Vehicle Attached Carrier For Beverage Container Or Bottle Patents (Class 224/926)
  • Patent number: 8336841
    Abstract: A cup holder (1) for receiving a vessel (6) includes a drawer (2) capable of sliding inside a body (3) so as to move identically between a closed position and an open position. The drawer (2) locally includes an outer outline (9) in the shape of an open arc of a circle that engages a partial perimeter (C1) of the vessel (6). The cup holder further includes a stowable front (4) that is flush with a side of the drawer (2) when the drawer (2) is in the closed position, and that is in an inclined position relative to the drawer (2) when the drawer (2) is in the open position in order to hold the base of the vessel (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventor: Tony Ercolano
  • Patent number: 8322671
    Abstract: A tray mechanism may include a tray having a storage zone and a beverage holding device having a receptacle. The beverage holding device may automatically extend as the tray is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ronald W. Myers, John Barlow, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8286844
    Abstract: A holder is provided for items, in particular for drinks containers, drinking vessels in a motor vehicle that includes, but is not limited to a storage bin for holding the items. The storage bin has a bottom for holding the items as well as side walls. In such a holder, it is provided that at least one side wall has a variable-shape insert that can be transferred from a position following the contour of this side wall into a position curved in the direction of the opposite side wall. By this means, a variable division of the storage bin can be accomplished with simple design and extremely simple handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Klaus-Dieter Rampf
  • Patent number: 8276964
    Abstract: A console of a motor vehicle, in particular a central console of a motor vehicle, is provided that has a container, which has a receptacle space, which is open on top, for at least one object, and having an apparatus for lateral positioning of the at least one object, the container having a floor and side walls. The console is provided with an apparatus for lateral positioning that has a frame part, which is detachably connectable to the side walls in the area of the opening of the receptacle space and positioning elements mounted in the frame part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jochen Werner, Hassan Mir, Alexander Leicht
  • Patent number: 8245894
    Abstract: A collapsible cup holder is provided. The collapsible cup holder is adapted to be coupled to a shopping cart and is rotatable between a retracted and deployed configuration. The cup holder includes a back with a top portion and a bottom portion. A top ring is rotatably coupled to the top portion and a base is rotatably coupled to the bottom portion. A strut extends between the top ring and the base and is rotatably coupled to both such that rotation of either the top ring or the base causes corresponding rotation of the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Alyson M. Buehler
  • Patent number: 8132770
    Abstract: A stemware holder maintains a piece of stemware in an upright position even during turbulent conditions. An embodiment has a base extending downward from a cap. The cap has a lower portion with a flat surface and an upper portion with two prongs that define a slot. A wall extends around part of the perimeters of the upper and lower portions and has a front opening. The upper and lower portions, partial perimeter wall, and front opening define a groove. The groove narrows slightly from the front to the rear. The stemware holder base is insertable into the recess of a standard cup holder. The base of a piece of stemware can be slid into the groove through the front opening with the stem extending through the slot. The prongs and groove collectively assist in maintaining the stemware upright. Another embodiment employs a similar cap that is fixable directly to a surface without insertion into a cup holder recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Michael A. Nargi
  • Patent number: 8113477
    Abstract: A holder for a beverage container has a container receptacle for insertion of the beverage container, a holding jaw which is mounted so as to be movable a short distance into the container receptacle, and a spring element which urges the holding jaw into the container receptacle. The holder has a simple construction and is economical to produce, since the spring element, together with the holding jaw, is in the form of a mountable unit and the spring element consists of a synthetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Fischer Automotive Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hartwig Kaemmer
  • Patent number: 8100307
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for detachably coupling an oxygen bottle to an ambulance cot such that they are transportable together as a unit. The device fits between a pair of support legs of the cot, and is adjustable to accommodate oxygen bottles of various sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ferno-Washington, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Chinn, Earl Choy
  • Patent number: 8028876
