Vehicle Attached Carrier For Beverage Container Or Bottle Patents (Class 224/926)
  • Publication number: 20020148868
    Abstract: A holder for a beverage container device includes a top ring having a cavity through which a container can be inserted and a downwardly extending vessel adapted to the top ring in order to encircle the container. In addition, a pair of straps extends upwardly from the top ring to encircle the environmental object enabling the vessel, attached to the top ring, to swing back and forth under the influence of gravity when the environmental object shifts to a downward angle, thereby keeping the vessel in an upright position. The support straps also are adjustable in length to allow for the several different types of environmental objects known today.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Diane Marie Dion-Bildstein, Dean Edward
  • Patent number: 6464281
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle dashboard of modular construction has an upper part module which extends below a windscreen essentially over the entire width of the vehicle interior, a driver's side module which is arranged below the upper part module on the driver's side, a front-passenger's side module which is arranged below the upper part module on the front-passenger's side, and a central console module which is arranged below the upper part module between the driver's side module and front-passenger's side module. In order to improve the capability of this dashboard to be customized, it is proposed to arrange a variable module below the upper part module between the central console module and front-passenger's side module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Tilo Volkmann, Ralf Zipperle
  • Patent number: 6464187
    Abstract: A holding device for a drink container has a sliding guide element, a carriage displaceably guided by the sliding guide element, a holding element arranged on the carriage and having an insertion opening for insertion of a drinks container, the holding element and the carriage being connected with one another by a four-lever mechanism, with the four-lever mechanism, the control lever being pressed down upon displacement of the carriage from the pulled-out position to the inserted position, thus moving the holding element from the raised position to the lowered position, at least one of two elements selected from the group consisting of the four-lever mechanism and the control lever forming a safety catch that prevents the holding element in the raised position from being pressed downwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Fischerwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Thorsten Bieck, Falk Schaal, Hans-Peter Stoll, Jochen Bollaender, Gunter Breyer
  • Publication number: 20020134807
    Abstract: A container holder/tray combination includes a housing for mounting to a vehicle. The housing defines a recess for receiving therein at least one container holder, a cover pivotally mounted to the housing for covering the container holder and housing when in a closed position, and movable to an open position. The cover has a surface defining a tray, and the container holder is movably mounted with respect to the housing and tray between a first position coplanar with the tray for positioning a container therein and a second position within the housing. In a preferred embodiment, multiple independently movable adjacent container holders are provided to allow selectable use of the tray area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Kwang-Ha Kim, Raymond A. Iavasile, Michael D. Luyckx, Jeffrey L. Barber
  • Patent number: 6450468
    Abstract: A sliding drawer device is formed of a first component, and a second component slid ably held inside the first component. The first component includes left and right side walls to be spaced apart and face each other, left and right guide grooves formed in inner sides of the left and right side walls, and left and right slide grooves formed in the side walls to communicate with the respective left and right guide grooves. The left and right slide grooves extend in the back and forth directions. The second component includes left and right outer side portions placed between the left and right side walls to face the same, and a pair of left and right protrusions projecting outward from the respective outer side portions. The left and right protrusions can be inserted into the respective left and right slide grooves through the guide grooves to be slidable along the slide grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Hamamoto
  • Patent number: 6439525
    Abstract: The container holding assembly includes a base defining a planar surface. The container holding assembly also includes a lid which is pivotally secured to the base at a pivot point offset from the base. A stabilizing arm is connected to the lid. The stabilizing arm is movable between a retracted position when the lid is in a closed position and a stabilizing position when the lid is in an open position. The stabilizing arm includes two back ends which move through slots defined by protrusions extending out from the interior surface of the lid. The container holding assembly also includes a linkage which extends between the stabilizing arm and the pivot point. The linkage orients the stabilizing arm when the back ends of the stabilizing arm transit the slots secured to the lid. A bale arm is pivotally secured to the linkage. The bale arm includes an extension and a container receiving arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products Co.
