Beverage holder

Abstract

A beverage holder includes a frame, an insert, and a cover. The frame comprises a side wall and a bottom wall, the side wall is provided with an upper end and a lower end, the bottom wall extends and penetrates through the lower end, the upper end is provided with a plurality of protrusions, and the side wall and the bottom wall are jointly provided with a cavity. The insert includes a peripheral edge provided with a plurality of openings receiving the plurality of protrusions, and a flexible ring extending from the peripheral edge and at least partially into the chamber, the flexible ring being provided with an opening to the chamber. The cover includes a plurality of interfaces that engage with the plurality of protrusions to connect the cover to the upper end of the side wall and secure the insert between the frame and the cover, the cover being provided with an opening aligned with the chamber and the opening.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application No. 17 / 871,450, filed on July 22, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Art

[0002] Typical beverage containers (e.g., cans, bottles, etc.) are prone to tipping or spilling. Cup holders and other types of beverage holders can be used to stabilize such beverage containers. Summary of the invention

[0003] One embodiment relates to a beverage holder. The beverage holder includes a frame, an insert, and a cover. The frame includes a side wall having an upper end and a lower end, and a bottom wall extending through the lower end of the side wall, the upper end being provided with a plurality of protrusions, and the side wall and the bottom wall together define a chamber. The insert is connected to the upper end of the side wall, and the insert includes a peripheral edge and a flexible annular member, the peripheral edge being provided with a plurality of openings to accommodate the plurality of protrusions, and the flexible annular member extending from the peripheral edge and at least partially extending into the chamber. The annular member is provided with an opening leading to the chamber. The cover includes a plurality of interfaces, the plurality of interfaces engaging the plurality of protrusions to connect the cover to the upper end of the side wall and to hold the insert between the frame and the cover. The cover is provided with an opening aligned with the chamber of the frame and the opening of the insert.

[0004] Another embodiment relates to a beverage holder. The beverage holder includes a support structure and a fabric cover. The support structure has a cavity configured to receive a beverage container, and the support structure has a curved outer contour. The fabric cover is arranged along the curved outer contour, and the fabric cover has a pattern, and the fabric cover is configured so that the pattern will not be deformed when it is installed around the curved outer contour. The fabric cover can be selectively removed from the support structure and can be selectively replaced with a different fabric cover.

[0005] Another embodiment relates to a beverage holder. The beverage holder includes a frame, an insert, a top cover, a bottom, a body, and an outer cover. The frame defines a chamber, and the insert is connected to the upper end of the frame and extends at least partially into the chamber. The insert is provided with an opening through which the chamber can be entered. The top cover is connected to the upper end of the frame and holds the insert between the frame and the top cover. The bottom is connected to the lower end of the frame, and the body is arranged around the frame and is located between the top cover and the bottom. The outer cover has a first end connected to the upper end of the frame and a second end connected to the lower end of the frame, the first end is located between the frame and the top cover, and the second end is located between the frame and the bottom.

[0006] The present disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Other aspects, creative features and advantages of the apparatus or process described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a beverage holder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Bottom perspective view of a beverage holder.

[0009] Figure 3 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A top view of a beverage holder.

[0010] Figure 4 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Exploded view of the drinks holder.

[0011] Figure 5 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 3 A first cross-sectional view of a beverage holder.

[0012] Figure 6 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 3 A second cross-sectional view of the beverage holder.

[0013] Figure 7 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A perspective view of the frame of a drinks holder.

[0014] Figure 8 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 7 Side view of the frame.

[0015] Fig. 9 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 8 Cross-section of the frame.

[0016] Fig.10 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 7 A top view of the frame.

[0017] Fig.11 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A perspective view of the main body of the beverage holder.

[0018] Fig.12 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.11 The main view of the subject.

[0019] Fig.13 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.11 A top view of the subject.

[0020] Fig.14 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.13 A cross-sectional view of the body.

[0021] Fig.15 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.11 The subject and Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the frames assembled together.

[0022] Fig.16 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A perspective view of a lid of a beverage holder.

[0023] Fig.17 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.11 The subject and Figure 7 The framework and Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of the lids assembled together.

[0024] Fig.18 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A top view of the end cap of the beverage holder.

[0025] Fig.19 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.18 Front view of the end cap.

[0026] Fig. 20 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.18 Bottom view of the end cap.

[0027] Fig.21 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.18 Side view of the end cap.

[0028] Fig. 22 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.18 Rear view of the end cap.

[0029] Fig.23 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A perspective view of a bellows assembly of a beverage holder.

[0030] Fig.24 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.23 Exploded view of the bellows assembly.

[0031] Fig.25 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.23 A top view of the bellows of the bellows assembly.

[0032] Fig.26 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.25 Side view of the bellows.

[0033] Fig. 27 is in a first configuration according to an exemplary embodiment Fig.23 A perspective view of the clamp of a bellows assembly.

[0034] Fig.28 is in a second configuration according to an exemplary embodiment Fig. 27 Perspective view of a clamp.

[0035] Fig.29 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig. 27 External view of the clamp.

[0036] Fig.30 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig. 27 Internal view of the clamp.

[0037] Fig.31 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.30 Cross-sectional view of the clamp.

[0038] Fig.32 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig. 27 Front view of the clamp.

[0039] Fig.33 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.32 Cross-sectional view of the clamp.

[0040] Fig.34 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.23 A partial cross-sectional view of a bellows assembly.

[0041] Fig.35 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.23 Bottom view of the bellows assembly.

[0042] Fig.36 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A perspective view of the bottom of a drinks holder.

[0043] Fig.37 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.36 A top view of the bottom of the .

[0044] Fig.38 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.36 Bottom view of the bottom.

[0045] Fig.39 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.36 Side view of the bottom.

[0046] Fig.40 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A perspective view of the top ring of the drink holder.

[0047] Fig.41 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.40 Bottom view of the top ring.

[0048] Fig.42 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.40 Side view of the top ring.

[0049] Fig.43 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.42 Cross-section of the top ring.

[0050] Fig.44 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Schematic block diagram of a beverage holder.

[0051] Fig.45 is a perspective view of a beverage holder according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0052] Fig.46 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.45 Cross-sectional view of a beverage holder.

[0053] Fig.47 and 48 According to another exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of a beverage holder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Before turning to the drawings that describe exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methods listed in the description or shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0055] According to an exemplary embodiment, the stand of the present invention is configured to receive objects of different shapes and sizes (e.g., containers, drinks, phones, etc.). The stand is portable and can be used to stably receive objects placed therein, such as when the object is placed on a surface that would otherwise cause the object to be unstable (e.g., on a carpet, on a bed, on upholstered furniture, inside a moving vehicle, car, or boat, etc.). The stand has a low center of gravity and / or a wide bottom to prevent objects from tipping over or spilling, thereby protecting surrounding objects from damage by liquids and / or stains. In some embodiments, the stand includes various technical features, such as one or more speakers, lights, microphones, batteries, charging ports, wireless charging components, sensors, cameras, heating elements, cooling elements, solar panels, and / or other features.

[0056] according to Figure 1-43 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the container holder (shown as beverage holder 10) includes a plurality of components or subassemblies, including: (a) a main structural component (shown as frame 100), (b) a body (shown as body 200), (c) a body cover (shown as outer cover 300), (d) a seam cover (shown as end cap 400), (e) a container holding assembly (shown as bellows assembly 500), (f) a lower cover or bottom (shown as base 600), (g) an upper cover or upper ring (shown as top ring 700), (h) a weight plate or weight plate (shown as weight 800), (i) a first plurality of internal gaskets or liners (shown as internal gasket 802), and (j) a second plurality of external gaskets or liners (shown as external foot pads 804). According to an exemplary embodiment, the beverage holder 10 is configured to receive and securely hold / hold a container (e.g., a beverage container, can, bottle, etc.) or other items (e.g., a smartphone, etc.) that fit therein. The frame 100 , the body 200 , the end cap 400 , the bellows assembly 500 , the base 600 , and / or the top ring 700 may collectively constitute a support structure for the beverage holder 10 .

[0057] like Figure 7-10 As shown, the frame 100 of the beverage holder 10 includes: (a) a peripheral wall (shown as a side wall 102), the peripheral wall having a first end (shown as an upper end 104) and an opposite second end (shown as a lower end 106); (b) a bottom wall (shown as a bottom 108), adjacent to the lower end 106 of the side wall 102 and extending through the lower end. Figure 7-10 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the sidewall 102 has a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical cross-sectional shape or profile. In other embodiments, the sidewall 102 can have other cross-sectional shapes or profiles. For example, the sidewall 102 can have a triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal and / or other suitable cross-sectional shapes or profiles.

[0058] like Figure 7, Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the side wall 102 and the bottom 108 together define a first chamber or upper chamber (shown as a beverage chamber 110) and a second chamber or lower chamber (shown as a weight chamber 112). Figure 7-10 As shown, the frame 100 includes a first plurality of interfaces or protrusions (shown as upper annular snap pins 114) extending from the upper end 104 of the side wall 102 and uniformly arranged (e.g., uniformly or periodically distributed, etc.) around the periphery of the upper end 104 of the side wall 102. Figure 7-Figure 9 As shown, the frame 100 includes a second plurality of interfaces or protrusions (illustrated as lower annular snap pins 116) extending from the lower end 106 of the side wall 102 and uniformly arranged (eg, uniformly or periodically distributed, etc.) around the periphery of the lower end 106 of the side wall 102.

[0059] like Figure 7 and Fig.10 As shown, the frame 100 includes a first plurality of retention interfaces (e.g., two interfaces), illustrated as frame key interfaces 120, located around the side wall 102 and extending laterally outward from the side wall 102. Each frame key interface 120 includes a first protrusion (e.g., a retainer, a flange, a tab, etc.) and a second protrusion, the first protrusion illustrated as an upper key tab 122 and the second protrusion illustrated as a lower key tab 124. The upper key tab 122 and the lower key tab 124 are offset from each other so that the lower key tab 124: (a) is at least partially located below the upper key tab 122, and (b) is angularly offset relative to the upper key tab 122.

[0060] like Figure 7-10 As shown, the frame 100 includes a locking interface or retention interface, shown as a frame interlock interface 130, which includes a pair of flanges, shown as interlocking flanges 132, extending laterally outward from the side wall 102 (e.g., on the side of the side wall 102 opposite the frame key interface 120). The interlocking flanges 132 are spaced apart from each other so as to form a gap therebetween. Figure 7 and Fig. 9 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the interlocking flange 132 has an arcuate shape (e.g., matching the contour of the body 200). In other embodiments, the interlocking flange 132 can have other shapes (e.g., square, rectangular, trapezoidal, hemispherical, triangular, etc.). Figure 7 and Fig. 9 As shown, each interlocking flange 132 is provided with an opening (eg, a hole, an elongated slot, etc.), which is shown as an interlocking hole 134. Figure 7-10 As shown, each interlocking flange 132 includes a protrusion, shown as a tab 136 , extending from an inner surface thereof toward the other interlocking flange 132 .

[0061] like Figure 11-Figure 15As shown, the body 200 has a core structure, shown as a core 202, and the core 202 has a first end (shown as an upper end 204), and a second end opposite to the first end (shown as a lower end 206), a first surface (shown as an outer surface 208), and a second surface opposite to the first surface (shown as an inner surface 210). According to an exemplary embodiment, the core 202 is made of a foam material or a foam-like material (e.g., a closed-cell foam, etc.). In some embodiments, the core 202 provides insulation to help maintain the temperature of an object (e.g., a hot drink, a cold drink, etc.) contained in the beverage holder 10. In some embodiments, the beverage holder 10 includes an independent insulation layer located between the body 200 and the frame 100 and / or within the frame 100. According Figure 11-Figure 15 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the outer surface 208 has an arc shape, and the inner surface 210 has a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape, so that the core 202 has a ring-like shape or structure. In other embodiments, the core 202 has other shapes or structures (e.g., cubic, spherical, cylindrical, hemispherical, etc.).

[0062] like Fig.11 and Figure 13-Figure 15 As shown, the inner surface 210 of the core 202 is provided with a through hole, which is shown as a frame channel 212. Fig.15 As shown, the frame channel 212 engages with and accommodates the side wall 102 of the frame 100. Fig.11 , Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown, the inner surface 210 has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion is shown as an upper portion 214, and the second portion is shown as a lower portion 216. Fig.11 , Fig.13 and Fig.14As shown, the inner surface 210 is provided with a second plurality of retaining interfaces (e.g., two interfaces), illustrated as core key interfaces 220, which are distributed around the inner surface 210 and defined by the inner surface 210. Each core key interface 220 includes a first groove (e.g., a retainer, a groove, a slot, a notch, etc.) and a second groove, the first groove illustrated as an upper key groove 222, located at an upper portion 214 of the inner surface 210, and the second groove illustrated as a lower key groove 224, located at a lower portion 216 of the inner surface 210. The upper key groove 222 and the lower key groove 224 are offset from each other, such that the lower key groove 224: (a) is at least partially located below the upper key groove 222, and (b) is angularly offset relative to the upper key groove 222. According to an exemplary embodiment, the position of the frame key interface 120 of the frame 100 is configured such that when the frame 100 is received in the frame channel 212 of the core 202, the frame key interface 120 engages with and is received by the core key interface 220 of the body 200. This engagement between the frame key interface 120 and the core key interface 220 is intended to prevent unintended rotation and axial displacement between the frame 100 and the body 200 during assembly of the beverage holder 10 .

[0063] like Figure 11-13 As shown, the core 202 is provided with an interlocking interface, shown as a core interlocking interface 230. The core interlocking interface 230 includes opposing end faces (shown as end faces 232) of the core 202, which are spaced a distance apart to form a gap in the core 202, shown as a flange groove 234, which extends through the core 202. Each end face 232 includes a flange interface or protrusion extending therefrom, shown as a flange retainer 236. According to an exemplary embodiment, the flange retainer 236 has a shape substantially the same as the interlocking hole 134 of the interlocking flange 132 (e.g., pill-shaped, oval, etc.).

[0064] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Fig.15 As shown, the core 202 is connected around the side wall 102 of the frame 100 and fits tightly therewith. More specifically: (a) the side wall 102 of the frame 100 is received by the frame channel 212 and extends through the frame channel 212, so that the inner surface 210 of the core 202 is set around the side wall 102; (b) the frame key interface 120 of the frame 100 is engaged with the core key interface 220, so that: (i) the upper key tab 122 of the frame 100 is received by the upper key groove 222 of the core 202, (ii) the lower key tab 124 of the frame 100 is received by the lower key groove 224 of the core; (c) the frame interlocking interface 130 is engaged with the core interlocking interface 230, so that: (i) the end face 232 of the core 202 is engaged with the outer surface of the interlocking flange 132 of the frame 100, (ii) the flange retainer 236 of the core 202 is received by the interlocking hole 134 of the interlocking flange 132 and extends through the interlocking hole 134 of the interlocking flange 132.

[0065] like Fig.15 As shown, the upper portion 214 of the inner surface 210 of the core 202 is slightly inclined at a first angle or angle θ (e.g., 3 degrees, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, less than 15 degrees, less than 10 degrees, etc.) relative to the side wall 102 of the frame 100, so that when the core 202 is mounted on the frame 100, there is a first gap (illustrated as an upper gap 240) between the upper portion 214 of the inner surface 210 of the core 202 and the side wall 102 of the frame 100. Similarly, the lower portion 216 of the inner surface 210 of the core 202 is slightly inclined at a second angle or angle γ relative to the side wall 102 of the frame 100, so that when the core 202 is mounted on the frame 100, there is a second gap (illustrated as a lower gap 242) between the lower portion 216 of the inner surface 210 of the core 202 and the side wall 102 of the frame 100. This inclined configuration of the inner surface 210 can make it easier to insert the side wall 102 of the frame 100 into the frame channel 212 of the core 202 during assembly. In one embodiment, the angle θ and the angle γ are substantially the same. In other embodiments, the angle θ and the angle γ are different. In some embodiments, only one of the upper portion 214 or the lower portion 216 is inclined relative to the side wall 102 of the frame 100. In other embodiments, neither the upper portion 214 nor the lower portion 216 is inclined relative to the side wall 102 of the frame 100.

[0066] like Fig.16 and Fig.17 As shown, the outer cover 300 includes a material layer (shown as a fabric layer 302), the fabric layer 302 having a first end (shown as an upper end 304) and a second end (shown as a lower end 306) opposite to the first end. The upper end 304 is provided with a first plurality of openings (shown as upper openings 308) spaced apart along the edge of the upper end, and the lower end 306 is provided with a second plurality of openings (shown as lower openings 310) spaced apart along the edge of the lower end. Fig.17 As shown, the outer cover 300 is engaged with the outer surface 208 of the core 202 of the body 200 and fits tightly around the outer surface, wherein: (a) the upper openings 308 distributed along the upper end 304 are engaged with the upper annular snap pins 114 located at the upper end 104 of the side wall 102 of the frame 100, and (b) the lower openings 310 distributed along the lower end 306 are engaged with the lower annular snap pins 116 located at the lower end 106 of the side wall 102 of the frame 100. Such a joining method facilitates the outer cover 300 to be removably connected to the frame 100 and around the core 202 (for example, to facilitate the replacement of the "skin" or fabric layer 302). In some embodiments, the outer cover 300 is not removable after installation. For example, the outer cover 300 can be retained on the core 202 by other means (for example, using an adhesive). As Fig.17As shown, the fabric layer 302 is constructed (e.g., size, design, etc.) to pull or compress the core 202 against the frame 100, thereby eliminating or closing the upper gap 240 and the lower gap 242, thereby providing a tight and secure fit between the side wall 102 of the frame and the inner surface 210 of the core 202.

[0067] According to an exemplary embodiment, the fabric layer 302 is made of a material having a minimum stretch property. This minimum stretch property can prevent or minimize vertical distortion of the graphics on the fabric layer 300 when applied to a complex surface (i.e., a non-flat surface). In addition, the engagement of the outer cover 300 with the upper annular snap pin 114 and the lower annular snap pin 116 can keep the fabric layer 302 aligned without horizontal distortion or skew around the core 202, thereby preventing or minimizing horizontal distortion of the graphics that may occur due to horizontal skew. For example, the fabric layer 302 can be made of a woven material (e.g., polyester, etc.) with a woven angle of 45 degrees to provide a "no-stretch" fabric to maintain the tightness of the outer cover 300 around the core 202. As another example, the fabric layer 302 can be made of a non-woven material (e.g., leather, synthetic leather, etc.). The non-woven material can be naturally non-stretching, or can include a woven backing layer with a 45-degree weave deviation to provide a no-stretch fabric to maintain the tightness of the outer cover 300 around the core 202. According to an exemplary embodiment, when the outer cover 300 is applied to the complex curved surface of the core 202, the non-stretch or minimal stretch characteristics of the fabric layer 302 can prevent any distortion of the graphics printed or otherwise provided on the fabric layer 302. For example, logos (e.g., company logos, sports team logos, etc.), symbols and / or other graphics (e.g., patterns, pictures, etc.) can be provided on the fabric layer 302. These patterns can be printed on the fabric layer 302 by dye sublimation, inkjet printing, and / or other suitable printing methods. As used herein, "non-stretch" should be understood as the fabric layer 302 being stretched to the minimum extent when applied to the cover 202, so that when the fabric layer 302 is applied to a complex shape (e.g., a ring), the graphics on the fabric layer 302 do not show deformation or show minimal deformation.

[0068] In alternative embodiments, fabric layer 302 is made of a stretchable material (e.g., spandex, For example, the fabric layer 302 may be smaller than the core 202 and then stretched and wrapped around the core 202 (e.g., the core 202 is compressed against the frame 100 to eliminate or close the upper gap 240 and the lower gap 242). Such a stretchable material may be used in embodiments where the outer cover 300 is removable.

[0069] like Fig.16As shown, the outer cover 300 is configured (e.g., sized) such that a gap (illustrated as an end cap slot 312) is formed between opposite ends of the fabric layer 302. According to an exemplary embodiment, the end cap slot 312 coincides with and is aligned with the flange slot 234 of the core 202 and the frame interlock interface 130 to receive and accommodate the end cap 400.

[0070] like Figure 18-Figure 22 As shown, the end cap 400 includes a main body portion (shown as an outer wall 402), the main body portion having a first end (shown as an upper end 404), a second end opposite to the first end (shown as a lower end 406), a first surface (shown as an outer surface 408), and a second surface opposite to the first surface (shown as an inner surface 410). According to an exemplary embodiment, the shape of the outer surface 408 is set to match the shape of the outer surface of the core 202 (e.g., a curved shape). Figure 18-Figure 22 As shown, the end cap 400 includes: (a) a first interface (shown as an upper flange 420), which extends from the upper end 404 of the outer wall 402; (b) a second interface (shown as a lower flange 430), which extends from the lower end 406 of the outer wall 402; (c) a support assembly (shown as a rib assembly 440), which is arranged along the inner surface 410 of the outer wall 402 and extends from the upper end 404 to the lower end 406 of the inner surface. Fig.18 , Fig.19 and Fig. 22 As shown, the upper flange 420 is provided with a first opening (shown as an upper retaining hole 422). Fig.19 , Fig. 20 and Fig. 22 As shown, the lower flange 430 is provided with a pair of second openings (shown as lower retaining holes 432), and the lower retaining holes 432 are separated by a partition (shown as a partition rib 434). Therefore, the upper flange 420 and the lower flange 430 have different structures. This different structure facilitates the correct assembly of the beverage holder 10 by preventing the components from being misaligned (see the description herein for details). In other embodiments, the upper flange 420 and the lower flange 430 are identical.

[0071] like Fig.21 and Fig. 22 As shown, the rib assembly 440 includes: (a) a first plurality of ribs (shown as upper ribs and lower ribs 442), extending from the upper end 404 and the lower end 406 toward the center of the outer wall 402, respectively; (b) a second plurality of ribs (shown as central ribs 444), extending between the upper ribs and the lower ribs 442. The central ribs 444 are offset inwardly relative to the upper ribs and the lower ribs 442, thereby defining a groove (shown as a rib groove 446) in the rib assembly 440. According to Fig. 22In the exemplary embodiment shown, the rib assembly 440 includes three upper and lower ribs 442 and two center ribs 444. In other embodiments, the rib assembly 440 includes a different number of upper and lower ribs 442 and / or center ribs 444. According to an exemplary embodiment, when the beverage holder 10 is assembled, the end cap 400 is engaged with the frame interlocking interface 130 of the frame 100 so that the tabs 136 of the interlocking flange 132 of the frame interlocking interface 130 are engaged with the rib grooves 446 of the end cap 400.

[0072] like Figure 23-Figure 35 As shown, the bellows assembly 500 includes a container insert (shown as a bellows 510), a plurality of sliding pads (shown as sliding clamps 550, which are connected to the bellows 510), and a biasing element or retaining element (shown as an annular coil spring 590), which extends between the sliding clamps 550. In some embodiments, the bellows assembly 500 does not include the sliding clamps 550 and / or the annular coil springs 590. Figure 23-Figure 26 , Fig.34 and Fig.35 As shown, the bellows 510 includes a first portion or peripheral edge (i.e., outer edge 512) and a second portion or mesh structure, shown as a flexible ring 520, which extends inward and downward from the outer edge 512. The outer edge 512: (a) has a first side (shown as an upper side 514) and a second side opposite to the first side (shown as a lower side 516); (b) is provided with a plurality of openings (shown as pin holes 518). The flexible ring 520 includes: (a) a plurality of concave portions or depressions (shown as grooves 522), and (b) a plurality of raised portions or ribs (shown as ridges 530), which are alternately distributed and extend from the outer edge 512.

[0073] like Fig.23 , Fig.25 and Fig.26 As shown, each groove 522 has: (a) a first end, shown as an upper end 524, connected to the outer edge 512, (b) a second end opposite the first end, shown as a lower end 526, located below the upper end 524 and radially inward relative to the upper end 524, and (c) one or more supporting or reinforcing elements or parts, shown as brackets 528, distributed along the lower side of each groove 522. In some embodiments, the bellows 510 does not include brackets 528, or the length or arrangement of brackets 528 may be different from that shown in the figure (for example, there is no center bracket, no side brackets, the center bracket only extends along a portion of the groove 522, etc.). The upper end 524 is wider than the lower end 526, so that each groove 522 has a tapered profile.

[0074] like Figure 23-Figure 25 , Fig.34 and Fig.35As shown, each ridge 530 has a pair of side walls (shown as side walls 532) and an upper surface (shown as sliding surface 534), the side walls extending upward / outward from the adjacent groove 522, and the upper surface extending between the side walls 532 and the outer edge 512. The side walls 532 and the sliding surface 534 terminate at an open end (shown as a free end 536). The sliding surface 534 of each ridge 530 is provided with a first opening or outer opening (shown as a retaining hole 538) and a second opening or inner opening (shown as an alignment hole 540). In some embodiments (for example, in embodiments where the bellows assembly 500 does not include the sliding clamp 550), the sliding surface 534 does not have a retaining hole 538 or an alignment hole 540.

[0075] like Fig.23 , Fig.25 and Fig.35 As shown, the lower end 526 of the groove 522 and the free end 536 of the ridge 530 of the flexible ring 520 are provided with an opening, which is shown as a beverage opening 548. According to an exemplary embodiment, the flexible ring 520 is configured to be able to bend, expand, contract or otherwise deform when the beverage opening 548 receives an object, so as to accommodate containers or other items of various sizes.

[0076] like Figure 27-Figure 35 As shown, the sliding clip 550 includes a main body portion (shown as a clip body 552) and a second movable piece portion (shown as a sliding pad 570), and the second movable piece portion is rotatably connected to the clip body 552 through a hinge or flexible edge (shown as a clip hinge 580), and the hinge or flexible edge extends between the clip body 552 and the front end of the sliding pad 570. Figure 27-Figure 34 As shown, the clip body 552 includes a housing (shown as the clip housing 554), and the housing is provided along the inner wall of the clip cavity 556 with: (a) an internal chamber (shown as the clip cavity 556) and (b) a pair of retaining interfaces (shown as retaining recesses 558). Figure 27-Figure 31 , Fig.33 and Fig.34 As shown, the clip body 552 includes a spring retainer, shown as an annular coil spring flange 560, extending rearwardly and curving upwardly from the rear end of the clip housing 554. The annular coil spring flange 560 is provided with a slot, shown as an annular coil spring slot 562, and includes a protrusion, shown as an annular coil spring retainer 564, extending from the annular coil spring flange 560 to the rear end of the clip body 552 and at least partially crossing the annular coil spring slot 562.

[0077] like Figure 27-Figure 34 As shown, the sliding pad 570 has a first surface (shown as an outer surface 572) and a second surface (shown as an inner surface 574) opposite to the first surface. Fig. 27 , Fig.30 , Fig.31 , Fig.33 and Fig.34 As shown, the sliding pad 570 includes: (a) one or more first protrusions (shown as sliding pad retainers 576), (b) second protrusions (shown as alignment pins 578), and the alignment pins 578 extend from the inner surface 574. The sliding pad 570 can be moved relative to the clip body 552 in a first position or open direction (such as the first position) about the clip hinge 580. Fig. 27 and Figure 29-Figure 31 ) and a second position or closed orientation (as shown Fig.28 and Figure 32-35 As shown in the figure). Fig.33 and Fig.34 As shown, the sliding pad retainer 576 and the alignment pin 578 extend into the clip cavity 556, and the sliding pad retainer 576 engages the retaining notch 558 to retain the sliding pad 570 to the clip body 552 in the closed orientation.

[0078] like Fig.23 , Fig.34 and Fig.35 As shown, each sliding clamp 550 is engaged and connected with the bellows 510. More specifically, as shown in FIG. Fig.34 and Fig.35 As shown: (a) the clip body 552 is located at the bottom of the corresponding ridge 530, opposite the sliding surface 534; (b) the clip hinge 580 is engaged with the free end 536 of the corresponding ridge 530; (c) the inner surface 574 of the sliding pad 570 is engaged with the sliding surface 534 of the ridge 530; (d) the sliding pad retainer 576 of the sliding pad 570 extends through the retaining hole 538 of the ridge 530 and engages with the retaining recess 558; (e) the alignment pin 578 of the sliding pad 570 extends through the alignment hole 540 of the corresponding ridge 530, thereby retaining the sliding clip 550 on the bellows 510. Fig.34 and Fig.35 As shown, the annular coil spring 590 engages the annular coil spring flange 560 of the sliding clamp 550 such that the annular coil spring 590 is received within the annular coil spring slot 562 and retained therein by the annular coil spring retainer 564 .

[0079] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the outer edge 512 of the bellows 510 engages with the side wall 102 of the frame 100, so that the upper annular snap pin 114 of the frame 100 extends through the pin hole 518 of the outer edge 512, thereby connecting the bellows 510 and the bellows assembly 500 to the frame 100. According to an exemplary embodiment, the outer surface 572 of the sliding pad 570 is designed to allow an object to slide into the beverage chamber 110 of the frame 100 through the beverage opening 548, while the material properties (e.g., elasticity, elastic deformation, retention properties, etc.) of the bellows 510 and the elastic force of the annular coil spring 590 provide a holding force or squeezing force on the object, thereby firmly holding the object in the beverage chamber 110. In some embodiments, the bellows assembly 500 does not include the sliding clip 550 and the annular coil spring 590, so that the object directly engages with the sliding surface 534 of the ridge 530 of the bellows 510. In such embodiments, (a) the sliding surface 534 can have a texture and / or specific surface properties (e.g., to reduce the overall amount of friction), and (b) the bellows 510 can have certain material properties (e.g., elasticity, elastic deformation, retention properties, etc. that provide a retention force similar to that of the annular coil spring 590) to allow an object to slide through the beverage opening 548 of the bellows 510 while still providing sufficient retention resistance to securely hold the object within the beverage cavity 110. In some embodiments, the bellows assembly 500 includes a sliding clamp 550 but does not include an annular coil spring 590.

[0080] Although the bellows assembly 500 described herein is used in a beverage holder 10, the bellows assembly 500 and / or the separate bellows 510 may be used in other applications by themselves. For example, the bellows assembly 500 and / or the bellows 510 may be used with a holder for manufacturing, supply chain, robotics, or automation applications, or inserted into an existing cup holder (e.g., a cup holder in a vehicle, a cup holder in a boat, a retrofit solution, etc.).

[0081] like Figure 36-Figure 39 As shown, the base 600 includes: (a) a body, shown as a bottom wall 602, the bottom wall 602 having a first side (shown as an upper side 604) and a second side (shown as a bottom side 606) opposite to the first side; (b) a peripheral edge (shown as an edge 608), extending upward from the upper side 604 and surrounding the periphery of the bottom wall 602. Fig.36 and Fig.37 As shown, the base 600 includes a first plurality of interfaces, shown as lower pin recesses 610, located within the edge 608 and extending upward from the upper side 604 and arranged around the periphery of the bottom wall 602. Fig.36 , Fig.37 and Fig.39As shown, the base 600 includes a second interface, shown as a bottom alignment interface 612, including a pair of protrusions, shown as bottom alignment tabs 614, extending upward from the upper side 604 of the bottom wall 602 and located between the edge 608 and the lower pin groove 610. Fig.36 and Fig.37 As shown, the base 600 includes a third plurality of interfaces, shown as spacer holders 616, which are distributed at different locations on the upper side 604 of the bottom wall 602 and extend upwardly and are located in the lower pin groove 610. Fig.38 As shown, the base 600 includes a fourth plurality of interfaces, shown as foot brackets 618, which are distributed at different locations on the lower side 606 of the bottom wall 602 and recessed therein.

[0082] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the base 600 is connected to the lower end 106 of the side wall 102 of the frame 100. More specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the lower pin groove 610 of the base 600 engages with and receives the lower annular snap pin 116 of the frame 100, thereby detachably connecting the base 600 to the lower end 106 of the frame 100. In some embodiments, the lower annular snap pin 116 is inserted into the lower pin groove 610 by press-fitting. In some embodiments, the lower annular snap pin 116 is further or alternatively fixed in the lower pin groove 610 by ultrasonic welding. For example, Fig.48 As shown, the lower annular snap pin 116 is replaced by a lower annular pin 116a. The lower annular pin 116a includes an ultrasonic energy guide protruding therefrom, shown as a guide protrusion 117. During manufacturing and assembly, the lower annular pin 116a is received by the lower pin groove 610 of the base 600, and the guide protrusion 117 engages with the lowermost surface of the lower pin groove 610 so that a small gap exists between the lowermost surface of the lower pin groove 610 and the bottom surface of the lower annular pin 116a (from which the guide protrusion 117 extends). When the base 600 is engaged with the frame 100, an ultrasonic welding machine may be used to apply ultrasonic energy or waves thereto, which may cause the guide protrusion 117 to melt, deform, etc., to fill the small gap and form a secure connection between the base 600 and the frame 100. In some embodiments, the lower annular snap pin 116 or the lower annular pin 116a is further or alternatively fixed in the lower pin groove 610 by an adhesive (e.g., glue). As Figure 6 As shown, the base 600 is connected to the end cap 400. More specifically, the bottom alignment interface 612 of the base 600 is engaged with the lower flange 430 of the end cap 400, so that the bottom alignment tab 614 of the bottom alignment interface 612 extends through the lower retaining hole 432 of the lower flange 430. Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the inner spacer 802 is engaged with the spacer holder 616, and the counterweight 800 is located in the counterweight cavity 112 of the frame 100, between the bottom 108 of the frame 100 and the inner spacer 802. The inner spacer 802 can be made of an elastic or compliant material (e.g., rubber, felt pads, etc.). In some embodiments, the beverage holder 10 does not include the inner spacer 802. According to an exemplary embodiment, the counterweight 800 is heavy enough (e.g., 170 grams, 1 / 3 pound, etc.) to increase the stability and anti-tipping property of the beverage holder 10, thereby substantially preventing the beverage holder 10 from tipping over under normal or standard use (e.g., by lowering the center of gravity of the beverage holder 10). The counterweight 800 can be made of steel or other suitable heavy material. As shown in FIG. Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, outer foot pad 804 is connected to bottom side 606 of base 600 and disposed within foot support 618 thereof. Outer foot pad 804 may be made of a resilient or compliant material (e.g., rubber, felt, to provide anti-skid or anti-slip properties, etc.).

[0083] like Figure 40-Figure 43 As shown, the top ring 700 includes: (a) a main body, shown as a curved cover 702, which has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, the first side is shown as an upper side 704, and the second side is shown as a bottom side 706; (b) a first peripheral edge, shown as an outer edge 708, extending downward from the bottom side 706 and surrounding the outer periphery of the curved cover 702; (c) a second peripheral edge, shown as an inner edge 710, extending downward from the bottom side 706 and surrounding the inner periphery of the curved cover 702. Fig.40 and Fig.41 As shown, the inner edge 710 is provided with an aperture, shown as an annular aperture 712 (which is aligned with the beverage chamber 110 and the beverage opening 548). Fig.41 and Fig.43 As shown, the top ring 700 includes a first plurality of interfaces, shown as upper pin grooves 714, located between the inner edge 710 and the outer edge 708, extending downwardly from the bottom side 706, and surrounding the periphery of the curved cover 702. Figure 40-Figure 42 As shown, the top ring 700 includes a second interface, shown as a ring alignment interface 716 , which includes a protrusion, shown as a ring alignment tab 718 , extending downwardly from the bottom side 706 of the curved cover 702 and located between the outer edge 708 and the upper pin groove 714 .

[0084] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the top ring 700 is connected to the upper end 104 of the side wall 102 of the frame 100. More specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 5As shown, the upper pin groove 714 of the top ring 700 engages with and receives the upper annular snap pin 114 of the frame 100, thereby detachably connecting the top ring 700 to the upper end 104 of the frame 100. In some embodiments, the upper annular snap pin 114 is inserted into the upper pin groove 714 by press-fitting. In some embodiments, the upper annular snap pin 114 is further or alternatively fixed in the upper pin groove 714 by ultrasonic welding. For example, as shown in FIG. Fig.47 As shown, the upper annular snap pin 114 is replaced with an upper annular pin 114a. The upper annular pin 114a includes an ultrasonic energy guide protruding therefrom, shown as a guide protrusion 115. During the manufacturing and assembly process, the upper annular pin 114a is received by the upper pin groove 714 of the top ring 700, and the guide protrusion 115 engages with the uppermost surface of the upper pin groove 714, so that a small gap exists between the uppermost surface of the upper pin groove 714 and the top surface of the upper annular pin 114a (from which the guide protrusion 115 extends). When the top ring 700 is engaged with the frame 100, an ultrasonic welding machine can be used to apply ultrasonic energy or waves thereto, which causes the guide protrusion 115 to melt, deform, etc. to fill the small gap and form a secure connection between the top ring 700 and the frame 100. In some embodiments, the upper annular snap pin 114 or the upper annular pin 114a can also or alternatively be fixed (e.g., bonded) within the upper pin groove 714. As shown Figure 6 As shown, the top ring 700 is connected to the end cap 400. More specifically, the ring alignment interface 716 of the top ring 700 engages the upper flange 420 of the end cap 400 such that the ring alignment tabs 718 of the ring alignment interface 716 extend through the upper fixing holes 422 of the upper flange 420.

[0085] According to an exemplary embodiment, the different structures of (i) the upper flange 420 and the ring alignment interface 716 and (ii) the different structures of the lower flange 430 and the bottom alignment interface 612 facilitate the proper assembly of the beverage holder 10 by preventing the assembler from confusing the base 600 and the top ring 700. However, in other embodiments, the structures of the upper flange 420 and the lower flange 430 can be the same, and the structures of the ring alignment interface 716 and the bottom alignment interface 612 can also be the same. According to an exemplary embodiment, the beverage holder 10 provides a liquid-tight assembly so that if liquid is spilled within the beverage chamber 110, the liquid will not leak onto the surface on which the beverage holder 10 is located. In this case, the beverage chamber 110 can simply be wiped clean, or can be easily disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled.

[0086] like Fig.44As shown, the beverage holder 10 includes one or more additional functional components (e.g., technical components). These components may include a battery 902, a communication interface 904, one or more speakers 906, one or more lights 908, a microphone 910, a charging port 912, a wireless charging component 914, one or more sensors 916, a camera 918, one or more thermal elements 920, one or more solar panels 922, a user interface 924, and a controller 926. The battery 902 can be configured to facilitate portable operation of one or more electronic components of the beverage holder 10. The battery 902 can be replaceable and / or rechargeable (e.g., via the charging port 912, the wireless charging component 914, the solar panel 922, etc.). The communication interface 904 can be configured to facilitate wireless and / or wired communication with an external system (e.g., a local area network, a user device, an external control system, such as a smart home system or a connected speaker system, etc.). One or more speakers 906 can be configured to output sound (e.g., music, a digital assistant response, an alarm, etc.). The microphone 910 can be configured to facilitate obtaining voice commands and / or performing phone calls. The charging port 912 may be configured to facilitate charging the battery 902 via a wired connection. The wireless charging component 914 may be configured to facilitate charging the battery 902 via wireless charging. One or more sensors 916 may include a temperature sensor, an activity / motion sensor, and / or other sensors. The camera 918 may be configured to acquire image data (e.g., still images, video, used as a baby or pet monitor, used as a security or secret camera device, etc.). One or more thermal elements 920 may include a heating element and / or a cooling element configured to thermally regulate the beverage chamber 110. One or more solar panels 922 may be configured to facilitate charging the battery 902 and / or directly power other electronic components of the beverage holder 10. The user interface 924 may include one or more input and / or output devices (e.g., buttons, dials, toggle switches, knobs, switches, displays, touch screens, lights, LEDs, etc.) for receiving user input (e.g., temperature settings, volume settings, etc.) and / or providing output to the user.

[0087] The controller 926 may be implemented as a general purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), one or more field programmable gate arrays (“FPGA”), a digital signal processor (“DSP”), a circuit including one or more processing components, a circuit for supporting a microprocessor, a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. Fig.44In the exemplary embodiment shown, the controller 926 includes a processing circuit 928 and a memory 930. The processing circuit 928 may include an ASIC, one or more FPGAs, a DSP, a circuit containing one or more processing components, a circuit for supporting a microprocessor, a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 928 is configured to execute computer code stored in the memory 930 to facilitate the activities described herein. The memory 930 can be any volatile or non-volatile computer-readable storage medium capable of storing data or computer code related to the activities described herein. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory 930 includes a computer code module (e.g., executable code, object code, source code, script code, machine code, etc.) configured to be executed by the processing circuit 928.

