Receptacle Type Patents (Class 248/311.2)
  • Publication number: 20040206873
    Abstract: An adapter that holds and stabilizes a fast food container in a standard cylindrical automobile cup holder to prevent spilling of its contents. A typical fast food container would be one that holds French fried potatoes. It has a lower rigid cylindrical member and two flexible upper members that are mechanically biased to return to their original position when they are not holding the container. The lower member fits into the automobile cup holder, and the flexible members hold a larger sized container temporarily in a fixed position. The adapter permits the larger sized container to be conveniently inserted and removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Mark Pastore, Richard Roland
  • Publication number: 20040200943
    Abstract: A drinking vessel holder (1) includes a band (4) provided with a tab (10) adapted for registration with the lid (3) and being formable into a handle for a coffee cup (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: David Rokov
  • Publication number: 20040200942
    Abstract: A compact container holder that comprises a housing, a door, and at least one arm is provided. The arm can be linked to the door through a linkage that can also connect opposing dual pivots. The opposing dual pivots can allow the container holder to fully open and close in one controllable motion, providing a container holder that simply and reliably opens and closes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Charles R. DeVries, Lance A. King, Larry D. Hirdning, Larry P. Gaspar
  • Publication number: 20040200941
    Abstract: A selectively deployable cupholder that incorporates the best aspects of the static and active component cupholder designs, composed of stationary cylindrical component and a movable cylindrical component that is telescopically nested within the stationary cylindrical component. When the movable cylindrical component is in an undeployed state, whereat it is fully nested with respect to the stationary cylindrical component, a low vertical profile is provided, suitable for drawer applications. When the movable cylindrical component is in a deployed state, whereat it is fully telescopically raised relative to the stationary cylindrical component, the cupholder receives beverage containers with a stable support as is required for the automotive driving environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Robert P. Dennis, Martin A. Hogan, Yvonne F. Egbert
  • Patent number: 6802484
    Abstract: An accessory holder designed to attach to a stand. The stand has a lower tube, a locking collet on the top of the lower tube, and a mast extending upward from the locking collet. The accessory holder has a top mount with a mast receiver that slips around the mast just over the top of the locking collet. The accessory holder also has a clip designed to slip around and engage the mast below the locking collet in the order to lock the holder to the stand. A variety of holding devices can be affixed to the accessory holder, including devices configured to hold an ashtray, a beverage, and a pick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventors: Kevin J. Kiley, Danny Joe Crutchfield, David B. Thompson, Johnny W Mills
  • Publication number: 20040188581
    Abstract: An adjustable holder for receiving and securing a beverage container or other object includes a base, a mobile support unit, and an actuating assembly. The base has a support and the mobile support unit has a mobile support. The mobile support of the mobile support unit is mobile relative to the support of the base so as to provide an adjustable object-receiving area. The actuating assembly operates between a normally locked and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the actuating assembly prevents the mobile support from moving relative to the support of the base. In the unlocked position, the actuating assembly does not prevent the mobile support from moving relative to the support of the base. The actuating assembly is provided with a resilient element for applying an urging pressure so as to retain the actuating assembly in the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel G. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040182978
    Abstract: A novel holder in the form of a structural volume for holding a container and a flexible strap coupled to the structural volume. The structural volume is made form a disposable unitary blank composed of a biodegradable material and having a central base with legs extending therefrom to form a cruciform shape. Fold lines are provided between the base and the legs that enable the blank to be folded into a prism to form the structural volume. A ring is attached to one of the legs remote from the base and has a tab for coupling with the opposite leg to complete the structural volume. A container can be carried in the structural volume and be supported on the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Jorge Pablo Lozano, Juan Carlos Alberto Seco
  • Patent number: 6793070
    Abstract: A shipping case and display apparatus for transporting articles to a display and vending location, comprising a blank having bottom, rear, side and front panels therein, and further having a hook for releasably attaching said apparatus to a pegboard. Upon articulating the blank into a tray, the hook may be positioned in an undeployed orientation in a rear panel region, and the tray may be stocked with articles and sleeved for shipping. Upon arrival at the vending location, the hook may be positioned in a deployed orientation, the shelf may then be hung on a pegboard and the sleeve may then be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Stone Container Corporation
    Inventor: Robert George Dye
  • Publication number: 20040173720
    Abstract: The invention relates to a holder (10) for a drinks container (12; 14). The invention proposes providing the holder (10) with a holding part (24) having an insertion opening (26), which holding part (24) is guided by a parallelogram guide means (28) at a base part (16) having a lateral support (22). As a result, a free width (d) can be matched to the diameter of the inserted drinks container (12; 14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Falk Schaal
  • Publication number: 20040173719
    Abstract: A beverage container holder is disclosed which includes a magnet within the sleeve of a beverage container holder. The beverage container holder, along with any beverage container placed in the beverage container holder, may be mounted on any mounting surface having an associated ferrous material. The beverage container holder is held in place due to the force of the magnetic interaction between the magnet and the mounting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Jed D. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6783103
    Abstract: A device for supporting a container having a wire handle and a sidewall on a support structure is disclosed. The device includes a pair of spaced apart side members, with each of the side members having an upper portion adapted to engage the support structure and a notch sized to receive the wire handle. A central portion of the device is disposed between the side members, with the central portion defining a receiving area sized and shaped to receive the container such that the receiving area engages only the sidewall of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Theodore R. Salani
  • Publication number: 20040164215
    Abstract: The present invention is a tray assembly comprising a holder, at least one tray, at least one securement device, and at least one support element. The holder is designed to fit into the cup holder in an automotive car console and accommodates one beverage container. The trays are joined to and extend outwardly from the holder and accommodate at least one food item. At least one tray is downwardly recessed to better accommodate the food items. The tray assembly is designed so that a plurality of the tray assemblies can be stacked together vertically. The arrangement of the trays is asymmetrical in such a way that a plurality of trays can be placed in closer proximity to a person or object, but do not upset the overall balance of the tray. The tray assembly contains at least one aperture in at least one tray, wherein the aperture acts as a receptacle for at least one container and maintains the containers in the vertical position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: James K. Hudson
  • Patent number: 6779770
    Abstract: A holder for a beverage container has two holding arms which engage around an insertion opening for the beverage container and are mounted so that they are pivotable in a lateral direction about pivot axes as pincers, and an adjuster provided for a size of the insertion opening and contacting the holding arms at points spaced away from the pivot axes and also keeping constant a spacing of the holding arms from one another at the contact points, the adjuster having an adjustable spacing from the pivot axes of the holding arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Fischer Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Kaupp
  • Patent number: 6779769
    Abstract: A multi-purpose holder for supporting an object in a vehicle includes a first support member defining an opening for receiving an object. The first support member has a first contact surface for supporting an object. A second support member is pivotally mounted on the first support member, and preferably has a second contact surface spaced apart from a third contact surface. The second and third contact surfaces further support the object. The second support member is pivotal so as to alter the position of the second and third contact surfaces such that the second and third contact surfaces support, in cooperation with the first contact surface, objects having different diameters. The second support member includes a pair of support arms. The support arms are spaced apart a distance and define substantially parallel support surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Robb York, James E. Carl
  • Patent number: 6776381
    Abstract: A cup holder insert for use in conjunction with a retractable cup holder tray is provided. The cup holder insert comprises a circular base having top and bottom rims interconnected by a side wall, the side wall having a notch area defined by a first and second wall interconnected by at least one spring element. The insert further comprises two stave elements connected to the top rim of the base by a first hinge element, the stave elements having a top and bottom portion interconnected by a second hinge element, the first and second hinge elements operating to enable selective concealment of the slave elements within the area formed by the side wall and the planes defined by the top and bottom rims of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew H. Gisch
  • Publication number: 20040149876
    Abstract: A cup holder insert for use in conjunction with a retractable cup holder tray is provided. The cup holder insert comprises a circular base having top and bottom rims interconnected by a side wall, the side wall having a notch area defined by a first and second wall interconnected by at least one spring element. The insert further comprises two stave elements connected to the top rim of the base by a first hinge element, the stave elements having a top and bottom portion interconnected by a second hinge element, the first and second hinge elements operating to enable selective concealment of the stave elements within the area formed by the side wall and the planes defined by the top and bottom rims of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew H. Gisch