    Abstract: A lockable glovebox cover unit is configured for mating engagement with a frame mounted on a motorcycle. The unit includes a rigid cover element presenting a front and back. Portions of the back extend outward. A locking apparatus is received through the cover and includes a rotatable latch on the back of the cover element. When the latch is placed in the locked position access to the interior of the glovebox is not possible. A keyhole is formed on the front of the cover element for access to the interior of the glovebox. Additionally, the cover unit may also be removed from the frame when unlocked. The cover element is preferably made of a synthetic resin. In particularly preferred embodiments the cover unit includes a metal flange affixed to lower portions on the back of the cover. The flange is adapted for mating, gripping engagement to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: James Carpenter
  • Patent number: 7954773
    Abstract: A positionable platform for use with a beverage holder, the positionable platform including a monolithic body sized similarly to a standard twelve (12) ounce beverage container, the body having an upper platform portion positioned adjacent to a first end of a wall portion thereof, with a plurality of slotted retention apertures distributed about the body and substantially aligned therewith. A resiliently pliable member resides in each of the slotted retention apertures, each of the resiliently pliable members being having a fin portion positioned partially within a slot portion and extended from the outer surface of the wall portion outwardly of the body and extending along the wall portion between the first and second ends thereof, and a spine portion positioned substantially within a recessed keyhole portion. A mounting platform is positioned adjacent to one of the first and second ends of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 7909299
    Abstract: A holder for a beverage container, for example a beverage can has a first support in the form of a ring and a second support projecting into the ring, which supports are, for the purpose of raising and lowering, pivotally mounted on a common axis and connected in terms of drive so that, when the second support is pivoted, the first support is moved along with it. A locking element for the first support is unlocked as a result of pivoting the second support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Fischer Automotive Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Falk Schaal
  • Patent number: 7896303
    Abstract: A container holder includes a holder body, a supporting member, an actuator, and a switch. The supporting member is disposed movably to the holder body. The holder body demarcates an accommodation space for accommodating or holding a container therein partially. The actuator includes a first actuating unit, being made of a ferromagnet, and a second actuating unit, being made of an electromagnet. Moreover, one of the actuator's first actuating unit and second actuating unit is fixed to the holder body, and the other one of the actuator's first actuating unit and second actuating unit is fixed to the supporting member. The switch turns on and off the actuator's second actuating unit to have the electromagnet produce and lose an electromagnetic force. The resulting electromagnetic force moves the supporting member to come in and/or come out of the holder body's accommodation space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Aya Yamamoto, Yasuhiro Sakakibara
  • Patent number: 7891623
    Abstract: A stowable cup holder tray assembly is provided for a vehicle having an interior floor structure. The cup holder assembly includes a stowage compartment having a bottom portion with a plurality of opposing sidewalls extending therefrom and defining a stowage volume. The stowage compartment is mounted substantially adjacent to the interior floor structure. A cover member is hinged to one of said plurality of opposing sidewalls and operates to substantially close said stowage volume. A cup holder tray member is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The stowage volume is sufficiently configured to receive said cup holder tray member when in said stowed position. A vehicle incorporating the disclosed cup holder tray assembly is also provided. The cup holder tray assembly is configured to be sufficiently close to the floor when in the stowed position to provide limited barriers within the interior of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michel E. Haddad, Steven E. Morris
  • Patent number: 7874535
    Abstract: A cup holder includes a box-shaped body having a holder opening at the top, a supporting arm, an urging element urging the supporting arm to come inward into the holder opening of the box-shaped body, an engaging element engages temporarily the supporting arm at a retreated position, an enabling/disabling element enabling the urging action of the urging element and disabling the engagement action of the engaging element by a pressing force resulting from a container, a fixing element, and a releasing element. The fixing element includes a mechanical mechanism, which fixes the supporting arm to bring it into contact with the container. The releasing element includes a mechanical mechanism, which releases the supporting arm from the fixing action of the fixing element upon taking out the container, and enables the supporting arm to come outward out of the holder opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuo Ogura
  • Patent number: 7789265
