Unlock instant, AI-driven research and patent intelligence for your innovation.

Cup holder assembly having stabilizers

a technology of stabilizers and cups, which is applied in the field of cup holders, can solve the problems of further use of over-extended stabilizers

Active Publication Date: 2018-10-04
FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
View PDF0 Cites 1 Cited by
  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a cup holder assembly that includes a first portion with a plurality of container apertures and travel guides, and a second portion with clips and stabilizer arms. The travel guides guide the stabilizer arms to prevent side-to-side movement and over-extension. The assembly also includes downward facing alignment receptacles and upward facing alignment pegs to aid in proper alignment of the two parts during assembly. The technical effect of this design is a more stable and secure cup holder assembly that prevents accidental movement and damage to the stabilizer arms.

Problems solved by technology

However, the stabilizers or clamping arms of conventional cup holders can be over-extended out of the beverage container receptacle such that the stabilizers remain fully-extended or over-extended out of the beverage container receptacle, thereby preventing further use of the over-extended stabilizer without consumer intervention.

Method used

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
View more

Image

Smart Image Click on the blue labels to locate them in the text.
Viewing Examples
Smart Image
  • Cup holder assembly having stabilizers
  • Cup holder assembly having stabilizers
  • Cup holder assembly having stabilizers

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

Embodiment Construction

[0036]For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,”“lower,”“right,”“left,”“rear,”“front,”“vertical,”“horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the concepts as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the concepts may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0037]The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a cup holder. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, whe...

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More

PUM

No PUM Login to View More

Abstract

A cup holder assembly includes a container aperture, a travel guide, a stabilizer arm aperture, a stabilizer arm, and a biasing member. The travel guide is on an exterior surface of the container aperture. The stabilizer arm aperture is radially inward of the travel guide. The stabilizer arm is pivotable about a living hinge and is inserted into the stabilizer arm aperture. The travel guide guides radial actuation of the stabilizer arm. The biasing member biases the stabilizer arm radially inward.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0001]The present disclosure generally relates to a cup holder. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a cup holder having enhanced stabilizers.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Automotive vehicles are commonly equipped with various trim components that provide aesthetically pleasing and functional features onboard the vehicle. Some automotive vehicles also employ drink or beverage holders, such as a cup holder, to retain beverage containers such that the containers do not tip over during vehicle maneuvers (e.g. acceleration, deceleration, cornering, etc.). The cup holder may include stabilizers or clamping arms that can receive various diameters of beverage containers. However, the stabilizers or clamping arms of conventional cup holders can be over-extended out of the beverage container receptacle such that the stabilizers remain fully-extended or over-extended out of the beverage container receptacle, thereby preventing further use of the over-...

Claims

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More

Application Information

Patent Timeline
no application Login to View More
Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B60N3/10
CPCB60N3/108B60N3/106
Inventor JACOBSEN, STEPHEN NEALMATHEWS, MICHELE M.
Owner FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC