Stabilized holder for beverage cups on wheelchairs and walkers

Abstract

Cup holders on wheelchairs and walkers are rigidly mounted. During movement, changes in tilt and impacts occur, causing spills. The new holder is designed to largely prevent spills, eliminating the need for closed containers. The invention integrates a combination of spring damping and position compensation in all directions into the bracket by means of a gimbal bearing (2). Guides (8) enable a controlled downward compensating movement, while a damping system absorbs shocks. The spring force is generated by magnets (4) which repel each other due to their arrangement. At the same time, their movement within a metal sleeve (5) ensures the necessary conversion of the kinetic energy. The invention enables cost-effective and space-saving holders for open beverage cups. It prevents liquid from leaking out due to impacts or when the wheelchair is tipped over.

Description

[0001] Position-compensating mounts use gimbal suspensions to compensate for angular variations. They were used for a long time on ships, for example to operate kerosene lamps regardless of sea state. However, they only compensate for angular movement; they do not dampen shocks and vibrations.

[0002] Because they are easy to manufacture, they are now also used for holding beverage cups in motor vehicles, where they compensate for inertial forces typically caused by braking and cornering by means of tilting. “BMW develops gyroscopic cup holder against coffee stains” (https: / / de.motor1.com / news / 385548 / bmw-gyroskopischer-cup-holdergetrankeflecken / amp / )

[0003] German patent DE 10 2017 124 666 A1 describes a gimbal mounting in which the pivot joints of the gimbal mounting are preferably damped by self-locking plastic bearings. Furthermore, the bearing points can be constructed of elastic material or be spring-loaded.

[0004] Similarly, patent US 4,474,354 discloses a mounting for a motor vehicle in which an elastic material integrated into the shaft absorbs vibrations.

[0005] Unlike motor vehicles, wheelchairs and walkers experience significantly lower acceleration forces but stronger shocks and vibrations. Therefore, damping elements made of elastic material are only conditionally suitable as holders for open beverage cups on these devices.

[0006] The invention solves the problem by combining a gimbal bearing with magnetic spring damping.

[0007] The advantage of the invention is that no liquid escapes during normal impacts and when the wheelchair or rollator is tipped over.

[0008] With the help of the gimbal mounting, the cup always tilts in the direction of the respective acceleration, since the center of gravity is always located below the axis center of the gimbal joints (2.1 or 2.2).

[0009] One or more linear guides (8) enable a relative movement of the cup during impact.

[0010] The cup is held in the upper position by magnetic force. The magnetic force is generated by several permanent magnets (4) positioned opposite each other with like poles.

[0011] The permanent magnets (4) are guided in a metal tube (5) so that inductive eddy currents are generated during compression, which dampen the movement.

[0012] End stops (6) limit the relative movement of the cup. They can be made of elastic material and supplement the shock absorption function.

[0013] In the variant described in claim 5 ( Fig. 1; Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) Spring dampers and linear guides are arranged between the inner ring of the gimbal bearing (2) and the cup holder (3). This allows limited movement of the beverage cup in the direction of the cup axis.

[0014] In the variant described in claim 6 ( Fig. 4) Spring damping and linear guidance are arranged between the mounting connection (1) and a sliding element (9). The sliding element (9) holds the outer ring of the gimbal bearing (2). The cup holder (3) is rigidly connected to the inner ring of the gimbal bearing (2). This arrangement allows limited movement of the beverage cup perpendicular to the holder. Reference symbol list 1. Mounting connection 2. gimbal mounting 2.1 Outer gimbal joint 2.2 Internal Cardan Joint 3 cup holder 4 permanent magnets 5 metal tubes 6 End stop 7 inner carrying ring 8 linear guides 9 Shift block QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2017 124 666 A1

[0003] US 4 474 354

[0004] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] BMW develops gyroscopic cupholder against coffee stains” (https: / / de.motor1.com / news / 385548 / bmw-gyroskopischer-cup-holdergetrankeflecken / amp /

[0002]

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