    Abstract: A cup holder with a securing mechanism for use in a vehicular cup holder for receiving and securing different sized cups. The cup holder includes a cylindrical opening defined by a cylindrical wall and bottom wall, tab openings formed in the cylindrical wall, tabs projecting through the openings, and a biasing device for biasing the tabs. The tabs are attached to the cup holder so as to be movable in a horizontal direction and to be rotatable in a vertical direction about a central pivot point. The tabs are biased so as to project fully into the cylindrical opening and to be in a non-pivoted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Christian Kearney, Tadashi Yoda
  • Patent number: 7780212
    Abstract: A dashboard of a vehicle includes an accommodation unit provided at a longitudinal end of the dashboard and positioned adjacent to a door and a side mirror located outside the door adjacent to the accommodation unit, the accommodation unit configured to receive an article, and the accommodation unit including a lid, wherein the lid is configured to stand up adjacent to the side mirror when in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Hirata, Kazuhiko Noguchi
  • Patent number: 7757888
    Abstract: A cup holder includes a base, a cylindrical member, an urging device, a locking device, an unlocking device, a lid member, a reversing device, a non-service position, and a service position. At the non-service position, the cylindrical member descends fully, the lid member closes the cylindrical member's top opposite opening, and the lid member's top decorative surface is exposed. At the service position, the cylindrical member, which the urging device urges upward, ascends fully, and the reversing device reverses the lid member so that the lid member's bottom supporter surface is exposed, thereby supporting a bottom of container, which is inserted into the cylindrical member, with the lid member's bottom supporter surface. The cup holder can not only hold a container with a taller height securely but also prevent the lid member's top decorative surface from being damaged by the inserted container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuo Ogura
  • Patent number: 7748678
    Abstract: A beverage container is provided for mounting to vehicles such as power boats, sailboats and recreational vehicles. The beverage container holder is adapted for mounting to support platforms on the vehicle which may be any suitable vehicle structure such as the armrest of a chair. The beverage container holder comprises a mounting ring which is first rigidly affixed to the support platform, and further comprises a cylindrical can having an upper circumferential rim which fits over the mounting ring and includes detents that positively lock the rim onto the mounting ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: ITC, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Camarota, Richard Hartmann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7748679
    Abstract: A container securing device includes a housing portion, with a cylindrical shape, the top of which is open, and which is intended to house a beverage container. A flap is positioned within a hole that is formed within a surrounding wall of the housing portion, and is installed so as to be capable of moving either out of the housing portion, or into the housing portion, in response to the container being inserted into, or extracted from, the housing portion. An impelling (biasing) component forces the flap toward the interior direction of the housing unit. The flap is capable of moving to a location that secures the container when the container is fully housed within the housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventor: Masami Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 7712718
    Abstract: A holder for supporting a beverage container against an automobile air conditioner/heater grill includes a housing having a base for holding a beverage container bottom, and open top surrounding the beverage container sides, an open back and upstanding sidewalls inner connecting the base and the open top. Sidewalls include an open front for enabling passage of air therethrough and circulation of air around the container sides. A pair of spaced apart ribs extending vertically between the base and the top across the open back and a slidable element disposed between the ribs enable vertical positioning of the housing in front of the grill. Arms, separate from the housing, are provided for engaging the grill and including an interconnecting portion for removably engaging a slidable/deflecting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Werner Schimmeyer
  • Patent number: 7708247
    Abstract: A removable cup adaptor is for holding a beverage container for use in a cup holder that eliminates rattling of the beverage container when both the cup adaptor and beverage container are seated in a cup holder. The removable cup adaptor has a plurality of ribs extending radially outward from the outer surface. The removable cup adaptor eliminates rattle of the beverage containers by having the ribs maintaining contact with an inner surface of the vehicle console cup holder. The ribs are made of a flexible material such as rubber, such that the removable cup adaptor may be fittingly seated into cup holders of different diameters, but rigid enough such that the ribs provide stability while the removable adaptor is seated therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Charan Singh Lota
  • Patent number: 7694928
