U.S. patent application number 15/622719 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-20 for single component cup holder mechanism.
This patent application is currently assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC. Invention is credited to DOUGLAS AMICK, MING CHUN CHEUNG, CHRISTOPHER P. MEYERS, KENTON L. WEST.
Application Number | 20180361901 15/622719 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64458075 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180361901 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHEUNG; MING CHUN ; et
al. |
December 20, 2018 |
SINGLE COMPONENT CUP HOLDER MECHANISM
Abstract
Cup holder mechanisms are provided for vehicles that include, in
one example, an upper region, a base region, and a middle region.
The upper region includes an outer ring configured to receive a
beverage by at least partially surrounding a perimeter of the
beverage. The base region includes a base support element
configured to support a bottom of the beverage. The middle region
connects the upper region and the base region. The cup holder
mechanism is configured to be movable, by an actuator based on
input provided by an occupant of the vehicle, between: a closed
position, in which the cup holder mechanism is stowed in a recess
within a housing; and an open position, in which the cup holder
mechanism is opened outside the housing to receive the beverage.
The upper region, the base region, and the middle region are formed
as a single unitary piece.
Inventors: |
CHEUNG; MING CHUN; (WARREN,
MI) ; WEST; KENTON L.; (ORION, MI) ; MEYERS;
CHRISTOPHER P.; (WARREN, MI) ; AMICK; DOUGLAS;
(TROY, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC |
Detroit |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS
LLC
Detroit
MI
|
Family ID: |
64458075 |
Appl. No.: |
15/622719 |
Filed: |
June 14, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 3/108 20130101;
B60N 3/102 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60N 3/10 20060101
B60N003/10 |
Claims
1. A cup holder mechanism for a vehicle, the cup holder mechanism
comprising: an upper region comprising an outer ring configured to
receive a beverage by at least partially surrounding a perimeter of
the beverage; a base region comprising a base support element
configured to support a bottom of the beverage; and a middle region
connecting the upper region and the base region; wherein the cup
holder mechanism is configured to be movable, by an actuator based
on input provided by an occupant of the vehicle, between: a closed
position, in which the cup holder mechanism is stowed in a recess
within a housing; and an open position, in which the cup holder
mechanism is opened outside the housing to receive the beverage;
and wherein the upper region, the base region, and the middle
region are formed as a single unitary piece.
2. The cup holder mechanism of claim 1, wherein the cup holder
mechanism is configured to be stored in a center console of the
vehicle, between a driver seat and a passenger seat of the
vehicle.
3. The cup holder mechanism of claim 1, wherein the upper region
further comprises: a connecting region coupling the outer ring to
the middle region, wherein the outer ring is configured to expand,
via the connecting region, to accommodate beverages of different
widths.
4. The cup holder mechanism of claim 1, wherein the base support
element comprises: a first base support element component
configured to contact the bottom of the beverage; and a second base
support element component connected to and disposed beneath the
first base support element component, with a step formed between
the first base support element component and the second base
support element component.
5. The cup holder mechanism of claim 1, wherein the middle region
comprises: a plurality of protrusions extending from the upper
region; and a four bar assembly coupling the plurality of
protrusions to the base support element.
6. The cup holder mechanism of claim 5, wherein the middle region
further comprises one or more living hinge systems.
7. The cup holder mechanism of claim 6, wherein the one or more
living hinge systems comprise: a first living hinge system coupled
between each of the plurality of protrusions and the four bar
assembly; and a second living hinge system coupled between the four
bar assembly and the base support element.
8. A cup holder system for a vehicle, the cup holder mechanism
comprising: a housing having a recess formed therein; a cup holder
mechanism comprising: an upper region comprising an outer ring
configured to receive a beverage by at least partially surrounding
a perimeter of the beverage; a base region comprising a base
support element configured to support a bottom of the beverage; and
a middle region connecting the upper region and the base region;
wherein the upper region, the base region, and the middle region
are formed as a single unitary piece; an input device configured to
receive an input from an occupant of the vehicle; and an actuator
configured to, based upon the input received by the input device,
to facilitate movement of the cup holder mechanism between: a
closed position, in which the cup holder mechanism is stowed in the
recess within the housing; and an open position, in which the cup
holder mechanism is opened outside the housing to receive the
beverage.
9. The cup holder system of claim 8, wherein the cup holder system
is configured to be stored in a center console of the vehicle,
between a driver seat and a passenger seat of the vehicle.
