Vehicle Attached Carrier For Beverage Container Or Bottle Patents (Class 224/926)
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Patent number: 11772733Abstract: A bottle cage applicable to water bottles of different sizes, which includes a main body, a first girdle, a second girdle and a regulating structure. Wherein the first girdle is opposite to the main body, a storage space is formed between the main body and the first girdle. One end of the first girdle leans against one side of the main body. The second girdle is adjacent to the first girdle. One end of the second girdle leans against the other side of the main body. The regulating structure brakes reverse actuation of the first girdle and the second girdle, the enclosure of the storage space is changed for placing the water bottles of different sizes. The water bottle can be placed and taken by operating the regulating structure with one hand, and the usability is high.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2020Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Inventors: Tell Tan, Yen-Yu Chen
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Patent number: 11413999Abstract: A cup holder insert having a retainer housing having front and rear surfaces which define an opening bounded by the perimeter of said retainer housing and a spring-biased retention element, further comprising at least one support section and at least one tab section extending substantially orthogonal to each other. The at least one support section is coupled with the retainer housing with tab extending from the opening substantially perpendicularly to said front surface of the retainer housing. In some embodiments, a flap can selectively cover the tab section.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Inventor: Jonathan Miller
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Patent number: 11312282Abstract: A holder for holding, for example, a beverage can, in a tilt-proof manner, in a motor vehicle is designed with two rings that are disposed concentrically inside one another, serving as supports (7), which can be consecutively raised and lowered by rotating a control sleeve comprising radial cams. By raising only the larger ring, the holder is suitable for a beverage can having a larger diameter, and by raising both rings, it is suitable for a beverage can having a smaller diameter.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2021Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: fischer automotive systems GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Falk Schaal
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Patent number: 11014504Abstract: Provided is a receiving device for a vehicle interior, having a receiving section for receiving objects in a receiving position of the receiving section, a base body in which the receiving section is arranged in a rest position of the receiving section, a drive unit for moving the receiving section from the rest position via an intermediate position into the receiving position, in which the receiving section projects from the base body, the drive unit applying a first drive force to the receiving section for moving from the rest position into the intermediate position and applying a second drive force to the receiving section for moving from the intermediate position into the receiving position, the first drive force being smaller than the second drive force, further comprising a damping device for applying a first damping force against said first driving force and a second damping force against said second driving force to said receiving portion, said second damping force being greater than said first dampinType: GrantFiled: July 7, 2017Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: HS Products Engineering GmbHInventors: Martin Specht, Dietmar Christian Huber
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Patent number: 10935307Abstract: The present invention relates to a luminous sofa cup holder comprising the cup body, the mounting base for supporting the cup body, the light source, the cooling/heating module, the temperature sensor and the control circuit for detecting the temperature of the cup body, either directly or indirectly, wherein the cup body is provided with an empty cavity, wherein the edge of the upper opening of the empty cavity is a flanging structure, which protrudes on the outer side of the cup body, wherein the light source is disposed over the outer side of the cup body; wherein the mounting base is a hollow body provided with at least one opening; wherein the cup body inserts into the mounting base through the opening provided on the mounting base; wherein the light source is held tightly by the cup body and the mounting base.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2016Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Inventors: Scott Xue, Peter Zhong, Sapu Li
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Patent number: 10894496Abstract: A container holder is disclosed and includes an inner body defining an innermost surface, an outer body at least partially surrounding the inner body that is rotatable about an axis of rotation, and one or more retaining members. The retaining members each define a retaining surface and are configured to abut against and exert a clamping force upon the container. The retaining members are each connected to the inner body by a hinged connection and are configured to actuate about the hinged connection between a first position where the retaining surface is at a maximum distance when measured from the axis of rotation of the outer body and a second position where the retaining surface is measured at a minimum distance when measured from the axis of rotation of the outer body. The container holder also includes one or more camming members disposed around the outer body.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2018Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Nithish Sukumar
