Cupholder assembly

Abstract

A cupholder assembly for securing a container includes a plurality of gripping members mounted for movement between a retracted position and extended position engaging a side surface of the container in such extended position. A first gear is attached to each gripping member for rotation therewith. A second gear engageable with each first gear has a surface engageable with the bottom portion of the container for transferring torque generated during insertion of the container to each first gear and then to each gripping member for applying force to the container. A ratchet is provided to secure the second gear upon insertion of the container and maintain continuous engagement between each gripping member and the container. A release spring is provided for disengaging the ratchet and for moving the gripping members into the retracted position with the aid of a bias spring engageable with each gripping member. Alternatively, the first and second gears are replaced with a plate like member having a plurality of elongated slots each engageable with a respective gripping member to guide rotation thereof and transfer the torque thereto.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/676,739 filed on Apr. 30, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to a cupholder assembly and, more particularly, this invention relates to a vehicle cupholder assembly that positively secures containers of various sizes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is generally well known, the driver and passengers of the vehicle often enjoy beverages during driving and therefore, every vehicle now includes at least one cupholder assembly for retaining a beverage container. Frequently, such cupholder assemblies are adapted for use with containers of various sizes.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,579 to Moner, Jr. et al discloses one type of cupholder assembly which includes a beverage receiving cavity with a concave side wall and a pivotally disposed concave arm movable between fully extended and a fully retracted positions for biasing the beverage container against the cavity wall. To accommodate containers of various sizes within the receiving cavity the arm must be manually adjusted by the vehicle occupant which is undesirable as such adjustment must be performed incrementally for each different container size.

Furthermore, the required attention to perform such adjustment and place the beverage container into the receiving cavity could be distracting to a driver during vehicle operation. Additionally, caging the beverage container between the wall and the arm generally produces only two points of contact with such beverage container which are insufficient to secure the beverage container in all applications.

Therefore, there remains a need for an improved cupholder assembly which securely retains containers of various sizes without requiring significant manual effort or attention which could be distracting to a driver during vehicle operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a cupholder assembly for securing a container therein. In a first aspect, the cupholder assembly includes a predetermined plurality of grip members disposed in a predetermined pattern, each mounted for movement between extended and retracted positions, whereby the extended position is characterized by engagement of a predetermined portion of each grip member with a side surface of the container. Each grip member has a vertically disposed shaft portion mounted for rotation about the rigid structure and a generally horizontally disposed arm portion attached to the shaft portion for rotation between the extended and retracted position. The arm portion has a distal end thereof configured for engagement with the side surface of the container. A first gear is axially attached to a shaft portion of a respective grip member for rotation therewith. A second gear engages each first gear and has a horizontally disposed first surface for engagement with a bottom surface of the container. The second gear is movable into the second position upon application of a predetermined torque thereto and transfers such predetermined torque first to the first gear and then to each grip member for moving the arm portion thereof into the extended position engaging the side surface of the container and applying a predetermined force thereto. The predetermined force securely retains the container within the cupholder assembly. A ratchet is provided to secure the second gear in the second position upon insertion of the container and maintain continuous engagement between each grip member and the container. A release spring is provided for disengaging the ratchet and for moving the grip members into the retracted position with the aid of a bias spring engageable with each grip member. The predetermined torque may be generated by the user inserting the container and first applying a force in a downward direction, by gravity using the weight of the container or manually, and then rotating the container and the second gear. Or, alternatively, the predetermined torque may be generated by an actuator, such as an electric motor, connected to such second gear. A sensor may be provided, particularly in combination with the actuator, to provide a control signal enabling operation of such actuator. A cover member has a vertically aligned first aperture for receiving the container and a predetermined plurality of second apertures disposed in a wall portion of the first aperture each aligned with a respective one of the predetermined plurality of the grip means for enabling passage thereof for one of the engagement and disengagement with the container. The cupholder assembly can be used in a vehicle in one of a stationary and slidable configuration.