  • Patent number: 6769659
    Abstract: A bracket for securing an object such as a bottle within a vehicle, the bracket including a body that attaches to the vehicle and one or more straps associated with the body to secure the bottle to the bracket body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Gilbert A. Martello
  • Publication number: 20040144904
    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: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 6766912
    Abstract: A secured receptacle holder having two-securing posts each with a clamping member and rib configuration. The posts are connected by a clamping screw that rotates clockwise to attach and counter clockwise to detach by a compression knob. Continued rotation clockwise causes the lower post to telescope into the main post while driving the clamping members toward one another. On other types of surfaces support is achieved by a pedestal base. The main post top has a rotator ring attached at its top end. One of the holders may include a support member, base support and support walls. The support walls and the base support are connected for holding the receptacles. Advantageously, one or more of the holders may be configured to hold one or more items or receptacles and the holders may have various sizes and configurations depending upon the number and type of items to be held or supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Dorian Gibbs
  • Publication number: 20040140411
    Abstract: A portable beverage holder apparatus includes clamping means, a hanger member, clamp-to-hanger hinge means connected between the clamping means and the hanger member, a cup unit, and hanger-to-cup hinge means connected between the hanger member and the cup unit. Preferably, the clamping means include a one-hand-operated spring clamp assembly. Preferably, the clamp-to-hanger hinge means include a clamp-to-hanger hinge assembly which includes a top hanger reception channel in the clamp assembly, and a top hanger portion in the hanger member. The top hanger portion is received in the top hanger reception channel. Preferably, the hanger-to-cup hinge means include a hanger-to-cup hinge assembly. Preferably, the hanger-to-cup hinge assembly includes hanger, free-end portions, on the hanger member and hanger-reception channels in the cup unit. The hanger, free-end portions are received in the hanger-reception channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Gary T. Roe, Linda S. Roe
  • Patent number: 6764053
    Abstract: A self-adjusting holder is described. The object holder comprises a frame and a plurality of arms pivotally attached to the frame. The arms have a lower member and an upper member, which are connected to each other at an angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Sam Han
  • Publication number: 20040135049
    Abstract: A beverage bottle holder is adapted to hold a cylindrical beverage bottle and comprises a bottom seating member adapted to accept the bottom surface of the beverage bottle; a top grasping member adapted to exert compressive forces against the outside surface of the beverage bottle to firmly holding the bottle in a stable configuration within the bottle holder; and, a handle member. The beverage holder is adapted for easy grasping and manipulation of beverage bottles by persons have weakened hands and lessened motor skills.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Rod Kent-Fawkes
  • Patent number: 6761748
    Abstract: An air filtration system for purifying an air stream, such as the intake air for an internal combustion engine, including a system plate (10), an unfiltered air zone (13), a filter housing (12) containing a filter element (16), and a filtered air zone (19). The filter element hermetically seals and separates the unfiltered air zone (13) from the filtered air zone. The unfiltered air zone (13) is configured by a first half shell (11), which is connected to the system plate (10) in a fixed, hermetically sealed manner. The filter housing (12) is also connected to the system plate in a fixed and sealed manner. The permanent, air-tight connection of the first half shell to the system plate allows the air filtration system to be manufactured in a simpler, more rapid and more cost effective manner by obviating the need for seals and connecting elements, as well as the need to assemble such parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Schenk, Thomas Reinhold, Manuel Aisa
  • Publication number: 20040129852
    Abstract: A cup holder for retaining a cup on a shopping cart has a ring and a bracket. The ring supports the cup, and is in turn supported by the bracket attached to the shopping cart. Further supports for holding the cup in the cup holder are provided as attachments to the ring or the bracket. The cup holder may be mounted on a wall of the shopping cart, a handle, or may be carried by the individual through the provision of a handle on the bracket or ring. The cup holder contributes to preventing spills and provides a safe and convenient way to transport beverages, especially hot beverages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Giampavolo
  • Patent number: 6758452
    Abstract: A support for a drink holder has a receiving opening, the diameter of which can be modified by altering the position of lamella in an iris-like manner. The lamella are disposed on the circumference of the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hermann Salenbauch, Rainer Steiger, Roland Weismeier, Alexander Klatt, Traci Angela Neist Vassallo, John Raff
  • Patent number: 6749167
    Abstract: A beverage container holder for a shaped bottle has an insertion opening for insertion of a bottle, a spring element that pivots the diameter-compensating element into the insertion opening, wherein the diameter-compensating element being pivotable downwardly and upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Fischerwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Kaupp, Falk Schaal
  • Publication number: 20040108428
    Abstract: A holder for a beverage container has a container receptacle, gripping elements with holding elements capable of being resiliently pressed away radially and project into the container receptacle, each of the holding elements having at least two vertically offset gripping points and being fastened by a spring element, such that each of the holding elements and each of the spring elements form a horizontally tiltable one of the gripping elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Gunter Leopold
  • Publication number: 20040108429
    Abstract: A quick release canister supporting apparatus includes a mounting bracket mountable to a rigid support, a rigid, canister retaining frame releasably mountable into mating engagement with the mounting bracket, and at least one latch cooperating between the mounting bracket and the retaining frame for the releasable mounting into mating engagement of the retaining frame with the mounting bracket. The latch may be mounted to the mounting bracket or to the retaining frame. A manually operable release actuator may cooperate with the latch for selective actuation of the latch to release the retaining frame from the mounting bracket. The retaining frame defines a rigid cavity having an opening for receiving a gas canister substantially completely into the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Bradley J. Field, Joseph Konrat
  • Publication number: 20040089782
    Abstract: An accessory for use with a computer mouse, including a base which defines an area to be utilized for the mouse and a utilitarian assembly overlying the defined area for supporting a beverage container or other accessories as desired by the mouse user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Jay Eliason, Valerie Eliason
  • Patent number: 6732990
    Abstract: The present invention is a tray assembly comprising a holder, at least one tray, at least one securement device, and at least one support element. The holder is designed to fit into the cup holder in an automotive car console and accommodates one beverage container. The trays are joined to and extend outwardly from the holder and accommodate at least one food item. At least one tray is downwardly recessed to better accommodate the food items. The tray assembly is designed so that a plurality of the tray assemblies can be stacked together vertically. The arrangement of the trays is asymmetrical in such a way that a plurality of trays can be placed in closer proximity to a person or object, but do not upset the overall balance of the tray. The tray assembly contains at least one aperture in at least one tray, wherein the aperture acts as a receptacle for at least one container and maintains the containers in the vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: James K Hudson
  • Patent number: 6732894
    Abstract: A vehicle cup holder assembly comprising a vehicle component including a cup holder opening therein and an aperture formed adjacent the cup holder opening. A base injection molded from a first material and including an attachment feature which extends into the aperture and is selectively movable between extended and collapsed positions with respect to the aperture. An arm cup injection molded from a second material at least partially around the base and including an arm, wherein the second material is overmolded onto the base but not chemically bonded 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy R. Hubbert, Joseph J. Davis, Jr., Michael J. Hier, Jack S. Palazzolo, Dean Corrion
  • Publication number: 20040084593
    Abstract: An article holder capable of containing and supporting various objects. Manufactured from a durable material in a variety of colors, the article holder comprises a sidewall which may be generally cylindrically shaped, open at one end, and a raised pad to which is attached a connector for removably securing the holder. At least one finger-receiving recess may be defined by the sidewall of the holder. The holder may be sized and shaped to organize any sized items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Russell Raymond Barfield
  • Publication number: 20040084592
    Abstract: A multi-purpose holder for supporting an object in a vehicle includes a body structured and configured to receive an object. A support member is provided for supporting the object, and is vertically movably mounted relative to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher G. Engel, Jeff A. Kempf
  • Publication number: 20040079850
    Abstract: A container holder includes a member disposed in a closed position to be able to draw into an open position, a driving device attached to the member to move the member between the closed position and the open position, and a sensing device for sensing whether or not the member is drawn out for a predetermined amount from the closed position. A control device controls the driving device to cause the member to be housed when the sensing device senses that the member is not drawn out for a predetermined amount. Also, a container placed on a tray can be sensed assuredly regardless of vibration during a movement of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Hideaki Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20040069920
    Abstract: A holder for a powered device with a power supply, where the holder includes a cradle for seating the powered device, and a seating member for seating the power supply. The seating member and the cradle are preferably removably attached to each other at a pivot point. Preferably, the cradle and the seating member can be arranged together for holding the powered device in either a first or a second arrangement. In the first arrangement, the power supply is seated on the seating member and the cradle is attached to the seating member such that the power supply may be plugged into a wall outlet with the power supply and the powered device being fully supported against the wall by the holder. In the second arrangement, the power supply is not seated on said seating unit, but the seating unit is instead used as a base for the cradle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Wahl Clipper Corporation
    Inventor: Keith W. Dirks
  • Patent number: 6719254
    Abstract: An article holder includes a device that is removably securable to a pair of mounting bolts, which secure a handle mounting to a bicycle. The device includes a bracket having a generally planar configuration and having an upper edge, a lower edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. A pair of arms is attached to the first side edge. The arms are spaced from each other and each has a free end having one of a pair of protruding members attached thereto. Each of the protruding members generally extends toward each other. The protruding members are positioned such that each of the mounting bolts may be removably extended through one of the protruding members. A cup support is removably attachable to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Beryl Speiser
  • Patent number: 6715727
    Abstract: A container holder for holding a container therein is formed of a box member having an opening, and a lid member for opening and closing the opening of the box member. Axial plates extend from end portions of the lid member. Engaging projections are formed on the axial plates or the side surfaces of the box member to project toward the side surfaces or the axial plate, and guide dent sections with bottom surfaces are formed on the outer side surfaces of the box member or the axial plates for engaging the engaging projection therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Tohru Sambonmatsu
  • Patent number: 6715726
    Abstract: A deployable cup holder for use inside a vehicle having a retaining member depending outwardly frown a support member. The support member is adapted to be received within a receiving receptacle and the retaining member is stowed in a receiving area when the cup holder is in a stowed position. The support member travels out of the receptacle and locks into a deployed position. Once in this deployed position the retaining member provides a receiving area for receiving and supporting a beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Henry Dybalski
  • Patent number: 6712325
    Abstract: A cup holder for an automobile, which includes a housing inserted and fit into a central housing, a body sliding on a housing and a holder combined to the body to support a cup so that various parts are installed parallel to the central panel, and the cup holder can be vertically mounted to a narrow space formed at one side of the central panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis
    Inventor: Jae-Seob Choi
  • Patent number: 6708938
    Abstract: A cup holder for use in an automobile. The cup holder is mounted in a console of the automobile. A jaw that serves to lift a cover for the cup holder is integrally formed at one side of an upper surface of the cover. In this cup holder, there is no necessity for employing additional guides in order to hold the beverage can or the beverage can. The cup holder is capable of independently receiving various sized articles with maintaining a good external appearance and it is convenient to use. When a user open a front cover among the total covers for opening or closing retaining grooves, there is no necessity for opening the back covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Ha Kwon Bong
  • Patent number: 6705580
    Abstract: A cup holder for securely retaining a container, the cup holder includes a body having a radially extending flange. A series of upwardly extending arms are attached to the flange and adapted for pivotal movement thereabout. A rotating member is interconnected to the series of arms whereby the arms inwardly extend and are configured to collectively expand and contract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Bain
  • Patent number: 6705579
    Abstract: A folding cup holder with a base plate including one or more through holes; a holder arm for holding a cup, the holder arm being pivotally supported to the base plate; and a tray including one or more latch arms respectively inserted to the through holes, and axially supported to the base plate. The latch arms and the through holes are engaged with each other to hold the tray in a position for holding a cup and engagement thereof is cancelled in case that excessive force is applied to the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventor: Satoshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 6702244
