US20210070208A1 - Configurable cup holder assembly - Google Patents
Configurable cup holder assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210070208A1 US20210070208A1 US16/567,307 US201916567307A US2021070208A1 US 20210070208 A1 US20210070208 A1 US 20210070208A1 US 201916567307 A US201916567307 A US 201916567307A US 2021070208 A1 US2021070208 A1 US 2021070208A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- resilient
- head portion
- cup holder
- holder assembly
- engaged
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 claims description 41
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 6
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006837 decompression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N3/00—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for
- B60N3/10—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of receptacles for food or beverages, e.g. refrigerated
- B60N3/105—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of receptacles for food or beverages, e.g. refrigerated for receptables of different size or shape
- B60N3/108—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of receptacles for food or beverages, e.g. refrigerated for receptables of different size or shape with resilient holding elements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N3/00—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for
- B60N3/10—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of receptacles for food or beverages, e.g. refrigerated
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
- F16B2/20—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
- F16B2/22—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to a configurable cup holder assembly.
- the present invention relates to a configurable cup holder assembly having one or more resilient fingers.
- Vehicle cup holders are often equipped with fingers-like features that are configured to stabilize a beverage container that is smaller than the receptacle of the cup holder. These finger-like features often protrude toward the center of the cup holder cavity and can impede vehicle occupants from cleaning the cup holder with ease. Finger-like features that may be easily removed from the cup holder may be desired.
- a cup holder assembly includes a receptacle defining a cavity and having an engagement feature.
- a resilient finger is operably coupled to the receptacle and is operable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, wherein the resilient finger is engaged with the engagement feature.
- a resilient arm is coupled to the resilient finger and is operable to flex from a first position to a second position that is resilient finger inboard of the first position to allow the resilient finger to move between the disengaged position and the engaged position.
- a cup holder assembly includes a receptacle having a side wall extending upward from a base and defining a cavity.
- An engagement feature is coupled to the side wall.
- a resilient finger is configured to protrude into the cavity and has an elongated body extending from a tail portion to a head portion. The resilient finger is operable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, wherein the head portion is engaged with the engagement feature.
- the head portion includes a neck extending from the elongated body of the resilient finger, a resilient arm extending from the neck and operable to flex from a first position to a second position resilient finger inboard of the first position, a retention feature coupled to the resilient arm, and a biasing member extending outward from the neck.
- the biasing member is operable between an extended position and a compressed position, wherein the retention feature is configured to retain the head portion of the resilient finger in engagement with the engagement feature when the head portion is in the engaged position and the resilient arm is in the first position. Movement of the resilient arm from the first position to the second position allows the head portion to move between the engaged position and the disengaged position. Movement of the head portion from the disengaged position to the engaged position biases the biasing member against the engagement feature to move the biasing member from the extended positon to the compressed position.
- a cup holder assembly includes a receptacle having an engagement feature.
- a resilient finger is operable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, wherein the resilient finger is engaged with the engagement feature.
- a resilient arm is coupled to the resilient finger and operable to flex from a first position to a second position to allow the resilient finger to move between the disengaged and engaged positions.
- a biasing member is coupled to the resilient finger and is configured to bias the resilient finger toward the disengaged position when the resilient finger is in the engaged position.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cup holder assembly illustrating resilient fingers coupled to a receptacle, according to one embodiment
- FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the cup holder assembly, illustrating the receptacle, the resilient fingers, and a cover feature, according to one embodiment
- FIG. 3A is an elevational view of a portion of the cup holder assembly, illustrating the resilient finger in a disengaged position and a resilient arm in a first position, according to one embodiment
- FIG. 3B is an elevational view of a portion of the cup holder assembly, illustrating the resilient finger in an engaged position and the resilient arm in a second position, according to one embodiment
- FIG. 3C is an elevational view of a portion of the cup holder assembly, illustrating the resilient finger in an engaged position and the resilient arm in the first position, according to one embodiment
- FIG. 4A is an elevational view of a portion of the cup holder assembly, illustrating the resilient finger in the disengaged position and a biasing member in an extended position, according to one embodiment
- FIG. 4B is an elevational view of a portion of the cup holder assembly, illustrating the resilient finger in the engaged position and the biasing member in a compressed position, according to one embodiment
- FIG. 5A is a side perspective view of the resilient finger engaged with the receptacle, illustrating the resilient finger in an at rest position, according to one embodiment
- FIG. 5B is a side perspective view of the resilient finger engaged with the receptacle, illustrating the resilient finger in a biased position, according to one embodiment
- FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a portion of the cup holder assembly, illustrating a wire resilient finger, according to one embodiment.
- the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed.
- the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.
- relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.
- the term “coupled” in all of its forms: couple, coupling, coupled, etc. generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and/or any additional intermediate members. Such joining may include members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another (i.e., integrally coupled) or may refer to joining of two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature, or may be removable or releasable in nature, unless otherwise stated.
- substantially is intended to note that a described feature is equal or approximately equal to a value or description.
- a “substantially planar” surface is intended to denote a surface that is planar or approximately planar.
- substantially is intended to denote that two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, “substantially” may denote values within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.
- the terms “the,” “a,” or “an,” mean “at least one,” and should not be limited to “only one” unless explicitly indicated to the contrary.
- reference to “a component” includes embodiments having two or more such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
- a cup holder assembly 10 is disclosed herein.
- the cup holder assembly 10 may include a receptacle 12 defining a cavity 18 and having an engagement feature 22 .
- a resilient finger 30 may be operably coupled to the receptacle 12 and may be operable between an engaged position, wherein the resilient finger 30 is engaged with the engagement feature 22 of the receptacle 12 , and a disengaged position. As shown in FIG.
- the cup holder assembly 10 may include a plurality of resilient fingers 30 , which may be resilient, generally elongated members configured to elastically yield when an object, such as a cup, is inserted into the receptacle 12 , and apply pressure to the inserted object to hold it firmly within the receptacle 12 .
- a resilient arm 44 may be coupled to the resilient finger 30 and may be operable to flex from a first position to a second position resilient finger inboard of the first position to allow the resilient finger 30 to move between the disengaged and engaged positions.
- the cup holder assembly 10 may include the receptacle 12 .
- the receptacle 12 may include a base 14 .
- a side wall 16 may extend upward from the base 14 .
- the receptacle 12 may define the cavity 18 . It is contemplated that there may be multiple side walls 16 and that the one or more side walls 16 may define various cavity 18 shapes (e.g., circular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, etc.).
- the side wall 16 may include an upper rim 20 .
- the upper rim 20 may extend from the upper portion of the side wall 16 .
- the upper rim 20 may include an upward facing surface.
- the upward facing surface may be generally planar to the base 14 of the receptacle 12 , in some embodiments.
- the upper rim 20 may extend outward from the side wall 16 .
- the upper rim 20 may include one or more apertures or other features configured to attach other components of the cup holder assembly 10 thereto.
- a cover feature 60 may be configured to attach to the upper rim 20 of the cup holder assembly 10 in some embodiments.
- the cup holder assembly 10 may include the engagement feature 22 .
- the engagement feature 22 may be configured to receive and/or retain the resilient finger 30 .
- the engagement feature 22 may be coupled to the side wall 16 .
- the engagement feature 22 may be proximate to the upper rim 20 of the receptacle 12 .
- a portion of the side wall 16 and/or the upper rim 20 may be included in the engagement feature 22 .
- the engagement feature 22 may extend outward from the side wall 16 and may be generally planar to the upper rim 20 and/or the base 14 of the receptacle 12 .
- the engagement feature 22 may include a shelf 24 , a retaining lip 26 , the side wall 16 , the upper rim 20 , and/or a combination thereof.
- the shelf 24 may be coupled to the side wall 16 of the receptacle 12 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the shelf 24 may extend outward from the side wall 16 . In some embodiments, the shelf 24 may be generally, substantially, and/or majorly planar to the base 14 and/or the upper rim 20 of the receptacle 12 .