In a second aspect, the cupholder assembly includes a predetermined plurality of grip members disposed in a predetermined pattern, each mounted for movement between extended and retracted positions, whereby the extended position is characterized by engagement of a predetermined portion of each grip member with a side surface of the container. Each grip member has a first portion extending generally horizontally and pivotally connected to a portion of the rigid structure and a second portion rigidly attached to such first portion for movement between extended and retracted positions and configured for engagement with the side surface of the container. A plate like member is mounted for movement between a first position and a second position and has a plurality of elongated slots disposed therein. Each elongated slot is engageable with a portion of a respective grip member to guide rotation thereof and transfer a predetermined torque thereto. The predetermined torque is applied to the plate like member upon engagement thereof with the container. A ratchet is provided to secure the plate like member in the second position upon insertion of the container and maintain continuous engagement between each grip member and the container. A release spring is provided for disengaging the ratchet and for moving the grip members into the retracted position with the aid of a bias spring engageable with each grip member. The predetermined torque may be generated by the user inserting the container and first applying a force in a downward direction, by gravity using the weight of the container or manually, and then rotating the container and the second gear. Or, alternatively, the predetermined torque may be generated by an actuator, such as an electric motor, connected to such second gear. A sensor may be provided, particularly in combination with the actuator, to provide a control signal enabling operation of such actuator.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a cupholder assembly for securely retaining a container therein.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cupholder assembly which securely retains containers of various sizes.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cupholder assembly for securely retaining containers of various sizes which can be used on vehicles.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a cupholder assembly for securely retaining containers of various sizes which is manually operable.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a cupholder assembly for securely retaining containers of various sizes which is operable by an actuator.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a cupholder assembly for securely retaining containers of various sizes which does not require attention from the driver which may be distracting to the driver during vehicle operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cupholder assembly which securely retains containers of various sizes which does not require incremental adjustments during use.

In addition to the several objects and advantages of the present invention which have been described with some degree of specificity above, various other objects and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing Figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention, particularly showing gripping means in an extended position for securing a container;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the invention shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the invention taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 5 is a top view of the invention shown in FIG. 4.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present invention, it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing figures.

It is to be understood that the definition of a container applies to covered or uncovered cups, bottles, cans, jugs, drums, and the like suitable for containing a liquid substance such as beverage.

Reference is now made, to FIGS. 1-3, wherein there is shown a cupholder assembly, generally designated 10, of the first embodiment for securing a container 4 therein. Such cupholder assembly 10 includes a predetermined plurality of gripping means, generally designated 20, disposed in a predetermined pattern about the container 4. Each gripping means 20 is mounted for movement between extended and retracted positions, whereby the extended position is characterized by engagement of a predetermined portion of each of the predetermined plurality of gripping means 20 with a side surface 6 of the container 4.

In a presently preferred embodiment, each gripping means 20 includes a vertically disposed shaft portion 22 mounted for rotation about a rigid structure 60 at a first end 24. A generally horizontally disposed arm portion 28 having a predetermined shape is rigidly attached to the shaft portion 22 adjacent a second end 26 thereof for rotation of arm portion 28 between extended and the retracted positions. The arm portion 28 has a distal end 30 configured for engagement with the side surface 6 of the container 4. The distal end 30 may be provided with anti-slip frictional means 32 for preventing lateral and vertical movement of the container 4 during use.

Each arm portion 28 is biased towards a retracted position by a bias means 34 which is preferably a torsion spring 34 mounted on the shaft portion 22 and engaging arm portion 28.

There is a predetermined plurality of first torque transmission means 40 each axially connected to a respective one of the predetermined plurality of gripping means 20 adjacent the first end 24 for rotation with gripping means 22. The first end 24 of shaft portion 22, preferably, extends through the first torque transmission means 40 for rotatable attachment to the rigid structure 60.

A second torque transmission means 42 is engageable with each of the predetermined plurality of first torque transmission means 40 and has a horizontally disposed first surface 44 for engagement with a bottom surface 8 of the container 4. A peripheral flange 46 having a predetermined height may be provided to contain spillage during use of the container 4. The first surface 44 may be provided with an anti-slip frictional means 48 for preventing lateral movement of the container 4.