10. The cup holder system of claim 8, wherein the upper region
further comprises: a connecting region coupling the outer ring to
the middle region, wherein the outer ring is configured to expand,
via the connecting region, to accommodate beverages of different
widths.
11. The cup holder system of claim 8, wherein the base support
element comprises: a first base support element component
configured to contact the bottom of the beverage; and a second base
support element component connected to and disposed beneath the
first base support element component, with a step formed between
the first base support element component and the second base
support element component.
12. The cup holder system of claim 8, wherein the middle region
comprises: a plurality of protrusions extending from the upper
region; and a four bar assembly coupling the plurality of
protrusions to the base support element.
13. The cup holder system of claim 12, wherein the middle region
further comprises one or more living hinge systems.
14. The cup holder system of claim 13, wherein the one or more
living hinge systems comprises a first living hinge system coupled
between each of the plurality of protrusions and the four bar
assembly; and a second living hinge system coupled between the four
bar assembly and the base support element.
15. A vehicle comprising: a driver seat; a passenger seat; a center
console disposed between the driver seat and the passenger seat;
and a cup holder system comprising: a housing disposed within the
center console, the housing having a recess formed therein; a cup
holder mechanism disposed within the center console, the cup holder
mechanism comprising: an upper region comprising an outer ring
configured to receive a beverage by at least partially surrounding
a perimeter of the beverage; a base region comprising a base
support element configured to support a bottom of the beverage; and
a middle region connecting the upper region and the base region;
wherein the upper region, the base region, and the middle region
are formed as a single unitary piece; an input device configured to
receive an input from an occupant of the vehicle; and an actuator
configured to, based upon the input received by the input device,
to facilitate movement of the cup holder mechanism between: a
closed position, in which the cup holder mechanism is stowed in the
recess within the housing; and an open position, in which the cup
holder mechanism is opened outside the housing to receive the
beverage.
16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the upper region further
comprises: a connecting region coupling the outer ring to the
middle region, wherein the outer ring is configured to expand, via
the connecting region, to accommodate beverages of different
widths.
17. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the base support element
comprises: a first base support element component configured to
contact the bottom of the beverage; and a second base support
element component connected to and disposed beneath the first base
support element component, with a step formed between the first
base support element component and the second base support element
component.
18. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the middle region comprises: a
plurality of protrusions extending from the upper region; and a
four bar assembly coupling the plurality of protrusions to the base
support element.
19. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein the middle region further
comprises a plurality of living hinge systems.
20. The vehicle of claim 19, wherein the one or more living hinge
systems comprise: a first living hinge system coupled between each
of the plurality of protrusions and the four bar assembly; and a
second living hinge system coupled between the four bar assembly
and the base support element.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The technical field generally relates to vehicles and, more
specifically, to cup holder systems for vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Many vehicles include cup holders for the driver and/or
passengers to place beverages. However, in certain situations
improved cup holders may be desired.
[0003] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide improved cup holders
and/or associated systems for vehicles to place beverages.
Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the
present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed
description of the invention and the appended claims, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of
the invention.
SUMMARY
[0004] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a cup holder
mechanism for a vehicle is provided. The cup holder mechanism
includes an upper region, a base region, and a middle region. The
upper region includes an outer ring configured to receive a
beverage by at least partially surrounding a perimeter of the
beverage. The base region includes a base support element
configured to support a bottom of the beverage. The middle region
connects the upper region and the base region. The cup holder
mechanism is configured to be movable, by an actuator based on
input provided by an occupant of the vehicle, between a closed
position, in which the cup holder mechanism is stowed in a recess
within a housing, and an open position, in which the cup holder
mechanism is opened outside the housing to receive the beverage.
The upper region, the base region, and the middle region are formed
as a single unitary piece.
[0005] Also in one embodiment, the cup holder mechanism is
configured to be stored in a center console of the vehicle, between
a driver seat and a passenger seat of the vehicle.
[0006] Also in one embodiment, the upper region further includes a
connecting region coupling the outer ring to the middle region,
wherein the outer ring is configured to expand, via the connecting
region, to accommodate beverages of different widths.
[0007] Also in one embodiment, the base support element includes: a
first base support element component configured to contact the
bottom of the beverage; and a second base support element component
connected to and disposed beneath the first base support element
component, with a step formed between the first base support
element component and the second base support element
component.
