ADJUSTABLE CUP HOLDER ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

An adjustable cup holder assembly comprising a receptacle extending along a first axis, a first rail disposed within the receptacle and parallel to the first axis, and a divider disposed within the receptacle and movable along the first axis, the divider defining a first compartment and a second compartment in the receptacle.The cup holder assembly further includes a second rail disposed in the divider along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, a base disposed in the receptacle and movable relative to the second axis, a first mechanism coupled to the divider and the first rail, the first mechanism configured to adjust the position of the divider relative to the first axis, and a second mechanism coupled to the base and the second rail, the second mechanism configured to adjust the position of the base relative to the second axis.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a cup holder and in particular to an adjustable cup holder assembly according to the preamble of claim 1, as is essentially known from DE 10 2013 212 551 B4.

[0002] A similar cup holder arrangement is shown in KR 10 2009 0 043 925 A.

[0003] Conventionally, center console cup holders cannot be adjusted to accommodate a variety of different containers (e.g., cups, bottles, etc.). Failure to properly secure containers in the cup holders results in overflow, instability, and / or wasted space. Aspects of the present invention address one or more deficiencies of existing systems. SUMMARY

[0004] According to the invention, an adjustable cup holder arrangement is presented which is characterized by the features of claim 1.

[0005] The cup holder assembly includes: a receptacle extending along a first axis, a first rail disposed within the receptacle and parallel to the first axis, a divider movably disposed within the receptacle and along the first axis, the divider defining a first compartment and a second compartment within the receptacle, a second rail disposed within the divider along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, a base movably disposed within the receptacle and with respect to the second axis, a first mechanism coupled to the divider and the first rail, the first mechanism configured to adjust the divider with respect to the first axis, and a second mechanism coupled to the base and the second rail, the second mechanism configured to adjust the base with respect to the second axis.

[0006] Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the receptacle may include a bottom and a continuous wall defining a first end and a second end, the first end opposite the second end with respect to the first axis. The divider may include a first side facing the first end of the receptacle and a second side facing the second end of the receptacle. The first compartment may be defined between the first side and the first end, and the second compartment may be defined between the second side and the second end. The divider may be movable such that a first diameter of the first compartment is greater than, less than, or equal to a second diameter of the second compartment.

[0007] According to at least one example, the adjustable cup holder assembly may further include a first rotary disc coupled to the first mechanism and configured to adjust the divider with respect to the first axis. The adjustable cup holder may further include a second rotary disc coupled to the second mechanism and configured to adjust the base with respect to the second axis. The first mechanism may further include a first bevel gear configured to rotate about a third axis, a second bevel gear configured to rotate about a first track axis and communicating with the first bevel gear, and a worm gear coupled to the second bevel gear and arranged to communicate with the first track.The second mechanism may further include a first bevel gear configured to rotate about a third axis, a second bevel gear configured to rotate about a second rail axis and communicating with the first bevel gear, and a worm gear coupled to the second bevel gear along a shaft and arranged to communicate with the second rail.

[0008] According to at least one aspect, the base may further include a first cushion and a second cushion coupled to the first cushion by a support member.

[0009] In another configuration, a vehicle cup holder assembly is provided, comprising: a cup holder base movable within a receptacle, a first cup holder compartment having a first diameter between a first side of a divider and a first end of the receptacle, a second cup holder compartment having a second diameter between a second side of the divider and a second end of the receptacle, a first interface defining a first turntable opening and including a first turntable in the first turntable opening, a second interface defining a second turntable opening and including a second turntable in the second turntable opening, a first finger-operated mechanism coupled to the first interface and configured to move the divider with respect to a first axis, and a second finger-operated mechanism,which is coupled to the second interface and is configured to move the cup holder base with respect to a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis.,

[0010] Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the first finger-operated mechanism may be configured to adjust the first diameter and the second diameter. The second finger-operated mechanism may be configured to move the cup holder base relative to a top surface of the receptacle.

[0011] According to at least one example, the cup holder base further includes a first pad extending into the first cup holder compartment and a second pad extending into the second cup holder compartment, the first pad being coupled to the second pad by a support member.

[0012] In at least one aspect, the first turntable and the second turntable are configured to rotate with respect to a third axis that is perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis.

[0013] In yet another configuration, a method for adjusting a depth and a width in a cup holder is provided, comprising: operating a first interface to adjust a diameter of a first compartment and a second compartment, operating a second interface to adjust a depth of a first compartment and a second compartment, and positioning a container in the first compartment or the second compartment.

[0014] Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the first interface may be a first finger-operated mechanism comprising a first rotary disc. The second interface may be a second finger-operated mechanism comprising a second rotary disc. Actuating the first interface may further comprise axially moving a divider with respect to a longitudinal axis. Actuating the second interface may further comprise axially moving a base with respect to a vertical axis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The drawings described here are for illustrative purposes only; they show: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a center console incorporating an adjustable cup holder; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the adjustable cup holder of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a perspective close-up view of the adjustable cup holder of Fig. 1, which contains a receptacle, a divider and a base; Fig. 4 a close-up view from above of a first interface of the divider of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 a cross-sectional view of the adjustable cup holder of Fig. 3 along line 5-5; Fig. 6 a cross-sectional view of the adjustable cup holder of Fig. 3 along line 6-6; Fig. 7 a perspective close-up view of the adjustable cup holder of Fig. 1, which contains a receptacle, a divider and a base; Fig. 8 a cross-sectional view of the adjustable cup holder of Fig. 7 along line 8-8 and Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for adjusting the adjustable cup holder of Fig. 1 shows.

[0016] In all drawings, corresponding reference symbols designate corresponding parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] With reference to Fig. 1, a console of a vehicle (e.g., an aircraft, a train, a motor vehicle, etc.) is shown including an adjustable cup holder 10. The adjustable cup holder 10 includes a receptacle 100, a divider 200, and a base 300. Referring to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the receptacle 100 may be configured to receive one or more containers, water bottles, coffee mugs, cups, mugs, etc. The receptacle 100 may, for example, have an oval, a rectangular, or other shape that accommodates various container shapes. The receptacle 100 may be defined by a bottom 102 and at least one wall 104 extending from the bottom 102. The receptacle 100 may extend along a first axis or a longitudinal axis 106 and have a first end 108 and a second end 110 axially spaced from the first end 108 with respect to the first axis 106. Additionally, in the present example, the receptacle 100 includes a first side 112 and a second side 114 spaced from the first side 112 in a direction perpendicular to the first axis 106 (i.e., transverse to the vehicle in a vehicle example). The receptacle 100 includes a depth 116 ( Fig. 6), which may be defined by a distance between a top surface 118 and the floor 102. The at least one wall 104 may have a recess 120 ( Fig. 3) extending along an inner surface 122 of the at least one wall 104. A first rail 124, including teeth 126, may be disposed in the recess 120 on the first side 112 of the receptacle 100.

[0018] Some containers (e.g., cans, bottles, cups, etc.) are unusually shaped and / or unusually sized (i.e., small or large) and do not fit well into standard cup holders commonly found in vehicles. Additionally or alternatively, some containers (e.g., a teacup or coffee mug) are smaller than usual and may be difficult to access when placed in a standard cup holder. While driving, unsecured and / or loose containers may create unsafe conditions for one or more passengers, for example, in the event of a collision.

[0019] With reference to Fig. 3, the divider or separator 200 may be disposed in the receptacle 100 of the adjustable cup holder 10. The divider 200 may be disposed in the receptacle 100 between the first side 112 and the second side 114. The divider 200 may have an hourglass shape including a front side 202 facing the first end 108 of the receptacle 100 and a back side 204 facing the second end 110 of the receptacle 100, as shown in Fig. 2. The divider 200 may further include a top surface 206 coupled to the front side 202 and the back side 204. Referring to Fig. 3, the upper surface 206 may have a first opening 208 and a second opening 210 extending through the divider 200 into an interior region 212 ( Fig. 5). As in Fig. 5, a second rail 214 having teeth 216 may be disposed in the interior region 212 of the divider 200 and extend in a direction parallel to a second or vertical axis 218.

[0020] With further reference to Fig. 2, the adjustable cup holder 10 may include a first compartment 12 that may be defined between a first central portion 220 of the front side 202 of the divider 200 and the first end 108 of the receptacle 100. Similarly, the adjustable cup holder 10 may include a second compartment 14 that may be defined between a second central portion 222 of the rear side 204 of the divider 200 and the second end 110 of the receptacle 100. The first compartment 12 may have a first diameter 16, and the second compartment 14 may have a second diameter 18. Depending on the position of the divider 200 in the receptacle 100, the first diameter 16 may be greater than, less than, or equal to the second diameter 18. Referring to Fig. 5, the divider 200 may include recesses 224 extending through the first and second center portions 220, 222 with respect to the first axis 106.

[0021] With further reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the base 300 is arranged relative to the divider 200. The base 300 may include a first support or pad 302 coupled to a second support or pad 304 by a support member 306. The first support 302 may extend into the first compartment 12, and the second pad 304 may extend into the second compartment 14, as shown in Fig. 3. The base 300 is configured to be axially adjustable relative to the second axis 218. In other words, the base 300 can provide support for one or more containers at various positions along the second axis 218.

[0022] The adjustable cup holder 10 may include one or more interfaces 400 for adjusting the position of the divider 200 and / or the base 300, as shown in Fig. 1. The one or more interfaces 400 may include a first interface 402 for adjusting the position of the divider 200 relative to the first axis 106 and a second interface 404 for adjusting the position of the base 300 relative to the second axis 218. The first interface 402 may include an actuating device, such as a first rotary disk 406 disposed in the first opening 208 of the divider 200 and coupled to a first finger-operated mechanism (i.e., first mechanism) 408 ( Fig. 4). In at least one configuration, the actuating device is a bidirectional switch and the first finger-operated mechanism 408 is a motor (not shown). The first rotary disk 406 is configured to rotate about a third or lateral axis 410 that is perpendicular to both the first and second axes 106, 218. Referring to Fig. 4, the first finger-operated mechanism 408 is disposed within the divider 200 and may include a first bevel gear 412 coupled to the first rotating disk 406. Clockwise rotation of the first rotating disk 406 about the third axis 410 may result in clockwise rotation of the first bevel gear 412 about the third axis 410. Likewise, counterclockwise rotation of the first rotating disk 406 about the third axis 410 may result in counterclockwise rotation of the first bevel gear 412 about the third axis 410. The first finger-operated mechanism 408 may include a second bevel gear 414 configured to rotate about a first track axis 416 that is parallel to the first axis 410. The second bevel gear 414 is in engagement with the first bevel gear 412 and is coupled to a worm gear 418.The worm gear 418 can be configured to engage the teeth 126 of the first rail 124 such that the divider 200 can be translated back and forth along the first rail 124. In the present configuration, clockwise rotation of the first bevel gear 412 results in clockwise rotation of the second bevel gear 414 and the worm gear 418 about the first rail axis 416, causing the divider 200 to move axially toward the first end 108 of the receptacle 100. Counterclockwise rotation of the first bevel gear 412 can result in counterclockwise rotation of the second bevel gear 414 and the worm gear 418 about the first rail axis 416, causing the divider 200 to move axially about the second end 110 of the receptacle 100. It should be noted that the present configuration does not require a stop or lock to maintain the axial position of the divider 200.Thus, the axial position of the divider 200 with respect to the first axis 106 can be maintained as long as the position of the first turntable 406 remains unchanged.

[0023] With reference to Fig. 5, the second interface 404 may include an actuating device, such as a second rotary disk 420, disposed within the second opening 210 of the divider 200 and coupled to a second finger-operated mechanism (i.e., a second mechanism) 422. In at least one configuration, the actuating device is a bidirectional switch and the second finger-operated mechanism 422 is a motor (not shown). The second rotary disk 420 is configured to rotate the third axis 410. The second finger-operated mechanism 422 is disposed within the divider 300 and may include a first bevel gear 424 coupled to the second rotary disk 420. Clockwise rotation of the second rotary disk 420 about the third axis 410 results in clockwise rotation of the first bevel gear 424 about the third axis 410.Likewise, counterclockwise rotation of the second turntable 420 about the third axis 410 results in counterclockwise rotation of the first bevel gear 424 about the third axis 410. The second finger-operated mechanism 422 may include a second bevel gear 426 configured to rotate about a second track axis 428 parallel to the second axis 218. The second bevel gear 426 meshes with the first bevel gear 424 and is coupled to a worm gear 430 via a shaft 432. The worm gear 430 may be coupled to the base 300, and in particular, to the support member 306 of the base 300. The worm gear 430 may be configured to engage the teeth 216 of the second rail 214 such that the base 300 may be translated up and down with respect to the second rail 214.In the present configuration, clockwise rotation of the first bevel gear 424 results in clockwise rotation of the second bevel gear 426 and the worm gear 430 about the second rail axis 428, causing the base 300 to move axially away from the top surface 206 of the divider 300. Counterclockwise rotation of the first bevel gear 424 may result in counterclockwise rotation of the second bevel gear 426 and the worm gear 430 about the second rail axis 428, causing the base 300 to move axially toward the top surface 206 of the divider 200. It should be noted that the present configuration does not require a stop or lock to maintain the axial position of the base 300. Thus, the axial position of the base 300 with respect to the second axis 218 can be maintained as long as the position of the second turntable 420 remains unchanged.

[0024] In operation, the adjustable cup holder 10 may be designed to accommodate containers of many shapes and sizes, such as a first container 20 ( Fig. 6), which has a first container height 22 and a first container diameter 24, or a second container 26 ( Fig. 8) which has a second container height 28 and a second container diameter 30. With reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 6, the divider 200 can be arranged toward the second end 110 of the receptacle 100 such that the first diameter 16 of the first compartment 12 can accommodate the first container diameter 24. In other words, the divider 200 can be adjusted such that the first container 20 can be supported and secured in the second compartment 14. Additionally, the base 300 can be arranged toward the upper surface 206 of the divider 200 (i.e., raising the base 300 in the receptacle 100) such that a portion of the first container height 22 protrudes axially relative to the upper surface 118 of the receptacle 100. In other words, the base 300 can be positioned such that a person can easily access the first container 20 from the second compartment 14. With reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the divider 200 can be arranged and / or adjusted toward the first end 108 of the receptacle 100 such that the second diameter 18 of the second compartment 14 can accommodate the second container diameter 30. In other words, the second container 26 can be arranged and secured within the second compartment 14. Additionally, the base 300 can be arranged away from the upper surface 206 of the divider 200 (i.e., lowering the base 300 within the receptacle 100) such that a portion of the second container height 28 protrudes axially relative to the upper surface 118 of the receptacle 100. Thus, the base 300 can be positioned to provide more stability for the second container 26 while still allowing a person to easily access the second container 26 from the second compartment 14.

[0025] With reference to Fig.9, a method 500 is provided for adjusting a depth and / or a diameter of the first compartment and the second compartment of the adjustable cup holder 10 in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0026] At 510, a person (e.g., a passenger of a vehicle) may actuate the actuating device (e.g., the first dial 406) of the first interface 402 to adjust the first diameter 16 of the first compartment 12 and the second diameter 18 of the second compartment 14. Actuating the first interface 402 may move the divider 200 axially with respect to the longitudinal axis 106.

[0027] At 520, the person may actuate the actuating device (e.g., the second rotary dial) of the second interface 404 to adjust a depth of the first compartment 12 and a depth of the second compartment 14. Actuating the second interface 404 may move the base 300 axially with respect to the vertical axis 218.

[0028] It should be noted that in another configuration, step 520 may occur first and step 510 may occur after step 520, or steps 510 and 520 may occur simultaneously (ie, at the same time).

[0029] At 530, the person positions containers in the first compartment 12 and / or the second compartment 14.

[0030] The adjustable cup holder 10 offers versatility, stability, and, for example, improves the space utilization for one or more passengers of a vehicle. Additionally, containers that would normally be unstable in a conventional cup holder can be securely positioned in the adjustable cup holder 10. Thus, the adjustable cup holder 10 can enhance the in-vehicle passenger experience while driving.

Claims

[1] Adjustable cup holder assembly (10) comprising: a receptacle (100) extending along a first axis (106); a first rail (124) arranged in the receptacle (100) and parallel to the first axis (106); a divider (200) movably disposed in the receptacle (100) and along the first axis (106), the divider (200) defining a first compartment (12) and a second compartment (14) in the receptacle (100); and a first mechanism (408) coupled to the divider (200) and the first rail (124), the first mechanism (408) configured to adjust the divider (200) with respect to the first axis (106); characterized by , that the adjustable cup holder assembly (10) further comprises: a second rail (214) disposed in the divider (200) along a second axis (218) perpendicular to the first axis (106); a base (300) which is arranged to be movable in the receptacle (100) and with respect to the second axis (218); and a second mechanism (422) coupled to the base (300) and the second rail (214), the second mechanism (422) configured to adjust the base (300) with respect to the second axis (218). [2] The adjustable cup holder assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the receptacle (100) includes a bottom (102) and a continuous wall (104) defining a first end (108) and a second end (110), the first end (108) being opposite the second end (110) with respect to the first axis (106). [3] The adjustable cup holder assembly (10) of claim 2, wherein the divider (200) comprises a first side (112) facing the first end (108) of the receptacle (100) and a second side (114) facing the second end (110) of the receptacle (100). [4] The adjustable cup holder assembly (10) of claim 3, wherein the first compartment (12) is defined between the first side (112) and the first end (108) and the second compartment (14) is defined between the second side (114) and the second end (110). [5] The adjustable cup holder assembly (10) of claim 1, further comprising a first rotary disc (406) coupled to the first mechanism (408) and configured to adjust the divider (200) with respect to the first axis (106). [6] The adjustable cup holder assembly (10) of claim 5, further comprising a second rotary disc (420) coupled to the second mechanism (422) and configured to adjust the base (300) with respect to the second axis (218). [7] The adjustable cup holder assembly (10) of claim 6, wherein the first mechanism (408) further comprises: a first bevel gear (412) configured to rotate about a third axis (410); a second bevel gear (414) configured to rotate about a first rail axis (416) and communicating with the first bevel gear (412); and a worm gear (418) coupled to the second bevel gear (414) and arranged to communicate with the first rail (124). [8] The adjustable cup holder assembly (10) of claim 6, wherein the second mechanism (422) further comprises: a first bevel gear (424) configured to rotate about a third axis (410); a second bevel gear (426) configured to rotate about a second rail axis (428) and communicating with the first bevel gear (424); and a worm gear (430) coupled to the second bevel gear (426) along a shaft and arranged to communicate with the second rail (214). [9] The adjustable cup holder assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the base (300) further comprises a first cushion (302) and a second cushion (304) coupled to the first cushion (302) by a support member (306).

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