U.S. patent application number 13/164772 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-27 for cup holder for the visually impaired.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ventiv Ventures. Invention is credited to Leo James Stocco.
Application Number | 20120325873 13/164772 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47360891 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-27 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20120325873 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stocco; Leo James |
December 27, 2012 |
Cup Holder for the Visually Impaired
Abstract
A cup holder that suspends a beverage below a human wrist. A
wrist strap is connected by a preferably flexible suspension to a
beverage support. The device may be adjusted for different sized
wrists and cups and to modify the distance between the cup and the
wrist. The user may release the cup at any time and it will be
supported below the wrist by the invention. Angling the wrist
downward automatically delivers the cup into the hand of the user.
While the cup is supported, the user may rotate and swing their arm
freely without upsetting the orientation of the cup. Use of this
cup holder requires no visual ability.
Inventors: |
Stocco; Leo James;
(Vancouver, CA) |
Assignee: |
Ventiv Ventures
Vancouver
BC
|
Family ID: |
47360891 |
Appl. No.: |
13/164772 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/267 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2005/008 20130101;
A45F 2200/0583 20130101; A45F 5/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/267 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/00 20060101
A45F005/00 |
Claims
1. A receptacle holder comprising: (a) a wrist mount member adapted
to grasping a human wrist; (b) a receptacle member; (c) a means for
supporting said receptacle member below said wrist mount member;
(d) said supporting means coupled to said wrist mount member by a
first pivotal coupling; (e) said supporting means coupled to said
receptacle member by a second pivotal coupling; whereby said
receptacle member is maintained in a substantially consistent and
upright orientation over a range of orientations of said wrist
mount member that is typically achievable by said human wrist, and
whereby said receptacle member remains in a position substantially
below said wrist mount member regardless of the orientation of said
wrist mount member.
2. The receptacle holder according to claim 1 wherein said wrist
mount member comprises an opening whereby said wrist mount member
partially encircles said human wrist.
3. The receptacle holder according to claim 1 wherein said wrist
mount member comprises a means of adjusting the inner circumference
of said wrist mount member whereby said wrist mount member may be
tightened around said human wrist.
4. The receptacle holder according to claim 1 wherein said
receptacle member comprises an aperture accommodated to holding a
beverage container with a graduated side profile.
5. The receptacle holder according to claim 4, wherein said
aperture comprises a means of adjusting the circumference of said
aperture to accommodate beverage containers of different external
dimensions.
6. The receptacle holder according to claim 4, wherein said
receptacle member comprises a heat insulating sleeve.
7. The receptacle holder according to claim 1 wherein said
receptacle member comprises a means of adjusting the location of
the connection between said second pivotal coupling and said
receptacle member whereby the rotation axis of said receptacle
member with respect to said supporting means may be modified.
8. The receptacle holder according to claim 1 wherein said
receptacle member comprises an aperture and a support means
accommodated to holding a beverage container with a straight,
substantially vertical side profile.
9. The receptacle holder according to claim 1 wherein said
receptacle member comprises a bin receptacle comprising a bottom
surface and a plurality of side walls whereby a plurality of
objects may be contained and supported and whereby said objects may
be retrieved individually by the hand of said human wrist.
10. The receptacle holder according to claim 1 wherein said
receptacle member is adapted to supporting a hand tool.
11. The receptacle holder according to claim 1 wherein said
supporting means is collapsible whereby said supporting means is
capable of becoming shorter in length.
12. The receptacle holder according to claim 1, wherein said
supporting means comprises a flexible material.
13. The receptacle holder according to claim 12, wherein said first
pivotal coupling comprises (a) a guide substantially spanning the
width of said wrist attachment member; (b) said flexible member
passing through and slidably coupled to said guide; (c) said wrist
attachment member comprises an articulating surface; whereby said
flexible material may slidably pass through said guide and said
flexible material may slidably pass over said articulating surface
when the orientation of said wrist attachment member changes.
14. The receptacle holder according to claim 1, wherein said first
pivotal coupling comprises a universal joint.
15. The receptacle holder according to claim 1, wherein (a) said
supporting means comprises one or more proximal links; (b) and an
equal number of distal links each of which is pivotally connected
on a third pivotal axis to its link of said proximal links, said
third pivotal axes being spaced from said first pivotal axes.
16. The receptacle holder according to claim 1, wherein (a) said
supporting means comprises one or more proximal links; (b) and an
equal number of distal links each of which is slidably connected on
a linear axis to its link of said proximal links.
17. The receptacle holder according to claim 1, wherein said
supporting means comprises a spring which produces a resistive
force when said supporting means is elongated and a damper which
produces a resistive force when said supporting means changes in
length whereby said supporting means elongates smoothly and
automatically when a force is applied to said receptacle
member.
18. The receptacle holder according to claim 1, wherein said
supporting means comprises a means of adjusting the maximum length
of said supporting means.
19. A method of supporting a plurality of objects below a human
wrist, comprising providing a receptacle holder comprising: (a) a
wrist mount member adapted to grasping said human wrist; (b) a
receptacle member; (c) a means for supporting said receptacle
member below said wrist mount member; (d) said supporting means
coupled to said wrist mount member by a first pivotal coupling; (e)
said supporting means coupled to said receptacle member by a second
pivotal coupling; whereby said receptacle member is maintained in a
substantially consistent and upright orientation over a range of
orientations of said wrist mount member that is typically
achievable by said human wrist, and whereby said receptacle member
remains in a position substantially below said wrist mount member
regardless of the orientation of said wrist mount member.