[0008] Also in one embodiment, the middle region includes: a
plurality of protrusions extending from the upper region; and a
four bar assembly coupling the plurality of protrusions to the base
support element.
[0009] Also in one embodiment, the middle region further includes
one or more living hinge systems.
[0010] Also in one embodiment, the one or more living hinge systems
include: a first living hinge system coupled between each of the
plurality of protrusions and the four bar assembly; and a second
living hinge system coupled between the four bar assembly and the
base support element.
[0011] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a cup
holder system for a vehicle is provided. The cup holder system
includes a housing, a cup holder mechanism, an input device, and an
actuator. The housing has a recess formed therein. The cup holder
mechanism includes an upper region, a base region, and a middle
region. The upper region includes an outer ring configured to
receive a beverage by at least partially surrounding a perimeter of
the beverage. The base region includes a base support element
configured to support a bottom of the beverage. The middle region
connects the upper region and the base region. The upper region,
the base region, and the middle region are formed as a single
unitary piece. The input device is configured to receive an input
from an occupant of the vehicle. The actuator is configured to,
based upon the input received by the input device, to facilitate
movement of the cup holder mechanism between: a closed position, in
which the cup holder mechanism is stowed in the recess within the
housing; and an open position, in which the cup holder mechanism is
opened outside the housing to receive the beverage.
[0012] Also in one embodiment, the cup holder mechanism is
configured to be stored in a center console of the vehicle, between
a driver seat and a passenger seat of the vehicle.
[0013] Also in one embodiment, the upper region further includes a
connecting region coupling the outer ring to the middle region,
wherein the outer ring is configured to expand, via the connecting
region, to accommodate beverages of different widths.
[0014] Also in one embodiment, the base support element includes a
first base support element component and a second base support
element component. The first base support element component
configured to contact the bottom of the beverage. The second base
support element component is connected to and disposed beneath the
first base support element component, with a step formed between
the first base support element component and the second base
support element component.
[0015] Also in one embodiment, the middle region includes a
plurality of protrusions extending from the upper region; and a
four bar assembly coupling the plurality of protrusions to the base
support element.
[0016] Also in one embodiment, the middle region further includes
one or more living hinge systems.
[0017] Also in one embodiment, the one or more living hinge systems
include a first living hinge system coupled between each of the
plurality of protrusions and the four bar assembly; and a second
living hinge system coupled between the four bar assembly and the
base support element.
[0018] In accordance with a further exemplary embodiment, a vehicle
is provided. The vehicle includes a driver seat, a passenger seat,
a center console, and a cup holder system. The cup holder system
includes a housing, a cup holder mechanism, an input device, and an
actuator. The housing has a recess formed therein. The cup holder
mechanism is disposed within the center console, and includes an
upper region, a base region, and a middle region. The upper region
includes an outer ring configured to receive a beverage by at least
partially surrounding a perimeter of the beverage. The base region
includes a base support element configured to support a bottom of
the beverage. The middle region connects the upper region and the
base region. The upper region, the base region, and the middle
region are formed as a single unitary piece. The input device is
configured to receive an input from an occupant of the vehicle. The
actuator is configured to, based upon the input received by the
input device, to facilitate movement of the cup holder mechanism
between: a closed position, in which the cup holder mechanism is
stowed in the recess within the housing; and an open position, in
which the cup holder mechanism is opened outside the housing to
receive the beverage.
[0019] Also in one embodiment, the upper region further includes a
connecting region coupling the outer ring to the middle region,
wherein the outer ring is configured to expand, via the connecting
region, to accommodate beverages of different widths.
[0020] Also in one embodiment, the base support element includes: a
first base support element component configured to contact the
bottom of the beverage; and a second base support element component
connected to and disposed beneath the first base support element
component, with a step formed between the first base support
element component and the second base support element
component.
[0021] Also in one embodiment, the middle region includes a
plurality of protrusions extending from the upper region; and a
four bar assembly coupling the plurality of protrusions to the base
support element.
[0022] Also in one embodiment, the middle region further includes a
plurality of living hinge systems.