[0088] The controller 926 can be configured to receive commands (e.g., wirelessly received from a user device via the communication interface 904, via the user interface 924, via the microphone 910, etc.) to control one or more operations of the beverage holder 10 and / or its components. For example, these commands can be to turn up the volume, turn down the volume, turn off, turn on, skip a song, play a specific song / playlist, find something, check the weather, maintain a specific temperature of the beverage holder 110, set a timer, make a reservation, create a task / shopping list, etc.). The controller 926 can be configured to provide an intelligent digital assistant for a "smart" beverage holder.

[0089] like Fig.45 and Fig.46 As shown, another container holder, shown as beverage holder 1000, includes multiple components or sub-assemblies, including: (a) a main structural member or body, shown as body 1100; (b) a body cover, shown as outer cover 1200; (c) a container insert or container retaining component, shown as container retaining member 1300; (d) a lower cover or bottom, shown as bottom 1400; (e) an upper cover or upper ring, shown as top ring 1500. Fig.46 As shown, the body 1100 has a first end (shown as an upper end 1102) and a second end (shown as a lower end 1104) opposite to the first end. The interior of the body 1100 is provided with a through hole or channel (shown as a beverage chamber 1106). According to an exemplary embodiment, the body 1100 is used as a structure or frame component of the beverage holder 1000. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the exterior of the body 1100 has an arc shape, so that the body 1100 has a ring-like shape or structure. In other embodiments, the body 1100 has other shapes or structures (for example, a cube, a sphere, a cylinder, a hemisphere, etc.).

[0090] like Fig.46As shown, the upper end 1102 of the body 1100 includes a first flange, shown as an upper flange 1110, which extends around the periphery of the upper end 1102. The upper flange 1110 includes a dividing rib, shown as a base rib 1112, which is arranged along the upper flange to divide the upper flange 1110 into two parts or an inner and outer part, which define a peripheral channel, shown as an outer channel 1114 and an inner channel 1116. The lower end 1104 of the body 1100 includes a second flange, shown as a lower flange 1120, which extends around the periphery of the lower end 1104. The lower flange 1120 defines a peripheral channel, shown as a lower channel 1122. In other embodiments, the upper flange 1110 and the lower flange 1120 have the same structure, rather than different structures as shown.

[0091] like Fig.46 As shown, the outer cover 1200 includes a material layer, shown as a fabric layer 1202, having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end is shown as an upper end 1204, and the second end is shown as a lower end 1206. The upper end 1204 and the lower end 1206 include retaining elements or retaining members (e.g., plastic strips, elastic strips, etc.), shown as upper retaining members 1208 and lower retaining members 1210, which are connected to or retained on the fabric layer 1202 and arranged along the fabric layer. In some embodiments, the outer cover 1200 does not include the upper retaining member 1208 and / or the lower retaining member 1210. Fig.46 As shown, the housing 1200 includes an upper retainer 1208 and / or a lower retainer 1210. Fig.46 As shown, (i) the upper retainer 1208 of the outer cover 1200 is received by the outer channel 1114 of the upper flange 1110 of the main body 1100, and (ii) the lower retainer 1210 of the outer cover 1200 is received by the lower channel 1122 of the lower flange 1120 of the main body 1100, so that the fabric layer 1202 is arranged along the exterior of the main body 1100. The fabric layer 1202 can be stretchable to fit closely to the exterior of the main body 1100 and adapt to its shape.

[0092] like Fig.46 As shown, container holder 1300 includes a material layer, shown as a fabric layer 1302, having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end shown as an upper end 1304, and the second end shown as a lower end 1306. Upper end 1304 and lower end 1306 include retaining elements or retaining members (e.g., plastic strips, elastic strips, etc.), shown as upper retaining members 1308 and lower retaining members 1310, which are connected to or retained on the fabric layer and arranged along the fabric layer. In some embodiments, container holder 1300 does not include upper retaining member 1308 and / or lower retaining member 1310. As shown in FIG. Fig.46As shown, (i) the upper retainer 1308 of the container holder 1300 is received by the internal channel 1116 of the upper flange 1110 of the body 1100, and (ii) the lower retainer 1310 of the container holder 1300 is freely suspended within the beverage cavity 1106 of the body 1100, so that the fabric layer 1302 extends into the beverage cavity 1106. In other embodiments, the lower retainer 1310 of the container holder 1300 is received by the lower channel 1122 of the lower flange 1120 of the body 1100. The fabric layer 1302 and the lower retainer 1310 can be stretchable or elastic to adapt and fit tightly to an object (e.g., a beverage container, etc.) received by the channel (shown as a beverage channel 1312) defined by the container holder 1300, thereby retaining the object within the beverage cavity 1106. According to an exemplary embodiment, the lower end 1306 has a natural diameter (eg, when unexpanded) that is smaller than the diameter of the upper end 1304 such that the container holder 1300 has a natural conical or funnel shape.

[0093] like Fig.46 As shown, the bottom 1400 includes a bottom support member (shown as a support plate 1402) having a protrusion extending around and near the periphery of the support member (shown as a bottom rib 1404). The bottom rib 1404 is offset from the edge of the support plate 1402 so that the support plate 1402 extends laterally outward beyond the bottom rib 1404. The bottom rib 1404 is received by the lower channel 1122 of the lower flange 1120 of the body 1100 and retained therein by a press fit and retains the lower retainer 1210 at the lower end 1206 of the housing 1200 (in some embodiments, the lower retainer 1310 at the lower end 1306 of the container retainer 1300) within the lower channel 1122. The bottom rib 1404 (and the bottom 1400 as a whole) can be made of a flexible rubber / elastic material that compresses and forms a tight seal within the lower channel 1122. In some embodiments (e.g., embodiments in which the lower flange 1120 has the same structure as the upper flange), the bottom 1400 is similar to the top ring 1300, and the lower retaining members 1210 and the lower retaining members 1310 are retained to the lower flange 1120 via the bottom 1400, similar to the manner in which the upper retaining members 1208 and the upper retaining members 1308 are retained to the upper flange 1110 via the top ring 1500, the specific details of which are described herein.

[0094] like Fig.46As shown, the top ring 1500 includes a top plate (shown as a cover 1502) having a pair of protrusions (shown as an outer rib 1504 and an inner rib 1506) extending from the top plate and around its periphery, and a gap (shown as a rib gap 1508) therebetween. The outer rib 1504 is received by the outer channel 1114 of the upper flange 1110 of the body 1100, the inner rib 1506 is received by the inner channel 1116 of the upper flange 1110 of the body 1100, and the bottom rib 1112 of the upper flange 1110 of the bottom 1100 is received by the rib gap 1508 of the top ring 1500, thereby retaining the upper retainer 1208 at the upper end 1204 of the housing 1200 in the outer channel 1114, and retaining the upper retainer 1308 at the upper end 1304 of the container retainer 1300 in the inner channel 1116. The outer ribs 1504, inner ribs 1506, upper retainer 1208, upper retainer 1308, and bottom ribs 1112 may be held together by a press fit, thereby securing the bottom 1100, outer cover 1200, container retainer 1300, and top ring 1500 together.

