BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a holder for supporting an object. More particularly, the invention relates to a beverage holder for supporting a beverage container in a vehicle.

Vehicle interiors typically include a variety of decorative and functional trim panels. For example, the front area of the interior of a vehicle, generally referred to as the cockpit area, includes an instrument panel, typically formed of a molded plastic material. Vehicles also may include a center console located between the driver and passenger seats for storage and placement of various articles. The instrument panel and/or center console can include a variety of devices for holding beverage containers, typically known as cup holders. Known cup holders typically are adapted to hold known beverage containers, such as cans, cups, and bottles. However, known cup holders generally can be used for only a limited number of sizes of containers. It would be advantageous if there could be developed an improved beverage holder for supporting a greater number of beverage container sizes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a holder for supporting an object in a vehicle. The holder includes a first support member. A second support member is movably mounted on the first support member about an axis. Each of a plurality of adjusting members define a contact surface for laterally supporting an object and has a first end movably connected to the first support member and a second end movably connected to the second support member. The adjusting members are substantially coplanar and transverse to the axis. Movement of the second support member relative to the first support member causes the adjusting member to move relative to both the first and the second support members.

Other advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the invention, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of the beverage holder according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the beverage holder illustrated in FIG. 1, showing the holder in a first position.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the beverage holder illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, showing the holder in a second position.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an alternate embodiment of a beverage holder according to the invention, showing the holder in the first position.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the beverage holder illustrated in FIG. 4, showing the holder in a second position.

FIG. 5A is an enlarged bottom view of the mounting boss illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross sectional view, taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the rim.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross sectional view, taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the substrate and button illustrated in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a beverage holder for supporting a beverage container according to the invention is illustrated generally at 10. The holder 10 includes a first support member or substrate 12 adapted to be mounted within a vehicle, such as an automobile, a boat, or an airplane. The substrate 12 may be of any desired type and located at any desired position in the vehicle. Preferably, the substrate 12 is mounted within an opening in a portion of the vehicle, such as a trim panel, a console, or an instrument panel. The substrate 12 may be attached to the vehicle by any desired means, such as threaded fasteners, by welding, or with adhesive. Alternately, the substrate 12 may be mounted in a drawer-type beverage holder. It will be appreciated that the substrate 12 can also be attached to any portion of a vehicle where a beverage holder is desired.

The substrate 12 includes an ornamental or decorative substrate surface 14 and a substrate underside 16. As best shown in FIG. 7, a substantially cylindrical flange 18 extends upwardly from the decorative surface 14 and includes an inner flange surface 18A and an outer flange surface 18B. The inner flange surface 18A defines a substantially cylindrical substrate opening 20. A circumferential first lip 22 extends radially inward from an upper end (as viewed in FIG. 7) of the flange 18. A ratchet aperture 24 is formed in a portion of the flange 18, as best shown in FIG. 9. Preferably, the substrate opening 20 is substantially cylindrical in shape, although such is not required. The substrate opening 20 can also have any desired shape.

A plurality of bosses or posts 26 extend outwardly (downwardly as viewed in FIG. 6) of the substrate underside 16. The posts 26 are shown as being substantially cylindrical in shape, however such a substantially cylindrical shape is not required. The posts 26 can also be formed having any other desired shape. A button aperture 28 is formed in the substrate 12 adjacent the ratchet aperture 24 of the flange 18. The substrate 12 can be formed from any desired substantially rigid material, such as plastic. Polypropylene, nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polycarbonate acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PCABS) are preferred materials for the substrate 12 because of their strength and rigidity. Preferably, the posts 26 are integrally formed with the substrate 12, although such integral formation in not required. The posts 26 can be attached to the substrate 12 by any desired means, such as welding, threaded fasteners, or an adhesive.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 6 and 8, a substantially annular second support member or rim 30 is disposed about the opening of the substrate 12. The rim 30 includes an ornamental or decorative rim surface 32 and a rim underside 34. An inner rim surface 35 of an inner wall 50 defines a substantially cylindrical rim opening 36.

A first circumferential groove 38 is formed in the rim underside 34 and includes an outer wall 40 and a middle wall 42. A plurality of first ratchet teeth 44 extend inwardly from the outer wall 40. A first portion 46A of a circumferentially and radially inwardly extending channel 46 is formed in the middle wall 42. A second circumferential groove 48 is formed in the rim underside 34 inboard of the first circumferential groove 38 between the middle wall 42 and the inner wall 50. A plurality of rim apertures 52 is formed in the inner wall 50 between the rim opening 36 and the second circumferential groove 48. The purpose of the rim apertures 52 will be described herein.

A substantially annular rim retainer 54 is disposed in the second circumferential groove 48. The retainer 54 includes a radially outwardly extending circumferential second lip 56. A second portion 46B of the circumferentially and radially inwardly extending channel 46 is formed in the second lip 56. Preferably, the retainer 54 attached within the second circumferential groove 48 with a snap fit. It will be appreciated however, that the retainer 54 can be attached within the second circumferential groove 48 by any desired means, such as with an adhesive. The retainer 54 can be formed from any desired substantially rigid material, such as plastic or metal. Polypropylene, nylon, polystyrene, and spring steel are preferred materials for the rim 30 because of their strength and rigidity.

Preferably, the rim 30 is mounted about the substrate opening 20 of the substrate 12 with a snap fit such that the first lip 22 is seated within the channel 46. As will be described herein, the rim 30 is preferably rotatably mounted to the substrate 12 about an axis A. Although the rim opening 36 has been described and shown in the figures as being cylindrically shaped, it will be appreciated that the rim opening 36 can be of any desired shape. The rim 30 can be formed from any desired substantially rigid material, such as plastic. Polypropylene, nylon, ABS, and PCABS are preferred materials for the rim 30 because of their strength and rigidity. Referring to FIG. 7, an alternate embodiment of the rim is illustrated generally at 30â€². As shown in FIG. 7, the middle wall 42â€² can be formed having the entire channel 46â€² formed therein, thereby eliminating the need for the retainer 54.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a locking mechanism or ratchet assembly 58 includes a housing 60 attached to the substrate underside 16, a first biasing member 62, and a latch portion 64. The latch portion 64 includes a body 66, an upwardly extending button 68, an upwardly extending tooth portion 70 having a plurality of second ratchet teeth 72. The latch portion 64 is disposed within the housing 60 such that the button 68 extends upwardly through the button aperture 28. The tooth portion 70 extends upwardly adjacent the first ratchet teeth 44 of the rim 30. The first biasing member 62 urges the latch portion 64 away from the rim 30 such that the second ratchet teeth 72 engage the first ratchet teeth 44, as best shown in FIG. 2. When the second ratchet teeth 72 are so engaged with the first ratchet teeth 44, the rim 30 cannot move relative to the substrate 12, thereby defining a first locked position, such as shown in FIG. 2. The first biasing member 62 can be any desired type of biasing member, such as a spring. Preferably, the first biasing member 62 is a compression spring, as shown in FIG. 8.

A substantially annular second biasing member 74 is disposed about the posts 26. The second biasing member 74 can be formed of any desired material. A plurality of radially inwardly oriented indentations 76 are formed in the second biasing member 74. A spring aperture 78, best shown in FIG. 6, is formed in each indentation 76, the purpose of which will be described herein. Preferably, the second biasing member 74 is a flat spring formed of spring steel within the range of from about 0.020 inches to about 0.040 inches thick. More preferably, the second biasing member 74 is a flat spring defining a substantially circular shape. Any other desired biasing member, such as an elastomeric member, or a plurality of biasing members, such as coil springs, can also be used. If desired, attachment means can be provided to attach the second biasing member 74 to the substrate 12. Preferably, the second biasing member 74 is attached to the posts 26. For example, the second biasing member 74 can be attached to the posts 26 by a rivet 75. If desired, any other attachment means, such as threaded fasteners, can be used. Although the second biasing member 74 is illustrated as being attached by one rivet 75 at one post 26, it will be appreciated that second biasing member 74 can be attached by any desired number of rivets 75 at any desired number of posts 26.

Referring to FIG. 2, a plurality of adjusting members 80 extend between the second biasing member 74 and the rim 30. Each adjusting member 80 includes a substantially elongated body 82, an inboard end 82A, and an outboard end 82B. The body 82 defines a contact surface 82C. The ends 82A and 82B include substantially spherical portions 84A and 84B, respectively. Preferably, the inboard spherical portion 84A has a diameter larger than the rim apertures 52 and outboard spherical portion 84B has a diameter larger than the spring apertures 78.

As best shown in FIG. 6, the outboard end 82B extends through the spring aperture 78 such that the outboard spherical portion 84B is outboard of the spring aperture 78. The inboard end 82A extends through the rim aperture 52 such that the inboard spherical portion 84A is disposed in the second circumferential groove 48. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second biasing member 74 biases the adjusting members 80 outward of the rim 30 and toward the second biasing member 74.

Preferably, the adjusting members 80 are substantially coplanar and transverse relative to the axis A. As used herein, substantially coplanar is defined as lying in substantially the same plane. More preferably, substantially coplanar is defined as the ends 82A and 82B of the adjusting member 80 lying in substantially the same plane. Substantially coplanar further includes overlapping adjusting members 80 wherein the bodies 82 of adjacent adjusting members 80 contact one another and are thereby caused to slightly deflect or bend. Further, it will be appreciated that the overlapping adjusting members 80 are substantially coplanar, even when slightly deflected or bent. Transverse is defined as disposed at about a 90 degree angle relative to the axis A. Each adjusting member 80 is shown in FIGS. 2 through 5 as overlapping an adjacent adjusting member 80. However, such overlapping is not required, and the adjusting members 80 can be disposed such that adjacent adjusting members 80 do not overlap.

The contact surfaces 82C of the adjusting members 80 define a container opening 86 having a first circumferential size or diameter C1 or receiving and laterally supporting an object, such as a first beverage container (such as shown by a phantom line 87 in FIG. 2). The adjusting members 80 can be made of any desired substantially flexible material, such as braided metal cable or an elastomer. Any other desired substantially flexible metals and non-metals can also be used.

As shown in FIG. 6, the holder 10 includes a lower platform 88 for horizontally supporting a lower portion of an object, such as the container 87 which is laterally supported within the container opening 86.

An alternate embodiment of the holder is generally illustrated at 10 â€² in FIGS. 4 and 5. The holder 10â€² is substantially identical to the holder 10, except that the biasing member 74 is not provided and an alternate embodiment of an adjusting member 90 is provided. A plurality of mounting bosses 92 extend outwardly of the substrate underside 16. A mounting aperture 94 is formed through each mounting boss 92. Preferably, the outboard spherical portion 84B of the adjusting member 90 has a diameter larger than the mounting apertures 94. It will be appreciated that the mounting bosses 92 can be any desired shape. Preferably, the mounting bosses 92 are integrally formed with the substrate 12, although such integral formation in not required. The mounting bosses 92 can be attached to the substrate 12 by any desired means, such as welding, threaded fasteners, or an adhesive.

A plurality of adjusting members 90 extend between the mounting bosses 92 and the rim 30. Each adjusting member 90 includes a substantially elongated body 82â€², an inboard end 82Aâ€², and an outboard end 82Bâ€². The body 82â€² defines a contact surface 82Câ€². The ends 82Aâ€² and 82Bâ€² include substantially spherical portions 84Aâ€² and 84Bâ€², respectively. Preferably, the inboard spherical portion 84Aâ€² has a diameter larger than the rim apertures 52 and outboard spherical portion 84Bâ€² has a diameter larger than the mounting apertures 94.

The contact surfaces 82Câ€² of the adjusting members 90 define a container opening 86â€² having a first circumferential size or diameter C1â€² for receiving and laterally supporting an object, such as the beverage container shown by a phantom line 87â€² in FIG. 4. The adjusting member 90 can be made of any desired substantially rigid material, such as metal cable or substantially rigid plastic. Any other desired substantially rigid metals and non-metals can also be used.

If desired, the adjusting members 90 can be formed from a substantially elongatable material. As used herein, elongatable is defined as being deformable or extendable lengthwise. For example, rubber or other elastomers can be used.

In operation, a vehicle occupant applies a radially inward force to the button 68 (in the direction of an arrow 98, such as shown in FIG. 8), so as to urge the second ratchet teeth 72 away from the first ratchet teeth 44. The vehicle occupant can then move the rim 30 in one of a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction. For example, when the rim 30 of the holder 10 shown in FIG. 2 is moved in a clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 2), the contact surfaces 82C of the adjusting members 80 are moved radially inward, as shown in FIG. 3. As used herein, the phrase â€œradially inwardâ€ is defined as moving toward the axis A. The phrase â€œradially outwardâ€ is defined as moving away from the axis A.

The clockwise rotation of the rim 30 causes the inboard ends 82A of the adjusting members 80 to move along a circumferential path (as shown by an arrow 99 in FIG. 2) from a first position as shown in FIG. 2 to a second locked position as shown in FIG. 3. As the adjusting members 80 move, the second biasing member 74 is caused to move radially inward, as shown in FIG. 3. Preferably, the rim 30 is rotatably mounted to the substrate 12 about the axis A, such that when the rim 30 is rotated in a first direction (counterclockwise as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 3), the contact surfaces 82C of the adjusting members 80 move radially outward away from the axis A.

When the vehicle occupant has rotated the rim 30 to a desired position, the button 68 is released, causing the first biasing member 62 to urge the second ratchet teeth 72 into engagement with the first ratchet teeth 44, thereby defining the second locked position. Preferably, the rim 30 is movable between a plurality of locked positions. The first locked position shown in FIG. 2, and the second locked position as shown in FIG. 3, are two examples of the plurality of locked positions.

