U.S. patent application number 11/198454 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-02 for cupholder assembly.
Invention is credited to Taiming Chen.
Application Number | 20060243875 11/198454 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37233530 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060243875 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chen; Taiming |
November 2, 2006 |
Cupholder assembly
Abstract
A cupholder assembly for securing a container includes a
plurality of gripping members mounted for movement between a
retracted position and extended position engaging a side surface of
the container in such extended position. A first gear is attached
to each gripping member for rotation therewith. A second gear
engageable with each first gear has a surface engageable with the
bottom portion of the container for transferring torque generated
during insertion of the container to each first gear and then to
each gripping member for applying force to the container. A ratchet
is provided to secure the second gear upon insertion of the
container and maintain continuous engagement between each gripping
member and the container. A release spring is provided for
disengaging the ratchet and for moving the gripping members into
the retracted position with the aid of a bias spring engageable
with each gripping member. Alternatively, the first and second
gears are replaced with a plate like member having a plurality of
elongated slots each engageable with a respective gripping member
to guide rotation thereof and transfer the torque thereto.
Inventors: |
Chen; Taiming; (Los Gatos,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JAMES RAY & ASSOCIATES
2640 PITCAIRN ROAD
MONROEVILLE
PA
15146
US
|
Family ID: |
37233530 |
Appl. No.: |
11/198454 |
Filed: |
August 5, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60676739 |
Apr 30, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/311.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 3/106 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/311.2 |
International
Class: |
A47K 1/08 20060101
A47K001/08 |
Claims
1. A cupholder assembly for securing a container therein, said
cupholder assembly comprising: (a) a predetermined plurality of
gripping means disposed in a predetermined pattern and mounted for
movement between extended and retracted positions, said extended
position is characterized by engagement of a predetermined portion
of each gripping means with a side surface of such container; (b) a
predetermined plurality of first torque transmitting means each
axially connected to a respective one of said predetermined
plurality of grip means for rotation therewith, (c) a second torque
transmitting means engageable with each of said first torque
transmitting means and. mounted for movement between a first and a
second position, said second torque transmitting means having a
horizontally disposed first surface for engagement with a bottom
surface of such container, said second torque transmitting means
movable into said second position upon application of a
predetermined torque to said first surface enabling said second
transmitting means to transfer said predetermined torque first to
said first transmitting means and then to each of said gripping
means for moving said predetermined portion thereof into said
extended position engaging such side surface of such container and
applying a predetermined force thereto, said predetermined force
securely retaining such container within said cupholder assembly;
and (d) means engageable with one of said second torque
transmitting means, at least one of said first torque transmitting
means, at least one of said predetermined plurality of gripping
means, a rigid structure, and various combinations thereof for
enabling continuous engagement of each of said gripping means with
such side surface of such container upon inserting it into said
cupholder assembly and for enabling movement of each of said
gripping means into said retracted position upon removal of such
container from said cupholder assembly.
2. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein each of
said predetermined plurality of gripping means includes: (a) a
vertically disposed shaft portion mounted for rotation about said
rigid structure and having a first end extending through and
attached to said respective one of said predetermined plurality of
first torque transmission means; and (b) a generally horizontally
disposed arm portion having a predetermined shape and rigidly
attached to said shaft portion adjacent a second end thereof for
rotation between said extended and said retracted position, said
arm portion having a distal end configured for engagement with such
side surface of such container.
3. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 2, wherein said
cupholder assembly includes a predetermined plurality of biasing
means each engageable with said arm portion of each of said
gripping means for biasing them towards said retracted
position.
4. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said
cupholder assembly includes an anti-slip frictional means applied
to at least one of said first surface of said second transmission
means, said predetermined portion of each of said gripping means,
and a combination thereof for preventing one of a lateral movement,
vertical movement, and combination thereof of such container
disposed within said cupholder assembly.
5. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said
movement of said second torque transmitting means from said first
position into said second position is characterized in combination
by said second torque transmitting means moving downwardly and
rotating in a first direction and said predetermined portion of
each of said gripping means engaging such side surface of such
container.
6. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 5, wherein said
engagement and release enabling means includes: (a) a predetermined
plurality of slopping teeth attached to a predetermined portion of
said second torque transmitting means; (b) a lock pawl attached to
said rigid structure and engageable with a portion of said slopping
teeth during said movement of said second torque transmitting means
from said first position into said second position for positively
maintaining said second torque transmitting means in said second
position; and (c) a release means engageable with at least one of
said predetermined plurality of slopping teeth, said lock pawl,
said rigid surface and various combinations thereof for disengaging
said slopping teeth from said lock pawl upon removal of such
container and for urging said second transmitting means into said
first position.
7. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 6, wherein said
release means is a bias spring.
8. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein each of
said predetermined plurality of said first torque transmitting
means is a first gear having each of a predetermined thickness and
predetermined diameter.
9. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein each
second torque transmitting means is a second gear having each of a
predetermined thickness and predetermined diameter, whereby said
predetermined thickness of said second gear enables continuous
engagement thereof with each of said predetermined plurality of
first transmitting means during movement of said second torque
transmitting means between said first and said second position.
10. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said
predetermined torque is applied by one of a hand actuator, a power
actuator and a combination thereof.
11. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said
cupholder assembly further includes a cover member having a
vertically aligned first aperture for receiving such container and
a predetermined plurality of second apertures disposed in a wall
portion of said first aperture each aligned with a respective one
of said gripping means for enabling passage thereof for one of said
engagement and said disengagement with such container, said wall
portion extending towards said first surface of said second torque
transmitting means.
12. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said
second transmitting means includes a peripheral flange having a
predetermined height for containing spillage during use of such
container.
13. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said
cupholder assembly further includes means for sensing one of an
insertion, removal and combination thereof of such container into
said cupholder assembly.
14. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 13, wherein said
sensing means includes one of a contact sensor, non-contact sensor
and a combination thereof capable of providing at least one control
signal to an actuating means connected with said second torque
transmitting means.
15. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 14, wherein said
cupholder assembly includes control means for receiving said at
least one control signal and operating said actuating means in
response to receiving said at least one control signal.
16. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said
cupholder assembly includes an actuating means connected to said
second torque transmitting means for one of applying said
predetermined torque, enabling continuous engagement of each of
said gripping means with such side surface of such container,
moving each of said gripping means into said retracted position,
and various combinations thereof.
17. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said
cupholder assembly is adapted for use in a vehicle in one of a
stationary and slidable configuration.
18. A cupholder assembly for securing a container therein, said
cupholder assembly comprising: (a) a predetermined plurality of
gripping means disposed in a predetermined pattern and mounted for
movement between an extended and retracted positions, said extended
position is characterized by engagement of a predetermined portion
of each of said gripping means with a side surface of such
container; (b) a torque transmitting means mounted for movement
between a first position and a second position, said torque
transmitting means having a horizontally disposed first surface for
engagement with a bottom surface of such container and with each of
said gripping means, said torque transmitting means movable into
said second position upon application of a predetermined torque to
said first surface for transferring said predetermined torque to
each of said gripping means and for guiding movement thereof into
said extended position to engage said predetermined portion of each
of said gripping means with such side surface of such container and
to apply a predetermined force thereto, said predetermined force
securely retaining such container within said cupholder assembly;
and (c) means engageable with one of at least one of said
predetermined plurality of grip means, said torque transmission
means, a rigid structure, and various combinations thereof for
enabling continuous engagement of said predetermined portion of
each of said gripping means with such side surface of such
container upon insertion of it into said cupholder assembly and for
enabling movement of each of said gripping means into said
retracted position upon removal of such container from said
cupholder assembly.
19. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 18, wherein each of
said gripping means includes: (a) a first portion extending
generally horizontally and having a first end pivotally connected
to a portion of said rigid structure; and (b) a second portion
having a first end rigidly attached to said second end of said
first portion for movement between extended and retracted
positions, and a second end extending in a downward direction
towards said torque transmitting means and configured for
engagement with such side surface of such container.
20. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 19, wherein said
torque transmitting means includes a plate like member having a
predetermined plurality of elongated slots disposed in a
predetermined pattern each having each of a predetermined shape and
a predetermined length and configured for passing a respective one
of said second end of said second portion of said gripping means
therethrough and engageable with said respective one of said second
end of said second portion of said predetermined plurality of grip
means during movement of said plate like member between said first
and said second position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to and claims priority from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/676,739 filed on Apr.