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety device for stabilizing cylindrically shaped objects and thereby reducing the occurrences of uncontrolled releases of their contents. With respect to an exemplary embodiment, a stabilization mechanism is presented which comprising a cylindrically shaped barrel, having a first opened end and a second opened end and which is fitted with a plurality of stabilization outriggers. Each of the plurality of outriggers extends from the exterior surface of the barrel, radially outward away from the barrel. The interior diameter of the barrel is sufficient to accept a pressurized cylinder or tank. The outriggers effectively increase the diameter of the base of the cylinder, and so doing, provides an added measurement of stabilization with respect to toppling over from an inadvertent action. In the other exemplary embodiments, as few as three outriggers provide stabilization for the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Eddie Bruce Bock
  • Patent number: 6702241
    Abstract: The cup holder includes a case and a holder main body. The holder main body includes a bottom wall, a rear opening, a cup mounting member, and a forcing device. The cup mounting member has a rear plate which closes the rear opening in the retracted position, and a mounting plate which closes the bottom opening in the retracted position and aligns vertically with the bottom wall in the forward position. The case has a pressing part which in the stored position presses the cup mounting member toward the forward position in opposition to the force of the forcing device. The holder main body can be stored inside the case without obstruction to a device positioned inside the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Akinori Harada
  • Patent number: 6702243
    Abstract: A cup holder for a vehicle includes a holder body, an arm rotatable about a rotation center relative to the holder body in an opening direction and a closing direction, and a positioning mechanism for positioning said arm in at least one rotational position. The positioning mechanism includes a convex tooth and at least one concave portion. The convex tooth includes a first surface facing toward the opening direction of the cup holder, and a second surface facing toward the closing direction of the cup holder. An inclination angle of the first surface and an inclination angle of the second surface are different from each other in magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Kojima Press Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chikashi Takeichi
  • Patent number: 6702242
    Abstract: A tank holding assembly for releasably securing a tank therewithin which is attachable to a hollow seat back to facilitate rapid tank donning when seated. A housing is included with a tank receiving recess positionable in the hollow seat back area. The housing is preferably made of a flexibly resilient plastic material for protection of the tank but includes a retaining bracket, preferably of metal, secured to the rear portion for strengthening and securement to a seat back. A restraining strap extends through openings defined in the housing and the retaining bracket and around the tank for firm securement thereof. A releasable clasping device can be included for selectively holding the restraining strap extending about the tank. A release lanyard can be included for facilitating speedy disengaging of the clasping device. A magnetic device is designed for holding the clasp in the opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventors: Theodore Ziaylek, Jr., Michael Paul Ziaylek, Theodore P. Ziaylek
  • Patent number: 6698703
    Abstract: A beverage container holder formed with an upright body configured with an open top cavity and includes a downwardly projecting stem configured to complementally fit the cross section of a car door pocket or center console opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Bernard A. Li
  • Patent number: 6695271
    Abstract: A holder (10) for a beverage container, which is provided in the construction of a motor vehicle, is formed with two extensions (14, 16), which are displaceable from a base position in a housing (12) into a use position extended away from the housing (12). One of the two extensions (14) has a champagne glass holder (28), on which a champagne glass is held in a stabile manner with its foot by means of downwardly pivoting holding-down devices (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Fischer Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Torsten Bieck, Gunter Leopold, Juergen Koerber, Bernhard Duerr, Frank Emhardt, Hermann Gaus, Thomas Geisel, Christoph Jung, Rainer Leucht, Ralf-Henning Schrom, Rainer Tiefenbacher
  • Publication number: 20040031895
    Abstract: A beverage container holder which is especially suited for use in vehicles is disclosed. The holder includes a container support including a support surface delineating a bottom of a container receiving space. The surface is for engagement with the bottom of a beverage container when the holder is in use. The support including upstanding portions delineates the perimeter of the container space and an inflatable bladder is operably connected to the upstanding portions for engaging at least three locations about a perimeter of a container when the holder is in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Langhoff
  • Patent number: 6691967
    Abstract: A holder (10) for a beverage container, such as a beverage bottle, is integratable into a motor vehicle. The holder includes a support (16) that is pivotable on a side wall (20) of a pigeon hole (12) so that by swiveling of the support (16), a receiving area for placement of the drink container (48) is separable from the remainder of the pigeon hole (12). By swiveling of the support (16), the size of the receiving area is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Fischer Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Kaupp