When the rim 30 is in the second locked position, the contact surfaces 82C of the adjusting members 80 define a container opening 100 having a second circumferential size or diameter C2 for receiving and laterally supporting an object, such as a second beverage container shown by a phantom line 102 in FIG. 3.

Similarly, the vehicle occupant can again apply a radially inward force to the button 68 so as to urge the second ratchet teeth 72 away from the first ratchet teeth 44. The vehicle occupant can then move the rim 30 in a counterclockwise direction. For example, when the rim 30 of the holder 10 shown in FIG. 3 is moved in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 3), the contact surfaces 82C of the adjusting members 80 are moved radially outward, as shown in FIG. 2.

The counterclockwise rotation of the rim 30 causes the inboard ends 82A of the adjusting members 80 to move along a circumferential path (as shown by the arrow 99 in FIG. 2) from the second position as shown in FIG. 3 to the first position as shown in FIG. 2. As the rim 30 is rotated, the second biasing member 74 urges the outboard ends 82B of the adjusting members 80 radially outward, as shown in FIG. 2.

When the vehicle occupant has rotated the rim 30 to a desired position, the button 68 is released, causing the first biasing member 62 to urge the second ratchet teeth 72 into engagement with the first ratchet teeth 44, thereby defining the first locked position, as best shown in FIG. 2.

The operation of the embodiment of the holder 10â€² illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 is similar to the operation of the holder 10. In the first locked position as shown in FIG. 4, the outboard ends 82Bâ€² of the adjusting members 96 extend outward of the mounting bosses 92.

The vehicle occupant can move the rim 30 in a clockwise direction. For example, when the rim 30 of the holder 10â€² shown in FIG. 4 is moved in a clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 4), the contact surfaces 82Câ€² of the adjusting members 90 are moved radially inward, as shown in FIG. 5. The clockwise rotation of the rim 30 causes the inboard ends 82Aâ€² of the adjusting members 90 to move along a circumferential path (as shown by the arrow 99â€² in FIG. 4) from a first position as shown in FIG. 4 to a second position as shown in FIG. 5. As the adjusting members 90 move, the outboard ends 82Bâ€² are caused to slide within the mounting apertures 94 of the mounting bosses 92 until the outboard spherical portion 84Bâ€² engages the mounting boss 92.

When the rim 30 is in the second locked position, the contact surfaces 82Câ€² of the adjusting members 90 define a container opening 100â€² having a second circumferential size or diameter C2â€² for receiving and laterally supporting an object, such as the beverage container shown by a phantom line 103 in FIG. 5.

In operation, the holder 10, 10â€² can support objects having a variety of diameters, and a variety of circumferential shapes and sizes. An object, such as the container 87, 87â€², 102, 103 for example, can be inserted into the container opening 86, 86â€², 100, and 100â€² such that a lower portion of the container 87, 87â€², 102, 103 is supported by the lower platform 88, as shown in FIGS. 2 through 5, inclusive. Preferably, a portion of an outer surface 87A, 87Aâ€², 102A, 103A of the container 87, 87â€², 102, 103 contacts, and is laterally supported by, the contact surfaces 82C, 82Câ€² of the adjusting members 80, 90.

Although the holder 10, 10â€² has been described as movable between a plurality of locked positions by means of the ratchet assembly 58, the ratchet assembly 58 is not required. For example, if desired, the rim 30 can be mounted in frictional engagement with the substrate 12. A rotational force exerted on the rim 30 in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction causes the rim 30 to slide against the substrate 12 between a plurality of frictionally engaged or locked positions.

One advantage of the invention is that the adjusting members 80, 90 can be adjusted to define any desired circumferential size, such as circumferential sizes C1 and C2, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. When an object, such as the container 87, 102, has a diameter or circumferential size smaller than the rim opening 36, the adjusting members 80, 90 can be moved so as to define a container opening 86, 100 wherein at least one of the contact surfaces 82C, 82Câ€² contacts and supports the object, regardless of the shape of the object.

Another advantage of the invention is when an object having a circumferential size, or diameter C2 slightly larger than the container opening, such as the container opening 100, the substantially flexible adjusting members 80 are caused to deflect radially outward, as best shown in FIG. 3. Such deflection of the adjusting members 80 allows containers of more than one diameter or circumferential size to be supported within any one container opening, such as the container opening 100.

Another advantage of the invention is that objects having irregular circumferential shapes can also be easily and conveniently supported within the container opening 86, 100. Such objects can include an object having substantially rectangular circumferential cross section, such as a conventional cellular telephone, or a beverage box. The object, such as a beverage box, can contact any one of or all of the adjusting members 80, 90.

The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been described in its preferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its scope.