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Patent number: 10703291Abstract: A center console system for enhancing storage space in a vehicle includes a vehicle that has a front bench, a floor and a center console that is hingedly coupled to the front bench. The center console is selectively positioned in a deployed position having the center console being horizontally oriented and being centrally positioned on the front bench. The center console is selectively positioned in a stored position having the center console being vertically oriented. A storage unit is provided and the storage unit is selectively positioned on the floor when the center console is positioned in the stored position. In this way beverage containers and other objects may be stored when the center console is in the stored position.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2017Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Inventor: Joseph Jones
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Patent number: 10676034Abstract: A storage compartment of a console assembly for a vehicle includes a housing and a sliding tray. The housing includes a storage area defined by a floor, a pair of sidewalls and a pair of end walls. The housing includes an opening permitting access to the storage area. Each of the pair of sidewalls includes a track. The sliding tray includes an upper storage surface, a bottom wall, and a pair of sidewalls that extend upwardly from side edges of the bottom wall beyond at least a portion of the upper storage surface. Each of the pair of sidewalls includes an outwardly extending rail that engages with the track on each of the pair of sidewalls of the housing to permit the sliding tray to slide with respect to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Robert A. Porcs
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Patent number: 10588812Abstract: Disclosed is a dual-receptacle carrier that is generally configured for attachment to a rollator or walker and that is configured to retain either a beverage or a mobile device, such as a cellular telephone. The device comprises a body, a base, and first and second opposing retention arm portions that are configured as a receptacle for a beverage. The first and second opposing retention arm portions and base include recesses that define a receptacle for an electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2018Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.Inventors: Todd Brockway, Emily Berman, Caren Wax, Tambra Martin, William Elliott Brooks, Robert W. Sheldon, Gregory J. Foster
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Patent number: 10543770Abstract: A receiving device for beverage containers is disclosed. The receiving device comprises a supporting construction that is open at the top, which can receive the particular beverage container and consists at least of a first material. Furthermore, at least one heat-conducting element which can forward heat and/or cold to a beverage container received by the supporting construction. In addition, one or more thermoelectric air-conditioning units for generating heat and/or cold. The one or more thermoelectrical air-conditioning units have a thermally conductive contact with the at least one heat-conducting element. The at least one heat-conducting element consists of at least one second material which has an elevated thermal conductivity in comparison to the at least one first material.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2016Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: GENTHERM GMBHInventors: Johannes Grau, Thomas Johansen, Sven Watzke
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Patent number: 10537182Abstract: A method and apparatus include attaching a lighted cup holder to a seating arrangement. The lighted cup holder includes a cup holder body and a light-producing light source, with the cup holder body being attached to the seating arrangement and having a cup receptacle therein, the light-producing source being disposed within the cup receptacle for illuminating the receptacle. A light-sensitive element operatively connected to the light source selectively controls production of light by the light source in such a manner that illumination of the cup holder is provided only under conditions where visibility is reduced to the point that it becomes difficult to locate the cup holder. The light-sensitive element is mounted on a master lighted cup holder and controls illumination of the master lighted cup holder and one or more slave lighted cup holders operatively connected to the master lighted cup holder.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2019Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: RAFFEL SYSTEMS, LLCInventor: Ken Seidl
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Patent number: 10500999Abstract: Devices for holding beverage containers that can be used inside a vehicle or attached to a structure. In one example, a cup holder device for use in a vehicle may include an upper portion having a bottom surface, a peripheral rim offset from the bottom surface, and a side surface connecting the peripheral rim to the bottom surface. The peripheral rim defines an opening that is configured to receive a cup in the upper portion. A lower portion is coupled to the upper portion. The lower portion is configured to fit into a gap of an interior vehicle door, the impression typically formed by at least a first inside wall, a second inside wall, and an inside bottom surface. The lower portion may include a molded form configured to fit inside the impression of an interior vehicle door, or a spring-biased connector to attach to the impression.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2019Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Inventor: Karen Meyer
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Patent number: 10299603Abstract: A method and apparatus include attaching a lighted cup holder to a seating arrangement. The lighted cup holder includes a cup holder body and a light-producing light source, with the cup holder body being attached to the seating arrangement and having a cup receptacle therein, the light-producing source being disposed within the cup receptacle for illuminating the receptacle. A light-sensitive element operatively connected to the light source selectively controls production of light by the light source in such a manner that illumination of the cup holder is provided only under conditions where visibility is reduced to the point that it becomes difficult to locate the cup holder. The light-sensitive element is mounted on a master lighted cup holder and controls illumination of the master lighted cup holder and one or more slave lighted cup holders operatively connected to the master lighted cup holder.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2018Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Raffel Systems, LLCInventor: Ken Seidl
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Patent number: 10278790Abstract: A receiving sleeve receives surgical instruments. A holding device for storing and cleaning surgical instruments includes at least one receiving sleeve. A surgical instrument set includes a holding device and/or receiving sleeve. The receiving sleeve and the holding device have a light construction which allows the maximum flow of fluid to instruments held in the receiving sleeve or holding device. The receiving sleeve includes a cylindrical hollow body with a plurality of peripherally spaced inner clamping arms which have punctiform or linear engagement sections that are adjusted to come into contact with an inserted tool in a force-fit or form-fit manner for holding the tool within the receiving sleeve at a radial distance to the cylindrical body.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2015Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: Aesculap AGInventors: Gerold Zieris, Dieter Weisshaupt, Serkan Bellikli
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Patent number: 10166904Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2017Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ming Chun Cheung, Kenton L. West, Christopher P. Meyers, Douglas Amick
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Patent number: 10150397Abstract: A housing structure has a top wall, a pair of tracks and a lid. The top wall has an opening above a storage compartment therein. The opening has a first edge portion. A section of each of the tracks extends along opposite sides of the opening. The lid includes an end portion and a flexible portion. The flexible portion has lateral edges that extend into respective ones of the pair of tracks for selective sliding movement along the pair of tracks between a fully closed position blocking access to the storage compartment, a fully open position exposing the storage compartment via the opening and a plurality of intermediate positions between the fully closed position and the fully open position. The end portion defines a concave leading end. With the lid in a first intermediate position, the concaved leading end and the first edge portion define a cup holder space.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2016Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventor: Jorge Sotelo
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Patent number: 10144332Abstract: A child seat includes a shell body, and an object holder including a bracket, a support base, and a flexible linking member having a first and a second end respectively attached to the bracket and the support base. The bracket is movably assembled with the shell body so that the object holder is movable between a storage state and a deployed state, and the support base is movable relative to the bracket between a collapse position where the support base is received within an opening defined through the bracket, and an expanding position where the support base is hung below the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2016Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Wonderland Switzerland AGInventors: Bruce L. Williams, Gregory S. Sellers
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Patent number: 10099594Abstract: A vehicle cup holder assembly having a cup holder defining an interior volume and a cup holder base having a depth relative to a top surface of the cup holder. A spring may be positioned between a bottom edge of the cup holder base and a console bottom surface. The cup holder assembly may have a user interface. The cup holder assembly may also have a side member of the cup holder base positioned in a side space. The depth of the cup holder base may be adjusted by a mechanism controlled by the user interface.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Fernando Cesar Salinas, Robert G. Newton
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Patent number: 9908449Abstract: A cup holder for holding a beverage container includes a case having a first floor member in a receiving chamber, and a sidewall; a second floor member with a base end side rotatably supported by the sidewall inside the case, and a free end rotatable between a first position where the free end is positioned on a lateral side of a rotary shaft, and a second position where the free end is positioned below the rotary shaft; and an urging device urging the second floor member toward the first position. The second floor member rotates toward the second position when the second floor member receives a load larger than a predetermined load from above at the first position, and holds the beverage container together with the first floor member at a third position where the second floor member is rotated to a second position side more than the first position.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2014Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: NIFCO INC.Inventor: Yoshitsugu Homma
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Patent number: 9796315Abstract: A system for holding containers, such as cups, in a vehicle includes a housing that may form part of a vehicle console. The housing may have an upper surface for receiving the container and defining an opening leading to a compartment. A support for supporting the container may be attached to the housing. The support may be movable between a retracted position in which the support is received within the compartment, and an extended position in which the support extends out of the compartment and laterally over the upper surface to hold the container on the upper surface. The support may be stored in the retracted position when not in use so that the upper surface is usable for other purposes.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Benjamin M. Oros