- the retaining lip 26 may be coupled to the shelf 24 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the retaining lip 26 may extend upward from the shelf 24 .
- the retaining lip 26 may extend upward from the shelf 24 and then inward toward the side wall 16 .
- the side wall 16 and/or the upper rim 20 may extend generally above the shelf 24 proximate to the portion of the shelf 24 that is coupled to the side wall 16 .
- This portion of the side wall 16 and/or the upper rim 20 (illustrated in FIG. 2 ) may be included in the engagement feature 22 in various embodiments and may be referred to as a stop 28 .
- the stop 28 may be configured to engage with a retention feature 48 coupled to the resilient finger 30 .
- the shelf 24 , the retaining lip 26 , and/or the stop 28 may be configured to support the resilient finger 30 and aid in retaining the resilient finger 30 in a desired position.
- the engagement feature 22 may include at least one of a variety of features configured to support and/or aid in retaining the resilient finger 30 in a desired position (e.g., aperture, port, slot, etc.). Further, it is contemplated that the engagement feature 22 may be coupled to various portions of the side wall 16 and need not be proximate to the upper rim 20 of the receptacle 12 . For example, in some embodiments, the engagement feature 22 may be generally centered between the upper rim 20 and the base 14 of the receptacle 12 .
- the cup holder assembly 10 is shown having four resilient fingers 30 for each cup-holding portion of the receptacle 12 (two cup-holding portions, and eight resilient fingers 30 are illustrated in total) positioned at 90° around the cup-holding portion of the receptacle 12 .
- the cup holder assembly 10 may include more or fewer resilient fingers 30 within the receptacle 12 .
- the resilient finger 30 may be coupled to the receptacle 12 and may be configured to yieldingly secure an object (e.g., a cup) within the cavity 18 of the receptacle 12 .
- the resilient finger 30 may be coupled to the side wall 16 of the receptacle 12 and may protrude into the cavity 18 defined by the receptacle 12 .
- the resilient finger 30 may be curved to bow outward from the side wall 16 of the receptacle 12 into the cavity 18 .
- the resilient finger 30 may include an elongated body 32 that extends from a tail portion 34 to a head portion 40 of the resilient finger 30 .
- the elongated body 32 may be curved to bow outward from the side wall 16 of the receptacle 12 into the cavity 18 , as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the head portion 40 may be coupled to the elongated body 32 .
- the head portion 40 may include a neck 42 .
- the neck 42 may extend between a first end 42 A and a second end 42 B.
- the second end 42 B may be coupled to the elongated body 32 and extend therefrom.
- the neck 42 may be generally narrower than the elongated body 32 as shown in FIG. 3A . It is contemplated that the neck 42 may be the same width or even wider than the elongated body 32 , in some embodiments.
- the resilient arm 44 may be coupled to the resilient finger 30 .
- the resilient arm 44 may be coupled to the head portion 40 of the resilient finger 30 .
- the resilient arm 44 may be coupled to the neck 42 of the head portion 40 of the resilient finger 30 .
- the resilient arm 44 may be coupled to the first end 42 A of the neck 42 .
- the resilient arm 44 may extend from the first end 42 A of the neck 42 generally toward the second end 42 B of the neck 42 , as shown in FIG. 3A . In other words, the resilient arm 44 may extend away from the first end 42 A of the neck 42 toward the elongated body 32 of the resilient finger 30 .
- the resilient arm 44 may be generally arcuate in shape, as shown in FIG. 3A where the resilient arm 44 extends outward from the first end 42 A of the neck 42 and then generally curves and extends generally toward the second end 42 B of the neck 42 and/or the elongated body 32 . It is contemplated that, in various embodiments, the resilient arm 44 may be shapes other than arcuate.
- the resilient finger 30 may include a recess 46 .
- the recess 46 may be defined by the resilient arm 44 and the resilient finger 30 .
- the recess 46 may be defined by the resilient arm 44 and the head portion 40 of the resilient finger 30 .
- the recess 46 may be defined by the resilient arm 44 and the neck 42 .
- the recess 46 may be disposed between the portion of the neck 42 running from the first end 42 A to the second end 42 B and the resilient arm 44 generally extending from the first end 42 A of the neck 42 toward the second end 42 B of the neck 42 .
- the resilient finger 30 may include the retention feature 48 .
- the retention feature 48 may be coupled to the head portion 40 of the resilient finger 30 . Further, the retention feature 48 may be coupled to the resilient arm 44 of the resilient finger 30 . As illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C , the retention feature 48 may be coupled to the resilient arm 44 opposite the side of the resilient arm 44 that defines the recess 46 . In some embodiments, the retention feature 48 may extend outward from the resilient arm 44 at an angle, as further shown in FIGS. 3A-3C .
- the retention feature 48 may be disposed on the resilient arm 44 on the side opposite the side of the resilient arm 44 that defines the recess 46 and may extend outward therefrom at an angle (e.g., 30°, 45°, 60°, etc. relative to the resilient arm). In such embodiments, the retention feature 48 extends outward at an angle, such that the distance that the retention feature 48 protrudes from the resilient arm 44 increases as the retention feature 48 extends generally away from the portion of the resilient arm 44 that is coupled to the head portion 40 and/or the neck 42 of the resilient finger 30 . As further illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C , the inclined angle of the retention feature 48 may terminate after a span.
- the side of the retention feature 48 most proximate to the elongated body 32 of the resilient finger 30 may be generally perpendicular to the surface of the adjoining resilient arm 44 . It should be appreciated that, in various embodiments, the retention feature 48 may include one or more of a host of features configured to retain the resilient finger 30 in a desired position within the cup holder assembly 10 .
- the resilient finger 30 may include a tab feature 50 .
- the tab feature 50 may be coupled to the resilient arm 44 .
- the tab feature 50 may be coupled to the end of the resilient arm 44 that is distal to the end of the resilient arm 44 that extends from the neck 42 .
- the tab feature 50 may extend generally outward from the resilient arm 44 and may be configured to aid a user in manipulating the resilient arm 44 of the resilient finger 30 .
- the tab feature 50 may be angled and/or curved.
- the tab feature 50 being angled and/or curved in this way may have the effect that a force being applied to the tab feature 50 in a direction generally parallel to the length of the resilient arm 44 may influence the resilient arm 44 to flex generally resilient finger inboard toward the neck 42 , as shown in FIG. 3B .
- the tab feature 50 may be at least one of a variety of shapes in various embodiments.
- the resilient finger 30 may include a plurality of resilient arms 44 , tab features 50 and/or retention features 48 .
- the resilient finger 30 may include first and second resilient arms 44 extending outward from the first end 42 A of the neck 42 and generally toward the second end 42 B of the neck 42 .
- the resilient finger 30 may include corresponding tab features 50 and retention features 48 coupled to the first and second resilient arms 44 .
- the resilient finger 30 may include a biasing member 52 .
- the biasing member 52 may be coupled to the head portion 40 of the resilient finger 30 .
- the biasing member 52 may be coupled to the first end 42 A of the neck 42 and may extend outward therefrom.
- the biasing member 52 may extend out of the first end 42 A of the neck 42 from between the first and second resilient arms 44 .
- the biasing member 52 may include one or more of a variety of features configured to bias the resilient finger 30 (e.g., spring, band, resilient V-shaped appendages, etc.).
- the biasing member 52 may include a resilient wishbone feature 54 .
- the resilient wishbone feature 54 may include a support base 56 coupled to the neck 42 and first and second legs 58 coupled to the support base 56 and extending outward therefrom.
- the first and second legs 58 may be configured to flex in response to a force being applied to the biasing member 52 in a direction generally running from the first end 42 A of the neck 42 to the second end 42 B of the neck 42 , as shown in FIG. 4B .
- the resilient finger 30 may include the tail portion 34 .
- the tail portion 34 may generally be disposed proximate to the end of the resilient finger 30 distal to the head portion 40 of the resilient finger 30 .
- the tail portion 34 may be in contact with the side wall 16 of the receptacle 12 in operation of the cup holder assembly 10 .
- the tail portion 34 may be sliding contact with the side wall 16 of the receptacle 12 . It is contemplated that, in some embodiments, the tail portion 34 may be coupled to the base 14 of the receptacle 12 .
- the components of the resilient finger 30 may be integrally coupled with one another.
- the resilient finger 30 may be a single unitary plastic body that was integrally formed.
- the resilient finger 30 may include a wire.
- the resilient finger 30 may consist substantially, majorly, and/or entirely of the wire.
- the cup holder assembly 10 may include a plurality of resilient fingers 30 for use in the receptacle 12 , as illustrated.
- the resilient finger 30 may be operable between the disengaged position and the engaged position.
- the resilient finger 30 may be engaged with the engagement feature 22 of the receptacle 12 when the resilient finger 30 is in the engaged position.
- the head portion 40 of the resilient finger 30 may engage with the engagement feature 22 .
- the head portion 40 may be operable between the disengaged and engaged positions.
- the head portion 40 of the resilient finger 30 may be engaged with the engagement feature 22 in a variety of ways, in various embodiments.
- the shelf 24 may support an underside of the head portion 40 when the head portion 40 is engaged with the engagement feature 22 .
- the retaining lip 26 may act as a backstop for the portion of the head portion 40 that is proximate to the first end 42 A of the neck 42 . Further, as will be discussed subsequently, in some embodiments, the retaining lip 26 may act as a backstop for the biasing member 52 while the resilient finger 30 is in the engaged position. Additionally, in some embodiments, the retaining lip 26 may extend upward and then inward from the shelf 24 to provide a cover of sorts to at least a portion of the head portion 40 of the resilient finger 30 , which may aid in holding the resilient finger 30 in the engaged position. In various embodiments, the retention feature 48 may engage with at least a portion of the engagement feature 22 to help retain the resilient finger 30 in the engaged position.
- the retention feature 48 may engage the stop 28 extending above the shelf 24 of the engagement feature 22 to help keep the engagement feature 22 from moving to the disengaged position.
- a portion of the resilient arm 44 may protrude into the cavity 18 defined by the receptacle 12 when the resilient finger 30 is in the engaged position.
- the resilient finger 30 may be operable for use in the cup holder assembly 10 while in the engaged position.
- the resilient finger 30 may be removed from the receptacle 12 by moving the resilient finger 30 from the engaged position to the disengaged position.
- the resilient arm 44 may be operable between a first position and a second position.
- the second position may be resilient finger inboard of the first position.
- the resilient arm 44 in the second position FIG. 3B
- the resilient arm 44 in the first position FIG. 3A
- movement of the resilient arm 44 from the first position to the second position causes the resilient arm 44 to move into the recess 46 that is partially defined by the resilient arm 44 when the resilient arm 44 is in the first position. Consequently, the recess 46 may be smaller when the resilient arm 44 is in the second position relative to when the resilient arm 44 is in the first position.
- the resilient arm 44 may be generally at rest while in the first position and may be configured to flex to the second position when a force is applied to the resilient arm 44 . Further, the resilient arm 44 may be resilient, such that the resilient arm 44 may move back to the first position when the force applied to the resilient arm 44 is removed. In some embodiments, the resilient arm 44 may flex about the arcuate portions of the resilient arm 44 .
- movement of the resilient arm 44 may allow movement of the resilient finger 30 between the disengaged and engaged positions.
- this freedom of movement of the resilient finger 30 between the engaged position and the disengaged position is enabled by disengagement of the retention feature 48 from the engagement feature 22 as a result of the resilient arm 44 moving from the first position to the second position.
- the retention feature 48 is configured to engage with the stop 28 of the engagement feature 22 when the resilient arm 44 is in the first position. Movement of the resilient arm 44 from the first position to the second position may cause the adjoining retention feature 48 to move resilient finger inboard, which may result in the retention feature 48 no longer engaging the stop 28 of the engagement feature 22 .
- the resilient finger 30 when the resilient arm 44 is in the second position, the resilient finger 30 may be generally free to move between the engaged position and the disengaged position, in some embodiments.
- a user may manually move the resilient arm 44 from the first position to the second position to allow the resilient finger 30 to move from the disengaged positon to the engaged position. The user may then move the resilient finger 30 from the disengaged position to the engaged position. Next, the user may release the resilient arm 44 , such that the resilient arm 44 moves back from the second position to the first position, which may enable the retention feature 48 coupled to the resilient arm 44 to engage the stop 28 of the engagement feature 22 .
- the resilient finger 30 may be moved from the disengaged position to the engaged position and secured therein.
- a user may move the resilient finger 30 from the disengaged position to the engaged position without manually manipulating the resilient arm 44 .
- movement of the resilient finger 30 from the disengaged position to the engaged position may cause the retention feature 48 to contact a portion of the receptacle 12 (e.g., side wall 16 , stop 28 , etc.), and the force applied to the angled retention feature 48 by the portion of the receptacle 12 may cause the resilient arm 44 to flex from the first position to the second position until the retention feature 48 bypasses the portion of the receptacle 12 .
- the resilient arm 44 may rebound back to the first position, which may engage the retention feature 48 with the stop 28 of the engagement feature 22 , as shown in FIG. 3C , to securely engage the resilient finger 30 with the engagement feature 22 .
- the biasing member 52 may be operable to be biased from an extended position to a compressed position. As illustrated in FIG. 4B , movement of the head portion 40 of the resilient finger 30 from the disengaged position to the engaged positon may bias the biasing member 52 against the engagement feature 22 to move the biasing member 52 from the extended position to the compressed position. For example, in some embodiments, movement of the head portion 40 of the resilient finger 30 from the disengaged position to the engaged position may cause the first and second legs 58 of the resilient wishbone feature 54 to contact and bow against the retaining lip 26 of the engagement feature 22 , as shown in FIG. 4B .
- This compression of the biasing member 52 may cause the retention feature 48 to be in pressured contact with the stop 28 of the engagement feature 22 which may result in a more secure engagement of the resilient finger 30 in the engagement feature 22 , and may reduce rattling of the resilient finger 30 within the receptacle 12 .
- the biasing member 52 may forcibly move back to the extended position, where the biasing member 52 is generally at rest. This may propel the resilient finger 30 toward the disengaged position, which may enable convenient removal of the resilient finger 30 from the receptacle 12 .
- the elongated body 32 of the resilient finger 30 may be curved to bow outward from the side wall 16 of the receptacle 12 into the cavity 18 when the resilient finger 30 is in the engaged position.
- the elongated body 32 may be configured to flex from an at rest position, where the elongated body 32 extends into the cavity 18 a first distance from the side wall 16 , to a biased position, where the elongated body 32 extends into the cavity 18 of the receptacle 12 a second distance from the side wall 16 .
- the first distance may be greater than the second distance, as depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B .
- the tail portion 34 of the resilient finger 30 may be a first distance from the base 14 of the receptacle 12 when the elongated body 32 of the resilient finger 30 is in the at rest position, and a second distance from the base 14 of the receptacle 12 when the elongated body 32 is in the biased position.
- the first distance may be greater than the second distance, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B .
- the resilient finger 30 may move from the at rest position to the biased position in response to a force being applied to the portion of the elongated body 32 facing generally cavity inward. For example, a cup being thrust into the cavity 18 of the receptacle 12 and contacting the resilient finger 30 may cause the resilient finger 30 to yield from the at rest position to the biased position.
- the cup holder assembly 10 may include the cover feature 60 .
- the cover feature 60 may be configured to cover the upper rim 20 of the receptacle 12 .
- the cover feature 60 may be configured to cover the engagement feature 22 and/or the portion of the resilient finger 30 disposed within the engagement feature 22 , as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the cover feature 60 may be configured to aid in securing the resilient finger 30 in the engaged position.
- the cover feature 60 may be decorative. Further, it should be appreciated that, in various embodiments, the cup holder assembly 10 may not include the cover feature 60 .
- a user may insert a beverage container into the receptacle 12 of the cup holder assembly 10 .
- One or more resilient fingers 30 may yield to allow the beverage container to enter the receptacle 12 , and may apply pressure to one or more sides of the beverage container to hold it firmly within the cavity 18 of the receptacle 12 .
- the user may then remove the beverage container from the receptacle 12 and, upon desiring to clean the base 14 and side walls 16 of the receptacle 12 thoroughly, may remove the one or more resilient fingers 30 from the receptacle 12 to allow for convenient access.
- the user may move the resilient arm 44 coupled to the head portion 40 of the resilient finger 30 from the first position to the second position, which may disengage the retention feature 48 from the stop 28 of the engagement feature 22 .
- Disengagement of the retention feature 48 from the stop 28 of the engagement feature 22 may enable the biasing member 52 coupled to the head portion 40 of the resilient finger 30 to resiliently decompress from the compressed position, wherein the biasing member 52 is in pressured contact with the retaining lip 26 of the engagement feature 22 , to the extended position. This decompression of the biasing member 52 may propel the resilient finger 30 from the engaged position to the disengaged position, to allow for convenient removal of the resilient finger 30 from the engagement feature 22 and receptacle 12 .
- the resilient finger 30 coupled to the receptacle 12 may aid in securely retaining a beverage container within the cavity 18 of the receptacle 12 .
- the ability to move the resilient finger 30 from the engaged position to the disengaged position may enable more convenient removal of the resilient finger 30 from the receptacle 12 .
- convenient removal of the resilient finger 30 from the receptacle 12 may allow for easy cleaning of various components of the cup holder assembly 10 .
- convenient removal of the resilient finger 30 from the receptacle 12 may allow a user to conveniently configure the cup holder assembly 10 , such that the cup holder assembly 10 resembles a bin for storing various items.
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Abstract
A cup holder assembly is disclosed herein. The cup holder assembly includes a receptacle defining a cavity and having an engagement feature. A resilient finger is operably coupled to the receptacle and is operable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, wherein the resilient finger is engaged with the engagement feature. A resilient arm is coupled to the resilient finger and is operable to flex from a first position to a second position resilient finger inboard of the first position to allow the resilient finger to move between the disengaged and engaged positions.
Description
- The present invention generally relates to a configurable cup holder assembly. In particular, the present invention relates to a configurable cup holder assembly having one or more resilient fingers.
- Vehicle cup holders are often equipped with fingers-like features that are configured to stabilize a beverage container that is smaller than the receptacle of the cup holder. These finger-like features often protrude toward the center of the cup holder cavity and can impede vehicle occupants from cleaning the cup holder with ease. Finger-like features that may be easily removed from the cup holder may be desired.
- According to a first aspect of the present invention, a cup holder assembly includes a receptacle defining a cavity and having an engagement feature. A resilient finger is operably coupled to the receptacle and is operable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, wherein the resilient finger is engaged with the engagement feature. A resilient arm is coupled to the resilient finger and is operable to flex from a first position to a second position that is resilient finger inboard of the first position to allow the resilient finger to move between the disengaged position and the engaged position.
- Embodiments of the first aspect of the invention can include any one or a combination of the following features:
-
- a retention feature coupled to the resilient arm and configured to retain the resilient finger in the engaged position when the resilient arm is in the first position;
- an elongated body extending from a head portion to a tail portion and configured to protrude into the cavity of the receptacle;
- the elongated body bows outward from the receptacle into the cavity;
- the resilient arm comprises a plurality of resilient arms;
- a biasing member extending outward from the resilient finger and operable between an extended position and a compressed position, wherein movement of the resilient finger from the disengaged position to the engaged position biases the biasing member against the engagement feature to move the biasing member from the extended position to the compressed position; and
- a portion of the resilient arm protrudes into the cavity defined by the receptacle when the resilient finger is in the engaged position.
- According to a second aspect of the present invention, a cup holder assembly includes a receptacle having a side wall extending upward from a base and defining a cavity. An engagement feature is coupled to the side wall. A resilient finger is configured to protrude into the cavity and has an elongated body extending from a tail portion to a head portion. The resilient finger is operable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, wherein the head portion is engaged with the engagement feature. The head portion includes a neck extending from the elongated body of the resilient finger, a resilient arm extending from the neck and operable to flex from a first position to a second position resilient finger inboard of the first position, a retention feature coupled to the resilient arm, and a biasing member extending outward from the neck. The biasing member is operable between an extended position and a compressed position, wherein the retention feature is configured to retain the head portion of the resilient finger in engagement with the engagement feature when the head portion is in the engaged position and the resilient arm is in the first position. Movement of the resilient arm from the first position to the second position allows the head portion to move between the engaged position and the disengaged position. Movement of the head portion from the disengaged position to the engaged position biases the biasing member against the engagement feature to move the biasing member from the extended positon to the compressed position.
- Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention can include any one or a combination of the following features:
-
- the resilient arm comprises first and second resilient arms;
- the neck extends between a first end and a second end that is coupled to the elongated body, and the first and second resilient arms extend from the first end of the neck;
- the biasing member extends out of the first end of the neck from between the first and second resilient arms;
- the first and second resilient arms extend generally toward the second end of the neck;
- the neck is generally narrower than the elongated body;
- the retention feature extends from the resilient arm at an angle such that movement of the head portion from the disengaged position toward the engaged position causes the resilient arm to flex from the first position to the second position;
- the elongated body is curved to bow outward from the side wall of the receptacle into the cavity when the resilient finger is in the engaged position;
- the elongated body is configured to flex from an at rest position, where the elongated body extends into the cavity a first distance from the side wall, to a biased position, wherein the elongated body extends into the cavity a second distance from the side wall, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance; and
- the tail portion is a first distance from the base of the receptacle when the elongated body is in the at rest position and a second distance from the base when the elongated body is in the biased position, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.
- According to yet a third aspect of the present disclosure, a cup holder assembly includes a receptacle having an engagement feature. A resilient finger is operable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, wherein the resilient finger is engaged with the engagement feature. A resilient arm is coupled to the resilient finger and operable to flex from a first position to a second position to allow the resilient finger to move between the disengaged and engaged positions. A biasing member is coupled to the resilient finger and is configured to bias the resilient finger toward the disengaged position when the resilient finger is in the engaged position.
- Embodiments of the third aspect of the invention can include any one or a combination of the following features:
-
- the biasing member is operable between an extended position and a compressed position, wherein movement of the resilient finger from the disengaged position to the engaged position biases the biasing member against the engagement feature to move the biasing member from the extended position to the compressed position; and
- a retention feature is coupled to the resilient arm and is configured to retain the resilient finger in the engaged position when the resilient arm is in the first position.
- These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.
- In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cup holder assembly illustrating resilient fingers coupled to a receptacle, according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the cup holder assembly, illustrating the receptacle, the resilient fingers, and a cover feature, according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 3A is an elevational view of a portion of the cup holder assembly, illustrating the resilient finger in a disengaged position and a resilient arm in a first position, according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 3B is an elevational view of a portion of the cup holder assembly, illustrating the resilient finger in an engaged position and the resilient arm in a second position, according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 3C is an elevational view of a portion of the cup holder assembly, illustrating the resilient finger in an engaged position and the resilient arm in the first position, according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 4A is an elevational view of a portion of the cup holder assembly, illustrating the resilient finger in the disengaged position and a biasing member in an extended position, according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 4B is an elevational view of a portion of the cup holder assembly, illustrating the resilient finger in the engaged position and the biasing member in a compressed position, according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 5A is a side perspective view of the resilient finger engaged with the receptacle, illustrating the resilient finger in an at rest position, according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 5B is a side perspective view of the resilient finger engaged with the receptacle, illustrating the resilient finger in a biased position, according to one embodiment; and -
FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a portion of the cup holder assembly, illustrating a wire resilient finger, according to one embodiment. - Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows and will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description, or recognized by practicing the invention as described in the following description, together with the claims and appended drawings.
- As used herein, the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.
- In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.
- For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms: couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and/or any additional intermediate members. Such joining may include members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another (i.e., integrally coupled) or may refer to joining of two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature, or may be removable or releasable in nature, unless otherwise stated.
- The terms “substantial,” “substantially,” and variations thereof as used herein are intended to note that a described feature is equal or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a “substantially planar” surface is intended to denote a surface that is planar or approximately planar. Moreover, “substantially” is intended to denote that two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, “substantially” may denote values within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.
- As used herein the terms “the,” “a,” or “an,” mean “at least one,” and should not be limited to “only one” unless explicitly indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to “a component” includes embodiments having two or more such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
- In reference to
FIGS. 1-6 , acup holder assembly 10 is disclosed herein. Thecup holder assembly 10 may include areceptacle 12 defining acavity 18 and having anengagement feature 22. Aresilient finger 30 may be operably coupled to thereceptacle 12 and may be operable between an engaged position, wherein theresilient finger 30 is engaged with theengagement feature 22 of thereceptacle 12, and a disengaged position. As shown inFIG. 1 , in various embodiments, thecup holder assembly 10 may include a plurality ofresilient fingers 30, which may be resilient, generally elongated members configured to elastically yield when an object, such as a cup, is inserted into thereceptacle 12, and apply pressure to the inserted object to hold it firmly within thereceptacle 12. Aresilient arm 44 may be coupled to theresilient finger 30 and may be operable to flex from a first position to a second position resilient finger inboard of the first position to allow theresilient finger 30 to move between the disengaged and engaged positions. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thecup holder assembly 10 may include thereceptacle 12. Thereceptacle 12 may include abase 14. Aside wall 16 may extend upward from thebase 14. In various embodiments, thereceptacle 12 may define thecavity 18. It is contemplated that there may bemultiple side walls 16 and that the one ormore side walls 16 may definevarious cavity 18 shapes (e.g., circular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, etc.). - In various embodiments, the
side wall 16 may include anupper rim 20. Theupper rim 20 may extend from the upper portion of theside wall 16. In some embodiments, theupper rim 20 may include an upward facing surface. The upward facing surface may be generally planar to thebase 14 of thereceptacle 12, in some embodiments. As shown inFIG. 2 , theupper rim 20 may extend outward from theside wall 16. Further, theupper rim 20 may include one or more apertures or other features configured to attach other components of thecup holder assembly 10 thereto. For example, acover feature 60 may be configured to attach to theupper rim 20 of thecup holder assembly 10 in some embodiments. - Referring further to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , in various embodiments, thecup holder assembly 10 may include theengagement feature 22. Theengagement feature 22 may be configured to receive and/or retain theresilient finger 30. In various embodiments, theengagement feature 22 may be coupled to theside wall 16. In some embodiments, theengagement feature 22 may be proximate to theupper rim 20 of thereceptacle 12. In various embodiments, a portion of theside wall 16 and/or theupper rim 20 may be included in theengagement feature 22. As shown inFIG. 2 , theengagement feature 22 may extend outward from theside wall 16 and may be generally planar to theupper rim 20 and/or thebase 14 of thereceptacle 12. - In reference to the
receptacle 12 depicted inFIG. 2 , in some embodiments, theengagement feature 22 may include ashelf 24, a retaininglip 26, theside wall 16, theupper rim 20, and/or a combination thereof. Theshelf 24 may be coupled to theside wall 16 of thereceptacle 12. As shown inFIG. 2 , theshelf 24 may extend outward from theside wall 16. In some embodiments, theshelf 24 may be generally, substantially, and/or majorly planar to thebase 14 and/or theupper rim 20 of thereceptacle 12. The retaininglip 26 may be coupled to theshelf 24. As shown inFIG. 2 , the retaininglip 26 may extend upward from theshelf 24. In some embodiments, the retaininglip 26 may extend upward from theshelf 24 and then inward toward theside wall 16. As further illustrated inFIG. 2 , theside wall 16 and/or theupper rim 20 may extend generally above theshelf 24 proximate to the portion of theshelf 24 that is coupled to theside wall 16. This portion of theside wall 16 and/or the upper rim 20 (illustrated inFIG. 2 ) may be included in theengagement feature 22 in various embodiments and may be referred to as astop 28. In some embodiments, thestop 28 may be configured to engage with aretention feature 48 coupled to theresilient finger 30. Theshelf 24, the retaininglip 26, and/or thestop 28 may be configured to support theresilient finger 30 and aid in retaining theresilient finger 30 in a desired position. It should be appreciated that, in various embodiments, theengagement feature 22 may include at least one of a variety of features configured to support and/or aid in retaining theresilient finger 30 in a desired position (e.g., aperture, port, slot, etc.). Further, it is contemplated that theengagement feature 22 may be coupled to various portions of theside wall 16 and need not be proximate to theupper rim 20 of thereceptacle 12. For example, in some embodiments, theengagement feature 22 may be generally centered between theupper rim 20 and thebase 14 of thereceptacle 12. - In further reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thecup holder assembly 10 is shown having fourresilient fingers 30 for each cup-holding portion of the receptacle 12 (two cup-holding portions, and eightresilient fingers 30 are illustrated in total) positioned at 90° around the cup-holding portion of thereceptacle 12. However, in various embodiments, thecup holder assembly 10 may include more or fewerresilient fingers 30 within thereceptacle 12. In various embodiments, theresilient finger 30 may be coupled to thereceptacle 12 and may be configured to yieldingly secure an object (e.g., a cup) within thecavity 18 of thereceptacle 12. In some embodiments, theresilient finger 30 may be coupled to theside wall 16 of thereceptacle 12 and may protrude into thecavity 18 defined by thereceptacle 12. Theresilient finger 30 may be curved to bow outward from theside wall 16 of thereceptacle 12 into thecavity 18. In various embodiments, theresilient finger 30 may include anelongated body 32 that extends from atail portion 34 to ahead portion 40 of theresilient finger 30. In some embodiments, theelongated body 32 may be curved to bow outward from theside wall 16 of thereceptacle 12 into thecavity 18, as shown inFIG. 1 . - Referring now to
FIGS. 1-3A , in various embodiments, thehead portion 40 may be coupled to theelongated body 32. In some embodiments, thehead portion 40 may include aneck 42. Theneck 42 may extend between afirst end 42A and asecond end 42B. Thesecond end 42B may be coupled to theelongated body 32 and extend therefrom. In some embodiments, theneck 42 may be generally narrower than theelongated body 32 as shown inFIG. 3A . It is contemplated that theneck 42 may be the same width or even wider than theelongated body 32, in some embodiments. - Referring now to
FIGS. 3A-3C , in various embodiments, theresilient arm 44 may be coupled to theresilient finger 30. In some embodiments, theresilient arm 44 may be coupled to thehead portion 40 of theresilient finger 30. As illustrated inFIGS. 3A-3C , in some embodiments, theresilient arm 44 may be coupled to theneck 42 of thehead portion 40 of theresilient finger 30. Further, theresilient arm 44 may be coupled to thefirst end 42A of theneck 42. Theresilient arm 44 may extend from thefirst end 42A of theneck 42 generally toward thesecond end 42B of theneck 42, as shown inFIG. 3A . In other words, theresilient arm 44 may extend away from thefirst end 42A of theneck 42 toward theelongated body 32 of theresilient finger 30. In various embodiments, theresilient arm 44 may be generally arcuate in shape, as shown inFIG. 3A where theresilient arm 44 extends outward from thefirst end 42A of theneck 42 and then generally curves and extends generally toward thesecond end 42B of theneck 42 and/or theelongated body 32. It is contemplated that, in various embodiments, theresilient arm 44 may be shapes other than arcuate. - Referring further to
FIGS. 3A-3C , in various embodiments, theresilient finger 30 may include arecess 46. Therecess 46 may be defined by theresilient arm 44 and theresilient finger 30. In some embodiments, therecess 46 may be defined by theresilient arm 44 and thehead portion 40 of theresilient finger 30. Further, in some embodiment, therecess 46 may be defined by theresilient arm 44 and theneck 42. As shown inFIG. 3A , therecess 46 may be disposed between the portion of theneck 42 running from thefirst end 42A to thesecond end 42B and theresilient arm 44 generally extending from thefirst end 42A of theneck 42 toward thesecond end 42B of theneck 42. - In various embodiments, the
resilient finger 30 may include theretention feature 48. In some embodiments, theretention feature 48 may be coupled to thehead portion 40 of theresilient finger 30. Further, theretention feature 48 may be coupled to theresilient arm 44 of theresilient finger 30. As illustrated inFIGS. 3A-3C , theretention feature 48 may be coupled to theresilient arm 44 opposite the side of theresilient arm 44 that defines therecess 46. In some embodiments, theretention feature 48 may extend outward from theresilient arm 44 at an angle, as further shown inFIGS. 3A-3C . In particular, in some embodiments, theretention feature 48 may be disposed on theresilient arm 44 on the side opposite the side of theresilient arm 44 that defines therecess 46 and may extend outward therefrom at an angle (e.g., 30°, 45°, 60°, etc. relative to the resilient arm). In such embodiments, theretention feature 48 extends outward at an angle, such that the distance that theretention feature 48 protrudes from theresilient arm 44 increases as theretention feature 48 extends generally away from the portion of theresilient arm 44 that is coupled to thehead portion 40 and/or theneck 42 of theresilient finger 30. As further illustrated inFIGS. 3A-3C , the inclined angle of theretention feature 48 may terminate after a span. In some embodiments, the side of theretention feature 48 most proximate to theelongated body 32 of theresilient finger 30 may be generally perpendicular to the surface of the adjoiningresilient arm 44. It should be appreciated that, in various embodiments, theretention feature 48 may include one or more of a host of features configured to retain theresilient finger 30 in a desired position within thecup holder assembly 10. - Referring now to
FIGS. 3A-3C , in various embodiments, theresilient finger 30 may include atab feature 50. Thetab feature 50 may be coupled to theresilient arm 44. In some embodiments, thetab feature 50 may be coupled to the end of theresilient arm 44 that is distal to the end of theresilient arm 44 that extends from theneck 42. Thetab feature 50 may extend generally outward from theresilient arm 44 and may be configured to aid a user in manipulating theresilient arm 44 of theresilient finger 30. As illustrated inFIG. 3A , in some embodiments, thetab feature 50 may be angled and/or curved. Thetab feature 50 being angled and/or curved in this way may have the effect that a force being applied to thetab feature 50 in a direction generally parallel to the length of theresilient arm 44 may influence theresilient arm 44 to flex generally resilient finger inboard toward theneck 42, as shown inFIG. 3B . It is contemplated that thetab feature 50 may be at least one of a variety of shapes in various embodiments. Further, it should be appreciated that, in various embodiments, theresilient finger 30 may include a plurality ofresilient arms 44, tab features 50 and/or retention features 48. For example, as shown inFIG. 3A , theresilient finger 30 may include first and secondresilient arms 44 extending outward from thefirst end 42A of theneck 42 and generally toward thesecond end 42B of theneck 42. As further illustrated inFIG. 3A , theresilient finger 30 may include corresponding tab features 50 and retention features 48 coupled to the first and secondresilient arms 44. - Referring now to
FIGS. 4A and 4B , in various embodiments, theresilient finger 30 may include a biasingmember 52. The biasingmember 52 may be coupled to thehead portion 40 of theresilient finger 30. In some embodiments, the biasingmember 52 may be coupled to thefirst end 42A of theneck 42 and may extend outward therefrom. As shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B , in some embodiments, where theresilient finger 30 includes first and secondresilient arms 44, the biasingmember 52 may extend out of thefirst end 42A of theneck 42 from between the first and secondresilient arms 44. In various embodiments, the biasingmember 52 may include one or more of a variety of features configured to bias the resilient finger 30 (e.g., spring, band, resilient V-shaped appendages, etc.). For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 4A and 4B , in some embodiments, the biasingmember 52 may include aresilient wishbone feature 54. Theresilient wishbone feature 54 may include asupport base 56 coupled to theneck 42 and first andsecond legs 58 coupled to thesupport base 56 and extending outward therefrom. The first andsecond legs 58 may be configured to flex in response to a force being applied to the biasingmember 52 in a direction generally running from thefirst end 42A of theneck 42 to thesecond end 42B of theneck 42, as shown inFIG. 4B . - Referring now to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , in various embodiments, theresilient finger 30 may include thetail portion 34. Thetail portion 34 may generally be disposed proximate to the end of theresilient finger 30 distal to thehead portion 40 of theresilient finger 30. In various embodiments, thetail portion 34 may be in contact with theside wall 16 of thereceptacle 12 in operation of thecup holder assembly 10. In some embodiments, thetail portion 34 may be sliding contact with theside wall 16 of thereceptacle 12. It is contemplated that, in some embodiments, thetail portion 34 may be coupled to thebase 14 of thereceptacle 12. - It should be appreciated that, in various embodiments, the components of the
resilient finger 30 may be integrally coupled with one another. For example, in some embodiments, theresilient finger 30 may be a single unitary plastic body that was integrally formed. In some embodiments, theresilient finger 30 may include a wire. Further, as shown inFIG. 6 , in some embodiments, theresilient finger 30 may consist substantially, majorly, and/or entirely of the wire. In reference toFIGS. 1 and 2 , in various embodiments, thecup holder assembly 10 may include a plurality ofresilient fingers 30 for use in thereceptacle 12, as illustrated. - Referring now to
FIGS. 3A-3C , in various embodiments, theresilient finger 30 may be operable between the disengaged position and the engaged position. Theresilient finger 30 may be engaged with theengagement feature 22 of thereceptacle 12 when theresilient finger 30 is in the engaged position. In some embodiments, thehead portion 40 of theresilient finger 30 may engage with theengagement feature 22. As such, in some embodiments, thehead portion 40 may be operable between the disengaged and engaged positions. Thehead portion 40 of theresilient finger 30 may be engaged with theengagement feature 22 in a variety of ways, in various embodiments. For example, in some embodiments as illustrated inFIG. 3C , theshelf 24 may support an underside of thehead portion 40 when thehead portion 40 is engaged with theengagement feature 22. Further, when thehead portion 40 is in the engaged position, the retaininglip 26 may act as a backstop for the portion of thehead portion 40 that is proximate to thefirst end 42A of theneck 42. Further, as will be discussed subsequently, in some embodiments, the retaininglip 26 may act as a backstop for the biasingmember 52 while theresilient finger 30 is in the engaged position. Additionally, in some embodiments, the retaininglip 26 may extend upward and then inward from theshelf 24 to provide a cover of sorts to at least a portion of thehead portion 40 of theresilient finger 30, which may aid in holding theresilient finger 30 in the engaged position. In various embodiments, theretention feature 48 may engage with at least a portion of theengagement feature 22 to help retain theresilient finger 30 in the engaged position. For example, as shown inFIGS. 3C and 4B , theretention feature 48 may engage thestop 28 extending above theshelf 24 of theengagement feature 22 to help keep theengagement feature 22 from moving to the disengaged position. In some embodiments, a portion of theresilient arm 44 may protrude into thecavity 18 defined by thereceptacle 12 when theresilient finger 30 is in the engaged position. Theresilient finger 30 may be operable for use in thecup holder assembly 10 while in the engaged position. In various embodiments, theresilient finger 30 may be removed from thereceptacle 12 by moving theresilient finger 30 from the engaged position to the disengaged position. - Referring now to
FIGS. 3A and 3B , in various embodiments, theresilient arm 44 may be operable between a first position and a second position. The second position may be resilient finger inboard of the first position. In other words, theresilient arm 44 in the second position (FIG. 3B ) may be closer to theneck 42 of theresilient finger 30 than theresilient arm 44 in the first position (FIG. 3A ). In some embodiments, movement of theresilient arm 44 from the first position to the second position causes theresilient arm 44 to move into therecess 46 that is partially defined by theresilient arm 44 when theresilient arm 44 is in the first position. Consequently, therecess 46 may be smaller when theresilient arm 44 is in the second position relative to when theresilient arm 44 is in the first position. In various embodiments, theresilient arm 44 may be generally at rest while in the first position and may be configured to flex to the second position when a force is applied to theresilient arm 44. Further, theresilient arm 44 may be resilient, such that theresilient arm 44 may move back to the first position when the force applied to theresilient arm 44 is removed. In some embodiments, theresilient arm 44 may flex about the arcuate portions of theresilient arm 44. - Referring now to
FIGS. 3A and 3B , in various embodiments, movement of theresilient arm 44 may allow movement of theresilient finger 30 between the disengaged and engaged positions. In some embodiments, this freedom of movement of theresilient finger 30 between the engaged position and the disengaged position is enabled by disengagement of theretention feature 48 from theengagement feature 22 as a result of theresilient arm 44 moving from the first position to the second position. As shown inFIG. 3C , in some embodiments, theretention feature 48 is configured to engage with thestop 28 of theengagement feature 22 when theresilient arm 44 is in the first position. Movement of theresilient arm 44 from the first position to the second position may cause the adjoiningretention feature 48 to move resilient finger inboard, which may result in theretention feature 48 no longer engaging thestop 28 of theengagement feature 22. As such, when theresilient arm 44 is in the second position, theresilient finger 30 may be generally free to move between the engaged position and the disengaged position, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, a user may manually move theresilient arm 44 from the first position to the second position to allow theresilient finger 30 to move from the disengaged positon to the engaged position. The user may then move theresilient finger 30 from the disengaged position to the engaged position. Next, the user may release theresilient arm 44, such that theresilient arm 44 moves back from the second position to the first position, which may enable theretention feature 48 coupled to theresilient arm 44 to engage thestop 28 of theengagement feature 22. Thus, theresilient finger 30 may be moved from the disengaged position to the engaged position and secured therein. - In some embodiments, wherein the
retention feature 48 is coupled to theresilient arm 44 and is angled outward therefrom, a user may move theresilient finger 30 from the disengaged position to the engaged position without manually manipulating theresilient arm 44. In such an embodiment, movement of theresilient finger 30 from the disengaged position to the engaged position may cause theretention feature 48 to contact a portion of the receptacle 12 (e.g.,side wall 16, stop 28, etc.), and the force applied to the angledretention feature 48 by the portion of thereceptacle 12 may cause theresilient arm 44 to flex from the first position to the second position until theretention feature 48 bypasses the portion of thereceptacle 12. When the angled portion of theretention feature 48 passes thestop 28 of theengagement feature 22 as theresilient finger 30 moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position, theresilient arm 44 may rebound back to the first position, which may engage theretention feature 48 with thestop 28 of theengagement feature 22, as shown inFIG. 3C , to securely engage theresilient finger 30 with theengagement feature 22. - Referring now to
FIGS. 4A and 4B , in various embodiments, the biasingmember 52 may be operable to be biased from an extended position to a compressed position. As illustrated inFIG. 4B , movement of thehead portion 40 of theresilient finger 30 from the disengaged position to the engaged positon may bias the biasingmember 52 against theengagement feature 22 to move the biasingmember 52 from the extended position to the compressed position. For example, in some embodiments, movement of thehead portion 40 of theresilient finger 30 from the disengaged position to the engaged position may cause the first andsecond legs 58 of theresilient wishbone feature 54 to contact and bow against the retaininglip 26 of theengagement feature 22, as shown inFIG. 4B . This compression of the biasingmember 52 may cause theretention feature 48 to be in pressured contact with thestop 28 of theengagement feature 22 which may result in a more secure engagement of theresilient finger 30 in theengagement feature 22, and may reduce rattling of theresilient finger 30 within thereceptacle 12. Additionally, when theresilient arm 44 is moved from the first to second positon to allow theresilient finger 30 to move from the engaged position to the disengaged position, the biasingmember 52 may forcibly move back to the extended position, where the biasingmember 52 is generally at rest. This may propel theresilient finger 30 toward the disengaged position, which may enable convenient removal of theresilient finger 30 from thereceptacle 12. - Referring now to
FIGS. 5A and 5B , in various embodiments, theelongated body 32 of theresilient finger 30 may be curved to bow outward from theside wall 16 of thereceptacle 12 into thecavity 18 when theresilient finger 30 is in the engaged position. Theelongated body 32 may be configured to flex from an at rest position, where theelongated body 32 extends into the cavity 18 a first distance from theside wall 16, to a biased position, where theelongated body 32 extends into thecavity 18 of the receptacle 12 a second distance from theside wall 16. In various embodiments, the first distance may be greater than the second distance, as depicted inFIGS. 5A and 5B . Further, in various embodiments, thetail portion 34 of theresilient finger 30 may be a first distance from thebase 14 of thereceptacle 12 when theelongated body 32 of theresilient finger 30 is in the at rest position, and a second distance from thebase 14 of thereceptacle 12 when theelongated body 32 is in the biased position. In various embodiments, the first distance may be greater than the second distance, as shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B . Theresilient finger 30 may move from the at rest position to the biased position in response to a force being applied to the portion of theelongated body 32 facing generally cavity inward. For example, a cup being thrust into thecavity 18 of thereceptacle 12 and contacting theresilient finger 30 may cause theresilient finger 30 to yield from the at rest position to the biased position. - In reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , in some embodiments, thecup holder assembly 10 may include thecover feature 60. Thecover feature 60 may be configured to cover theupper rim 20 of thereceptacle 12. In some embodiments, thecover feature 60 may be configured to cover theengagement feature 22 and/or the portion of theresilient finger 30 disposed within theengagement feature 22, as shown inFIG. 1 . In some embodiments, thecover feature 60 may be configured to aid in securing theresilient finger 30 in the engaged position. However, it is contemplated that, in various embodiments, thecover feature 60 may be decorative. Further, it should be appreciated that, in various embodiments, thecup holder assembly 10 may not include thecover feature 60. - In operation, a user may insert a beverage container into the
receptacle 12 of thecup holder assembly 10. One or moreresilient fingers 30 may yield to allow the beverage container to enter thereceptacle 12, and may apply pressure to one or more sides of the beverage container to hold it firmly within thecavity 18 of thereceptacle 12. The user may then remove the beverage container from thereceptacle 12 and, upon desiring to clean the base 14 andside walls 16 of thereceptacle 12 thoroughly, may remove the one or moreresilient fingers 30 from thereceptacle 12 to allow for convenient access. In removing the one or moreresilient fingers 30 from thereceptacle 12, the user may move theresilient arm 44 coupled to thehead portion 40 of theresilient finger 30 from the first position to the second position, which may disengage theretention feature 48 from thestop 28 of theengagement feature 22. Disengagement of theretention feature 48 from thestop 28 of theengagement feature 22 may enable the biasingmember 52 coupled to thehead portion 40 of theresilient finger 30 to resiliently decompress from the compressed position, wherein the biasingmember 52 is in pressured contact with the retaininglip 26 of theengagement feature 22, to the extended position. This decompression of the biasingmember 52 may propel theresilient finger 30 from the engaged position to the disengaged position, to allow for convenient removal of theresilient finger 30 from theengagement feature 22 andreceptacle 12. - The present disclosure may provide a variety of advantages. First, the
resilient finger 30 coupled to thereceptacle 12 may aid in securely retaining a beverage container within thecavity 18 of thereceptacle 12. Second, the ability to move theresilient finger 30 from the engaged position to the disengaged position may enable more convenient removal of theresilient finger 30 from thereceptacle 12. Third, convenient removal of theresilient finger 30 from thereceptacle 12 may allow for easy cleaning of various components of thecup holder assembly 10. Fourth, convenient removal of theresilient finger 30 from thereceptacle 12 may allow a user to conveniently configure thecup holder assembly 10, such that thecup holder assembly 10 resembles a bin for storing various items. - It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
Claims (20)
1. A cup holder assembly, comprising:
a receptacle defining a cavity and having an engagement feature; and
a resilient finger operably coupled to the receptacle, configured to protrude into the cavity, and having an elongated body extending from a tail portion to a head portion that is operable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, wherein the head portion is engaged with the engagement feature, the head portion comprising:
a neck extending from the elongated body of the resilient finger; and
first and second resilient arms extending outward from the neck and operable to flex toward each other from first positions to second positions to allow the head portion to move between the disengaged and engaged positions.