[0023] Also in one embodiment, the one or more living hinge systems
include: a first living hinge system coupled between each of the
plurality of protrusions and the four bar assembly; and a second
living hinge system coupled between the four bar assembly and the
base support element.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The present disclosure will hereinafter be described in
conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like
numerals denote like elements, and wherein:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle that
includes a cup holder system that includes a housing and a cup
holder mechanism that is movable between an open position and a
closed position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the cup holder system
of FIG. 1, depicted in an open position, and depicted along with a
beverage being held thereby, in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the cup holder
mechanism of the cup holder system of FIGS. 1 and 2, depicted in a
closed position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
and
[0028] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the cup holder
mechanism of the cup holder system of FIGS. 1 and 2, depicted in
the open position of FIG. 2, in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in
nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure or the
application and uses thereof. Furthermore, there is no intention to
be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the
following detailed description.
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle 100, according to an exemplary
embodiment. As described in greater detail further below, the
vehicle 100 includes a cup holder system 102 for holding beverages
for one or more occupants (e.g., drivers and/or passengers) of the
vehicle 100, for example as described in greater detail further
below in connection with FIG. 1 as well as FIGS. 2-4. As used
throughout this Application, the term beverage refers to beverages
that include containers or vessels, as well as the containers or
vessels themselves (regardless of whether they are filled with a
beverage).
[0031] The vehicle 100 preferably comprises a land-based
automobile. The vehicle 100 may be any one of a number of different
types of automobiles, such as, for example, a sedan, a wagon, a
truck, or a sport utility vehicle (SUV), and may be two-wheel drive
(2WD) (i.e., rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive), four-wheel
drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and/or various other types of
vehicles in certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, the
vehicle 100 may also comprise a motorcycle or other vehicle, or
other system.
[0032] The vehicle 100 includes a body 104 that is arranged on a
chassis 106. The body 104 substantially encloses other components
of the vehicle 100. The body 104 and the chassis 106 may jointly
form a frame. The vehicle 100 also includes a plurality of wheels
108. The wheels 108 are each rotationally coupled to the chassis
106 near a respective corner of the body 104 to facilitate movement
of the vehicle 100. In one embodiment, the vehicle 100 includes
four wheels 108, although this may vary in other embodiments (for
example for trucks and certain other vehicles).
[0033] Also as depicted in FIG. 1, in various embodiments, the
vehicle 100 includes occupant seating that includes front seats
112, 114 (e.g., a front driver seat 112 and a front passenger seat
114, in one embodiment), one or more rear seats 116. Also in the
depicted embodiments, the vehicle 100 also includes a center
console 118 that is disposed between the front seats 112, 114
(e.g., between the front driver seat 112 and the front passenger
seat 114, in one embodiment).
[0034] A drive system 110 is mounted on the chassis 106, and drives
the wheels 108. The drive system 110 preferably comprises a
propulsion system. In certain exemplary embodiments, the drive
system 110 comprises an internal combustion engine and/or an
electric motor/generator, coupled with a transmission thereof. In
certain embodiments, the drive system 110 may vary, and/or two or
more drive systems 110 may be used. By way of example, the vehicle
100 may also incorporate any one of, or combination of, a number of
different types of propulsion systems, such as, for example, a
gasoline or diesel fueled combustion engine, a "flex fuel vehicle"
(FFV) engine (i.e., using a mixture of gasoline and alcohol), a
gaseous compound (e.g., hydrogen and/or natural gas) fueled engine,
a combustion/electric motor hybrid engine, and an electric
motor.
[0035] The cup holder system 102, as mentioned above, holds
beverages for one or more occupants of the vehicle 100. In the
depicted embodiment, the cup holder system 102 is disposed within
the center console 118. However, in certain embodiments, the cup
holder system 102 may be disposed within one or more other regions
of the vehicle 100.
[0036] As depicted in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the cup holder
system 102 comprises a housing 124, a cup holder mechanism 128, an
actuator 122, and an input device 120. In one embodiment, the
housing 124 is formed within the center console 118; however, this
may vary in other embodiments. Also in one embodiment, the housing
124 has a recess 126 formed therein.
[0037] In various embodiments, the cup holder mechanism 128 is
movable, by the actuator 122, between an open position and a closed
position. Also in various embodiments, when in the closed position,
the cup holder mechanism 128 is stowed in the recess 126 within the
housing 124, and does not hold a beverage. Conversely, when in the
open position, the cup holder mechanism 128 is disposed outside the
housing 124, in order to receive and hold a beverage of the vehicle
occupant.
[0038] Also in various embodiments, the actuator 122 is coupled
between the cup holder mechanism 128 and the input device 120, and
moves the cup holder mechanism 128 between the open and closed
positions based on inputs received from an occupant of the vehicle
100 via the input device 120. In one embodiment, the input device
120 comprises a button; however, this may vary in other
embodiments.