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Patent number: 9630541Abstract: A pillar for a vehicle includes a recess provided in a portion thereof for use as a transfer aid when exiting or entering the vehicle. The recess may be provided in a side wall of the pillar. A supplemental seal may be associated with a door of the vehicle, the seal being dimensioned to substantially occlude a gap defined between the recess and the door when placed in the closed configuration. Inclusion of the recess in different vehicle pillars such as the B pillar and C pillar is contemplated.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2015Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Jorge Antonio López Aguado Álvarez
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Patent number: 9333920Abstract: A cup holder assembly for use in a console structure in a vehicle includes a cup holder for slidably and removably mounting within the console structure. The cup holder includes a cup holder body defining at least one cup holder recess. A guide is secured to the cup holder body for being removably received in the console structure. A finger recess portion connected to the guide defines a finger recess for manipulating at least one of the guide or the cup holder.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2014Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Robert A. Skapof, Albert Pankrac Chmelar, Anthony J. Arcuri
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Patent number: 9296324Abstract: An improved condiment packet holder of molded plastic has a generally centrally located aperture sized and shaped: to receive along a first orientation a body of a first condiment packet having a first shape, and to suspend that first condiment packet by supporting, on first portions of the surface surrounding the aperture, at least end portions of a flange protruding at the top of the first condiment packet, and to receive in a second orientation transverse to the first orientation a body of a second condiment packet having a second shape different that the first shape, and to suspend that second condiment packet by supporting, on second portions of the surface surrounding the aperture, at least end portions of a flange protruding at the top of the second condiment packet.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventor: Philip J. Mango
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Patent number: 9227571Abstract: A sturdy, compact storage container configured expressly to be easily mounted to the top of the center consoles found in most automobiles providing consumers with a simple, secure and organized means in which to store personal items such as handbags, cell phones, parking receipts and other necessities needed during travel, while also affording easy access to these items on demand.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2014Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Inventor: Geralyn Wilkens
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Patent number: 9004332Abstract: A cup holder includes one or two supporting members that support a container inserted into a receiving portion of a holder main body, and is arranged in a circumferential direction of the holder main body. A container having the protrusion and recess pattern on a side surface can smoothly be taken out from the receiving portion with a low risk of the supporting members interfering with other members around the holder main body.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignees: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd., Kojima Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiro Kodama, Naoyuki Fukui, Daiichiro Nakano, Makoto Yokota
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Patent number: 8950642Abstract: A multi-position beverage container carrier including a mount (302) adaptable for mounting on a down tube (106) of a bicycle (102), the mount having a hub (310) disposed substantially near the lower end the mount; and a carriage (300) extending from the hub, wherein the carriage is movable from a first position substantially adjacent to the down tube to a second position located substantially vertical in a plane formed by the seat post and the down tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2010Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Inventor: Sheila Derith McKaig
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Patent number: 8915412Abstract: A cup holder assembly for use in an automotive vehicle is provided. The cup holder assembly includes a panel and cup holder. The panel includes a top surface. The top surface includes at least one beverage container opening configured to receive a cup holder. A pocket is formed on the top surface of the panel and a cushion is disposed within the pocket. The panel may be covered with a skin such as a synthetic leather so as to cover the panel.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Lauren M. Abro, Benjamin Warren Penner
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Patent number: 8870044Abstract: A holder for snacks and drinks, in one embodiment adapted to be secured by clamping to a child safety car seat in a vehicle, to a stroller, or to a shopping cart handle, as examples. The holder includes a main body having a front side and a rear side and supporting at least one receptacle for holding food or a drink. A clamp assembly is connected to the main body. The clamp assembly includes a pair of jaws movable relative to each other located generally on the rear side of the main body, and an adjustment knob located generally on the front side of the main body.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Brica, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence O. Freese, Douglas F. Melville, Jr.
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Patent number: 8857881Abstract: To easily handle a drawer device for a combined use as a container box and a cup holder to selectively use as the container box or the cup holder without requiring a troublesome operation. A connecting mechanism (80) is provided, which connects both a cup holder plate (50) and a tray (20) in a case wherein both are housed inside a housing (12) from a state wherein both are drawn to the maximum drawn position, and separates a connection between the cup holder plate (50) and the tray (20) in a case wherein the tray (20) is housed inside the housing (12) from a state wherein only the tray (20) is drawn to the maximum drawn position.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2010Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: NIFCO Inc.Inventor: Kei Shimozaki
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Patent number: 8789867Abstract: A cup holder apparatus of a console box for a vehicle, which may be installed at the rear of a console armrest in a rotatably opening and closing manner, may include left and right side portions pivotally coupled to the rear of the console armrest and elastically supported by an elastic member and forming a storage space therebetween for storing a container, wherein the left and right side portions may be selectively inserted into spaces formed at both left and right sides of an armrest hinge assembly when the cup holder may be closed by the elastic member.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignees: Hyundai Motors Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Byung Seok Kong
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Patent number: 8783635Abstract: A cup holder holding an object includes: a storing part being cylindrical and being opened at an upper portion; an opening part provided at a side wall of the storing part; a holder being biased towards an interior of the storing part and being stored inside the opening part so that the holder may protrude and retract; and a restricting part provided on the opening part, wherein the restricting part restrains a movement of the holder at a maximum storage position.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd, NIFCO Inc., Moriroku Technology Company, Ltd.Inventors: Taku Kamiya, Hiroyuki Kinou, Atushi Ogawa, Takuya Uehara
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Patent number: 8770775Abstract: A cup holder assembly having a storage compartment adapted to receive a beverage container is provided. The storage compartment includes a recessed portion, and a top ring having a bottom planar surface is mounted onto the recessed portion. The recessed portion further includes a radiused inner edge exposed to the space of the storage compartment. A light source is mounted along the radiused inner edge. Light from the light source is reflected from the planar surface onto the radiused inner edge. A light shield extends beneath the bottom planar surface of the top ring so as to shield the light source from view of the passengers and driver of the vehicle yet allow light to pass from the light source onto the radiused inner edge of the cup holder assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Lauren M. Abro, Que-Whang Rhee, Benjamin Warren Penner
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Patent number: 8757573Abstract: An adjustable cup holder incorporates an elongated clamp assembly and cup support assembly. The clamp assembly has a proximal end and a distal clamping end. The cup support assembly is connected at the proximal end of the clamp assembly, and comprises a body portion and a pair of arcuate cup-encircling arms having respective spaced-apart free ends. A pivot pin enables pivot adjustment of the cup support assembly at the proximal end of the clamp assembly, such that the cup support assembly is movable between a desired in-use position depending from the clamp assembly, and a folded stowed position beside the clamp assembly. In the stowed position, the clamp assembly passes between the spaced-apart free ends of the cup-encircling arms and into an area defined between the cup-encircling arms.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Drink Clip, LLCInventor: John M. Barnes, Jr.
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Patent number: 8757571Abstract: A cup holder includes a case main body defining a housing chamber; a lid member rotatably attached to the case main body between a closed position closing the opening portion and an open position opening the opening portion; a cup retaining member; and a parallel link mechanism connecting the case main body and the cup retaining member. A connecting mechanism connects the lid member and the cup retaining member so as to interconnect together so that the cup retaining member ascends to the ascent position from a descent position, and the cup retaining member descends from the ascent position to the descent position. Stopper abutting portions are provided in the cup retaining member and the lid member to control a downward movement of the cup retaining member.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Nifco Inc.Inventor: Naohiro Shimajiri
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Patent number: 8727191Abstract: A stroller apparatus can comprise a handle having two side segments, a tray assembled between the two side segments, and a cup holder movably mounted with the tray. The cup holder is adjustable between a first position retracted close to the tray to limit access to the cup holder, and a second position deployed away from the tray to facilitate access to the cup holder.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company LimitedInventors: Andrew J. Winterhalter, Robert E. Haut, Joseph F. Fiore, Jr., Curtis M. Hartenstine, Linhai Shan
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Patent number: 8720840Abstract: A container-supporting apparatus includes a housing, a holder, a cup-supporting body, a flap, an elastic member for urging the flap in a direction of an insertion hole, a shaft part provided on either (for example, the flap) of the holder or the flap, and a shaft-bearing part provided on the other (for example, the holder) and provided with a shaft-bearing part capable of receiving the shaft part. When the holder is stored in the housing, the cup-supporting body contacts the flap whereby the shaft part moves inside the shaft-bearing hole of the shaft-bearing part.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: NIFCO Inc.Inventor: Tomoharu Izume