[0095] The terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar terms as used herein with respect to numerical ranges generally mean ±10% of the disclosed value, unless otherwise indicated. As used herein with respect to structural features (e.g., describing shape, size, orientation, direction, relative position, etc.), the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar terms are intended to cover minor variations in structure that may result from, for example, manufacturing or assembly processes, and are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with the common and accepted usage of those of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed subject matter belongs. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted to indicate that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or changes to the described and claimed subject matter are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as described in the appended claims.

[0096] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" and variations thereof, used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that these embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and these terms do not imply that these embodiments are necessarily the most prominent or optimal examples).

[0097] As used herein, the term "connection" and its variants refer to two components being directly or indirectly connected to each other. Such a connection may be a fixed connection (e.g., permanent or fixed) or a movable connection (e.g., removable or releasable). Such a connection may be achieved by directly connecting the two components to each other, by connecting the two components to each other using a separate intermediate component and any additional intermediate components, or by connecting the two components to each other using an intermediate component that is integrally formed as a single entity with one of the two components. If "connection" or its variants are modified by additional terms (e.g., directly connected), the general definition of "connection" above will be modified by the literal meaning of the additional terms (e.g., "direct connection" means that the two components are connected without any separate intermediate components), thereby forming a narrower definition than the general definition of "connection" above. Such a connection may be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a fluid connection.

[0098] References to element positions herein (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below") are only used to describe the orientation of the various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may be different in different exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be included in the content of the present disclosure.

[0099] It should be noted that the construction and arrangement of the beverage holder 10 and its components shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. In addition, any element disclosed in any one embodiment may be incorporated or used in any other embodiment disclosed herein.

Claims

1. Drink holder, including: Framework, which includes: a side wall having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end being provided with a plurality of protrusions; and a bottom wall extending through a lower end of the side wall, wherein the side wall and the bottom wall together define a chamber; An insert connected to the upper end of the side wall, the insert comprising: a peripheral edge having a plurality of openings for receiving the plurality of protrusions; and a flexible annular member extending from the peripheral edge and at least partially into the chamber, the flexible annular member defining an opening to the chamber; and A cover including a plurality of interfaces for engaging with the plurality of protrusions to connect the cover to the upper end of the side wall and to fix the insert between the frame and the cover, wherein the cover is provided with an opening which is aligned with the cavity of the frame and the opening of the insert.

2. The beverage holder according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of protrusions are a first plurality of protrusions, and the plurality of interfaces are a first plurality of interfaces, wherein a second plurality of protrusions are provided at the lower end of the side wall, and the beverage holder further includes a bottom, the bottom includes a second plurality of interfaces, and the second plurality of interfaces are engaged with the second plurality of protrusions to connect the bottom with the lower end of the side wall.

3. The beverage holder of claim 2, further comprising a body disposed around the frame and between the cover and the bottom, the body having an inner surface having a channel that receives a side wall of the frame.

4. The beverage holder according to claim 3, wherein: The inner surface is provided with a plurality of core interfaces, and the frame includes a plurality of tabs extending outwardly from the sidewalls, wherein the plurality of tabs are positioned to engage with the plurality of core interfaces.

5. The beverage holder according to claim 3, wherein: The frame includes a pair of flanges extending outward from the side walls, the pair of flanges are provided with flange openings, the body is provided with gaps, the pair of flanges are accommodated in the gaps, and the body includes a pair of retaining members, the pair of retaining members extend into the gaps and engage with the flange openings. 6 . The beverage holder according to claim 5 , further comprising a cover disposed along the pair of flanges and closing the gap.

7. The beverage holder according to claim 6, wherein: The cover comprises an upper interface and a lower interface, the bottom comprises a lower protrusion engaged with the lower interface of the cover, and the cover comprises an upper protrusion engaged with the upper interface of the cover.

8. The beverage holder according to claim 7, wherein: The upper interface is different from the lower interface, and the upper protrusion is different from the lower protrusion.

9. The beverage holder of claim 3, further comprising a cover removably attached around an outer surface of the body.

10. The beverage holder according to claim 9, wherein: The outer surface of the body has a curved profile.

11. The beverage holder according to claim 10, wherein: The cover has a pattern thereon, and the cover is configured so that the pattern does not deform when the cover is installed around the curved contour.

12. The beverage holder according to claim 9, wherein: The outer cover is provided with a plurality of upper openings and a plurality of lower openings, the plurality of upper openings being engaged with the first plurality of protrusions to connect the outer cover to the upper end of the side wall of the frame; and the plurality of lower openings being engaged with the second plurality of protrusions to connect the outer cover to the lower end of the side wall of the frame.

13. The beverage holder according to claim 12, wherein: The shape of the inner surface of the main body is designed such that: before the outer cover is installed, there is a gap between the inner surface and the side wall; and the outer cover is configured to compress the main body to make it close to the frame to close the gap.

14. The beverage holder according to claim 9, wherein: The outer cover is a first outer cover, and the beverage holder further comprises a second outer cover which is different from the first outer cover and can be selectively exchanged with the first outer cover.

15. The beverage holder of claim 2, further comprising a counterweight located between a bottom wall of the frame and the bottom.

16. The beverage holder of claim 1, wherein: The flexible annular member includes a plurality of ribs having a plurality of grooves between the ribs, and further includes a plurality of sliding pads connected to the plurality of ribs.

17. The beverage holder according to claim 16, wherein: Each of the plurality of sliding pads comprises: a housing disposed along a bottom side of a corresponding one of the plurality of ribs; a movable sheet disposed along a top side of the corresponding one of the ribs, the movable sheet comprising a retaining member extending from the movable sheet through the corresponding one of the ribs and into the housing; and A flexible edge connects the housing to the movable sheet.

18. The beverage holder of claim 16, further comprising a biasing element extending between the plurality of sliding pads.

19. Drink holder, including: a supporting structure defining a chamber for receiving a beverage container, the supporting structure having a curved outer contour; as well as A fabric cover is arranged along the outer contour of the curved surface, and a pattern is provided on the fabric cover, wherein the fabric cover is configured so that: when installed around the outer contour of the curved surface, the pattern will not be deformed; and the fabric cover can be selectively removed from the supporting structure and can be selectively replaced with a different fabric cover.

20. Drink holder, including: a frame defining a chamber; an insert connected to the upper end of the frame, the insert extending at least partially into the chamber, the insert defining an opening through which the chamber is accessible; a top cover connected to an upper end of the frame to hold the insert between the frame and the top cover; a base connected to the lower end of the frame; a main body disposed around the frame and located between the top cover and the bottom; and The outer cover has a first end connected to the upper end of the frame and a second end connected to the lower end of the frame, the first end is located between the frame and the top cover, and the second end is located between the frame and the bottom.

Images