    Inventors: Thomas F. J. Gehring, Dejan Havidic, Michael J. Avila
  • Patent number: 6427961
    Abstract: A holder for a beverage container in a motor vehicle, has a beverage container receiver for insertion of a beverage container, a guide device for guiding the beverage container receiver a pivot point for pivoting back and forth between a non-use position and a use position, whereby a beverage container is insertable into the beverage container receiver in the use position, a movable support provided for moving the beverage container receiver and forming a blocking mechanism for the guide device of the beverage container receiver, which blocks lowering of the beverage container receiver in the use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Fischerwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Juergen Dieringer, Roland Dettling, Bernd Plocher, Tilo Volkmann, Michael Kelz
  • Patent number: 6427890
    Abstract: Bicycle-used flow deflecting article cabinet mounted on a rear side of a saddle of the bicycle. The article cabinet includes a main body having a curved shape and substantially triangular lateral faces. A front end of the main body is formed with a receptacle in which personal effects of the rider can be conveniently placed. A cover board is disposed on the surface of the main body for openably covering the receptacle. Two lateral sides of the main body are respectively formed with opposite concave indentations and a C-shaped clip is inlaid in an inner wall of each of the indentations for clamping and locating a liquid container. When riding the bicycle, the curved article cabinet provides a flow deflecting effect to balance the center of gravity of the bicycle body and increase the riding speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Horizon Garrison Peter Meng
  • Patent number: 6427960
    Abstract: The container holding assembly includes a base defining a planar surface. The container holding assembly also includes a lid which is pivotally secured to the base at a pivot point offset from the base. A stabilizing arm is connected to the lid. The stabilizing arm is movable between a retracted position when the lid is in a closed position and a stabilizing position when the lid is in an open position. The stabilizing arm includes two back ends which move through slots defined by protrusions extending out from the interior surface of the lid. The container holding assembly also includes a linkage which extends between the stabilizing arm and the pivot point. The linkage orients the stabilizing arm when the back ends of the stabilizing arm transit the slots secured to the lid. A bale arm is pivotally secured to the linkage. The bill arm includes an extension and a container receiving arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products Co.
    Inventors: Thomas F. J. Gehring, Dejan Havidic
  • Patent number: 6422300
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the temperature of a beverage includes a cupholder portion. The cupholder portion defines a cylindrical opening for receiving a beverage container. The apparatus additionally includes a cooling arrangement for delivering a source of cooled air to the generally cylindrical opening. The apparatus further includes a heating arrangement for delivering a source of heat to the generally cylindrical opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: James P. Wylin
  • Patent number: 6409136
    Abstract: A holder for a beverage container has two holding elements which are turnable around two turning axes spaced from one another from a substantially lying position to a substantially standing position and vice versa so that the holding elements in the substantially standing position have a distance therebetween which allows insertion of a beverage container between the holding elements, and a coupling transmission which provides an opposite turning movement of the holding elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignees: Fischerwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG, Land Rover Group Limited
    Inventors: Martin Weiss, I. Mehmet Ozozturk
  • Patent number: 6409061
    Abstract: A holding device for a beverage container, installable in a motor vehicle, has a carriage displaceably guided from an inserted position into a pulled-out position in a manner of a drawer, a sliding guide element which displaceably guides the carriage between the positions, a holder having an insertion opening for an insertion of a beverage container, the holder being pivotably mounted on the carriage, a pivotal joint through which the holder is pivotally mounted on the carriage, the holder being so mounted on the carriage as to be pivotable through approximately 90° to a side so that in the pivoted-out position the holder is located substantially at the side next to the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Fischerwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinz Fischer, Ulrich Nienhaus, Michaela Aigner
  • Patent number: 6394325
    Abstract: This invention resides in a portable cooler that is removably attached to a golf, pull cart for easily and efficiently transporting ice, food, beverages and other items over a golf course by individuals playing golf. The portable cooler has a top wall that is slightly tapered downwardly from the front to the back, a right wall and a left wall that are spaced apart and mutually converge from the front wall to the back wall. A bottom wall is horizontal and is tapered inwardly from the front to the back of said wall. The back wall is tapered inwardly from the bottom wall to the top wall and a front wall is tapered outwardly from the bottom wall upwardly toward the top wall. An access flap is positioned over an opening in the top section of the front wall and is positionable to cover or uncover said opening. The walls of the cooler when joined together form an interior cavity for the storage of various items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Michael S. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20020050501
    Abstract: A cup holding device for a vehicle includes a base member having an opening; a lid member supported at a lower end side of the base member and rotatably shifted between a closed position where the lid member covers the base member and an open position in a using state where the lid member is tilted relative to the base member; and a holding member for holding a periphery of a cup and assembled between the base member and the lid member to be shifted between a vertical housed state at the closed position of the lid member and a horizontal using state at the open position of the lid member. The base member and the lid member have receiving portions for jointly receiving a bottom of a cup to be disposed at the same level at the open position of the lid member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Applicant: NIFCO INC.