[0039] As discussed in greater detail further below in connection
with FIGS. 2-4, the cup holder mechanism 128 includes various
components that are formed together, integrally, as a single piece,
in various embodiments.
[0040] Specifically, FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the cup
holder system 102 of FIG. 1, depicted in an open position, and
depicted along with a beverage (also referred to as a beverage
container) 200 being held thereby, in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the cup holder
mechanism 128 of the cup holder system 102 of FIGS. 1 and 2,
depicted in a closed position, in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the cup holder
mechanism 128 of the cup holder system 102 of FIGS. 1 and 2,
depicted in the open position of FIG. 2, in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment.
[0041] As depicted in FIG. 2, in various embodiments, the cup
holder mechanism 128 extends out from the housing 124, from the
recess 126 thereof, when in the open position. The cup holder
mechanism 128 will be in the open position of FIG. 2, for example,
in various embodiments, after a vehicle occupant has engaged the
input device 120 of FIG. 1 (e.g., by pressing a button), thereby
causing the actuator 122 of FIG. 1 to move the cup holder mechanism
128 depicted in the open position of FIG. 2.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 2 (as well as in FIGS. 3 and 4), in various
embodiments, the cup holder mechanism 128 includes an upper region
202, a base region 204, and a middle region 206. In various
embodiments, the upper region 202, the base region 204, and the
middle region are each formed together as a single, unitary
piece.
[0043] As depicted in FIGS. 2-4, in various embodiments, the upper
region 202 comprises an outer ring 208 as well as extensions 210
and a connector 302. In certain embodiments, the extensions 210 are
substantially triangular in shape; however, this may vary in other
embodiments. In various embodiments, the outer ring 208 is
configured to receive a beverage (e.g., beverage container 200
depicted in FIG. 2) by at least partially surrounding a side,
perimeter, or circumference (collectively referred to as a
perimeter of the beverage, for ease of reference) of the beverage
container 200. In various embodiments, the outer ring 208 contains
the beverage container 200 by not prohibiting or impeding
substantial lateral movement of the beverage container 200.
[0044] In certain embodiments, the extensions 210 and connector 302
may collectively be designated as a connecting region (210, 302)
that couples the outer ring 208 to the middle region 206. In
addition, also in certain embodiments, the outer ring 208 is
configured to expand, via the connecting region 210, 302, to
accommodate beverages of different beverage container diameters,
widths, or geometries, and/or to accommodate different types of
beverage containers (e.g., cups, bottles, sippy-cups, jars, and so
on). In various embodiments, the outer ring 208 expands in this
manner, via the connecting region 210, 302, by relieving angular
tension via a flexible plastic material, without a spring. In
various embodiments, the outer ring 208 may be made of a flexible
plastic, for example to allow it to accommodate different beverage
containers of different shape, size, and weight. As used herein,
the term "flexible plastic" includes types of plastic that have
relatively higher elastic characteristics as compared with other
materials, such as glass fibers or minerals, which could have
brittle characteristics. In certain embodiments, flexible plastic
materials would include, but would not be limited to, plastic types
such as low density polyethylene (LPDE) materials (e.g., ranging in
thickness from 0.5 mil to about 40 mil thick, in one embodiment),
among other flexible plastic materials. It will be appreciated that
different plastic materials, and/or other types of materials (e.g.,
wood or metal), may be used in certain embodiments. Also in one
embodiment, at the end of the outer ring 208, a plastic "belt" may
be utilized, and can provide a relatively more rigid support by
fixing the outer ring 208 to one of the predefined circumferences
of the beverage container. Also in one embodiment, connection
region 302 may function similar to salad tongs for grasping a
beverage container. Also in one embodiment, the connection region
302 is primary used to compress the two rings together for
storage.
[0045] In various embodiments, the base region 204 comprises one or
more base support elements 212. In the depicted example of FIGS.
2-4, the base region 204 includes two base support elements 212.
However, this may vary in other embodiments. In addition, in
various embodiments, as depicted in FIGS. 2-4, each base support
element 212 comprises a first base support element component 304
and a second base support element component 306. In certain
embodiments, the first base support element component 304 is
substantially circular in shape and the second base support element
component 306 is substantially trapezoidal in shape; however, this
may vary in other embodiments.