    Abstract: A cup holder includes: a support housing; an elevator housing, movable within the support housing; a cup bearing tray, movable within the elevator housing; and an elevator unit that moves the elevator housing and the cup bearing tray in opposite directions. The elevator unit includes: a main gear that is linked with the cup bearing tray and is pivotably installed on the support housing, a rack gear that is linked with the elevator housing, and a driven gear that is engaged between the main gear and the rack gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Kwang Gi Lee, Hyung Sang Park
  • Patent number: 7681852
    Abstract: A system of multifunctional food and beverage holders for use in motor vehicles and other locations. The components of this system facilitate safe, convenient and flexible handling of food and beverages in automobiles and other vehicles utilizing tray/plates for holding food that can attach to a handle, rest on a flat surface or be secured in the vehicle by attachment to a cup holder adaptor that can be temporarily locked in a vehicle cup holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Charles Magee
  • Patent number: 7631784
    Abstract: The present invention provides an athletic hydration system for cyclists which includes up to four containers having inverted fluid-filled bottles contained therein, in which the containers are placed either within the frame of a bicycle or at the rear of the bicycle behind the bicycle seat. A system of valves determines whether a cyclist drinks from one, two, three or all four fluid-filled bottles simultaneously. The athletic hydration system is hygienic, versatile and flexible, and provides adequate hydration over extended periods of time in which quick removal and installation of hydration products are possible by the cyclist while maintaining the speed, cadence and aerodynamic posture of the cyclist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Todd Jonathan Hollis
  • Patent number: 7611114
    Abstract: A holder for a digital audio player such as an Apple iPODâ„¢ is designed to fit in a standard sized cup holder. The holder is configured to support the digital audio player at an easy to read angle and provides a slot for a cable such as a power cable to extend from the holder. The holder is constructed from relatively soft compressible foam that conforms to different sized cup holders and protects the digital audio player from damage. A plurality of support portions allows the holder to support various size digital audio players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Griffin Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Griffin
  • Patent number: 7611115
    Abstract: A cup holder assembly is provided, including a bin having at least one vertical wall with a floor extending from one end thereof. A bale having a flat surface opposing a contoured surface is attached to the bin to pivot between a first position, in which the flat surface is parallel to and distal from the bin floor, and a second position, in which the contoured surface is perpendicular to the floor. A cup retention feature is spaced from the bale and attached to the bin to pivot between a use position, for securely retaining a container, and a stowed position, in which the cup retention feature is positioned between the bale and bin wall. A linkage is connected to the bale and cup retention feature to selectively simultaneously move the bale between the first and second positions and the cup retention feature between the use and stowed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard R. Kniazyszcze, Kurt L. Broman, Jim Y. Chyou, Robert A. Zayler
  • Patent number: 7597300
    Abstract: A container holding unit includes an abutting portion and an urging device for urging the abutting portion to a circumference of a container to constrain the container. The container holding unit further includes a case having a first guide grove and a second guide grove extending downwardly. The abutting portion includes a first shaft inserted in the first guide grove and a second shaft inserted in the second guide grove, so that the abutting portion slides relative to the case. The abutting portion is rotatable in a direction that a projecting amount of the abutting portion from the case decreases when an upward force is applied from below. The urging device urges the abutting portion in a direction that the abutting portion projects from the case, and in a direction that the abutting portion returns to an initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Akinori Harada
  • Patent number: 7568601
    Abstract: A cup holder unit includes a housing case; a rest tray that switches between a pulled out position where it is moved forward from the case and a stored position where it is pushed in the case; and a holder member switchable from a non-usable position where it is superposed above the tray and stored in the case to a usable position where it is raised by a forward movement of the tray. The cup holder unit has shafts projecting from the holder member to be spaced apart from each other; clearance slots disposed in upright walls of the tray; and guide grooves disposed in the case and slanted upwardly toward front to slidably receive the shafts therein via the clearance slots. Each clearance slot includes a vertical slot and an arc-shaped slot turning toward a rear side from an upper section of the vertical slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignees: NIFCO Inc., Honda Motor Co., Ltd., TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuru Kogami, Masakazu Hanano, Eiji Toba