In operation, the second torque transmission means 42 is mounted for movement between a first and a second position and is movable into the second position upon application of a predetermined torque to the first surface 44. In such first position, the first surface 44 is disposed at a predetermined distance above the rigid structure 60. The user, inserting the container 4 into the cupholder assembly 10 and engaging the first surface 44, first applies a force in a downward direction, by gravity using the weight of the container 4 or manually, and then rotates the container 4 in a first direction thus generating the predetermined torques and enabling the second transmission means 42, rotating with the container 4, to transfer such predetermined torque first to the first transmission means 40 and then to each of the predetermined plurality of gripping means 22 for moving each arm portion 28 into the extended position engaging the side surface 6 of the container 4 and applying a predetermined force to such side surface 6. Such predetermined force securely retains the container 4 within the cupholder assembly 10.

It will be appreciated, that movement of the second torque transmission means 42 from the first position into the second position is characterized in combination by the second torque transmission means 42 moving downwardly and rotating in the first direction and the arm portion 28 of each of the predetermined plurality of gripping means 22 engaging the side surface 6 of the container 4.

In particular reference to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a means, generally designated 50, preferably engageable with the second torque transmission means 42 and the rigid structure 60 for enabling continuous engagement of each of the predetermined plurality of gripping means 22 with the side surface 6 of the container 4 upon insertion thereof into the cupholder assembly 10 and for enabling movement of each of the predetermined plurality of gripping means 22 into the retracted position upon removal of the container 4 from the cupholder assembly 10.

It is presently preferred that such engagement and release enabling means 50 includes a predetermined plurality of slopping teeth 52 attached to a second surface 45 of the second torque transmission means 42 and a lock pawl 54 attached to the rigid structure 60 and preferably biased for engagement with the slopping teeth 52 by a spring 55. Engagement of lock pawl 54 with the slopping teeth 52 during downward movement of the second torque transmission means 42 will allow a rotation of such second torque. transmission means 42 only in such first direction. When the second torque transmission means 42 reaches the second position, such lock pawl 54 positively maintains the second torque transmission means 42 preventing undesirable reverse rotation thereof.

A release means 56, preferably, a compression spring 56 is provided for disengaging the slopping teeth 52 from the lock pawl 54 upon removal of the container 4 and urging such second transmission means 42 in an upward direction. The second transmission means 42 return into the first position with the aid of bias means 34.

Alternatively, such engagement and release enabling means 50 may engage at least one of such predetermined plurality of first torque transmission means 40 or at least one of the gripping means 22.

In further reference to FIG. 3, the cupholder assembly 10 may include a cover member 62 having a vertically aligned first aperture 64 for receiving the container 4 and a predetermined plurality of second apertures 68 disposed in a peripheral wall portion 66 of such first aperture 64. Each second aperture 68 is aligned with a respective gripping means 22 for enabling passage thereof for one of engagement and disengagement with the container 4. Advantageously, the wall portion 66 extends towards the second torque transmission means 42 and terminates just above the first surface 44 when such second torque transmission means 42 is disposed in the first position for receiving the container 4.

The cupholder assembly 10 may further include means 70 for sensing one of an insertion, removal and combination thereof of the container 4 into the cupholder assembly 10. Such sensing means 70 may be a non-contact sensor 70 capable of providing at least one control signal. Such non-contact sensor 70 may be attached to the wall portion 66 of the cover member 62 directly sensing the container 4, as best shown in FIG. 3, or may be mounted for sensing rotation of the gripping means 22 or the movement of the second torque transmission means 42 or the rotation of at least one first torque transmission means 40. Alternatively, any well known contact type sensing means 70 may be applied in the cupholder assembly 10.