    Inventor: Naohiro Shimajiri
  • Patent number: 6361008
    Abstract: A cupholder has a cup well to receive a container. The cup well includes a base and a wall. The wall is positioned to intersect the base. A biasing member is coupled with the wall. The biasing member is adapted to contact a container within the cup well. A positionable arm is adjustable to contact and retain different sized containers in the cup well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Noel P. Gravenstreter
  • Publication number: 20020008127
    Abstract: A container holder for receiving and securing a container is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the container holder comprises a base surface, at least one moldline structure unit, and a sensor. The sensor detects the presence of the container in the holder and induces deformation in the moldline structure unit such that the container is secured in the holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Andrew Zachary Glovatsky, Robert Edward Belke, Jay DeAvis Baker, Joseph Mario Giachino, Lakhi Nandlal Goenka, Myron Lemecha
  • Patent number: 6315153
    Abstract: An adapter for adapting a conventional cup holder to hold a wide arrange of containers. Furthermore, the adapter provides for a removable insert which can be used to further adapt the adapter to accommodate various container sizes and, in addition, optionally to provide insulation to the container to maintain the temperature of the drink in the container generally constant. The adapter includes an adapter body having a transverse passage for receiving a container which has a larger width than the cavity width of the cup holder. The body includes an upper body portion and a lower body portion, with the lower body portion having a smaller width than the upper body portion and for inserting into the cylindrical cavity of the cup holder. The body further includes a transition portion between the upper portion and the lower body portion which defines a rest for the container thereby adapting the cylindrical cavity of the cup holder to hold the container. The insert includes an upper portion and a lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Donald E. Osborn
  • Publication number: 20010030217
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a vehicle cup holder arm, and a vehicle cup holder assembly produced thereby. The method includes injection molding a first material to form a base including an attachment feature adapted for engagement within an aperture adjacent a cup holder opening in a vehicle. A second material is injection molded to form an arm cup around the base and includes an arm. The second material does not chemically bond to the first material so that the arm cup and arm are rotatable with respect to the base for adjustably securing a cup in the cup holder opening. A third material is injection molded onto the arm to form a soft rubber grip for engaging a cup. The cup holder arm may be movable vertically for adjustment with respect to differently-sized cups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Dean Corrion, Joseph J. Davis, Jack S. Palazzolo, Michael J. Hier, Timothy R. Hubbert
  • Patent number: 6264154
    Abstract: A container holder for a motor vehicle is disclosed in which a generally concave recess (14, 114, 214) is provided with two convex portions (16, 116, 216) that in combination with an elastically deformable member (15, 115, 215) provide a three point support system for a cup or can (126, 127). The arrangement providing a support system for supporting containers of differing dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Rover Group Limited
    Inventors: Ian Hiscox, Ismet Mehmet Ozozturk
  • Patent number: 6264153
    Abstract: An improved spill resistant beverage container holder for use on equipment such as bicycles and lawn mowers to provide easy access to the beverage. Being of the type having a body (99) for holding a beverage container, and a support arm (90) with an integral spring (96) and attachment clip (92). Clip (92) provides pivotal and removable attachment to a generally cylindrical bar and the entire holder is shaped so that it can be injection molded as a single piece in a single-action mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventors: Gary Dean Ragner, Bruce Olian
  • Patent number: 6253975
    Abstract: A cup holder for a vehicle includes a housing 1 fixed on the vehicle's side, a slide member 11 movably supported in the housing back and forth, and a holder body 21 provided with two holding hole 22 for holding cups and movably supported by the slide member 11 left and right. The holder body 21 has its rear part whose one side portion is cut away slantingly so that a width of the rear part is smaller than that of a front part of the holder body 21. The cup holder further includes a tensile coil spring 31 between the slide member 11 and the holder body 21, for urging the holder body 21 to one lateral direction of the slide member 11 by the spring 31. Owing to the provision of the spring 31, the handling of the holder body 21 can be completed under a little resistance, improving the manipulating feeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Piolax, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Ichioka, Satoshi Yamada, Kiichiro Ito
  • Patent number: 6250527
    Abstract: A cup holder has a case fixed to a conveyance, a tray for supporting the bottom of a container, and a pair of left and right holders. The case has an aperture open toward a passenger compartment. The tray is movably supported by the case, and can be pulled out from a storage position in the tray to a usage position, via the aperture. Each holder has an arm with a ring for supporting the side of the container. The arms are linked to the tray so as to be able to rotate horizontally. Each ring has an overlapping part that vertically overlaps with the other ring when the arms approach each other, and a non-overlapping part that does not overlap when the arms approach each other. The vertical-direction width of the overlapping parts is smaller than the width of the non-overlappng parts, thereby reducing the vertical-direction width of the case, making the holder suitable for installation in a conveyance having only limited usable space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Mizue, Masaya Watanabe, Kazuomi Sakata
  • Patent number: 6234438
    Abstract: The holding device for a drinks container is designed to be installed in the center console of an automobile. It has first drinks container holder (36), which is slidable upward in a laterally oriented initial position from a withdrawn position and subsequently pivotable into a horizontally oriented upright position of use. A first pivot locking device (60,62,64,66) is provided for keeping the first drinks container holder (36) in the substantially laterally oriented initial position against the force of a pivoting spring element until it reaches an upper end position. When it reaches the upper end position, an unlocking device (68,70) is engaged which automatically unlocks the first locking device so that the first drinks container holder (36) can pivot into the horizontally oriented upright position of use. A second locking device is provided for retaining the first drinks container holder (36) in the horizontally oriented upright position of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: fischerwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Plocher, Friedrich Notz, Ulrich Nienhaus, Steffen Breunig, Armin Kassel
  • Patent number: 6230948
    Abstract: A vehicle cup holder has a housing forming an upwardly open cup-shaped seat centered on an upright seat axis and having a side wall and a floor and a plurality of gripping arms spaced around the seat on the side wall and pivotal about respective upright axes between radially inner positions projecting into the seat and radially outer positions generally disengaged from the seat. A drive under the floor is connected to the arms for displacing them synchronously between the inner and outer positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignees: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, Sarnatech Paulmann & Crone GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Steiger, Traci Angela Neist, John Raff, Martin Christ
  • Patent number: 6196434
    Abstract: An apparatus for retaining various food items in a motor vehicle, including a cup holder having a stowable second cup holder therein in which the stowable second cup holder has a removable container therein, the cup holder having a supplemental support device for stabilizing the apparatus when it is extended. The apparatus further having a leveling device for maintaining a level orientation of the cup holder to accommodate various door widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventors: John J. Angran, Lori A. Angran
  • Patent number: 6189851
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding beverage containers and other articles is provided. The apparatus includes two cylindrically shaped receptacles with a channel formed therebetween. The receptacles and channel are formed by a generally planar back wall that is substantially tangent to both receptacles, two arcuate side walls, and a front wall. The channel is off-set away from the lateral centerline of the apparatus to allow for reception of pencils, letters, note pads, and other such objects into the apparatus at the same time as beverage containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: L. John Ozark, Ricardo Z. Aneiros
  • Patent number: 6186382
    Abstract: A cupholder is mountable on the interior of a supermarket cart and can be mounted to the cart with a saddle that fits over the top edge of the cart wall, or mounted to a track that is bolted to the cart wall. The cupholder can be moved to different locations along the length of the wall on which it is mounted and retained in position with suitable fasteners. The cupholder can fit onto end walls, side walls, or onto a child seat in the handle area of the cart, and provides a way of holding not only cups, but also accessories, such as note pads, pens and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Media Technology Source, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter W.A. Bergin, Bruce D. Clark
  • Patent number: 6176405
    Abstract: A food and beverage container holder device 10 that sets upon a tank portion of a motorcycle at a position where the rider can comfortably reach the container, includes a receiving member 12 that removably receives the container, a positioning member 14 that adjusts the receiving member 12 so as to maintain the container in a substantially vertical position, a stabilizing member 16 that “locks-in” the substantially vertical position of the container, and a securing member 18 that provides sufficient securing force to secure the device 10 and the received container therein, and that allows substantially the entire device 10 to be removably secured to the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventor: Michael V. Roach
  • Patent number: 6170787
    Abstract: An expandable cup holder for a golf cart includes a support member forming a substantially planar top surface for the cup holder. The support member is fastened to a vehicle with the support member top surface oriented substantially horizontal. The top surface forms a top aperture large enough to receive a plurality of cup sizes. A plurality of flexible fingers are spaced apart from each other around the perimeter of the aperture. The fingers extend conically downwardly toward each other below the top surface, to form a slotted, frustum-shaped member that flexibly contacts and frictionally retains a plurality of cup sizes therein. Front and side walls on the support member surround and support the frustum-shaped member. The front wall includes apertures for retaining golf tees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Club Car, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul E. Morgan
  • Patent number: 6145715
    Abstract: A washable cylindrical body, closed at the bottom and open at the top receptacle mountable on a bicycle, or tricycle which cylindrical body can be readily removed therefrom and either hand carried or secured upon a trouser's belt or pack strap, for transporting a fluid containing bottle or can. An optional insert securable within the container serves to retain the heat or cold of the fluid over a period of time. An optional zipper cover can also be added. An optional elastomeric star top can overlay the opening of the body and be used alone or in conjunction with a zipper cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Melissa Slonim
  • Patent number: 6129400
    Abstract: A center console member for a vehicle seating assembly is provided. The console member includes a first compartment member, a second compartment member and a lid member. The first compartment member is formed in the shape of a container having an open bottom and a partially open top. The second compartment member is formed in the shape of a container having an open top. The second compartment member is pivotably coupled to the first compartment member and overlies the partially open top when placed in a closed position. The lid member is coupled to the second compartment member and overlies the open top when placed in a closed position. Additional storage cavities may be incorporated into the console member, including cavities in the top portion of the first compartment member or in the front or rear sidewalls of the first compartment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Steven M. Jakubiec, David A. Bargiel, Richard Rogala
  • Patent number: 6105917
    Abstract: A cup holder is arranged for withdrawal from and insertion into an accommodation case. The cup holder includes a frame plate, a cup inserting hole formed through the frame plate, and a cup receiving frame pivotally arranged on the frame plate for rotation, and receiving a cup at a location underneath the cup insertion hole. One of the frame plate and the cup capable of receiving frame is formed of a resin with a higher melting point and the other is formed of a lower melting point resin with a melting point lower than the higher melting point resin. The frame plate and the cup receiving frame are formed by a two-layer molding method wherein the higher melting point resin is cast by injection molding and then a lower melting point resin is cast by injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Yabuya, Akiyoshi Nagano, Junichiro Kako, Akira Azumi, Tetsuya Tani
  • Patent number: 6098860
    Abstract: A cup holding device includes a main beverage container holding member, conformed to hold large heavy drinking cups, two support straps are connected to one side of the main cup holding member, one strap is connected at the top of the main cup holding member and the other strap is connected at the bottom of the main cup holding member, directly below the first strap. A hook member attached to the free end of each strap hold the main cup holding member in an upright position against a motor vehicles dash. These support straps are adjustable in length to allow for the several different makes and models of motor vehicles on the road today.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: David X-ace Phillips
  • Patent number: 6099062
    Abstract: A beverage container receptacle for a cup holder of given diameter provided as an automotive vehicle accessory including a substantially cylinder-shaped lower section having a diameter less than that of the automotive vehicle cup holder accessory, a substantially cubed-shaped upper section having a length greater than the diameter of the cup holder accessory, and a connecting surface joining an upper end of the lower section and a lower end of the upper section, with the connecting surface being of a construction and composition to support the weight of a beverage carton or bottle fitted through the upper section of the receptacle and towards its lower section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Scott Siegel
  • Patent number: 6095471
    Abstract: The invention herein relates to a kind of improved in-vehicle cup holder and the aforesaid in-vehicle cup holder is mainly comprised of a mounting plate, a cover plate, a left clip arm, a right clip arm and clip arm rod, and is innovative in that protruding knobs of a general hemispherical shape are molded onto each of the initial exterior ends of the lock tabs extending from the two lateral walls of the mounting plate body; furthermore, one hole is fabricated into each of the two lateral containment edges of the aforesaid cover plate body in an aligned configuration; such that at the completion of usage, the aforesaid cover plate is closed onto the aforesaid mounting plate and held securely in position by means of the aforesaid two lock tabs which are clasped to the aforesaid cover plate, thereby preventing the occurrence of separation, opening and falling; and, furthermore, will not vibrate or produce unpleasant sounds even in a moving vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Pei-Hsiu Huang
  • Patent number: 6092775
    Abstract: A beverage cup holder can be adjustably positioned alongside a front seat of an automotive vehicle, to hold a beverage container in an accessible position near a person seated on the front seat. The beverage cup holder comprises a cup-gripper mechanism for stabilizing various size cups in the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: David Gallant
  • Patent number: 6085953
    Abstract: A container holder for automotive use includes a mounting member wall having a recessed portion with an outwardly extending shelf. An outer member is pivotally mounted to the mounting member for pivotal movement between closed and open positions. The outer member carries container support means stored adjacent the recessed portion in the closed position and lying generally horizontal to support a container in the open position. The outer member includes a first pair of arcuate guide arms projecting from an upper portion of the outer member through laterally spaced slots formed in the wall adjacent laterally opposite sides of the recessed portion. An inner member includes a transverse guide portion connected at opposite lateral ends with a second pair of arcuate guide arms, extending through the slots and mounted for limited arcuate sliding motion of the inner member relative to the outer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Saturn Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce Brian Bober, Glenn M. Henige, Joseph Ferraiuolo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6082583
    Abstract: A device and method for enabling a user to draw upon a liquid contained within the device includes a container, a holder for fastening the container to a principal apparatus, a conduit for carrying liquid, and a support for rigidly supporting the conduit in a variety of positions adjacent the user's mouth. The method includes providing the device, fastening the device to the principal apparatus in a manner that resists vibration, and positioning an outlet of the conduit adjacent to the user's mouth so as to enable the user to drink with only slightly moving his head or mouth. Therefore, the device and method may be employed to enhance independence of persons with disabilities, among other uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Belmont Housing Corporation
    Inventors: Barry T. Bussell, Elbert K. Mackenzie, deceased, Linda E. Roseman, William R. Conway
  • Patent number: 6076793
    Abstract: A cup holder used in a vehicle includes a storing portion fixed to the vehicle, a slider slidably accommodated in the storing portion, a cup inserting hole provided in the slider, an arm rotatably disposed around a shaft attached to the slider near the cup inserting hole, and a diameter changing device. The diameter changing device includes a tracing portion fixed to the arm to slide along an inner side surface of the storing portion, a spring for urging the tracing portion toward the inner side surface of the storing portion to thereby allow an end of the arm to rotate in a direction of reducing an inner diameter of the cup inserting hole, and a cam surface protruded from the inner side surface of the storing portion. When the slider is drawn out from the storing portion, the end of the arm is rotated by the cam surface in a direction of enlarging the inner diameter of the cup inserting hole. Generation of a noise at the time of pulling out the slider from the storing portion is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Yasuo Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6065656
    Abstract: A beverage container having elongated side walls is provided. The container side walls are preferably generally cylindrical and having an upper end and a lower end. The container also having a base portion that is connected to the side walls at the lower end of the side walls. The container further includes a stabilizing arm that has a first end and a second end. The stabilizing arm is movably connected to the base portion so as to be movable with relation thereto. The stabilizing arm may thus be moved from a position in which the stabilizing arm first end is proximate to the base portion and lies in substantially the same plane as the base portion to a position in which the stabilizing arm first end is extended away from the base portion and lies in substantially the same plane as the base portion. The first end of the stabilizing arm, when extended away from the base portion, may be inserted within the crease between the seating portion and the back support portion of a vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Image Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Elshof
  • Patent number: 6065729
    Abstract: A tray-like container holder is slideably and pivotally coupled to one end of a pivot arm such that the container holder can both slide and pivot from a vertically stored position to a use position. The end of the pivot arm remote from the container holder includes an over-center spring which assists in moving and holding the container holder between a generally horizontal use position and a compactly stored vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventor: Rick A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6059244
    Abstract: A convertible container holding assembly includes a housing fixedly secured to a structure such as an armrest or instrument panel. A base is movable into and out of the housing between retracted and extended positions. The base includes a support and a stabilizing edge. The support and stabilizing edge define a portion of a cupholding area. A stabilizing arm is pivotally secured to the base and is positionable in an infinite number of positions such that it is capable of positively abutting the container when the container is positively abutting the stabilizing edge, regardless of the diameter of the container. A brake prevents the stabilizing arm from moving to its outermost position once it is forced into engagement with the container. The stabilizing arm may be reset by forcing it to its innermost position or by retracting the base into the housing and moving the base back to its extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Collins & Aikman Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mirko Bilandzic, John Kacsala, Dusit Sukonthapanich
  • Patent number: 6050468
    Abstract: A unitarily constructed apparatus for adjustably supporting a beverage container within a motor vehicle includes an upper flange, a lower base, and an outer wall interconnecting the upper flange and the lower base. The outer wall defines at least one recess for receiving a beverage container. Each recess has a maximum diameter. The outer wall is formed to include at least one resiliently deflectable portion associated with each recess. The resiliently deflectable portion extends inwardly from the maximum diameter. The apparatus is preferably unitarily constructed from a flexible material and removably insertable into an opening of a console of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Richard L. Kelley
  • Patent number: 6045173
    Abstract: A vehicle console includes an enclosure having a top defining an access opening communicating with an internal storage bin and a cupholder recess spaced forward of the access opening. A cover mounted on the enclosure has three operating positions including a closed position covering both the cupholder recess and the access opening, a partially open position exposing the cupholder recess for use but covering the access opening, and a fully open position uncovering both the cupholder recess and the access opening for access to the storage bin. The cover is mounted for slidable movement between the closed and partially open positions and for pivotal movement between the partially open and fully open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Roy Frank Tiesler, Peter Andrew Lawlis, Arthur Edward Pryde
  • Patent number: 6039296
    Abstract: In a beverage container holder for a vehicle comprising a box-like member, a first holding member, and a second holding member, the box-like member comprises a floor and generally upstanding walls defining a compartment with an opening on its top, the first holding member extends across the opening of the box-like member and divides the compartment into two parts, and the second holding member is mounted to the first holding member and moveable between a relatively retracted position and a relatively extended position. Preferably the second holding member is pivotally connected to the first holding member so as to be rotatable between the relatively retracted and extended positions. This beverage container holder can be readily adjustable for receiving and holding beverage containers of various sizes by rotating the second holding member between the relatively retracted and extended positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Yuji Nishina, Toshihide Kimisawa
  • Patent number: 6036152
    Abstract: A container holder is described having a support member (9) that is both pivotally and slidingly attached to a frame (14) attached to part of the body structure (13) of a motor vehicle. The support member (9) is moveable from a stored or concealed position to an in use position by a combination of sliding and pivotal movement with respect to the frame (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Rover Group Limited
    Inventors: Ian Hiscox, Alan Francis Sheppard
  • Patent number: 6029380
    Abstract: A list holder is provided for a shopping cart of the type of which has a transverse handle at the rear of the cart, a rear wall which pivots upwardly in order to facilitate nesting of shopping carts, and which has a rear mini-basket formed with the rear wall, a supplemental rear wall which is pivotable about a bottom portion of the rear wall, and a pivotable seat between the rear wall and the supplemental rear wall. The list holder has a tray with a device for temporarily holding a shopping list, e.g. a clip. The tray is secured to a side wall of the shopping cart so that the tray is above the mini-basket and adjacent to the side wall. The list holder also has an arcuate rod for guiding a rearward path of movement of a top portion of the supplemental rear wall when the wall pivots upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Donald Harry Goddard
  • Patent number: 6010047
    Abstract: A container holder for vehicles includes a foldable assembly slidably received in a housing defined trough including a bottom and side members with an optional top wall. The assembly is stored in a folded position and is slidable out through a front end of the housing to an unfolded operative position ready to receive a container. The assembly includes a support member with a base and a pair of side walls pivotally mounted on the support member. Dual guide arms are pivotably mounted along upper edges of the side walls and are pivoted downward between the side walls in the stored position of the assembly. The arms have inner ends linked for simultaneous movement with the side walls. A resilient element, such as a spring, urges the side walls in an outwardly pivoting direction. Upon sliding of the base outward from the stored position to the operative position, the side walls are pivoted to angle outward and the guide arms are pivoted upward toward horizontal positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Ralph Osborn
  • Patent number: 6006972
    Abstract: A device for attaching baby bottles to strollers or car seats having constraining bars. The device contains a holding mechanism for attaching the device to a stroller or car seat; an angular stem leading away from the holding mechanism; a hollow cylinder attached to the angular stem, the cylinder containing a connector held in place near the stem, a circular cap at the end away from the stem, and a coil spring connecting the connector and the cap; a bottle holder attached to the cap; and an adjustable strap connected to the bottle holder. The angular stem is adjustable relative to the constraining bar. Also, the coil spring allows the bottle holder to swivel around the cylinder so that when the bottle is in use, it may easily be held with the nipple at a downward angle and when not in use, it automatically positions the nipple at an upward angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: James G. O'Neill
  • Patent number: 5988579
    Abstract: A cupholder assembly is adapted for use in a vehicle for supporting containers. The cupholder assembly includes a housing having a receiving aperture formed therein. A tray is slidably connected within the receiving aperture for sliding movement between storage and use positions. The first and second cupholder arms are pivotally connected to the tray for pivotal movement between fully extended and fully retracted positions. Each cupholder arm includes a side wall for supporting a side of a container. Pivotal movement of each cupholder arm with respect to the tray is sufficiently frictionally inhibited to facilitate infinite adjustment of the cupholder arms between the fully extended and fully retracted positions for supporting containers of various sizes. The frictional inhibition is facilitated by a pinching structure in cooperation with a rubber portion on each cupholder arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard Moner, Jr., Richard E. Power