  • Patent number: 7566040
    Abstract: A center console includes a bin and a cup holder. The bin has a bottom wall extending between a plurality of generally upright side walls. The cup holder is removably seated in the bin. The cup holder has a top face adapted to support a beverage container. The cup holder has a side face extending generally orthogonally between the top face and a bottom edge. The side face has an upper edge vertically spaced apart from a bottom end of the side face to receive a hand therethrough when the cup holder is partially lifted from the bin to facilitate removal of the cup holder from the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Charan Singh Lota
  • Patent number: 7562854
    Abstract: A holder for a beverage container, for installation in a motor vehicle has a receiver open to a top for insertion of a beverage container, guide unit, a support which is guided by the guide unit so as to be movable back and forth between a lowered position and a raised position, the support in the raised position providing a beverage container inserted into the receiver with a lateral support above the receiver, an unlockable locking device which holds the support in the lowered position, and a locking device which holds the support in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: fischer automotive systems GmbH
    Inventors: Torsten Bieck, Viktor Kulajew
  • Patent number: 7533860
    Abstract: A beverage cup holder. The beverage cup holder has a housing with a top and bottom, and includes first and second opposing arms for gripping the sidewalls of a cup or beverage container. The first and second opposing arms each comprise a plurality of telescoping chain-links. A retractable bottom support arm extends from the bottom of the housing for supporting the base of a beverage container. A retractable cup holder support arm extends from the top of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Eddie Somuah
  • Patent number: 7520482
    Abstract: A cup holder for vehicles provided by the present invention enables stable positioning of a beverage container within a vehicle regardless of the container's shape or size and allows the beverage container to be readily inserted or removed as one desires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Je Hoon Shin
  • Patent number: 7510158
    Abstract: A vehicular beverage container holder comprises a receptacle with an elongated compartment and an adjuster assembly mounted to the receptacle to define separate beverage container compartments within the compartment for receiving individual beverage containers. The adjuster assembly comprises a body and a pair of adjusters slidably mounted to and extending from opposite sides of the body. Rotation of a knob and gear assembly of the adjuster assembly effects movement of the adjusters relative to the body to adjust the sizes of openings for the beverage container compartments for accommodating a range of beverage container sizes. Additionally, the knob and gear assembly includes a slip clutch mechanism that enables movement of one of the adjusters while movement of the other of the adjusters is retarded by a beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Summit Polymers, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren Terry, Antonio Crespo, Jr., Bharat Vennapusa, Thomas F. Morse, Nicholas A. Bee
  • Patent number: 7487896
    Abstract: A protective sleeve for a portable computer, or other fragile article, is described. The protective sleeve is specifically designed to be used in conjunction with, and inside of, a larger piece of luggage, such as a suitcase or backpack. The protective sleeve is comprised of a semi-rigid material, such as closed-cell polyethylene foam. The semi-rigid material is preferably covered by abrasion-resistant fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: InfoCase, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Howard, Jr., Aaron I. Kaffen
  • Patent number: 7487945
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a cup holder in which a body includes a base and a cylindrical sidewall having an opening through which a protrusion is pivotably mounted for movement between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position. A continuous elastic member biases the protrusion to the fully extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Visteon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Q. Liu, Mark M. Sheldon
  • Patent number: 7475884
    Abstract: A cupholder, which is mountable to a wall of a basket of a shopping cart, comprises a continuous wire having two lowermost portions, between and to which the outer mounting plate is mounted, two intermediate portions, which define a cup-supporting level and on which a cup-supporting plate is seated, and an uppermost portion, which is shaped to embrace a cup being held by the cupholder. The continuous wire has two lower connecting portions, each of which connects one of the lowermost portions to one of the intermediate portions, and two upper connecting portions, each of which connects one of the intermediate portions to the uppermost portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Unarco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark T. Ryan
  • Patent number: 7469870