20. A method of supporting a container below a human wrist,
comprising providing a receptacle holder comprising: (a) a wrist
mount member adapted to grasping said human wrist; (b) a receptacle
member; (c) a means for supporting said receptacle member below
said wrist mount member; (d) said supporting means coupled to said
wrist mount member by a first pivotal coupling; (e) said supporting
means coupled to said receptacle member by a second pivotal
coupling; whereby said receptacle member is maintained in a
substantially consistent and upright orientation over a range of
orientations of said wrist mount member that is typically
achievable by said human wrist, and whereby said receptacle member
remains in a position substantially below said wrist mount member
regardless of the orientation of said wrist mount member.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to receptacle holders, specifically
to an improved holder for beverage containers, storage bins or hand
tools.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] The handling of beverage containers poses significant
difficulties to people who require full use of their hands for
other tasks. These difficulties are numerous for people with
impaired vision because they rely on their hands for routine tasks
such as reading braille, locating or identifying objects and
walking with the aid of a guide dog or white cane. Difficulties are
also numerous for people with normal vision because they often
require uninterrupted use of their eyes and hands to perform
dangerous tasks such as riding a bicycle or motorcycle. It is
therefore desirable to have a beverage container holder which
enables a person to pick up and put down a beverage container
without having to look at it. Many devices for holding a beverage
or beverage container have been disclosed in the relevant art.
These include devices for holding beverage containers which are
attachable to a person's body or to a piece of mobile
equipment.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,968 discloses a device which is adapted
to a golf cart, U.S. Pat. No. 5,494,306 discloses a device which is
adapted to a shopping cart, U.S. Pat. No. 6,942,131 B2 discloses a
device which is adapted to a motorcycle, and U.S. Pat. No.
6,264,153 B1 discloses a device which is adaptable to a variety of
mobile equipment including a lawn mower and bicycle. In all cases,
the beverage is deposited into the holder to liberate the drinking
hand, and is removed from the holder to consume the beverage. When
using these devices, it is necessary to visually locate the
beverage holder before depositing a beverage into it or removing a
beverage from it. This may not be possible for a visually impaired
user and temporarily distracts an able user from the activity they
are engaged in. A short distraction may be acceptable when
operating a lawn mower or shopping cart but it is not acceptable
when operating a bicycle or motorcycle since shifting one's gaze
could result in an accident. A further problem is that the operator
of a bicycle or motorcycle may, at any time, require the immediate
use of their hands to apply the brakes or clutch or to turn the
handlebars. Sufficient time is not available to locate a beverage
holder and deposit a beverage when confronted with an emergency
situation. Devices such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,942,131 B2 are not very
safe in practice so beverages are rarely, if ever, consumed by
motorcyclists.
[0004] Another disadvantage with the cited beverage holders is that
they are either fixedly connected to the mobile equipment, as in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,494,306, or are connected by a swivel, as in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,579,968, to accommodate sloped terrain. When the mobile
equipment travels over rough terrain, the beverage is jostled and
is likely to splash and spill. A further problem with these
beverage holders is that they are specifically designed for a
particular type of mobile equipment and are not interchangeable
between many different types of mobile equipment.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,762 discloses a beverage container
holder which straps to a person's upper arm, U.S. Pat. No.
5,890,636 discloses a beverage container holder which straps to a
person's wrist, US Pat. No. 2010/0032461 A1 discloses a beverage
container holder that is integrated into a belt buckle and U.S.
Pat. No. 6,029,938 discloses a beverage container holder which
clamps to a person's thigh. These devices connect to a person's
body so one may use their sense of proprioception to aid in
locating the device. This is a benefit for the visually impaired
but the benefit is offset by other problems. In U.S. Pat. No.
4,974,762, the body must be seated and motionless to avoid
spillage. This is not appropriate for daily use but is better
suited to exceptional circumstances such as sporting events. In
U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,762, a sealed container must be used which
presents a variety of other disadvantages. Many drinks such as
coffee and tea are not served in sealed containers so one must
provide ones own container and transfer the beverage into it. Many
sealed containers require two hands to open and drink from which is
inconvenient for the visually impaired who have many demands placed
on their hands and for cyclists and motorcyclists who do not have
two hands available for sipping a beverage. A typical bicycle water
bottle is held in one hand, opened with the mouth, and the contents
of the bottle are squeezed into the mouth. This is suitable for
cold beverages such as water or sports drinks but could result in
injury if attempted with hot beverages such as coffee or tea.
Finally, the time required to deposit a sealed container into a
body mounted holder is still beyond acceptable limits for
responding to an emergency situation without dropping the beverage
on the ground.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,876 discloses a beverage container which
attaches to a person's wrist and U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,869 discloses
a beverage container which attaches to a person's arm. With these
devices, the contents of the beverage are transferred directly into
the beverage holder. This has all of the disadvantages described
above for holders of sealed containers, with the added
inconvenience of a cleanliness requirement.
[0007] Furthermore, most body mounted beverage containers and
beverage container holders are unattractive and not well suited to
daily use or situations where appearance is important. They are
primarily intended for informal occasions such as chores and
sporting events or when a person is alone and not expected to be
seen by others.
[0008] However, none of the relevant art discloses a beverage
container holder adapted to holding various types of beverage
containers below a person's wrist on a mobile suspension. None of
the above inventions and patents, taken either single or in
combination, is seen to describe the instant invention claimed
here.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0009] The consumption of beverages is commonly done while engaging
in other activities. Beverages such as coffee, tea, water or soda
are consumed while driving, shopping, playing golf, operating a
personal data assistant, and many other activities that require two
hands. Sometimes two activities are performed that each require one
hand, such as talking on a cellular phone while pushing a shopping
cart or directing a guide dog.
[0010] Typical beverage holders attach either to a part of the body
or to a secondary object and provide the user with a place to put
down their beverage. They are not particularly useful to the
visually impaired who lack the ability to visually locate a
beverage holder. It may be necessary to use the non-drinking hand
to locate the beverage holder before depositing a beverage. This is
inconvenient if that hand is already busy directing a guide dog,
swinging a white cane, or performing some other important
activity.
[0011] When riding a bicycle or motorcycle, consuming a beverage
hampers one's ability to react to an emergency. A user does not
have time to deposit a beverage into a beverage holder and must
drop the beverage if there is an immediate need to grip the handle
bars or apply the brakes or clutch. Consequently, people seldom
consume non-essential beverages while performing these types of
activities, even though they may wish to.
[0012] Many beverage containers used to serve hot beverages such as
coffee and tea, have a lid with a small opening to drink from. When
these are held in a beverage holder that is rigidly connected to a
vehicle such as a shopping cart or baby stroller, the beverage will
splash up through the opening when the vehicle travels over bumpy
or rough terrain.
[0013] People often drink beverages while engaging in a variety of
different activities and require a different beverage holder to
accommodate each of them. It would be preferable to have one
beverage holder that adapts to any activity.
Solution to Problem
[0014] The present invention consists of a fixed or adjustable,
rigid or flexible cup support which is connected by a rigid,
flexible or elastic suspension to a rigid, flexible or elastic
wrist strap. The suspension may comprise a chord, cable, rope,
string, strap, belt, elastic chain, mechanical linkage, slider,
strut, or any other similar mechanism or material. The cup support
may also comprise a heat insulator sleeve. The wrist strap is worn
on the user's wrist and the beverage container is placed in the cup
support. The beverage is never removed from the support, even
during consumption, so the user may let go of the beverage at any
time and it will be supported by the invention just below the
wrist.
[0015] Spillage is minimized by angling the arm downward before
releasing the beverage. Rotating the arm axially while the beverage
is supported will not cause spillage because the suspension
counter-rotates to cancel the motion. In the preferred embodiment,
a cord slides through a guide on the wrist strap to cancel axial
arm rotation. Swinging the arm while the beverage is supported
causes the beverage container and the liquid inside of it to swing
in unison, resulting in minimal splashing and spillage. The
particular embodiment and materials used to define the suspension
affect the amount of spillage when the beverage is released or
swung and may be optimized for a particular application. An elastic
suspension prevents sudden movements from being transmitted to the
beverage, preventing a very common form of spillage that occurs
with most existing cup holders any time they are jostled.
[0016] When the beverage is being supported below the wrist,
reaching down causes the beverage to swing automatically into the
hand of the user. The user need not visually locate the beverage
and may pay full attention to the activity they are engaging in.
The device is easily operated by people with degraded or no visual
ability and since the beverage holder is connected to the user, the
same device may be used with any type of mobile equipment or
activity.
[0017] The present invention may be adapted to activities such as
hammering nails where a user requires one hand to hold a nail and
the other hand to swing a hammer. The cup holder may be replaced by
a bin to hold the nails. The user lowers their hand into the bin to
retrieve a nail, and raises it to drive the nail into the work
piece, thus making the job of retrieving nails, faster and easier.
A similar device could be used to aid in driving screws, hanging
curtain rings and a wide variety of other activities.
[0018] The present invention may be adapted to holding a hand tool
such as a hammer or drill. A user could let go of the tool at any
time and reach down to retrieve it as desired.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0019] One advantage of the invention is that the beverage is never
removed from the beverage holder so the beverage may be released at
any time and it will be supported by the invention. Lowering the
hand while the beverage is supported automatically swings the
beverage into the hand so no visual ability is required to pick up
or put down the beverage. This also allows the user to react to an
emergency situation without dropping the beverage on the
ground.
[0020] A further advantage is that the invention supports the
beverage in such a way that the beverage container and the liquid
contained inside of it move in unison when there is an external
disturbance or when the user voluntarily moves their arm. This
minimizes splashing and spillage without restricting operator
mobility and eliminates the need for a sealed container. The
invention also absorbs sudden movements and prevents the beverage
from splashing or spilling as a result of being jostled.
[0021] A further advantage is that the invention is connected to
the user and not to any secondary object so it can be used in
conjunction with any mobile equipment or activity.
[0022] A further advantage is that the invention is unobtrusive,
attractive in appearance, and may closely resemble jewelry or an
athletic band. The invention is small, collapsible and easily
hidden in a pocket, purse or tote when not in use.
[0023] Further advantages of my invention will become apparent from
a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1A shows the preferred embodiment of a cup holder with
a wrist, hand and cup included to show how the cup holder is
used.
[0025] FIG. 1B shows the preferred embodiment of a cup holder with
a wrist, hand and cup included to show how the cup is retrieved
when supported by the cup holder.
[0026] FIG. 1C shows a detailed view of the preferred embodiment of
a cup holder.
[0027] FIG. 2 shows a wrist mount comprising an open bottom.
[0028] FIG. 3 shows a wrist mount comprising a closed elastic
bottom.
[0029] FIG. 4 shows a wrist mount comprising an adjustable
enclosure.
[0030] FIG. 5 shows a wrist mount comprising a support for a rotary
joint.
[0031] FIG. 6 shows a wrist mount comprising a support for a
universal joint.
[0032] FIG. 7 shows a wrist mount comprising a support for a
flexible suspension.
[0033] FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of a wrist mount comprising an
open guide.
[0034] FIG. 9 shows a flexible cup support.
[0035] FIG. 10 shows a rigid cup support.
[0036] FIG. 11 shows a flexible beverage support assembly.
[0037] FIG. 12 shows an adjustable flexible cup support.