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Patent number: 8695843Abstract: An adaptable bin having a retractable cup holder includes a bin wall and a bin floor. The bin wall and the bin floor define a storage volume, which substantially encapsulates the retractable cup holder. A plurality of spiral links are movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. At least one of the plurality of spiral links is operatively attached to one of the bin wall and the bin floor. A cup holder axis is defined by the plurality of spiral links, each of which rotates about the cup holder axis between the stowed position and deployed position. The plurality of spiral links define the retractable cup holder in the deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2012Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Gerard Brinas
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Patent number: 8690034Abstract: The Elastic Suspension Apparatus for Beverages is an elasticized drink holder for use in vehicles. The apparatus expands in width as well as depth to accommodate many sizes of drink containers including 44 oz. and 64 oz. The elasticity of the Elastic Suspension Apparatus for Beverages also allows the drink container to move with the motion of the vehicle, reducing spills and toppling. The ESAB has an uppermost suspense/mounting portion that would be mounted in the upper portion of the vehicle, a lowermost anchor/mounting portion that would be mounted in the lower portion of the vehicle, a main body portion to hold a drink container, and an object with a vacant center that can be adjusted to help stabilize a drink container within the main body portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventors: Michele Antoinette Peterson, Jody Rene Peterson
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Patent number: 8662580Abstract: An arm rest with a drinking vessel holder is particularly intended for use as a back center arm rest for integration in the back rest of a vehicle. The need for a soft back rest and at the same time for integration of a drinking vessel holder is satisfied by the aspect that the drinking vessel holder is formed of a soft material in the bottom region. Moreover, the foam body for provision of padding is functionally employed for generating the retaining force required for retaining the drinking vessel.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: F.S. Fehrer Automotive GmbHInventors: Hans Henke, Andreas Sulzbacher, Kerstin Weckert
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Patent number: 8640377Abstract: A combined fishing rod and beverage holder for insertion into and removal from an opening in a marine vessel is disclosed. The combined fishing rod and beverage holder includes a substantially tubular hollow cylindrical member which is formed with an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has a diameter which is larger than the diameter of the lower portion. The diameter of the upper portion enables a beverage container with or without an insulating jacket to be placed within and retained within the upper portion of the combined rod and beverage holder. The upper portion includes an outwardly projecting flange which includes apertures through which fasteners can be placed to secure the combined rod and beverage holder to a surface, such as a gunwale of a marine vessel. Other types or secure devices can also be employed to secure the combined rod and beverage holder to any surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2009Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: MTB Designs, Inc.Inventor: Michael Baltes
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Patent number: 8579149Abstract: A drinking vessel holder includes a drinking vessel receptacle arranged in a housing and a height-adjustable bottom element. The bottom element is arranged in the drinking vessel receptacle and can be displaced between an upper rest position and a lower set-down position, wherein a drinking vessel can be set down on the bottom element in the drinking vessel receptacle. A positionally adjustable supporting element prevents the drinking vessel from toppling over, and wherein the bottom element in the drinking vessel receptacle forms a first piston or else is connected to a first piston and the supporting element forms an annular piston between the housing and the drinking vessel receptacle or else is connected to at least one second piston, wherein movement of at least one of the first piston, the second piston, and the annular piston causes fluid overpressure and fluid underpressure.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: F.S. Fehrer Automotive GmbHInventors: Hans Henke, Roman Funk, Walter Mehling
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Patent number: 8573553Abstract: A foldable holder for a beverage container comprises a fastening plate, a supporting ring coupled pivotably to the fastening plate, a holding bracket coupled pivotably to the fastening plate, and a supporting plate coupled pivotably to the holding bracket. The supporting ring and the holding bracket share a pivot axis extending from the fastening plate. The supporting plate is coupled to a remote end of the holding bracket so as to be pivotable counter to a pivoting direction of the supporting ring. The holding bracket and the supporting plate are disposed radially within the supporting ring when folded into a retracted state.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2012Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Joerg Stephan
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Patent number: 8573552Abstract: A cup holder assembly includes a base and a pair of lid assemblies. The lid assemblies are respectively supported on the base for movement between an opened position and a closed position, wherein the lid assemblies are separately biased in the opened position. A pair of locking tabs is supported on the base for movement relative to the lid assemblies, wherein the locking tabs are configured to respectively engage and secure the lid assemblies in the closed position. A release member is supported on the base for movement relative to the locking tabs, wherein the release member is configured to disengage the locking tabs from the lid assemblies when the release member is moved from a first position to a second position.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Christer Andersson, Odd Jaegtnes
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Patent number: 8534520Abstract: A shopping cart tray apparatus includes a plate that has a front edge, a back edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A top side of the plate has a depression therein. A coupler is attached to a bottom of the plate. The coupler is configured to frictionally engage the handle of a shopping cart and support the plate on the handle.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Inventor: Mario Liparoti