30, 2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates, in general, to a cupholder
assembly and, more particularly, this invention relates to a
vehicle cupholder assembly that positively secures containers of
various sizes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] As is generally well known, the driver and passengers of the
vehicle often enjoy beverages during driving and therefore, every
vehicle now includes at least one cupholder assembly for retaining
a beverage container. Frequently, such cupholder assemblies are
adapted for use with containers of various sizes.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,579 to Moner, Jr. et al discloses one
type of cupholder assembly which includes a beverage receiving
cavity with a concave side wall and a pivotally disposed concave
arm movable between fully extended and a fully retracted positions
for biasing the beverage container against the cavity wall. To
accommodate containers of various sizes within the receiving cavity
the arm must be manually adjusted by the vehicle occupant which is
undesirable as such adjustment must be performed incrementally for
each different container size.
[0005] Furthermore, the required attention to perform such
adjustment and place the beverage container into the receiving
cavity could be distracting to a driver during vehicle operation.
Additionally, caging the beverage container between the wall and
the arm generally produces only two points of contact with such
beverage container which are insufficient to secure the beverage
container in all applications.
[0006] Therefore, there remains a need for an improved cupholder
assembly which securely retains containers of various sizes without
requiring significant manual effort or attention which could be
distracting to a driver during vehicle operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The invention provides a cupholder assembly for securing a
container therein. In a first aspect, the cupholder assembly
includes a predetermined plurality of grip members disposed in a
predetermined pattern, each mounted for movement between extended
and retracted positions, whereby the extended position is
characterized by engagement of a predetermined portion of each grip
member with a side surface of the container. Each grip member has a
vertically disposed shaft portion mounted for rotation about the
rigid structure and a generally horizontally disposed arm portion
attached to the shaft portion for rotation between the extended and
retracted position. The arm portion has a distal end thereof
configured for engagement with the side surface of the container. A
first gear is axially attached to a shaft portion of a respective
grip member for rotation therewith. A second gear engages each
first gear and has a horizontally disposed first surface for
engagement with a bottom surface of the container. The second gear
is movable into the second position upon application of a
predetermined torque thereto and transfers such predetermined
torque first to the first gear and then to each grip member for
moving the arm portion thereof into the extended position engaging
the side surface of the container and applying a predetermined
force thereto. The predetermined force securely retains the
container within the cupholder assembly. A ratchet is provided to
secure the second gear in the second position upon insertion of the
container and maintain continuous engagement between each grip
member and the container. A release spring is provided for
disengaging the ratchet and for moving the grip members into the
retracted position with the aid of a bias spring engageable with
each grip member. The predetermined torque may be generated by the
user inserting the container and first applying a force in a
downward direction, by gravity using the weight of the container or
manually, and then rotating the container and the second gear. Or,
alternatively, the predetermined torque may be generated by an
actuator, such as an electric motor, connected to such second gear.
A sensor may be provided, particularly in combination with the
actuator, to provide a control signal enabling operation of such
actuator. A cover member has a vertically aligned first aperture
for receiving the container and a predetermined plurality of second
apertures disposed in a wall portion of the first aperture each
aligned with a respective one of the predetermined plurality of the
grip means for enabling passage thereof for one of the engagement
and disengagement with the container. The cupholder assembly can be
used in a vehicle in one of a stationary and slidable
configuration.
[0008] In a second aspect, the cupholder assembly includes a
predetermined plurality of grip members disposed in a predetermined
pattern, each mounted for movement between extended and retracted
positions, whereby the extended position is characterized by
engagement of a predetermined portion of each grip member with a
side surface of the container. Each grip member has a first portion
extending generally horizontally and pivotally connected to a
portion of the rigid structure and a second portion rigidly
attached to such first portion for movement between extended and
retracted positions and configured for engagement with the side
surface of the container. A plate like member is mounted for
movement between a first position and a second position and has a
plurality of elongated slots disposed therein. Each elongated slot
is engageable with a portion of a respective grip member to guide
rotation thereof and transfer a predetermined torque thereto. The
predetermined torque is applied to the plate like member upon
engagement thereof with the container. A ratchet is provided to
secure the plate like member in the second position upon insertion
of the container and maintain continuous engagement between each
grip member and the container. A release spring is provided for
disengaging the ratchet and for moving the grip members into the
retracted position with the aid of a bias spring engageable with
each grip member. The predetermined torque may be generated by the
user inserting the container and first applying a force in a
downward direction, by gravity using the weight of the container or
manually, and then rotating the container and the second gear. Or,
alternatively, the predetermined torque may be generated by an
actuator, such as an electric motor, connected to such second gear.
A sensor may be provided, particularly in combination with the
actuator, to provide a control signal enabling operation of such
actuator.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present
invention to provide a cupholder assembly for securely retaining a
container therein.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
cupholder assembly which securely retains containers of various
sizes.