[0038] FIG. 13 shows an adjustable rigid cup support.
[0039] FIG. 14 shows a bin receptacle.
[0040] FIG. 15 shows optional rotation axes resulting from the
placement of the lower pivot on a cup support or bin
receptacle.
[0041] FIG. 16 shows a flexible cup support comprising an
insulation sleeve.
[0042] FIG. 17 shows a rigid cup support comprising an insulation
sleeve.
[0043] FIG. 18 shows a cup holder comprising a fixed length arm
suspension.
[0044] FIG. 19 shows a cup holder comprising a flexible cable
suspension.
[0045] FIG. 20 shows a cup holder comprising an elbow arm
suspension.
[0046] FIG. 21 shows a cup holder comprising a strut
suspension.
[0047] FIG. 22 shows a cup holder comprising a rotatable fixed
length arm suspension.
[0048] FIG. 23 shows a cup holder comprising a rotatable flexible
cable suspension.
[0049] FIG. 24 shows a cup holder comprising a rotatable elbow arm
suspension.
[0050] FIG. 25 shows a cup holder comprising a rotatable strut
suspension.
[0051] FIG. 26 shows flexible cable suspension comprising a length
adjustment mechanism.
REFERENCE SIGNS
[0052] 30--wrist mount assembly [0053] 32--beverage support
assembly [0054] 33--cup support [0055] 34--adjustment assembly
[0056] 36--suspension [0057] 38--universal joint [0058] 40--elbow
arm suspension [0059] 42--strut suspension [0060] 44--bin
receptacle [0061] 50--guide [0062] 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, 52E, 52F,
52G, 52H--wrist mount [0063] 54--articulating surface [0064]
56--flexible suspension [0065] 56L, 56R--left and right flexible
suspension [0066] 57--cup support aperture [0067] 58--flexible cup
support [0068] 59A, 59B, 59C, 59D--rigid cup support [0069]
60--limb axis [0070] 62--transverse axis [0071] 64--cup [0072]
66--lid [0073] 68--drinking cutout [0074] 70--wrist [0075] 72--hand
[0076] 74L, 74R--left and right first flex pivot [0077] 76L,
76R--left and right second flex pivot [0078] 78--wrist mount gap
[0079] 79--elastic enclosure [0080] 80--adjustable enclosure [0081]
82--upper link support [0082] 83--universal joint support [0083]
84--upper link pivot [0084] 86--upper link [0085] 87--strut [0086]
88--elbow pivot [0087] 89--lower link support [0088] 89L, 89R--left
and right lower link support [0089] 90A, 90B, 90C--lower link
[0090] 92--lower link pivot [0091] 92L, 92R--left and right lower
link pivot [0092] 94--universal link pivot [0093] 96--universal
link [0094] 98--upper fixed length arm pivot [0095] 99--strut pivot
[0096] 100--fixed length arm [0097] 102--lower fixed length arm
pivot [0098] 104--flexible suspension support [0099] 105L,
105R--left and right flexible suspension support [0100] 106--open
guide [0101] 107--channel [0102] 108A, 108B--beverage support
member [0103] 110A, 110B--adjustment clamp [0104] 111--adjustment
gap [0105] 112--adjustment screw [0106] 114--side wall [0107]
115--bottom surface [0108] 116A, 116B, 116C, 116D--support rotation
axis [0109] 118--insulated sleeve
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0110] FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C show the preferred embodiment of the
present invention. FIGS. 1A and 1B include a hand 72, wrist 70 and
cup 64 to show how the present invention is used and FIG. 1C shows
only the present invention to provide greater detail. FIGS. 1A and
1C are perspective views and FIG. 1B is a side view. A detailed
view of the wrist mount assembly 30 is show in FIG. 2 and a
detailed view of the cup support 33 is shown in FIG. 9.
[0111] In FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C, wrist mount assembly 30 comprises
wrist mount 52A and guide 50. A flexible suspension 56 such as a
chord, cable, rope, string, strap, belt, elastic or chain passes
over wrist mount 52A, through guide 50, and is pivotally connected
at each end to flexible cup support 58 at left and right second
flex pivots 76L and 76R. The specific locations of left and right
second flex pivots 76L and 76R together determine the support
rotation axis 116B which is the rotation axis that cup support 33
rotates with respect to suspension 36 when left and right second
flex pivots 76L and 76R flex. A selection of optional locations for
left and right second flex pivots 76L and 76R to achieve other
optional cup support rotation axes 116A, 116C and 116D are shown in
FIG. 15. Wrist mount 52A comprises an articulating surface 54 which
flexible suspension 56 may slide freely over when cup support 33
and suspension 36 swing in unison about transverse axis 62 or limb
axis 60 or when wrist 70 rotates about limb axis 60.
[0112] FIG. 2 shows a detailed perspective view of wrist mount 52A
which comprises a wrist mount gap 78 such that wrist mount 52A
partially encircles wrist 70 when worn.
[0113] FIG. 3 shows a detailed perspective view of wrist mount 52B
which is an alternate embodiment of wrist mount 52A. Wrist mount
52B is continuous and completely encircles wrist 70 with an elastic
enclosure 79 when worn.
[0114] FIG. 4 shows a detailed perspective view of wrist mount 52C
which is an alternate embodiment of wrist mount 52A. Wrist mount
52C comprises an adjustable enclosure 80 such as a buckle, velcro
strap, friction assembly, or any other material or mechanism that
may be used to adjust and secure a strap to wrist 70.
[0115] FIG. 5 shows a detailed perspective view of wrist mount 52D
which is an alternate embodiment of wrist mount 52A. Wrist mount
52D comprises an upper link support 82 and an upper link pivot 84
which is connected to upper link 86. Upper link pivot 84 allows
upper link 86 to rotate relative to wrist mount 52D about an axis
substantially parallel to transverse axis 62.
[0116] FIG. 6 shows a detailed perspective view of wrist mount 52E
which is an alternate embodiment of wrist mount 52A. Wrist mount
52E comprises a universal joint support 83 which is connected to
universal joint 38. Universal joint 38 comprises universal link
pivot 94, universal link 96 and upper fixed length arm pivot 98 and
connects fixed length arm 100 to wrist mount 52E. Universal link 96
is connected to wrist mount 52E by universal link pivot 94 and to
fixed length arm 100 by upper fixed length arm pivot 98. Universal
link pivot 94 allows universal link 96 to rotate relative to wrist
mount 52E about an axis substantially parallel to limb axis 60
shown in FIG. 1. Upper fixed length arm pivot 98 allows fixed
length arm 100 to rotate relative to universal link 96 about an
axis substantially parallel to transverse axis 62.
[0117] FIG. 7 shows a detailed perspective view of wrist mount 52F
which is an alternate embodiment of wrist mount 52A. Wrist mount
52F comprises flexible suspension support 104 which pivotally
connects left and right flexible suspensions 56L and 56R to wrist
mount 52F.
[0118] FIG. 8 shows a detailed perspective exploded view of wrist
mount 52G which is an alternate embodiment of wrist mount 52A.
Wrist mount 52G comprises an open guide 106 which partially exposes
flexible suspension 56. Flexible suspension 56 is held into channel
107 of open guide 106 by the weight of the payload (not shown)
which applies a downward force (indicated by dashed arrows) on both
sides of flexible suspension 56.
[0119] FIG. 9 shows a detailed perspective view of cup support 33
comprising flexible cup support 58. Flexible suspension 56 is
connected to flexible cup support 58 at left and right second flex
pivots 76L and 76R.
[0120] FIG. 10 shows a detailed perspective view of cup support 33
comprising rigid cup support 59A and left and right lower link
supports 89L and 89R. Lower link 90A is connected to rigid cup
support 59A by left and right lower link pivots 92L and 92R which
each have a rotation axis that is coincident and aligned with
support rotation axis 116B.
[0121] FIG. 11 shows a detailed perspective view of beverage
support assembly 32 comprising flexible cup support 58 and beverage
support members 108A and 108B. Beverage support members 108A and
108B are connected to flexible cup support 58 with substantially
equal spacing between connection points. Beverage support assembly
32 provides support to the bottom of a beverage container so that
when a beverage container with substantially straight sides, such
as a can or bottle, is inserted, it is adequately supported.
[0122] FIG. 12 shows a detailed perspective view of cup support 33
comprising flexible cup support 58 and adjustment clamp 110A.
Adjustment clamp 110A may be used to adjust the circumference of
cup support aperture 57 to accommodate different sized cups.
[0123] FIG. 13 shows a detailed perspective view of cup support 33
comprising rigid cup support 59B and adjustment assembly 34 which
comprises adjustment screw 112 and adjustment gap 111. Adjustment
screw 112 may be used to widen or narrow adjustment gap 111 to
adjust the circumference of cup support aperture 57 to accommodate
different sized cups.
[0124] FIG. 14 shows a detailed perspective view of a bin
receptacle 44 which comprises a bottorn surface 115 and side walls
114 and is connected to flexible suspension 56 at left and right
second flex pivots 76L and 76R.
[0125] FIG. 15 shows a plan view of a cup holder 33 with optional
cup support rotation axes 116A, 116B, 116C and 116D which may be
defined by positioning left and right lower flex pivots 76L and
76R, or left and right lower link supports 89L and 89R such that
their rotation axes are coincident and aligned with the desired cup
support rotation axis. A first option is to position the pivots at
the back of cup holder 33, coincident with axis 116A. A second
option is to mount the pivots between the middle and back of cup
holder 33, coincident with axis 116B. A third option is to mount
the pivots at the centre of cup holder 33, coincident with axis
116C. A fourth option is to mount the pivots toward the front of
cup holder 33, coincident with axis 116D. The particular choice of
mounting points and axis will affect the angle at which cup 64 or
bin receptacle 44 tilts when it is supported by suspension 36, as
shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 14, 16 and 17. In FIG. 1B, moving the cup
support rotation axis toward the rear of cup holder 33 will result
in a clockwise rotation of cup holder 33 and moving the cup support
rotation axis toward the front of cup holder 33 will result in a
counter-clockwise rotation of cup holder 33.
[0126] FIG. 16 shows a side view of a cup support 33 which
comprises a flexible cup support 58 and an insulated sleeve
118.
[0127] FIG. 17 shows a side view of cup support 33 which comprises
a rigid cup support 59C and an insulated sleeve 118.
[0128] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the present invention
where suspension 36 comprises a fixed length arm 100 pivotally
connected to upper link support 82 of wrist mount 52D by upper
fixed length arm pivot 98 and pivotally connected to lower link
support 89 of rigid cup support 59D by lower fixed length arm pivot
102.
[0129] FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of the present invention
where suspension 36 comprises a left and right flexible suspension
56L and 56R which are pivotally connected to left and right
flexible suspension supports 105L and 105R located on each side of
wrist mount 52H, and pivotally connected to rigid cup support 59C
by left and right second flex pivots 76L and 76R.
[0130] FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of the present invention
where suspension 36 comprises a variable length elbow arm
suspension 40 comprising an upper link 86, a lower link 90B, and an
elbow pivot 88. Upper link 86 is pivotally connected to upper link
support 82 of wrist mount 52D by upper link pivot 84 and is
pivotally connected to lower link 90B by elbow pivot 88. Lower link
90B is pivotally connected to lower link support 89 of rigid cup
support 59D by lower link pivot 92.
[0131] FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of the present invention
where suspension 36 comprises a variable length strut suspension 42
comprising a strut 87 and a lower link 90C. Strut 87 is pivotally
connected to upper link support 82 of wrist mount 52D by strut
pivot 99 and is slidably connected to lower link 90C such that
strut 87 and lower link 90C may extend and retract axially, with
respect to one another. Lower link 90C is pivotally connected to
lower link support 89 of rigid cup support 59D by lower link pivot
92.
[0132] FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of the present invention
where suspension 36 comprises a fixed length arm 100 and a
universal joint 38. Universal joint 38 comprises universal link 96,
universal link pivot 94 and upper fixed length arm pivot 98.
Universal link 96 is pivotally connected to universal joint support
83 of wrist mount 52E by universal link pivot 94. Fixed length arm
100 is pivotally connected to universal link 96 by upper fixed
length arm pivot 98 and pivotally connected to lower link support
89 of rigid cup support 59D by lower fixed length arm pivot
102.
[0133] FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of the present invention
where suspension 36 comprises a left and right flexible suspension
56L and 56R which are pivotally connected to a common flexible
suspension support 104 on wrist mount 52F, and pivotally connected
to flexible cup support 58 by left and right second flex pivots 76L
and 76R.
[0134] FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of the present invention
where suspension 36 comprises a variable length elbow arm
suspension 40 and a universal joint 38. Elbow arm 40 comprises
upper link 86, lower link 90B, and elbow pivot 88. Universal joint
38 comprises universal link 96, universal link pivot 94 and upper
link pivot 84. Universal link 96 is pivotally connected to
universal joint support 83 of wrist mount 52E by universal link
pivot 94. Upper link 86 is pivotally connected to universal link 96
by upper link pivot 84 and is pivotally connected to lower link 90B
by elbow pivot 88. Lower link 90B is pivotally connected to lower
link support 89 of rigid cup support 59D by lower link pivot
92.
[0135] FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of the present invention
where suspension 36 comprises a variable length strut suspension 42
and a universal joint 38. Strut suspension 42 comprises strut 87
and lower link 90C. Universal joint 38 comprises universal link 96,
universal link pivot 94 and strut pivot 99. Universal link 96 is
pivotally connected to universal joint support 83 of wrist mount
52E by universal link pivot 94. Strut 87 is pivotally connected to
universal link 96 by strut pivot 99 and is slidably connected to
lower link 90C such that strut 87 and lower link 90C may extend and
retract axially, with respect to one another. Lower link 90C is
pivotally connected to lower link support 89 of rigid cup support
59D by lower link pivot 92.
[0136] FIG. 26 shows a detailed perspective view of a cup support
33 which is pivotally connected to flexible suspension 56 at right
second flex pivot 76R by an adjustment clamp 110B. Adjustment clamp
110B may be used to adjust the length of flexible suspension 56 to
vary the distance cup 64 hangs below wrist 70, as seen in FIG. 1A.
A similar method may be used to adjust the length of any of the
fixed length members of the other suspension systems including the
fixed length arm, elbow arm and strut suspension systems to achieve
a similar benefit.
Examples
[0137] The method of operation of the preferred embodiment of the
present invention is best shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Flexible
suspension 56 is free to slidably pass through guide 50 and over
articulating surface 54, thus allowing cup 64 and cup support 33 to
swing freely about limb axis 60. This same freedom of motion
permits wrist 70 to rotate about limb axis 60 without substantially
affecting the orientation of cup 64. Flexible suspension 56 may
also pivot at left and right first flex pivots 74L and 74R, thus
allowing cup 64 and cup support 33 to swing freely about transverse
axis 62. As suspension 36 rotates relative to wrist mount assembly
30 about transverse axis 62, cup support 33 counter-rotates
relative to suspension 36 about support rotation axis 116B, thus
maintaining a substantially constant orientation of cup 64.
[0138] FIG. 1B shows the side view of the preferred embodiment of
the present invention with hand 72 and wrist 70 rotated clockwise
about transverse axis 62 such that hand 72 and wrist 70 are pointed
downward. As the rotation angle becomes steeper, flexible
suspension 56 pivots at left and right first flex pivot 74L and
74R, flexible suspension 56 pivots at left and right second flex
pivot 76L and 76R, flexible suspension 56 slides along articulating
surface 54 and cup 64 moves closer to hand 72. Once the angle is
sufficiently steep, cup 64 becomes close enough to hand 72 that cup
64 may be grasped by hand 72. As cup 64 is drawn into hand 72,
flexible suspension 56 sags to accommodate the decrease in distance
between cup support 33 and wrist mount assembly 30. Accordingly,
cup 64 may be held comfortably and the beverage may be consumed
without removing cup 64 from cup support 33.
[0139] When cup 64 is held in hand 72, it may be released at any
time. Cup 64 and cup support 33 will drop until all of the
available slack in flexible suspension 56 is taken up, after which
cup support 33 will be supported by suspension 36. This may cause
some of the liquid inside of cup 64 to splash up and exit through
drinking cutout 68. Constructing the flexible suspension 56 from an
elastic material with low stiffness and damping will generally
reduce splashing and spillage but will increase the oscillations
cup 64 and cup support 33 will experience after being released. The
material properties of suspension 56 may be selected to provide an
optimal trade-off between spillage and oscillation. If the need to
release cup 64 is not urgent, spillage and oscillation may be
minimized by pointing hand 72 and wrist 70 downward until all slack
is removed from flexible suspension 56 before releasing cup 64, as
shown in FIG. 1B.
[0140] FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 show perspective views of alternate
embodiments of wrist mount 52A which employ different methods for
securing the corresponding wrist mount to wrist 70. In FIG. 2,
wrist mount 52A comprises wrist mount gap 78. Wrist mount 52A may
be constructed from a flexible material such as memory plastic so
that wrist mount gap 78 may be spread open to facilitate mounting
and removal of wrist mount assembly 30 to and from wrist 70. Once
wrist mount assembly 30 has been mounted, its elastic property
grasps wrist 70 and firmly secures wrist mount assembly 30 to wrist
70.
[0141] In FIG. 3, wrist mount 52B comprises elastic enclosure 79.
Elastic enclosure 79 may be stretched open to facilitate mounting
and removal of wrist mount assembly 30 to and from wrist 70. Once
wrist mount assembly 30 has been mounted, its elastic property
grasps wrist 70 and firmly secures wrist mount assembly 30 to wrist
70.
[0142] In FIG. 4, wrist mount 52C comprises adjustable enclosure 80
which may be a buckle, as shown in FIG. 4, or any other means of
adjusting an aperture to secure a strap to a human limb such as a
velcro strap or a friction assembly. Adjustable closure 80 may be
opened, closed and adjusted to facilitate installation, removal and
securing of wrist mount assembly 30 to wrist 70.
[0143] FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show perspective views of alternate
embodiments of wrist mount 52A, each adapted to be connected to an
alternate embodiment of suspension 36. The embodiment shown in FIG.
5 is adapted to be connected to a fixed length arm 100, an elbow
arm suspension 40 or a strut suspension 42 as shown in FIGS. 18,
20, and 21 respectively. The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is adapted
to be connected to a suspension 36 that comprises a universal joint
38 as shown in FIGS. 22, 24 and 25. The embodiment shown in FIG. 7
is adapted to be connected to a left and right flexible suspension
56L and 56R as shown in FIG. 23.
[0144] FIG. 8 shows a perspective exploded view of open guide 106
which is an alternate embodiment of guide 50 from the preferred
embodiment shown in FIG. 1C. Open guide 106 comprises a channel 107
which only partially encloses flexible suspension 56. The weight of
the payload supported by flexible suspension 56 applies a force to
each side of flexible suspension 56 which presses it into channel
107 of open guide 106, holding flexible suspension 56 in place
without restricting its ability to slide relative to open guide
106. This embodiment improves ease of disassembly and replacement
of components since flexible suspension 56 is not mechanically
connected to open guide 106. Flexible suspension 56 is held into
channel 107 of open guide 106 by gravity only.
[0145] FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 show perspective views of
alternate embodiments of cup support 33 of the preferred embodiment
shown in FIG. 1C. FIG. 9 shows a detailed view of the preferred
embodiment where flexible cup support 58 is made from a deformable
material, whose aperture 57 may deform to accommodate a cup 64 with
any cross-sectional shape. FIG. 10 shows an embodiment which
comprises a rigid cup support 59A whose aperture 57 maintains its
original shape regardless of the cross-sectional shape of the cup
64. This embodiment is best suited to embodiments that comprise a
rigid suspension such as a fixed length arm 100 as shown in FIGS.
18 and 22, an elbow arm suspension 40 as shown in FIGS. 20 and 24,
or a strut suspension 42 as shown in FIGS. 21 and 25 which are
connected to cup support 33 by a lower link pivot 92 or a pair of
lower link pivots 92L and 92R. Rigid cup support 59A may have an
aperture 57 with a cross-sectional shape that is circular, square
or any other shape to accommodate any desired shape of beverage
container. Cup support 33 may also comprise any combination of
rigid and flexible materials to facilitate flex pivots, mechanical
pivots, deformable apertures, adjustable apertures, or any
combination of features described in this disclosure.
[0146] FIG. 11 shows beverage support assembly 32 which is a
perspective view of an alternate embodiment of cup support 33 from
the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1C. Beverage support
assembly 32 comprises flexible cup support 58 and beverage support
members 108A and 108B to support a beverage container from below.
This embodiment is best suited to supporting beverage containers
which have substantially straight sides such as a bottle or can and
must be supported from their underside. Beverage support members
108A and 108B may be constructed from a flexible or rigid material,
may have any shape that provides support to the underside of a
container, and may be used with either a flexible or rigid cup
support. They may be permanently attached to the cup support or may
be removable to accommodate beverage containers with both straight
and graduated side profiles.
[0147] FIGS. 12 and 13 show perspective views of alternate
embodiments of cup support 33 of the preferred embodiment shown in
FIG. 1C. FIG. 12 shows a cup support 33 comprising a flexible cup
support 58 and an adjustment clamp 110A which may be used to
increase or decrease the circumference of aperture 57 to
accommodate cups with different outer dimensions. FIG. 13 shows a
cup support 33 comprising rigid cup support 59B and an adjustment
assembly 34 comprising an adjustment gap 111 and an adjustment
screw 112. Turning adjustment screw 112 increases or decreases the
width of adjustment gap 111, thereby increasing or decreasing the
circumference of aperture 57 to accommodate cups with different
outer dimensions. Adjustment assembly 34 may also comprise a lever,
cam, worm gear or any other mechanism or means of adjusting the
aperture 57 of a rigid cup support 59B.
[0148] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a bin receptacle 44 that
may replace cup support 33 of the preferred embodiment shown in
FIG. 1C. Bin receptacle 44 comprises a bottom surface 115 and side
walls 114 so that it may contain items such as screws, nails or any
other loose objects desired. Bin receptacle 44 may be square,
round, oval or any other shape and may comprise openings, interior
walls or compartments in any arrangement that make it convenient
for a particular application.