    Abstract: A holding device for liquid containers has at least one molding for receiving the liquid container, and a removable part that is releaseably connected to the holding device. The removable part comprises at least one tool (for example a bottle opener) or a slot which is suitable for receiving a card. The liquid container is held by moldings and sections. Fastening means are used to fix the holding device in the central console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Marko Brandin, Thorsten Schmolla, Reinhard Schweins
  • Patent number: 7455341
    Abstract: An automotive container holding apparatus having a holding portion (51) which holds a bottom (Ca) of a drink container (C), and erect wall portions (61, 62, 64) which are provided at sides of the holding portion (51) in such a manner as to face sides Cb(Cb) of the container (C), wherein the holding portion (51) and the erect wall portions (61, 62, 64) are provided so as to move vertically in such a manner that the erect wall portions (61, 62, 64) move upwards in such a manner as to link with a downward movement of the holding portion (51).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuki Miyashita
  • Patent number: 7422184
    Abstract: A positionable platform for use with a conventional beverage holder, the universally positionable platform including a first cup-shaped portion sized to fit within a conventional beverage holder; and a second substantially rigid cup-shaped portion coupled to the first flexible cup-shaped portion and being structured with a mechanical mounting platform. According to different embodiments of the positionable platform, the first cup-shaped portion is formed of a flexible material and structured with one or more resiliently pliable members structured to interfere with an internal wall surface of the beverage holder. According to other embodiments of the positionable platform, the first and second cup-shaped portions are securely fit over opposing first and second ends of the conventional beverage container. According to yet other embodiments of the positionable platform, the first and second cup-shaped portions are combined in a single unit sized similarly to a standard twelve (12) ounce beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 7416161
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a cup holder for a vehicle includes a main body defining an insertion hole that can receive a beverage container, a supporting portion supporting the beverage container and mounted in an inner hole of the main body such that the supporting potion can rotate and move back and forth by a hinge pin guided along a guide groove formed in a lateral side of the inner hole, and a pair of compression springs supporting the supporting portion such that the supporting portion can elastically protrude to the insertion hole. As the hinge pin moves according to the shape and size of the beverage container, the beverage container can be strongly supported such that the beverage can not be spilt from the beverage container regardless of a shape and size thereof when the beverage container is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Dongkook Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Je Hoon Shin
  • Patent number: 7413244
    Abstract: A container holder typically including a concave portion which is formed on an outside of a utility vehicle and which is configured to be positioned forward of a driver's seat. A container may be put into or taken out of the container holder. The container holder has a pad configured to inhibit a container accommodated therein from disengaging from the container holder. When a small item is accommodated in the container holder, the pad serves as a lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shunji Tanaka, Seiichi Ino, Naoki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 7360747
    Abstract: A holder for a food or beverage container includes a housing having an opening, a holding arm having a retracted position, and a multipartite mask arrangement associated with the housing opening. The multipartite mask arrangement includes a plurality of masks mounted for movement on the housing, and the masks are movable independently of one another from an open position uncovering the housing opening to a closed position closing the housing opening. The holding arm includes a receiver for the container and is received in the housing in the retracted position. The mask arrangement closes the housing opening when the holding arm is at the retracted position, and at least partially uncovers the housing opening for a deployment of the holding arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Friedrich Stephan, Martin Frank, Andreas Schneider
  • Patent number: 7354086
    Abstract: A cup holder structure for vehicles includes a housing at a console and having a receiving space defined therein, a holder part disposed in the receiving space of the housing such that the holder part can be vertically moved, the holder part having entrances positioned at a top part thereof to hold beverage containers, a vertical elastic member disposed between a bottom of the housing and the holder part to provide an elastic force to the holder part, and a locking member to restrict upward movement of the holder part, which is effected by the vertical elastic member. When the holder part is moved upward, the beverage containers are held by the holder part. When the holder part is moved downward, articles are received in the receiving space of the housing. Consequently, space utilization is maximized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: In-Heum Park
  • Patent number: 7350757
