position to a plurality of
inflated and partially inflated positions. The at least one support
member 232 is illustrated in an inflated position in phantom in
FIG. 6 in which the at least one support member 232 is inflated to
be adjacent the article 230. In a preferred embodiment, the at
least one support member 232 is formed of an elastomeric
material.
[0039] Preferably, an actuator 236 is comprised of a valve
assembly. The at least one support member 232 is communicably
connected to the actuator 236, and the actuator 236 is communicably
connected to a fluid source 258. The actuator 236 controls the flow
of fluid from the fluid source 258 to the at least one support
member 232 to manipulate the inflation of the at least one support
member 232 and, correspondingly, the position of the at least one
support member 232 relative to the article 230. The actuator 236
controls the flow of fluid from the fluid source 258 in response to
commands from the controller 242 as described above for the
previous embodiments.
[0040] As illustrated, a sensor 234 is disposed within a horizontal
surface that is formed integral to a portion of the vehicle,
although such is not required. It will be appreciated that the
sensor 234 may be disposed within, on, or near any portion of the
multi-purpose holder assembly 238. It will further be appreciate
that any portion of the multi-purpose holder assembly 238 may be
formed integral to any portion of the vehicle.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a fourth
embodiment of a multi-purpose holder assembly, indicated generally
at 328, in accordance with the present invention. The multi-purpose
holder assembly 328 is similar to the multi-purpose holder assembly
28 and only the components that differ will be described herein.
Many of the components of the multi-purpose holder assembly 328 as
illustrated in FIG. 7 are similar in structure and function to
corresponding components of the multi-purpose assembly 28 as
illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 4. Therefore, such corresponding
components are indicated by similar reference number in these
Figures, but with the components of the multi-purpose holder
assembly 328 as illustrated in FIG. 7 having the addition of 300 to
each reference number.
[0042] At least one support member 332 is illustrated as a single
pivotably mounted arm member. The at least one support member 332
is disposed within an opening 343 within a body 338. The at least
one support member 332 is movable from the opening 343 to within a
recess 340 within the body 338 to be positioned adjacent an article
330, as shown in phantom in FIG. 7.
[0043] A sensor 334 is disposed below a portion of the body 338. As
illustrated, the sensor 334 has a circular cross-section such that
the sensor 334 extends substantially across the horizontal portion
of the recess 340 of the body 338. However, it will be appreciated
that the sensor 334 may have any shape and cross-section and may or
may not extend across a portion of the recess 340.
[0044] In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes,
the principle and mode of operation of this invention have been
explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiment. However, it
must be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise
than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing
from its spirit or scope.
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