[0149] FIG. 15 shows a top view of cup support 33 and a plurality
of optional support rotation axes 116A, 116B, 116C or 116D. When
there are two pivots connecting the suspension to the cup support
33, as in FIG. 1C, the support rotation axis is defined by the axis
that connects the two pivot points. When there is a single pivot
connecting the suspension to the cup support 33, the support
rotation axis is the rotation axis of the pivot joint. In FIG. 15,
Cup support 33 may be replaced by any other payload such as bin
receptacle 44 shown in FIG. 14. When the support rotation axis is
116A or 116B, the payload will naturally tilt toward the front when
it is supported by suspension 36. When the support rotation axis is
116C, the payload will naturally remain substantially upright when
it is supported by suspension 36. When the support rotation axis is
116D, the payload will naturally tilt toward the rear when it is
supported by suspension 36. In FIG. 1C, the preferred embodiment
uses support rotation axis 116B. Cup 64 tilts toward hand 72 when
wrist 70 is angled downward which makes it convenient to grasp cup
64, as shown in FIG. 1B.
[0150] FIGS. 16 and 17 show perspective views of alternate
embodiments of cup support 33 of the preferred embodiment shown in
FIG. 1C. FIG. 16 shows a cup support 33 comprising a flexible cup
support 58 and an insulated sleeve 118. FIG. 17 shows a cup support
33 comprising a rigid cup support 59C and an insulated sleeve 118.
Hot beverages are commonly served with a paper insulation sleeve to
protect the consumer from discomfort. The reusable insulated sleeve
118 eliminates the need for disposable paper sleeves.
[0151] FIGS. 18, 19, 20 and 21 show perspective views of alternate
embodiments of suspension 36 of the preferred embodiment shown in
FIG. 1C. In these embodiments, wrist mounts 52D in FIGS. 18, 20 and
21 or wrist mount 52H in FIG. 19 should fit loosely enough around
wrist 70 such that slippage may occur between wrist 70 and wrist
mount 52D or 52H when wrist 60 rotates about limb axis 60 from FIG.
1A, such that the original orientation of cup 64 is not
substantially disturbed.
[0152] In FIG. 18, suspension 36 comprises a fixed length arm 100.
Fixed length arm 100 may be constructed from a soft, flexible or
elastic material to allow elongation or shortening of the arm when
subjected to a load force.
[0153] In FIG. 19, suspension 36 comprises left and right flexible
supports 56L and 56R which will naturally sag or buckle, thereby
providing no resistance to a reduction in the distance between
wrist mount assembly 30 and cup support 33.
[0154] In FIG. 20, suspension 36 comprises an elbow arm suspension
40 which can pivotally retract to allow a reduction in the distance
between wrist mount assembly 30 and cup support 33. Elbow pivot 88
may comprise a spring or damper to provide a tuned suspension for
cup support 33.
[0155] In FIG. 21, suspension 36 comprises a strut suspension 42
which can slidably retract to allow a reduction in the distance
between wrist mount assembly 30 and cup support 33. Strut 87 may
comprise a spring or damper to provide a tuned suspension for cup
support 33.
[0156] FIGS. 22, 24 and 25 show perspective views of alternate
embodiments of suspension 36 of the preferred embodiment shown in
FIG. 1C. In these embodiments, rotation of wrist 70 about limb axis
60 from FIG. 1A, will induce a counter-rotation in universal joint
38 such that the original orientation of cup 64 is not
substantially affected. Wrist mount 52E may firmly grasp wrist 70
without upsetting the orientation of cup 64 when wrist 70 rotates
about limb axis 60.
[0157] In FIG. 22, suspension 36 comprises a universal joint 38 and
a fixed length arm 100. Fixed length arm 100 may be constructed
from a soft, flexible or elastic material to allow elongation or
shortening of the arm when subjected to a load force.
[0158] In FIG. 23, suspension 36 comprises left and right flexible
supports 56L and 56R mounted to wrist mount 52F at a single
flexible suspension support 104. Mounting flexible supports 56L and
56R at a single support point allows them to flex in unison and
provide a degree of freedom similar to that provided by universal
joint 38 in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 22, 24 and 25. Wrist
mount 52E may firmly grasp wrist 70 without substantially upsetting
the orientation of cup 64 when wrist 70 rotates about limb axis 60
from FIG. 1A. Left and right flexible supports 56L and 56R will
naturally sag or buckle, thereby providing no resistance to a
reduction in the distance between wrist mount assembly 30 and cup
support 33.
[0159] In FIG. 24, suspension 36 comprises a universal joint 38 and
an elbow arm suspension 40 which can pivotally retract to allow a
reduction in the distance between wrist mount assembly 30 and cup
support 33. Elbow pivot 88 may comprise a spring or damper to
provide a tuned suspension for cup support 33.
[0160] In FIG. 25, suspension 36 comprises a universal joint 38 and
a strut suspension 42 which can slidably retract to allow a
reduction in the distance between wrist mount assembly 30 and cup
support 33. Strut 87 may comprise a spring or damper to provide a
tuned suspension for cup support 33.
[0161] FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment
of flexible suspension 56 of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG.
1C. Suspension 36 comprises flexible suspension 56 and adjustment
clamp 110B which may be used to adjust the maximum length of
flexible suspension 56 or to adjust the point of connection between
right second flex pivot 76R and flexible cup support 58, thereby
adjusting the effective support rotation axis. A length adjustment
mechanism may also be added to the fixed length arm 100, or the
members of the elbow arm suspension 40 or strut suspension 42 shown
in the preceding figures to allow for a similar adjustment of the
maximum length of any suspension described by this disclosure.
CITATION LIST
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