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.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to receptacle holders, specifically to an improved holder for beverage containers, storage bins or hand tools.

BACKGROUND ART

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Further advantages of my invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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.

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.

FIG. 1C shows a detailed view of the preferred embodiment of a cup holder.

FIG. 2 shows a wrist mount comprising an open bottom.

FIG. 3 shows a wrist mount comprising a closed elastic bottom.

FIG. 4 shows a wrist mount comprising an adjustable enclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a wrist mount comprising a support for a rotary joint.

FIG. 6 shows a wrist mount comprising a support for a universal joint.

FIG. 7 shows a wrist mount comprising a support for a flexible suspension.

FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of a wrist mount comprising an open guide.

FIG. 9 shows a flexible cup support.

FIG. 10 shows a rigid cup support.

FIG. 11 shows a flexible beverage support assembly.

FIG. 12 shows an adjustable flexible cup support.

FIG. 13 shows an adjustable rigid cup support.

FIG. 14 shows a bin receptacle.

FIG. 15 shows optional rotation axes resulting from the placement of the lower pivot on a cup support or bin receptacle.

FIG. 16 shows a flexible cup support comprising an insulation sleeve.

FIG. 17 shows a rigid cup support comprising an insulation sleeve.

FIG. 18 shows a cup holder comprising a fixed length arm suspension.

FIG. 19 shows a cup holder comprising a flexible cable suspension.

FIG. 20 shows a cup holder comprising an elbow arm suspension.

FIG. 21 shows a cup holder comprising a strut suspension.

FIG. 22 shows a cup holder comprising a rotatable fixed length arm suspension.

FIG. 23 shows a cup holder comprising a rotatable flexible cable suspension.

FIG. 24 shows a cup holder comprising a rotatable elbow arm suspension.

FIG. 25 shows a cup holder comprising a rotatable strut suspension.

FIG. 26 shows flexible cable suspension comprising a length adjustment mechanism.

REFERENCE SIGNS

• 30—wrist mount assembly
• 32—beverage support assembly
• 33—cup support
• 34—adjustment assembly
• 36—suspension
• 38—universal joint
• 40—elbow arm suspension
• 42—strut suspension
• 44—bin receptacle
• 50—guide
• 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, 52E, 52F, 52G, 52H—wrist mount
• 54—articulating surface
• 56—flexible suspension
• 56L, 56R—left and right flexible suspension
• 57—cup support aperture
• 58—flexible cup support
• 59A, 59B, 59C, 59D—rigid cup support
• 60—limb axis
• 62—transverse axis
• 64—cup
• 66—lid
• 68—drinking cutout
• 70—wrist
• 72—hand
• 74L, 74R—left and right first flex pivot
• 76L, 76R—left and right second flex pivot
• 78—wrist mount gap
• 79—elastic enclosure
• 80—adjustable enclosure
• 82—upper link support
• 83—universal joint support
• 84—upper link pivot
• 86—upper link
• 87—strut
• 88—elbow pivot
• 89—lower link support
• 89L, 89R—left and right lower link support
• 90A, 90B, 90C—lower link
• 92—lower link pivot
• 92L, 92R—left and right lower link pivot
• 94—universal link pivot
• 96—universal link
• 98—upper fixed length arm pivot
• 99—strut pivot
• 100—fixed length arm
• 102—lower fixed length arm pivot
• 104—flexible suspension support
• 105L, 105R—left and right flexible suspension support
• 106—open guide
• 107—channel
• 108A, 108B—beverage support member
• 110A, 110B—adjustment clamp
• 111—adjustment gap
• 112—adjustment screw
• 114—side wall
• 115—bottom surface
• 116A, 116B, 116C, 116D—support rotation axis
• 118—insulated sleeve

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FIG. 16 shows a side view of a cup support 33 which comprises a flexible cup support 58 and an insulated sleeve 118.

FIG. 17 shows a side view of cup support 33 which comprises a rigid cup support 59C and an insulated sleeve 118.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Patent Literature
U.S. Pat. No. 6,264,153	July 2001	Ragner et al.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,938	February 2000	Fava
U.S. Pat. No. 5,494,306	February 1996	Adamson et al.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,876	April 1988	Kriss
U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,762	December 1990	Boretsky et al.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,869	October 1996	Katz
U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,968	December 1996	Staschiak
U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,636	April 1999	Kibbe
U.S. Pat. No. 6,942,131 B2	September 2005	Trautman et al.
U.S. Pat. No. 2010/0032461 A1	February 2011	Kriner

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.