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Patent number: 8485680Abstract: An illuminated cup holder assembly constructed in accordance with one aspect of the invention facilitates the ability to see the cup holder in darkness while also providing an aesthetically pleasing, uniformly illuminated cup holder. The cup holder assembly includes a cup receptacle having an annular outer wall configured to receive a cup. A flexible, resilient finger extends radially inwardly from the annular wall, wherein the finger is configured to engage the cup to inhibit the cup from inadvertent movement in the cup receptacle. The finger has a translucent portion configured in communication with a light source to allow light to be emitted from the light source through the translucent portion into the cup receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2011Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Federal-Mogul Ignition CompanyInventors: James B. Anderson, Brent H. Robbins
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Patent number: 8469246Abstract: A cup holder apparatus for a vehicle may include an accommodating tray provided inside a vehicle compartment and having an accommodation space for accommodating a cup therein, a cup support member rotatably provided around a rotating shaft (Z axis) against the accommodating tray and including a bottom portion for safe-placing the cup in the accommodation space and a support portion formed in a stand from the bottom portion to support an outer periphery of the cup, and a release prevention member prepared separately from the cup support member and connected to the bottom portion of the cup support member, while being rotatably coupled to the accommodating tray, to prevent release of the cup support member from the accommodating tray, wherein the release of the release prevention member from the accommodating tray is hindered by an upper stopper formed on the accommodating tray while the cup support member is rotatably coupled to the upper stopper and is rotated around the rotating shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignees: Kia Motors Corporation, Ecoplastic CorporationInventors: Young Ju Lee, Cheol Soo Choi, Dong-Jin Park
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Patent number: 8397963Abstract: The auto caddy of the present invention may include a main housing having one or more receptacles for holding drinks or other items, and may include one or more attachment members having one or more sets of openings through which a vehicle headrest seat post may extend on installation with two points of contact, which may increase the stability of the auto caddy, especially during sudden movement of a vehicle. The auto caddy may include optional components for subdividing receptacles, one or more hooks from which a tray may be suspended, a strap for securing the tray, and slots for suspending a trash receptacle such as a plastic grocery bag. The auto caddy may also include offset sides for manufacturing cost efficiency, in which case offset washers (which may be hook-shaped) may be used at installation to maximize vertical and horizontal alignment and stability of the auto caddy.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Inventor: Neeraj Singh
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Patent number: 8360379Abstract: A beverage container holder for holding round or rectangular containers is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the holder is a unitary plastic structure which includes a lower rectangular container holding portion and an upper hook portion for hanging the holder onto another structure. The holding portion includes a plurality of resilient inwardly extending fingers, each of which assumes a generally V-shaped configuration when viewed in a vertical plane. According to a second embodiment, the holder includes an upper tray portion having a pair of side-by-side square openings, each having a plurality of inward extending resilient fingers, and a generally U-shaped supporting member which is pivotally attached to the tray portion. The supporting member is rotatable from a first position wherein it is retained within the tray portion to a second position wherein it is substantially perpendicular to the tray portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1999Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Inventor: Joseph E. Porcelli
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Patent number: 8360380Abstract: A cup holder for holding and retaining a cup includes a container integrally formed of a resin material as one structure with flexibility. The container includes a bottom portion, a cup retaining portion defined as a sidewall upstanding from the bottom portion, and at least one flexible protruding portion formed in the sidewall where the bottom portion does not contact. The flexible protruding portion is thinner in thickness than other portion of the side wall and protrudes towards an inside direction of the cup retaining portion. A rib is formed on an outside surface of the container to extend from the other portion of the side wall formed thicker than the protruding portion to a center of the protruding portion. An urging device is formed for pressing the protruding portion towards an inside of the container.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2009Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Nifco Inc.Inventors: Toshiaki Soma, Tsuyoshi Fukuda
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Patent number: 8348110Abstract: A self-rotating cup holder comprising cup-shaped inner and outer bases, a weight disposed in the top edge of the inner base, the inner base can rotate within the outer base; two circular tunnels formed by circular tracks disposed in the top edges of the inner and outer bases; a spring mounting block disposed in each tunnel, springs extend from the mounting blocks through the respective tunnels in opposite directions; a stopper tunnel disposed in each tunnel and positioned opposite the mounting blocks, spring stoppers on the ends of the springs are positioned outside the respective stopper tunnels, wherein when the inner base rotates in a first direction a first spring is stretched in a first direction toward a first spring mounting block, wherein when the inner base rotates in a second direction a second spring is stretched in second direction toward a second spring mounting block.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Inventors: William O. Whynot, Enno Ferrara