[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
cupholder assembly for securely retaining containers of various
sizes which can be used on vehicles.
[0012] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
cupholder assembly for securely retaining containers of various
sizes which is manually operable.
[0013] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide
a cupholder assembly for securely retaining containers of various
sizes which is operable by an actuator.
[0014] An additional object of the present invention is to provide
a cupholder assembly for securely retaining containers of various
sizes which does not require attention from the driver which may be
distracting to the driver during vehicle operation.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
cupholder assembly which securely retains containers of various
sizes which does not require incremental adjustments during
use.
[0016] In addition to the several objects and advantages of the
present invention which have been described with some degree of
specificity above, various other objects and advantages of the
invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who
are skilled in the relevant art, particularly, when such
description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing
Figures and with the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
invention, particularly showing gripping means in an extended
position for securing a container;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a top view of the invention shown in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the invention taken
along lines 3-3 of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
invention; and
[0021] FIG. 5 is a top view of the invention shown in FIG. 4.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the
present invention, it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity
and understanding, identical components which have identical
functions have been identified with identical reference numerals
throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing
figures.
[0023] It is to be understood that the definition of a container
applies to covered or uncovered cups, bottles, cans, jugs, drums,
and the like suitable for containing a liquid substance such as
beverage.
[0024] Reference is now made, to FIGS. 1-3, wherein there is shown
a cupholder assembly, generally designated 10, of the first
embodiment for securing a container 4 therein. Such cupholder
assembly 10 includes a predetermined plurality of gripping means,
generally designated 20, disposed in a predetermined pattern about
the container 4. Each gripping means 20 is mounted for movement
between extended and retracted positions, whereby the extended
position is characterized by engagement of a predetermined portion
of each of the predetermined plurality of gripping means 20 with a
side surface 6 of the container 4.
[0025] In a presently preferred embodiment, each gripping means 20
includes a vertically disposed shaft portion 22 mounted for
rotation about a rigid structure 60 at a first end 24. A generally
horizontally disposed arm portion 28 having a predetermined shape
is rigidly attached to the shaft portion 22 adjacent a second end
26 thereof for rotation of arm portion 28 between extended and the
retracted positions. The arm portion 28 has a distal end 30
configured for engagement with the side surface 6 of the container
4. The distal end 30 may be provided with anti-slip frictional
means 32 for preventing lateral and vertical movement of the
container 4 during use.
[0026] Each arm portion 28 is biased towards a retracted position
by a bias means 34 which is preferably a torsion spring 34 mounted
on the shaft portion 22 and engaging arm portion 28.
[0027] There is a predetermined plurality of first torque
transmission means 40 each axially connected to a respective one of
the predetermined plurality of gripping means 20 adjacent the first
end 24 for rotation with gripping means 22. The first end 24 of
shaft portion 22, preferably, extends through the first torque
transmission means 40 for rotatable attachment to the rigid
structure 60.
[0028] A second torque transmission means 42 is engageable with
each of the predetermined plurality of first torque transmission
means 40 and has a horizontally disposed first surface 44 for
engagement with a bottom surface 8 of the container 4. A peripheral
flange 46 having a predetermined height may be provided to contain
spillage during use of the container 4. The first surface 44 may be
provided with an anti-slip frictional means 48 for preventing
lateral movement of the container 4.
[0029] In operation, the second torque transmission means 42 is
mounted for movement between a first and a second position and is
movable into the second position upon application of a
predetermined torque to the first surface 44. In such first
position, the first surface 44 is disposed at a predetermined
distance above the rigid structure 60. The user, inserting the
container 4 into the cupholder assembly 10 and engaging the first
surface 44, first applies a force in a downward direction, by
gravity using the weight of the container 4 or manually, and then
rotates the container 4 in a first direction thus generating the
predetermined torques and enabling the second transmission means
42, rotating with the container 4, to transfer such predetermined
torque first to the first transmission means 40 and then to each of
the predetermined plurality of gripping means 22 for moving each
arm portion 28 into the extended position engaging the side surface
6 of the container 4 and applying a predetermined force to such
side surface 6. Such predetermined force securely retains the
container 4 within the cupholder assembly 10.
[0030] It will be appreciated, that movement of the second torque
transmission means 42 from the first position into the second
position is characterized in combination by the second torque
transmission means 42 moving downwardly and rotating in the first
direction and the arm portion 28 of each of the predetermined
plurality of gripping means 22 engaging the side surface 6 of the
container 4.
[0031] In particular reference to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a
means, generally designated 50, preferably engageable with the
second torque transmission means 42 and the rigid structure 60 for
enabling continuous engagement of each of the predetermined
plurality of gripping means 22 with the side surface 6 of the
container 4 upon insertion thereof into the cupholder assembly 10
and for enabling movement of each of the predetermined plurality of
gripping means 22 into the retracted position upon removal of the
container 4 from the cupholder assembly 10.
[0032] It is presently preferred that such engagement and release
enabling means 50 includes a predetermined plurality of slopping
teeth 52 attached to a second surface 45 of the second torque
transmission means 42 and a lock pawl 54 attached to the rigid
structure 60 and preferably biased for engagement with the slopping
teeth 52 by a spring 55. Engagement of lock pawl 54 with the
slopping teeth 52 during downward movement of the second torque
transmission means 42 will allow a rotation of such second torque.
transmission means 42 only in such first direction. When the second
torque transmission means 42 reaches the second position, such lock
pawl 54 positively maintains the second torque transmission means
42 preventing undesirable reverse rotation thereof.
[0033] A release means 56, preferably, a compression spring 56 is
provided for disengaging the slopping teeth 52 from the lock pawl
54 upon removal of the container 4 and urging such second
transmission means 42 in an upward direction. The second
transmission means 42 return into the first position with the aid
of bias means 34.
[0034] Alternatively, such engagement and release enabling means 50
may engage at least one of such predetermined plurality of first
torque transmission means 40 or at least one of the gripping means
22.
[0035] In further reference to FIG. 3, the cupholder assembly 10
may include a cover member 62 having a vertically aligned first
aperture 64 for receiving the container 4 and a predetermined
plurality of second apertures 68 disposed in a peripheral wall
portion 66 of such first aperture 64. Each second aperture 68 is
aligned with a respective gripping means 22 for enabling passage
thereof for one of engagement and disengagement with the container
4. Advantageously, the wall portion 66 extends towards the second
torque transmission means 42 and terminates just above the first
surface 44 when such second torque transmission means 42 is
disposed in the first position for receiving the container 4.
[0036] The cupholder assembly 10 may further include means 70 for
sensing one of an insertion, removal and combination thereof of the
container 4 into the cupholder assembly 10. Such sensing means 70
may be a non-contact sensor 70 capable of providing at least one
control signal. Such non-contact sensor 70 may be attached to the
wall portion 66 of the cover member 62 directly sensing the
container 4, as best shown in FIG. 3, or may be mounted for sensing
rotation of the gripping means 22 or the movement of the second
torque transmission means 42 or the rotation of at least one first
torque transmission means 40. Alternatively, any well known contact
type sensing means 70 may be applied in the cupholder assembly
10.
[0037] The cupholder assembly 10 may be provided with any well
known actuating means, such as an electric motor, (not shown)
preferably connected to the second torque transmission means 42 for
one of applying the predetermined torque, enabling continuous
engagement of each of the gripping means 22 with the side surface 6
of the container 4, and for moving each of the gripping means 22
into the retracted position. Such actuating means (not shown) will
be operable by a control system (not shown) and will be
advantageous in combination with the sensing means 70 to enable
simple placement of the container 4 and securing it within cup
holder assembly 10. Such placement of the container 4 eliminates
the need for applying a force in the downward direction and
rotating the container 4. Additionally, an unlock actuator, such as
a solenoid or valve, (not shown) may be connected to the lock pawl
54 for disengaging it from the slopping teeth 52.
[0038] It is presently preferred that the first torque transmission
means 40 is a first gear 40 having a predetermined thickness and
predetermined diameter and the second torque transmission means 42
is a second gear 42 having a predetermined thickness and
predetermined diameter, whereby the predetermined thickness of such
second gear 42 enables continuous engagement thereof with each
first gear 40 during movement of the second gear 42 between the
first and second positions.
[0039] While such embodiment is illustrated, it will be apparent to
those skilled in the art that other power transmission means may be
applied to secure the container 4 within the cupholder assembly 10.
For example, the first and second torque transmission means 40 and
42 respectively may be elastomers with a predetermined coefficient
of friction.
[0040] Although FIG. 2 shows four gripping means 22, it should be
apparent that another number of the gripping means 22 may be
applied to secure container 4 within the cupholder assembly 10.
[0041] Now in reference to FIGS. 4-5, there is shown a cupholder
assembly, generally designated 100, of a second embodiment for
securing a container 4 therein. Such cupholder assembly 100
includes a predetermined plurality of gripping means, generally
designated 110, disposed in a predetermined pattern, each
preferably including a first portion 112 extending generally
horizontally and having a first end 114 pivotally connected to a
predetermined portion of a rigid structure 150. A second portion
120 has a first end 122 rigidly attached to the second end 116 of
the first portion 110 for movement of the second portion 120
between extended and retracted positions, and a second end 124
extending in a downward direction and configured for engagement
with the side surface 6 of the container 4. A bias spring 128 is
engageable with each gripping means 110 to urge the second portion
120 into the retracted position.
[0042] A plate like member 130 is mounted for movement between a
first position and a second position and has a horizontally
disposed first surface 132 for engagement with the bottom surface 8
of the container 4.
[0043] Means 140 is disposed within the cupholder assembly 110 for
guiding movement of each of the predetermined plurality of gripping
means 110 between the extended and the retracted position and for
transferring the predetermined torque thereto. It is presently
preferred that such guide means 140 includes a predetermined
plurality of elongated slots 140 disposed in a predetermined
pattern within the plate like member 130, each having a
predetermined shape and a predetermined length and configured for
passing a respective one of the second ends 124 of the second
portion 120 of the gripping means 110 therethrough.
[0044] In operation, the plate like member 130 is movable from the
first into the second position upon application of a predetermined
torque to the first surface 132. In such first position, the first
surface 132 is disposed at a predetermined distance above a second
predetermined portion of the rigid structure 150. The user
inserting the container 4 into the cupholder assembly 100 and
engaging the first surface 132 of the plate like member 130 first
applies a force in a downward direction, by gravity using the
weight of the container 4 or manually, and then rotates the
container 4 in a first direction thus generating the predetermined
torque and enabling the plate like member 130 to transfer such
predetermined torque to each of the gripping means 110 through a
respective one of such elongated slots 140. Subsequently, each
second portion 120 of the gripping means 110 rotates into the
extended position engaging the side surface 6 of the container 4
and applying a predetermined force thereto. Such predetermined
force securely retains the container 4 within the cupholder
assembly 100.
[0045] It will be understood that engagement and release enabling
means 50, best shown in FIG. 3, would be applicable to provide
continuous engagement of each of the gripping means 110 with the
side surface 6 of the container 4 upon insertion thereof into the
cupholder assembly 100 and for enabling movement of each of the
gripping means 110 into the retracted position upon removal of the
container 4 from the cupholder assembly 10.
[0046] Accordingly, the plurality of slopping teeth 52 will be
attached to a second surface 134 of the plate like member 130 and
the lock pawl 54 will be attached to the second predetermined
portion of the rigid structure 150 engaging the slopping teeth 52
during downward movement of the plate like member 130 and allowing
the rotation thereof only in such first direction. When the plate
like member 130 reaches the second position, such lock pawl 54
positively maintains the plate like member 130 preventing
undesirable reverse rotation thereof.
[0047] A release means 56, preferably, a compression spring 56 is
provided for disengaging the slopping teeth 52 from the lock pawl
54 upon removal of the container 4 and urging such plate like
member 130 in an upward direction. Plate like member 130 returns to
the first position with aid of a bias means 128.
[0048] It will be further understood that the sensing means 70 and
actuating means (not shown) may be applied to the invention of the
second embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-5.
[0049] While FIGS. 4-5 show six gripping means 110, it will be
apparent that other quantities of gripping means 110 may be applied
to secure container 4 within the cupholder assembly 100.
[0050] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the
cupholder assemblies shown in FIGS. 1-5 will be suitable for
securely retaining containers of various sizes. Furthermore, use of
such cupholder assemblies will be advantageous in combination with
a vehicle to overcome current disadvantages of placing and securing
cups and other beverage containers. Movement of the gripping means
between retracted and extended positions after placement of the
container into the cupholder assembly provides the user with an
aperture generally larger than the size of the container and
therefore does not require user's attention in placing such
container into the cupholder assembly.
[0051] It will be appreciated that such cupholder assemblies will
be adapted for use in one of a stationary and slidable
configuration.
[0052] Thus, the present invention has been described in such full,
clear, concise and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in
the art to which it pertains to make and use the same. It will be
understood that variations, modifications, equivalents and
substitutions for components of the specifically described
embodiments of the invention may be made by those skilled in the
art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as
set forth in the appended claims.
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