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a push type cup holder. The push type cup holder includes a stand unit provided at a lower side thereof with a rack gear, a base including a spur gear coupled thereto by use of a shaft to be gearedly engaged with the rack gear and a pinion gear disposed thereon to be connected to the shaft of the spur gear, a guide plate located above the base and including a driven rack gear provided at a lower side thereof to be gearedly engaged with the pinion gear and a plurality of supporting posts adapted to guide lifting and lowering of the stand unit, and a housing configured to receive the guide plate therein and formed at an inner peripheral surface thereof with guiding pats for allowing the supporting posts to be inserted and restricted therein in a movable manner, respectively. The stand unit can be lowered toward the guide plate, whereas the guide plate can be raised, so as to allow a cup to be stably seated on the guide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung Woo Baek
  • Patent number: 7344056
    Abstract: The present invention provides a collapsible container holder assembly for a vehicle having a floor tray. The container holder assembly comprises a carrier portion adapted to be selectably fastened to the floor tray of the vehicle and includes at least one recessed opening formed therein for receiving a beverage container. At least one container receptor portion is adapted to be telescopically engaged and retained within the at least one opening formed in the carrier portion wherein the at least one container receptor portion is adjustable between an extended and collapsed position relative to the carrier portion as desired by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: William Shelmon, Paul St. Angelo, Hidenori Uno
  • Patent number: 7341297
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automotive storage apparatus which can store various types of articles so as to improve the convenience for use. An automotive storage apparatus has a storage apparatus main body in which an opening which opens upward can be covered and uncovered by a slidable lid unit and a box unit which can detachably be installed in the storage apparatus main body and which covers part of the opening when installed, and in such a state that the box unit is installed in the storage apparatus main body, the lid unit is in abutment with the box unit at an end portion thereof, so as to cover the remaining portion of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Nakamura, Sumio Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 7328876
    Abstract: A cup holder, including a cover being formed of an elasticized piece of material and having an upper opening providing access to an interior pocket, the upper opening and interior pocket being defined by an interior side and bottom of the cover, and the cover having an exterior side, the upper opening having a non-stretched position and a stretched position, the upper opening having a diameter in the non-stretched position less than ninety percent of the size of a diameter of a beverage container and the upper opening having a diameter in the stretched position sufficient to secure about the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Timothy Jones
  • Patent number: 7322500
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle center console has a wall formed with a recess. A hand tool, for instance an ice scraper, screw driver, bottle opener, or flashlight, is adapted to fit with the recess and is formed with a throughgoing hole. Latches releasably secure the tool in the recess so that for use the hand tool can be grasped through the hole and freed from the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Seeber AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Maierholzner
  • Publication number: 20070278273
    Abstract: The present invention provides an athletic hydration system for cyclists which includes up to four containers having inverted fluid-filled bottles contained therein, in which the containers are placed either within the frame of a bicycle or at the rear of the bicycle behind the bicycle seat. A system of valves determines whether a cyclist drinks from one, two, three or all four fluid-filled bottles simultaneously. The athletic hydration system is hygienic, versatile and flexible, and provides adequate hydration over extended periods of time in which quick removal and installation of hydration products are possible by the cyclist while maintaining the speed, cadence and aerodynamic posture of the cyclist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Todd Jonathan Hollis
  • Patent number: 7300031
    Abstract: A collapsible beverage container supporting apparatus is disclosed that includes a mounting framework having a first mount spaced from one end of the framework and a second mount located adjacent to the other end. A container stabilizer is pivotably secured at the first mount and is movable between a substantially perpendicular configuration relative to the framework and a stored configuration with the end thereof located adjacent to the one end of the framework. A container bottom support is pivotably located at the second mount and is movable from a stored deployment adjacent to the framework to a substantially perpendicular deployment. Corner mount openings in the tray and/or a rear wall of the framework are provided for receipt of selected sheet material (such as advertising).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventors: Patrick M. Bertsch, Brent W. Murray