[0046] In various embodiments, the first base support element
component 304 is configured to contact and support the bottom of
the beverage container 200. Also in various embodiments, the second
base support element component 306 is connected to and disposed
beneath the first base support element component 304, with a step
308 formed between the first base support element component 304 and
the second base support element component 308. In various
embodiments, the step 308 results in a support stop 310 to stop
movement of the middle region 206.
[0047] In various embodiments, the middle region 206 connects the
upper region 202 and the base region 204. As depicted in FIGS. 2-4,
in various embodiments, the middle region 206 includes a plurality
of protrusions 314 and a four bar assembly 312. In various
embodiments, the four bar assembly 312 couples the plurality of
protrusions 314 to the base support elements 304. In various
embodiments, the protrusions 314 are substantially trapezoidal in
shape and the four bar assembly 312 has components that are
substantially rectangular in shape; however, this may vary in
different embodiments.
[0048] In addition, in various embodiments, the middle region 206
further comprises a plurality of living hinge systems 316, 318.
Specifically, in one embodiment, a first living hinge system 316 is
coupled between each of the plurality of protrusions 314 and the
four bar assembly 312. In addition, also in various embodiments, a
second living hinge system 318 is coupled between the four bar
assembly 312 and each base support element 304. In one embodiment,
each living hinge system 316, 318 comprises a relatively thin piece
of plastic that connects 314 to 312 and 312 to 318. In various
embodiments, the living hinge allows the three sections to be
molded together while still allowing for compact packaging. Also in
various embodiments, the shape of the living hinge provides a hard
stop for the various component to allow the system to support the
weight of the containers. Also in one embodiment, the
inter-relationship between the various components described above
provided for improved functioning of the cup holder system 102. In
certain embodiments, the geometry of the components can vary
depending on the customer needs, packaging space, and force
requirements. Also in certain embodiments, for a narrower cross-car
packaging space, component 204 is designed with a flat spot on its
inboard side so it does not take a full circular shape. However,
this may vary in other embodiments.
[0049] In various embodiments, as depicted in FIGS. 2-4, the cup
holder mechanism 128 has a relatively larger and more expanded
lateral dimension, profile, and size when in the open position of
FIGS. 2 and 4, and a relatively smaller and more compacted lateral
dimension, profile, and size when stowed inside the recess 126 when
in the closed position of FIG. 3.
[0050] Also in various embodiments, each of the components of the
cup holder mechanism 128 are made from plastic, most preferably a
flexible plastic that acts as a natural spring (without requiring a
separate spring). In certain embodiments, certain regions of the
cup holder mechanism 128 are designed to be stiffer through the use
of ribs or thicker material. Also in certain embodiments, the
living hinges are made of nylon, polypropylene and Polyethylene. In
certain embodiments, one or more of the components may be made of
one or more other materials, such as one or more wood and/or
material materials, by way of examples.
[0051] Also in various embodiments, each of the components of the
cup holder mechanism 128 may be manufactured by a single
manufacturing tool used for the single, unitary piece that
comprises the various components of the cup holder mechanism 128.
In certain embodiments, the upper region 201 of the system may be
manufactured in the open position so that the component will
naturally want to return to that position, (e.g., being or
resembling a built in spring). Also in certain embodiments, the
middle region 206 and the base region 204 may be molded in a
position that is in between the open and closed position to allow
for enough space for tooling. Also in certain embodiments,
manufacturing of the product may require a minimum of a core,
cavity, and two side actions.
[0052] Accordingly, the systems, vehicles, and mechanisms described
herein provide for potentially improved cup holder mechanisms and
systems. The disposed cup holder mechanisms and systems provide for
potentially improved holding of beverages of occupants of the
vehicle, while maintaining a single, unitary structure that can
result in improved performance and/or reduced manufacturing and/or
maintenance costs.
[0053] It will be appreciated that the cup holder mechanisms,
systems, and vehicles may vary from those depicted in the Figures
and described herein. For example, the vehicle 100, the cup holder
system 102, the cup holder mechanism 128, and/or various components
thereof may vary from those depicted in FIGS. 2-4 and described in
connection therewith, in various embodiments.
[0054] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented
in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated
that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be
appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments
are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope,
applicability, or configuration of the disclosure in any way.
Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those
skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the
exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be
understood that various changes can be made in the function and
arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the
disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and the legal
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *