Vehicle Attached Carrier For Beverage Container Or Bottle Patents (Class 224/926)
-
Patent number: 5702041Abstract: A cupholder assembly (10) includes a housing (14) with three intersecting circular cavities (16,18,20) formed therein. The outer two cavities (16,20) may act as receptacles for containers (12). The center cavity (18) includes a removable insert member (30) positioned therein. The insert member (30) includes pivotable arms extending therefrom into the first and third cavities (16,20) to bias containers (12) of varying sizes against their respective cavity (16,20). The insert member (30) may be removed for use of the center cavities (16,18,20) as a storage compartment.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1996Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Assignee: Manchester Plastics, Inc.Inventors: Andy Kwan-Leung Sun, Bruce H. B. Chow, Edoardo Panziera
-
Patent number: 5697593Abstract: A holding device to receive a drink container is provided for installation in a horizontal surface, for example a central console of a motor vehicle. In order to be able to accommodate the holding device in a small installation space and to recess it completely in its installation surface, the invention proposes a pivot arm which, after being unlocked, pivots, actuated by a spring, from a recumbent position into an upright position and thereby displaces a displaceable, upright arm upwards into a holding position. In order, with a narrow installation space, to engage securely around an inserted drink container, the holding device further has holding wings which, during the displacement of the displaceable arm into the holding position pivot out laterally.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1996Date of Patent: December 16, 1997Assignee: fischwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Torsten Bieck
-
Patent number: 5692658Abstract: A holder for drink containers in a motor vehicle has a slider member that can be pulled out and on which are mounted pivot arms which, when pulled out, pivot laterally outward, and which, with cut-away portions in the slider member, form insertion openings for drink containers, and has supports which pivot downwards when the slider member is pulled out. In order to support securely drink containers of different sizes which are inserted, the supports are pivoted outward, forcibly controlled, by the pivot arms through half the pivot angle of the pivot arms.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1995Date of Patent: December 2, 1997Assignees: fischerwerke, Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG, Mercedes Benz AGInventors: Heinz Fischer, Ulrich Nienhaus, Bernd Schenk
-
Patent number: 5692718Abstract: A holding device for drink containers for installation in the fascia of a motor vehicle has a slide member on which a holder is mounted so as to be pivotable upward into a horizontal position and to which a support is linked which is likewise pivotally mounted on the slide member and which, when the holder is pivoted upward, pivots with a setting-down surface beneath an insertion opening in the holder. To fold the holder and the support into a flat position in one plane with the slide member, the return member is pivotally mounted on the slide member, engages with a control cam of the support, and, when the slide member is pushed in, is pressed downwards on a fixed oblique surface and thereby folds up the holder and the support. The control cam extends in such a way that the return member locks the holder in its horizontal position.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1996Date of Patent: December 2, 1997Assignee: Fischerwerke, Arthur Fischer GmbH & Co.Inventor: Torsten Bieck
-
Patent number: 5680974Abstract: A cupholder assembly includes a housing adapted for mounting in a vehicle, and a cupholder unit comprising a cupholder base for supporting the bottoms of a pair of cups, and a pair of cupholder arms pivotally connected with respect to the base and moveable between an extended position for laterally supporting the cups and a stored position. The cupholder unit is pivotally mounted to the housing for movement between a stored position inside the housing, wherein the arms are retracted, and a use position extended at least partially outside the housing, wherein the arms are extended. The cupholder unit is adapted to receive a cover for covering the cupholder unit when in the stored position. The assembly further comprises an ashtray unit with an ashtray cover pivotally coupled to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1996Date of Patent: October 28, 1997Assignee: Atlantic Automotive Components, Inc.Inventor: Daniel R. Vander Sluis
-
Patent number: 5678741Abstract: A folding appliance that attaches to seat backs in automobiles and other vehicles that includes a tray for holding drink containers, a support rod that mounts to the seat back and a cup support rod that mounts to the bottom of the tray. The tray is latched and secured to the support rod with latches molded into the tray body which secures the tray in the storage/vertical position. The tray is located in the usary/horizontal position by a tray stop that is also molded into the tray body. The cup support rod swings into the cavity of the tray bottom when in the storage position and positions itself under the tray when the tray is in the usary position.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1996Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Inventor: August Fredrick Schieber
-
Patent number: 5676340Abstract: An adaptor for holding over-sized beverage containers for use in cylindrical beverage receptacles found in many vehicles, the adaptor having an enlarged upper portion to receive the beverage containers and a lower portion comprising an insertion base sized to fit within the vehicle beverage receptacle. The lower portion is offset from the upper portion such that the device can be used in circumstances where the vehicle receptacle is mounted too closely to a vertical surface or where a pair of vehicle receptacles have a small separation distance.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1995Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Inventor: Warren Ruhnau
-
Patent number: 5673890Abstract: A container holder is pivotally mounted to an armrest by mateably engageable hinge structures. The first hinge structure is located in a compartment in the armrest near a front wall, and includes a slot and a hole aligned with the end of the slot. The second hinge structure includes first and second protrusions configured to mateably engage the slot and the hole. The container holder is assembled to the armrest by extending the first protrusion into the hole, and then by rotating the container holder to slide the second protrusion into the slot. A detent on the slot holds the second protrusion in position. Further, the leg is U-shaped to mateably engage the front wall of the armrest when the container holder is moved to the extended use position, thereby holding the container holder protrusion in the slot when in the use position. Still further, the armrest includes a cover configured to close on the container holder to further interlockingly hold the second protrusion in the slot when in the use position.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1995Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: Prince CorporationInventor: Marjorie M. Duesterberg
-
Patent number: 5673835Abstract: A beverage container holder comprising a basket which is suspended from a vehicle. The basket has first and second rings which define a vertical axis. The vertical portions of a U-shaped support member and a suspension arm are mounted to the rings. The horizontal portion of the support member and a portion of the arm provide a bottom support for a container. An engagement segment of the arm, which intersects the axis defined by the rings, is inserted into a mounting orifice in the vehicle to install the holder. The edge of the orifice engages a center portion of a semi-circular shaped engagement segment of the arm. Generally a beverage container is inserted through the first ring and rests on either the second ring or the horizontal portion of the support member and the arm portion. Therefore, the center of gravity of a loaded beverage container holder is vertically aligned with the point of engagement between the vehicle and the holder.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1995Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: Southington Tool & Mfg. Corp.Inventor: Edward W. Kalat
-
Patent number: 5671877Abstract: A container holder device including a case which is installed in a body of a vehicle, the case having a pair of generally vertical side walls defining a part of a storage chamber. A base is pivotally supported by the case so as to be movable between a stored position and a use position. At least one movable arm has one end supported by the base so as to be movable with respect to the base to contact a periphery of a container when the base and the at least one arm are in the use position. The at least one arm is guided to move from an outside to an inside of at least one of the side walls upon movement of the base from the use position to the stored position so that the at least one arm contacts the at least one wall in the storage position. Urging structure is provided for urging the at least one arm toward the outside of the at least one side wall.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1996Date of Patent: September 30, 1997Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shigeru Yabuya
-
Patent number: 5669538Abstract: The present device relates generally to a bottom closure for an insulated sleeve-type beverage holder. The closure is composed of a rigid plastic material and is designed to be reliably affixed to the base of a tubular sleeve of insulating foam. In a preferred embodiment of the present device, the closure contains apertures therethrough to relieve vacuum and pressure conditions that might otherwise arise during the insertion and removal of a beverage container. On its upper side, the closure contains a plurality of circular ridges, the ridges possessed of an inside bevel, whose purpose is to improve the adhesion between the closure and the insulating sleeve. On its underside, the closure contains a short cylindrical sidewall which is designed to accept a removable storage portion, the storage portion adapting the insulated beverage holder to make it suitable for use in an automobile beverage holder.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1996Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Inventor: William M. Ward
-
Patent number: 5664718Abstract: A beverage container receptacle which supports the container above its center of gravity. When used with beverage containers having tapered sides, compressive force between the receptacle and the beverage container restrains vertical movement of the container. In other embodiments, the weight of the container and its contents or a self-actuating latch keep the container within the confines of the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1994Date of Patent: September 9, 1997Inventor: Michael P. Vine
-
Patent number: 5660310Abstract: A portable storage unit for a vehicle seat includes a generally rectilinear housing having a plurality of pull-out drawers and a fixed shelf with an overlying cover serving as a writing surface. The drawers and shelf may be compartmentalized to provide storage compartments for various articles such as pens, pencils, paper, and food articles, such as packets of condiments. The storage unit may have a beanbag-type flexible container secured along its bottom surface enabling the flexible container to conform to the contours of the vehicle seat such that the flexible container maintains the overlying housing in a stable, upright position on the seat. In another form, the cooler includes a housing having an insert for containing a cooling medium and a door for selective access to a cooling chamber defined by the insert. The insert is removable for purposes of replenishing the cooling medium.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1996Date of Patent: August 26, 1997Inventor: Mary K. LeGrow
-
Patent number: 5660433Abstract: An arm rest is disclosed for a vehicle seat, in particular a pivotable central support for the rear seat bench of a passenger car. The arm rest has a padded body and a pull-out part which is integrated in said padded body, which pullout part can be pulled out on an end side and on being pulled out releases a drinking vessel holder. In order to enable more extensive use of the arm rest to accommodate mobile objects, the pull-out in which latching part can be secured in a first pull-out stage, the drinking vessel holder is exposed, using a latching assembly. An upwardly open compartment is arranged in the pull-out part, in the pull-out direction behind the drinking vessel holder. This compartment is exposed, after the latching assembly has been overcome, by further pulling out of the pull-out part in a second pull-out stage determined by an end stop.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1996Date of Patent: August 26, 1997Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AGInventors: Ulrich Bruhnke, Bernd Geier, Hermann Gross
-
Patent number: 5655742Abstract: A beverage holder is disclosed, which holder comprising a base rotatably secured to a body, where the base is removable receivable in a standard beverage tray or rack. In a preferred embodiment, the body is eccentrically attached vis-a-vis the base so as to allow use of the holder where the beverage tray or rack is closely secured to a wall or other fastening surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1995Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Inventors: Tom L. Whitman, Danny E. Swindler
-
Patent number: 5651523Abstract: A system for supporting at least one article, comprising an article support member and a base support member for supporting a base member of the article support. The article support comprises a member comprising a first end including a base member projecting therefrom, and a second end including an article support portion capable of supporting at least one article. The base support member comprises a wall which defines a cavity for receiving a portion of the base member projecting from the first portion of the member. Further, the cavity is provided with a protrusion. Preferably, the base support member comprises a cupholder in an automotive vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1995Date of Patent: July 29, 1997Assignee: Aladdin Industries, Inc.Inventor: John A. Bridges
-
Patent number: 5642843Abstract: A pull out and rotatable cup and can holder to receive and restrain a coffee cup and a beverage can at respective first and second openings formed through first and second sides of a round base plate. The round base plate is slidably received in and rotatable relative to a frame that is mounted below a suitable flat surface of a vehicle (e.g. a boat, and the like) that is subjected to turbulence and similar mechanical forces during operation. The round base plate slides partially out of the frame to expose either the first or second openings for receiving and restraining a cup or a can. After the round base plate has been pulled partially out of the frame, it may be simply and easily rotated 180 degrees to correspondingly rotate and reposition the first and second openings formed therethrough. Once the cup or can is removed from the cup and can holder, the round base plate may be conveniently pushed inwardly of the frame so as to be disposed at a completely out of the way location therewithin.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1996Date of Patent: July 1, 1997Inventor: Wayne L. Leivan
-
Patent number: 5639052Abstract: A container holding assembly for a vehicle including an interior trim panel having an inside surface and an outside surface. Container holding assembly comprises an arcuate support member and a cylindrically-shaped net of flexible material including a top end annular border defining an opening and a bottom end annular border. The net top end annular border is secured to the support member so that the net is adapted to be suspended in a free state from the support member. The support member is constructed from a one-piece wire form, having a substantially circular shape, defining a closed end portion terminating in parallel end portions laterally spaced apart a predetermined dimension. The trim panel includes a pair of holes extending through the trim panel. The holes are laterally spaced apart a dimension equal to the predetermined dimension of the parallel end portions so that the end portions may be inserted therein in a removably retained manner.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1995Date of Patent: June 17, 1997Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventor: Paul J. Sauve
-
Patent number: 5634621Abstract: A cup holder apparatus (10) is moveable between various vertical heights and width dimensions to selectively receive beverage containers (12) of different sizes. The apparatus (10) includes a housing (14) having a cavity (24) with a base (16) support therein and a gap formed therebetween. A pair of opposing support members (26) are positioned within the gap in the stowed position and are moved vertically upwardly and horizontally outwardly through at least two positions of different height and horizontal spacing.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: June 3, 1997Assignee: Manchester Plastics, Inc.Inventor: Tomislav Jankovic
-
Patent number: 5628441Abstract: A container is provided for a support having an upper that is generally flat, such as in a van console or an armrest. The container holder includes a pair of offset overlapping recesses which have different diameters and depths, such that one of the recesses is adapted to receive a coffee mug having a handle with the handle extending into the second recess, and the second recess is configured to support a smaller diameter soda can or the like.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1995Date of Patent: May 13, 1997Assignee: Prince CorporationInventor: Ronald A. Dykstra
-
Patent number: 5628486Abstract: A container holder assembly for holding beverage containers is adapted for mounting in a vehicle. The holder includes a housing for insertion in a vehicle, the housing having an open front. Two container retaining arms are mounted in the housing for movement from a retracted position within the housing to an extended position outside the housing. The arms form at least a portion of the container holder. A door is pivotably mounted to the housing for movement between a substantially vertical closed position covering the opening in the housing and an open substantially horizontal position forming a supporting shelf for a container. An actuator comprising a cam on the door and a follower on one of the arms and mounted between the door and the arm to pivot the arm from the extended position to the retracted position as the door moves between the open position and the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1995Date of Patent: May 13, 1997Assignee: Summit PolymersInventors: Christopher A. Rossman, Larry Porter
-
Patent number: 5624064Abstract: A fluid-holding container and a member for mounting the container to an object. The fluid-holding container is formed to have a concave bottom portion and sidewalls connected to the bottom portion. At the center of the bottom portion, a channel extends into the interior of the fluid-holding container. The channel is adapted to engage with a securing post of a mounting member. The mounting member includes a base portion that is attached to the object. The distance between the sidewalls and the center axis of the fluid-holding container is substantially equal to the distance between the center of the securing post and the base portion, thus assuring a secure attachment of the container to the mounting member. The present invention is suitable for use in mounting a water bottle to a bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1995Date of Patent: April 29, 1997Assignee: M-J PartnershipInventor: John W. McGee, Jr.
-
Patent number: 5620122Abstract: A device for openably supporting a lid includes two axes of lid rotation for reducing the radius of lid rotation during opening and closing and a cup holder includes a cup holder body having a top opening communicating with at least one internal compartment for holding a cup and a bottom surface configured to conform to an intended mounting surface for enabling the top opening to lie horizontally after mounting, a lid for opening and closing the top opening of the cup holder body, and the aforesaid device for openably supporting the lid.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 1995Date of Patent: April 15, 1997Assignee: Nifco Inc.Inventor: Tsutomu Tanaka
-
Patent number: 5618018Abstract: A container holding assembly (10, 10') for a vehicle includes a housing (12, 12') having an elongated vertical opening (14, 14') therein. A support member (16, 16') is movable into and out of the opening (14, 14'). The support frame (16, 16') includes a U-shaped frame (18, 18') supporting a rotatable container holder (22, 22'). The container holder (22, 22') pivots between a retracted position within the housing (12, 12') with the container holder (22, 22') planar with the U-shaped frame (18, 18' ) and an extend position with the container holder (22 22') transverse to the frame (18, 18').Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: April 8, 1997Assignee: Manchester PlasticsInventor: Grzegorz H. Baniak
-
Patent number: 5615925Abstract: A child seat includes a seat, an article holder, and a mechanism that connects the article holder to the seat. The seat includes a left side wall, a right side wall positioned to lie in spaced-apart relation to the left side wall, and a seat bottom therebetween. One of the left and right side walls includes an inner panel abutting the seat bottom, an outer panel spaced apart from and connected to the inner panel, and a downwardly-opening, article holder-receiving mounting chamber defined between the inner panel and outer panel. The inner panel includes a bottom edge and the outer panel includes a bottom edge that is vertically spaced from the bottom edge of the inner panel to define a side access port into the downwardly-opening, article holder-receiving mounting chamber. The mechanism that connects the article holder to the seat positions the article holder adjacent to the side access port.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1995Date of Patent: April 1, 1997Assignee: Cosco, Inc.Inventor: James M. Kain
-
Patent number: 5601268Abstract: The supports for the stowable drink holder of the present invention include generally a plug design which may be used in conjunction with a shoe design to garner support from existing spaces within a vehicle. The stowable drink holder will typically have a cover or tray portion, opposing drink support arms, and a carriage from which the drink support arms and tray/cover foldably depend. In configurations where the carriage is mounted to a vertical surface, the tray covers the folded arms and carriage, and is thus sometimes referred to as a cover. The drink holder will be supported from the tray portion, and thus the carriage will pivotally depend from the tray, and the opposing drink support arms will depend from the carriage. The drink holder will depend from the plug structure, the plug structure will occupy the space of an open hole in the console or arm rest. When the plug is inserted, as it supports the drink holder, it will provide a flat surface to the tray portion of the drink holder.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: February 11, 1997Inventor: Richard Dunchock
-
Patent number: 5598999Abstract: A device for holding two drink containers which can be arranged in the compartment of a central console of a motor vehicle has a holding ring for lateral fixing of the one drink container and a holding frame for the second drink container which are moved out of a position in which they are recessed in the compartment. The folded-together holding ring, together with the holding frame, assume a position projecting from the compartment. From that position, the folded-together holding ring moves into its opened-out holding position beside and above the holding frame. Movement from the recessed position can be effected automatically.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1995Date of Patent: February 4, 1997Assignee: fischerwerke, Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Bernd Plocher, Juergen Koerber, Heinz Koukal
-
Patent number: 5597225Abstract: An illumination system for a mountain bicycle is disclosed. The disclosed system comprises a long-term, high power battery pack encapsulated in an impervious jacket of compressible material, which combination is reliably and securely compression-fit into an open water bottle cage, in lieu of a water bottle, and electrically connected to a source of artificial light.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1995Date of Patent: January 28, 1997Inventor: McKay H. Davis
-
Patent number: 5577692Abstract: A baby bottle holder includes an inner cup connected to an outer cup by a spring and the outer cup connected to a support by a flexible element whereby a baby bottle held in the inner cup has a plurality of degrees of freedom with respect to a support and with respect to the outer cup. A slide panel is located inside the outer cup and the rim of the inner cup slides on that slide panel. Air vents are included as is an accessory attaching anchor.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1995Date of Patent: November 26, 1996Inventor: Arthur D. Rollins
-
Patent number: 5573164Abstract: The present device has a plurality of accessories, including a cup, an office supply kit and a cosmetics kit, each having a base portion of like dimensions including a flat, extended bottom flange. The base portions fit and latch interchangeably into a base mount which is installed on a vehicle dash or console.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1995Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Inventor: Carl F. Law
-
Patent number: 5551616Abstract: A universal vehicle organizing container for automobiles and trucks which sits on the right of a driver, and contains specialized surfaces for holding items necessary for a traveling businessman, such as laptop computer, cellular phone, and more. The container is secured to the seat back by means of a strap which can also act as a carrying means. The inside of the container is insulated and partitioned, so that items may be carried securely, and food items will stay hot or cold longer. The container is connected by dual wires to the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket, and multiple cigarette lighter type adapters are located on the top surface of the container to power electronic devices.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1995Date of Patent: September 3, 1996Assignee: Robert StittInventors: Robert N. Stitt, Kenneth Tarlow
-
Patent number: 5540409Abstract: A beverage container holder for a dashboard of a vehicle including a dashboard of a vehicle having a bore formed therein in communication with the vehicle's air heating and cooling ventilation system; and a holding container for receiving a beverage container having an open top end and a sealed bottom end and with the holding container slidably disposed within the bore of the dashboard, the holding container further having an upper chamber formed therein near the top end, a lower chamber formed therein near the bottom end, an access hole formed between the chambers, a plurality of vents formed thereon for allowing communication between the lower chamber and the ventilation system, and a spring-loaded vent mechanism disposed between chambers and with the vent mechanism depressible when a beverage container is placed thereupon for allowing communication between the chambers through the access hole and with the vent mechanism extendable when a beverage container is removed therefrom for preventing communicationType: GrantFiled: December 20, 1994Date of Patent: July 30, 1996Inventor: Robert L. Cunningham
-
Patent number: 5533700Abstract: A holder for a container has fingers capable of holding various sizes of containers, particularly, the large-sized containers. The fingers are attached to a base, extend upwardly and curve outwardly at their upper ends. The base fits into a cup holder or the drink caddy found in automobiles or at the theater or sporting events.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1995Date of Patent: July 9, 1996Inventor: Dennis Porter
-
Patent number: 5533772Abstract: A combined ashtray and container, e.g., beverage can, holder for use in a motor vehicle. An ashtray housing has an ashtray cup movable into and out of the housing. An additional housing attached at the ashtray housing provides a container, e.g., beverage can holder. The beverage can holder has a support for the container or beverage can. Spaced up from the support is a holding element which grips at least partially around the container. Both the support and the holding element are arranged parallel to each other and spaced from each other in their open condition. Both the holding element and the support are foldable inward into a trough in the additional housing. The support provides a covering flap over the holding element when they are pivoted into the trough in the additional housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1994Date of Patent: July 9, 1996Assignee: Gebr. Happich GmbHInventors: Jan Volkers, Volkhard Wick, Volker Dabringhaus
-
Patent number: 5527008Abstract: The invention is directed to a cupholder comprising a drawer slidably mounted within a housing for movement between a stored position and a use position. The drawer has a semicircular recess in combination with an arm to form a cup retaining area. The arm is biased away from the drawer. In the stored position, the drawer is retained within the housing and the arm abuts the interior of the housing. In the use position, the arm is biased away from the drawer to its outermost position to form the largest size cup retaining area. The arm can be pivoted inward toward the drawer and locked in discrete positions by a ratchet to form cup retaining areas of decreasing size to accommodate different size containers. Once the arm is pivoted beyond the smallest size cup retaining area, the arm is automatically biased outwardly to its outermost position.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1994Date of Patent: June 18, 1996Assignee: Lescoa, Inc.Inventors: Paul C. Schutter, Kelly A. Lancaster, Gregory M. Ejsmont
-
Patent number: 5522527Abstract: A beverage container fixing device for a bicycle includes a horizontal base member for supporting a beverage container, a vertical side plate having a lower end portion pivotally engaged with the first end portion of the base member, a bracket pivotally engaged with an upper end portion of the side plate and defining an opening therein for receiving the beverage container therein, a fastener member rotatably mounted on the side plate and defining a fixing compartment therethrough for fixedly receiving one of the horizontal handlebar, top tube and seat tube therein.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1994Date of Patent: June 4, 1996Inventor: Richard Tsai
-
Patent number: 5520313Abstract: A small article accommodating unit for a vehicle having: a hollow box having an opened top surface; a cover for opening/closing the opened top surface of the box; a cup holder movably held in the box and holding cups or the like exemplified by cups, cans and bottles in the hollow space in the box; an urging device for urging the cover in a direction in which the cover is opened; and a locking device for locking the cover in a direction, in which the cover is closed, against urging force of the urging device, the locking device being capable of suspending the locking state when the cover has been pushed inwards from the closed position, or having: a hollow box having an opened top surface; a cover rotatively supported by the box and arranged to open/close the opened top surface of the box; a locking device which locks the cover at a closed position and which is capable of suspending the locking state when the cover has been pressed inwards from the closed position; and a limiting device for limiting the maximuType: GrantFiled: March 15, 1994Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Assignee: Nifco Inc.Inventor: Kimisawa Toshihide
-
Patent number: 5516016Abstract: A container holder assembly includes a base defining a recess, a container holder adapted to mateably cover the recess, and a hinge mechanism mounting the container holder to the base for movement between a storage position, a use position and a collapsed position. The hinge is configured to position the container holder against the base to cover the recess when in the storage position, and is further configured to lift and extend the container holder as the container holder is moved to the use position. In the use position, the container holder is extended away from the base and supported in a raised position with respect to the bottom of the recess with a container holding aperture forming portion of the container holder facing generally upwardly for use. An over-pressure release on the hinge prevents damage to the container holder by allowing the container holder to collapse from the use position upon application of an excessive load.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1994Date of Patent: May 14, 1996Assignee: Prince CorporationInventors: Rick A. Anderson, Patrick W. Messock
-
Patent number: 5511755Abstract: A container holder for a vehicle includes a flat panel section defining a marginal flange for engaging a mating structure on a vehicle component, such as an armrest or a floor console, and one or more cup-shaped members. The cup-shaped members include a floor and a resilient sidewall which can be resiliently flexed to move the floor between a lowered position and a raised position. In the lowered position, the cup-shaped member forms a shallow depression shaped to receive and stably support a first container. In the raised position, an aperture in the floor of the cup-shaped member receives a smaller diameter container such that the marginal material forming the aperture supports the sides of the container.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1994Date of Patent: April 30, 1996Assignee: Prince CorporationInventor: David J. Spykerman
-
Patent number: 5509633Abstract: A cup holder for a vehicle includes a vehicle panel having a horizontal support surface and a pair of opposing spaced apart walls rising above the support surface and defining the dimensional extent of the support surface. A block of compressible foam material is adapted for placement on the support surface and has at least one cavity therein adapted to hold a cup. The block of foam has opposed end walls spaced apart to fit closely between the spaced apart walls of the vehicle panel so that the block of foam material is held in place by the interaction of the respective end walls of the block and the vehicle panel. The block is removable from the vehicle panel by compressing the foam block to effect this engagement of the end walls of the foam block from the vehicle panel end walls.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1994Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Thomas W. Ruster, Nancy K. MacBrien
-
Patent number: 5505417Abstract: A device for holding a drink container comprises a collapsible supporting ring having a first ring half and a second ring half, horizontally arranged hinges which couples the ring halves with one another so that the ring halves are movable from a vertical collapsed position to a horizontal supporting position in which the supporting ring is completed, pivot guides arranged on both sides of the supporting ring to secure the first ring half during a swivelling movement from the vertical to the horizontal position and vice versa, and guide rails arranged horizontally on both sides of the supporting ring so that the second ring half is mounted in the guide rails and guided while being folded out and up.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1995Date of Patent: April 9, 1996Assignee: fischerwerke, Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. AGInventor: Bernd Plocher
-
Patent number: 5494249Abstract: A container two-element holder assembly, comprising a container holder plate and a hinge link, arranged for substantially flush retracted storage in a vehicle panel recess wherein each element has an internal side lying in a common plane juxtaposed the recess backwall. The hinge link is supported to the backwall about a first pivot axis whereby the holder assembly is adapted for conjoint ninety degree swinging movement about the first pivot axis through a side opening in the recess to an intermediate mode. The holder plate is pivotally connected to the hinge link for rotational movement about a second pivot axis, orthogonal to the first axis, through an angle of ninety degrees from its intermediate mode to a use mode. In the use mode the holder plate internal side, formed with a cavity, faces upwardly for receiving and supporting a beverage container in the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1994Date of Patent: February 27, 1996Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: L. John Ozark, Michael G. Moore
-
Patent number: 5490622Abstract: A commuter mug and holder assembly connectable onto the door of an automobile to supply a hot beverage to the driver or an occupant of the vehicle in the course of travel. The mug is formed by a container for the beverage and a removable lid therefor, the lid being divided into front and rear semi-circular sections each having an arcuate wall, below which is a flexible shutter disc hinged to the rear section thereof to normally seal the container whereby when the disc is deflected it then creates an outlet for the beverage in the front section whose arcuate wall is curved toward the outlet to define a drinking spoon. Pivoted on the wall of the rear section is actuator having lugs projecting therefrom to engage the disc whereby when the actuator is depressed by a user holding the mug, the disc is deflected so that the user may then drink from the drinking spoon the beverage flowing out of the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1994Date of Patent: February 13, 1996Assignee: Genin TrudeauInventor: Pierre Tardif
-
Patent number: 5489054Abstract: An extendible tray for a vehicle includes a housing mounted in the vehicle and a carrier movably connected with respect to the housing. The carrier is movable between a stored position inside the housing, a first use position outside the housing to expose a first portion of the carrier, and a second use position outside the housing to expose both the first and second portions of the carrier. The carrier is biased outwardly from the housing, and first and second latches are provided to retain the carrier in the stored position and the first use position. When a user pushes the carrier in the direction of the housing, the spring and latches facilitate movement of the carrier from the stored position to the first use position and from the first use position to the second use position. A method for storing an ashtray and a cupholder in a vehicle housing is also provided. In addition, a method for providing access to an ashtray and a cupholder for rear seat passengers in a vehicle is provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1994Date of Patent: February 6, 1996Assignee: Atlantic Automotive Components, Inc.Inventor: Jon D. Schiff
-
Patent number: 5489055Abstract: A cup holder for use in various locations within the interior of a automobile includes a planar member, and a gimbal mechanism attached to the planar member which includes a C-shaped support member, and a cup retaining member. The planar member may be inserted and secured in various compartments, including the ashtray and glove compartment. The C-shaped member is pivotally mounted to the planar member, and the cup retaining member is pivotally mounted between the arms of the C-shaped member. Once mounted in the automobile, a container may be secured in the up right position within the automobile. An alternative embodiment includes a window attaching portion which allows the device to mounted from an automobile passenger window. Another alternative embodiment includes a cylindrical support base which allows the cup holder to be mounted in a cigarette lighter socket. Another embodiment includes a cup with pins attached for pivotally mounting the cup on the C-shaped member.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 1994Date of Patent: February 6, 1996Inventor: Dror Levy
-
Patent number: 5465891Abstract: A low profile beverage container holder having a base support for supporting the beverage container and a wall which extends around the base and thereby defines a cavity for receiving the beverage container. The holder is also provided with a wedging structure. In the preferred embodiment, the wedging structure comprises an annular rib disposed in the cavity and projecting upwards from the base support. Thus, when the beverage container is tipped, the annular rib contacts the concavity on the bottom surface or the beverage container and the container is thereby wedged between the annular rib and the low sidewall. A plurality of beverage containers which are adapted to be received within the beverage container holder are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1992Date of Patent: November 14, 1995Assignee: Aladdin Industries, Inc.Inventor: John A. Bridges
-
Patent number: 5456393Abstract: A boot having a support mounted along its spine for removably supporting bracket for holding various articles.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1993Date of Patent: October 10, 1995Inventors: Ronald J. Mathis, James M. Mathis, James Mathis
-
Patent number: 5433361Abstract: An oscillating beverage holder which includes a collar extension that attaches by friction adherence obtained by placing the collar extension around the tubular section of a golf bag pull cart. Then tightening of a bolt that passes through a hole on each side of the collar extension with a nut. A specially molded beverage holder consisting of two cylinder type cavities, a divider and an extension wall all molded as one. The cylinder cavities are designed to keep the beverages at a more constant temperature. The cavities are also large enough to allow the beverage containers to be covered with an insulation type wrap before being placed in the beverage cavities which would keep the beverages cooler/warmer even longer. The extension wall protrudes from the divider and is carried within the extension collar.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1994Date of Patent: July 18, 1995Inventor: Michael P. O'Malley