2. The cup holder assembly of claim 1 , further comprising:
a retention feature coupled to the first resilient arm and configured to retain the head portion in the engaged position when the first resilient arm is in the first position.
3. (canceled)
4. The cup holder assembly of claim 1 , wherein the elongated body bows outward from the receptacle into the cavity.
5. (canceled)
6. The cup holder assembly of claim 1 , further comprising:
a biasing member extending outward from the head portion and operable between an extended position and a compressed position, wherein movement of the head portion from the disengaged position to the engaged position biases the biasing member against the engagement feature to move the biasing member from the extended position to the compressed position.
7. (canceled)
8. A cup holder assembly, comprising:
a receptacle having a side wall extending upward from a base and defining a cavity;
an engagement feature coupled to the side wall;
a resilient finger configured to protrude into the cavity and having an elongated body extending from a tail portion to a head portion that is operable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, wherein the head portion is engaged with the engagement feature, the head portion comprising:
a neck extending from the elongated body of the resilient finger;
a resilient arm extending from the neck and operable to flex from a first position to a second position resilient finger inboard of the first position;
a retention feature coupled to the resilient arm; and
a biasing member extending outward from the neck and operable between an extended position and a compressed position, wherein the retention feature is configured to retain the head portion of the resilient finger in engagement with the engagement feature when the head portion is in the engaged position and the resilient arm is in the first position, movement of the resilient arm from the first position to the second position allows the head portion to move between the engaged position and the disengaged position, and movement of the head portion from the disengaged position to the engaged position biases the biasing member against the engagement feature to move the biasing member from the extended position to the compressed position.
9. The cup holder assembly of claim 8 , wherein the resilient arm comprises:
first and second resilient arms.
10. The cup holder assembly of claim 9 , wherein the neck extends between a first end and a second end that is coupled to the elongated body, and the first and second resilient arms extend from the first end of the neck.
11. The cup holder assembly of claim 10 , wherein the biasing member extends out of the first end of the neck from between the first and second resilient arms.
12. The cup holder assembly of claim 10 , wherein the first and second resilient arms extend generally toward the second end of the neck.
13. The cup holder assembly of claim 8 , wherein the neck is generally narrower than the elongated body.
14. The cup holder assembly of claim 8 , wherein the retention feature extends from the resilient arm at an angle such that movement of the head portion from the disengaged position toward the engaged position causes the resilient arm to flex from the first position to the second position.
15. The cup holder assembly of claim 8 , wherein the elongated body is curved to bow outward from the side wall of the receptacle into the cavity when the resilient finger is in the engaged position.
16. The cup holder assembly of claim 15 , wherein the elongated body is configured to flex from an at rest position, where the elongated body extends into the cavity a first distance from the side wall, to a biased position, where the elongated body extends into the cavity a second distance from the side wall, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.
17. The cup holder assembly of claim 16 , wherein the tail portion is a first distance from the base of the receptacle when the elongated body is in the at rest position and a second distance from the base when the elongated body is in the biased position, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.
18. A cup holder assembly, comprising:
a receptacle defining a cavity and having an engagement feature;
a resilient finger extending from a tail portion that protrudes into the cavity to a head portion that is operable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, wherein the head portion is engaged with the engagement feature;
a resilient arm coupled to the head portion and operable to flex from a first position to a second position to allow the head portion to move between the disengaged and engaged positions; and
a biasing member coupled to the head portion and configured to bias the head portion toward the disengaged position when the head portion is in the engaged position.
19. The cup holder assembly of claim 18 , wherein the biasing member is operable between an extended position and a compressed position, wherein movement of the head portion from the disengaged position to the engaged position biases the biasing member against the engagement feature to move the biasing member from the extended position to the compressed position.
20. The cup holder assembly of claim 19 , further comprising:
a retention feature coupled to the resilient arm and configured to retain the head portion in the engaged position when the resilient arm is in the first position.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/567,307 US10940784B1 (en) | 2019-09-11 | 2019-09-11 | Configurable cup holder assembly |
CN202010921620.4A CN112477721A (en) | 2019-09-11 | 2020-09-04 | Configurable cup holder assembly |
DE102020123236.5A DE102020123236A1 (en) | 2019-09-11 | 2020-09-04 | CONFIGURABLE CUP HOLDER ASSEMBLY |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US16/567,307 US10940784B1 (en) | 2019-09-11 | 2019-09-11 | Configurable cup holder assembly |
Publications (2)
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US10940784B1 US10940784B1 (en) | 2021-03-09 |
US20210070208A1 true US20210070208A1 (en) | 2021-03-11 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US16/567,307 Active US10940784B1 (en) | 2019-09-11 | 2019-09-11 | Configurable cup holder assembly |
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US (1) | US10940784B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN112477721A (en) |
DE (1) | DE102020123236A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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USD919545S1 (en) | 2019-12-23 | 2021-05-18 | Brunswick Corporation | Furniture for marine vessel |
USD989505S1 (en) | 2021-04-26 | 2023-06-20 | Brunswick Corporation | Furniture for marine vessel |
USD989685S1 (en) | 2021-04-26 | 2023-06-20 | Brunswick Corporation | Furniture for marine vessel |
USD988968S1 (en) | 2021-05-06 | 2023-06-13 | Brunswick Corporation | Furniture for marine vessel |
USD1021639S1 (en) * | 2021-06-19 | 2024-04-09 | Chien-Ting Lin | Drink bottle holder tray |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030029878A1 (en) * | 2001-07-26 | 2003-02-13 | Ralf Peitzmeier | Apparatus for holding drink containers |
US20150251582A1 (en) * | 2014-03-04 | 2015-09-10 | Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. | Cup holder |
US20160106245A1 (en) * | 2014-10-15 | 2016-04-21 | Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. | Container holder |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3707272A (en) * | 1970-05-19 | 1972-12-26 | Lester M Rasmussen | Cup holder for automobiles |
US5897090A (en) * | 1997-11-13 | 1999-04-27 | Bayer Corporation | Puck for a sample tube |
DE20208253U1 (en) * | 2002-05-28 | 2003-10-09 | Fischer Automotive Sys Gmbh | Holder for a beverage container |
DE102010017249A1 (en) | 2010-06-07 | 2011-12-08 | Fischer Automotive Systems Gmbh & Co. Kg | Holder for a beverage container |
US20130264339A1 (en) | 2012-04-05 | 2013-10-10 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Deployable cup holder |
US10183604B2 (en) * | 2016-03-22 | 2019-01-22 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Cup holder assembly with removable cup holder insert |
-
2019
- 2019-09-11 US US16/567,307 patent/US10940784B1/en active Active
-
2020
- 2020-09-04 CN CN202010921620.4A patent/CN112477721A/en active Pending
- 2020-09-04 DE DE102020123236.5A patent/DE102020123236A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030029878A1 (en) * | 2001-07-26 | 2003-02-13 | Ralf Peitzmeier | Apparatus for holding drink containers |
US20150251582A1 (en) * | 2014-03-04 | 2015-09-10 | Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. | Cup holder |
US20160106245A1 (en) * | 2014-10-15 | 2016-04-21 | Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. | Container holder |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US10940784B1 (en) | 2021-03-09 |
DE102020123236A1 (en) | 2021-03-11 |
CN112477721A (en) | 2021-03-12 |
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