The cupholder assembly 10 may be provided with any well known actuating means, such as an electric motor, (not shown) preferably connected to the second torque transmission means 42 for one of applying the predetermined torque, enabling continuous engagement of each of the gripping means 22 with the side surface 6 of the container 4, and for moving each of the gripping means 22 into the retracted position. Such actuating means (not shown) will be operable by a control system (not shown) and will be advantageous in combination with the sensing means 70 to enable simple placement of the container 4 and securing it within cup holder assembly 10. Such placement of the container 4 eliminates the need for applying a force in the downward direction and rotating the container 4. Additionally, an unlock actuator, such as a solenoid or valve, (not shown) may be connected to the lock pawl 54 for disengaging it from the slopping teeth 52.

It is presently preferred that the first torque transmission means 40 is a first gear 40 having a predetermined thickness and predetermined diameter and the second torque transmission means 42 is a second gear 42 having a predetermined thickness and predetermined diameter, whereby the predetermined thickness of such second gear 42 enables continuous engagement thereof with each first gear 40 during movement of the second gear 42 between the first and second positions.

While such embodiment is illustrated, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other power transmission means may be applied to secure the container 4 within the cupholder assembly 10. For example, the first and second torque transmission means 40 and 42 respectively may be elastomers with a predetermined coefficient of friction.

Although FIG. 2 shows four gripping means 22, it should be apparent that another number of the gripping means 22 may be applied to secure container 4 within the cupholder assembly 10.

Now in reference to FIGS. 4-5, there is shown a cupholder assembly, generally designated 100, of a second embodiment for securing a container 4 therein. Such cupholder assembly 100 includes a predetermined plurality of gripping means, generally designated 110, disposed in a predetermined pattern, each preferably including a first portion 112 extending generally horizontally and having a first end 114 pivotally connected to a predetermined portion of a rigid structure 150. A second portion 120 has a first end 122 rigidly attached to the second end 116 of the first portion 110 for movement of the second portion 120 between extended and retracted positions, and a second end 124 extending in a downward direction and configured for engagement with the side surface 6 of the container 4. A bias spring 128 is engageable with each gripping means 110 to urge the second portion 120 into the retracted position.

A plate like member 130 is mounted for movement between a first position and a second position and has a horizontally disposed first surface 132 for engagement with the bottom surface 8 of the container 4.

Means 140 is disposed within the cupholder assembly 110 for guiding movement of each of the predetermined plurality of gripping means 110 between the extended and the retracted position and for transferring the predetermined torque thereto. It is presently preferred that such guide means 140 includes a predetermined plurality of elongated slots 140 disposed in a predetermined pattern within the plate like member 130, each having a predetermined shape and a predetermined length and configured for passing a respective one of the second ends 124 of the second portion 120 of the gripping means 110 therethrough.

In operation, the plate like member 130 is movable from the first into the second position upon application of a predetermined torque to the first surface 132. In such first position, the first surface 132 is disposed at a predetermined distance above a second predetermined portion of the rigid structure 150. The user inserting the container 4 into the cupholder assembly 100 and engaging the first surface 132 of the plate like member 130 first applies a force in a downward direction, by gravity using the weight of the container 4 or manually, and then rotates the container 4 in a first direction thus generating the predetermined torque and enabling the plate like member 130 to transfer such predetermined torque to each of the gripping means 110 through a respective one of such elongated slots 140. Subsequently, each second portion 120 of the gripping means 110 rotates into the extended position engaging the side surface 6 of the container 4 and applying a predetermined force thereto. Such predetermined force securely retains the container 4 within the cupholder assembly 100.

It will be understood that engagement and release enabling means 50, best shown in FIG. 3, would be applicable to provide continuous engagement of each of the gripping means 110 with the side surface 6 of the container 4 upon insertion thereof into the cupholder assembly 100 and for enabling movement of each of the gripping means 110 into the retracted position upon removal of the container 4 from the cupholder assembly 10.

Accordingly, the plurality of slopping teeth 52 will be attached to a second surface 134 of the plate like member 130 and the lock pawl 54 will be attached to the second predetermined portion of the rigid structure 150 engaging the slopping teeth 52 during downward movement of the plate like member 130 and allowing the rotation thereof only in such first direction. When the plate like member 130 reaches the second position, such lock pawl 54 positively maintains the plate like member 130 preventing undesirable reverse rotation thereof.

A release means 56, preferably, a compression spring 56 is provided for disengaging the slopping teeth 52 from the lock pawl 54 upon removal of the container 4 and urging such plate like member 130 in an upward direction. Plate like member 130 returns to the first position with aid of a bias means 128.

It will be further understood that the sensing means 70 and actuating means (not shown) may be applied to the invention of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-5.

While FIGS. 4-5 show six gripping means 110, it will be apparent that other quantities of gripping means 110 may be applied to secure container 4 within the cupholder assembly 100.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the cupholder assemblies shown in FIGS. 1-5 will be suitable for securely retaining containers of various sizes. Furthermore, use of such cupholder assemblies will be advantageous in combination with a vehicle to overcome current disadvantages of placing and securing cups and other beverage containers. Movement of the gripping means between retracted and extended positions after placement of the container into the cupholder assembly provides the user with an aperture generally larger than the size of the container and therefore does not require user's attention in placing such container into the cupholder assembly.

It will be appreciated that such cupholder assemblies will be adapted for use in one of a stationary and slidable configuration.

Thus, the present invention has been described in such full, clear, concise and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use the same. It will be understood that variations, modifications, equivalents and substitutions for components of the specifically described embodiments of the invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cupholder assembly for securing a container therein, said cupholder assembly comprising:

(a) a predetermined plurality of gripping means disposed in a predetermined pattern and mounted for movement between extended and retracted positions, said extended position is characterized by engagement of a predetermined portion of each gripping means with a side surface of such container;

(b) a predetermined plurality of first torque transmitting means each axially connected to a respective one of said predetermined plurality of grip means for rotation therewith,

(c) a second torque transmitting means engageable with each of said first torque transmitting means and. mounted for movement between a first and a second position, said second torque transmitting means having a horizontally disposed first surface for engagement with a bottom surface of such container, said second torque transmitting means movable into said second position upon application of a predetermined torque to said first surface enabling said second transmitting means to transfer said predetermined torque first to said first transmitting means and then to each of said gripping means for moving said predetermined portion thereof into said extended position engaging such side surface of such container and applying a predetermined force thereto, said predetermined force securely retaining such container within said cupholder assembly; and

(d) means engageable with one of said second torque transmitting means, at least one of said first torque transmitting means, at least one of said predetermined plurality of gripping means, a rigid structure, and various combinations thereof for enabling continuous engagement of each of said gripping means with such side surface of such container upon inserting it into said cupholder assembly and for enabling movement of each of said gripping means into said retracted position upon removal of such container from said cupholder assembly.

2. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein each of said predetermined plurality of gripping means includes:

(a) a vertically disposed shaft portion mounted for rotation about said rigid structure and having a first end extending through and attached to said respective one of said predetermined plurality of first torque transmission means; and

(b) a generally horizontally disposed arm portion having a predetermined shape and rigidly attached to said shaft portion adjacent a second end thereof for rotation between said extended and said retracted position, said arm portion having a distal end configured for engagement with such side surface of such container.

3. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 2, wherein said cupholder assembly includes a predetermined plurality of biasing means each engageable with said arm portion of each of said gripping means for biasing them towards said retracted position.

4. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said cupholder assembly includes an anti-slip frictional means applied to at least one of said first surface of said second transmission means, said predetermined portion of each of said gripping means, and a combination thereof for preventing one of a lateral movement, vertical movement, and combination thereof of such container disposed within said cupholder assembly.

5. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said movement of said second torque transmitting means from said first position into said second position is characterized in combination by said second torque transmitting means moving downwardly and rotating in a first direction and said predetermined portion of each of said gripping means engaging such side surface of such container.

6. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 5, wherein said engagement and release enabling means includes:

(a) a predetermined plurality of slopping teeth attached to a predetermined portion of said second torque transmitting means;

(b) a lock pawl attached to said rigid structure and engageable with a portion of said slopping teeth during said movement of said second torque transmitting means from said first position into said second position for positively maintaining said second torque transmitting means in said second position; and

(c) a release means engageable with at least one of said predetermined plurality of slopping teeth, said lock pawl, said rigid surface and various combinations thereof for disengaging said slopping teeth from said lock pawl upon removal of such container and for urging said second transmitting means into said first position.

7. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 6, wherein said release means is a bias spring.

8. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein each of said predetermined plurality of said first torque transmitting means is a first gear having each of a predetermined thickness and predetermined diameter.

9. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein each second torque transmitting means is a second gear having each of a predetermined thickness and predetermined diameter, whereby said predetermined thickness of said second gear enables continuous engagement thereof with each of said predetermined plurality of first transmitting means during movement of said second torque transmitting means between said first and said second position.

10. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined torque is applied by one of a hand actuator, a power actuator and a combination thereof.

11. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said cupholder assembly further includes a cover member having a vertically aligned first aperture for receiving such container and a predetermined plurality of second apertures disposed in a wall portion of said first aperture each aligned with a respective one of said gripping means for enabling passage thereof for one of said engagement and said disengagement with such container, said wall portion extending towards said first surface of said second torque transmitting means.

12. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said second transmitting means includes a peripheral flange having a predetermined height for containing spillage during use of such container.

13. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said cupholder assembly further includes means for sensing one of an insertion, removal and combination thereof of such container into said cupholder assembly.

14. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 13, wherein said sensing means includes one of a contact sensor, non-contact sensor and a combination thereof capable of providing at least one control signal to an actuating means connected with said second torque transmitting means.

15. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 14, wherein said cupholder assembly includes control means for receiving said at least one control signal and operating said actuating means in response to receiving said at least one control signal.

16. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said cupholder assembly includes an actuating means connected to said second torque transmitting means for one of applying said predetermined torque, enabling continuous engagement of each of said gripping means with such side surface of such container, moving each of said gripping means into said retracted position, and various combinations thereof.

17. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said cupholder assembly is adapted for use in a vehicle in one of a stationary and slidable configuration.

18. A cupholder assembly for securing a container therein, said cupholder assembly comprising:

(a) a predetermined plurality of gripping means disposed in a predetermined pattern and mounted for movement between an extended and retracted positions, said extended position is characterized by engagement of a predetermined portion of each of said gripping means with a side surface of such container;

(b) a torque transmitting means mounted for movement between a first position and a second position, said torque transmitting means having a horizontally disposed first surface for engagement with a bottom surface of such container and with each of said gripping means, said torque transmitting means movable into said second position upon application of a predetermined torque to said first surface for transferring said predetermined torque to each of said gripping means and for guiding movement thereof into said extended position to engage said predetermined portion of each of said gripping means with such side surface of such container and to apply a predetermined force thereto, said predetermined force securely retaining such container within said cupholder assembly; and

(c) means engageable with one of at least one of said predetermined plurality of grip means, said torque transmission means, a rigid structure, and various combinations thereof for enabling continuous engagement of said predetermined portion of each of said gripping means with such side surface of such container upon insertion of it into said cupholder assembly and for enabling movement of each of said gripping means into said retracted position upon removal of such container from said cupholder assembly.

19. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 18, wherein each of said gripping means includes:

(a) a first portion extending generally horizontally and having a first end pivotally connected to a portion of said rigid structure; and

(b) a second portion having a first end rigidly attached to said second end of said first portion for movement between extended and retracted positions, and a second end extending in a downward direction towards said torque transmitting means and configured for engagement with such side surface of such container.

20. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 19, wherein said torque transmitting means includes a plate like member having a predetermined plurality of elongated slots disposed in a predetermined pattern each having each of a predetermined shape and a predetermined length and configured for passing a respective one of said second end of said second portion of said gripping means therethrough and engageable with said respective one of said second end of said second portion of said predetermined plurality of grip means during movement of said plate like member between said first and said second position.