Adapter for arranging items in a vehicle's cupholder

Abstract

An adapter is provided for arranging an object in a cupholder of a vehicle, wherein the adapter has a body whose diameter in a first, non-activated state is smaller than the diameter of the cupholder, so that the adapter can be inserted into the cupholder, and wherein the adapter is designed such that its body can be expanded under pressure in such a way that the adapter conforms to an internal geometry of the cupholder, and wherein the adapter has at least one interface on a top surface facing towards the interior of the vehicle after insertion into the cupholder for attaching the object or a holder of the object.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an adapter for arranging objects in a cupholder of a vehicle.

[0002] It is known to install mounting devices for objects within a vehicle when no internal mounting bracket is provided or when the object needs to be attached in a different location. For example, mounting devices for monitors or navigation systems are already known, which are screwed to the instrument panel using an adapter plate. The adapter plate must be adapted to the specific instrument panel, and positioning options are limited. Furthermore, such a mounting device cannot be removed without damaging the vehicle. Additionally, there are mounting devices for smartphones, for example, which can be clamped into a cupholder (drink holder, receptacle for beverage containers) in the vehicle.With these designs, it is necessary to adapt the clamps to the diameter of the cupholder to ensure the tightest possible clamping, typically using a 3-point clamping system. However, even with a 3-point clamp, loosening of the holding device is possible under higher lateral and / or longitudinal accelerations, especially when holding a larger mass such as a measurement technology monitor or a tablet.

[0003] In DE 10 2004 008 294 A1, a holding device for relatively heavy objects in the form of an adapter is disclosed, which has a frustoconical foot for insertion into a cupholder, as well as a receiving plate for receiving an object to be held.

[0004] Since there is still room for improvement in the holding devices for relatively heavy objects in cupholders, it is an object of this invention to provide an adapter that provides an improved holding device for relatively heavy objects in a cupholder. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0005] An adapter is provided for arranging an object in a cupholder of a vehicle, wherein the adapter has a body whose diameter in a first, non-activated state is smaller than the diameter of the cupholder, so that the adapter can be inserted into the cupholder, and wherein the adapter is designed such that its body is expandable under pressure in such a way that the adapter conforms to an internal geometry of the cupholder, and wherein the adapter has at least one interface on a top surface facing towards the interior of the vehicle after insertion into the cupholder for attaching the object or a holder of the object.

[0006] By providing the adapter according to the invention, a non-destructive interface is created between the cupholder and the object to be held, which also securely holds the object even under high lateral and / or longitudinal accelerations.

[0007] Furthermore, the adapter is designed to have a valve on its top side through which a gas or liquid under pressure can be introduced into the body of the adapter.

[0008] Furthermore, it is intended that the adapter has a height that is at least equivalent to the height of a cupholder.

[0009] Furthermore, the interface is designed to be formed as a thread.

[0010] Furthermore, it is provided that an intermediate element is provided which can be attached to the interface and which is designed to fasten the object.

[0011] Furthermore, it is intended that the intermediate element is formed as a linear shift.

[0012] Furthermore, it is intended that the adapter is formed as a pipe sealing cushion or as a balloon.

[0013] Furthermore, a holder for objects in cupholders of a vehicle is provided, comprising two described adapters, each of which is inserted into one of two adjacent cupholders, and wherein an intermediate element serving as a connecting element is attached to both interfaces of the adapters, and the object can in turn be attached to the intermediate element.

[0014] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures in the drawing, which shows details of the invention, and from the claims. The individual features can be implemented individually or in any combination in a variant of the invention.

[0015] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an adapter placed in a cupholder according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of adapters placed in cupholders according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] In the following figure descriptions, identical elements or functions are marked with the same reference symbols.

[0017] The basic concept of the invention is to provide an improved holding device, particularly for relatively heavy objects 3. The holding device is intended to serve as an adapter 2 and to be arranged in a cupholder 1 (drink holder, receptacle for beverage containers) of a vehicle. It is intended to provide a secure hold for the object 3 even under high lateral and / or longitudinal accelerations.

[0018] The term "relatively heavy objects 3" refers in particular to measuring instrument displays, tablets, monitors, laptops / notebooks, and also smartphones with large displays. If such objects 3 are positioned and held in a cupholder 1 using an adapter 2, high lateral and / or longitudinal accelerations, such as braking, cornering at higher speeds, or strong acceleration, can cause the object 3 to lose its secure hold on the adapter 2 due to its weight and the forces acting upon it, resulting in a change of position. In the worst case, it could slip out of the adapter 2 and fall into the footwell. Alternatively, it could strike another interior component and damage it, or be damaged by it.

[0019] To avoid these problems and to provide a more secure hold, especially for such relatively heavy objects 3, an adapter 2 is proposed which can be placed in a cupholder 1 of the vehicle in a non-activated state (non-expanded state), that is, that the diameter of its body K is smaller than the diameter of the cupholder 1, as shown in Fig. 1 schematically indicated. The adapter 2 is designed such that its body K can be activated by applying pressure, causing it to expand, as shown in Fig. 1 is schematically indicated by the double arrows. The expansion continues until it rests against the inner geometry of the cupholder 1.

[0020] Pressurization can be automated (using an electric pump) or manual (using a hand pump), with the adapter 2 having at least one valve 20 through which the medium can be introduced under pressure into its body K. The medium introduced under pressure into the body K can be either a gas or a liquid. A configuration in which the body K is under vacuum in its inactive state and draws in air from the outside when the valve 20 is opened, causing it to expand, is also considered "pressurized." Advantageously, the valve 20 also serves to release the medium from the body K. Alternatively, a further valve can be provided to act as an outlet valve.

[0021] The adapter 2 has at least one valve 20 on its upper surface O, which, after insertion into the cupholder 1, faces the vehicle interior. This allows the adapter 2 to be pressurized while already in the cupholder 1. Furthermore, at least one mechanical interface 21 is provided on the upper surface O of the adapter 2, designed to allow the attachment of an object 3. The object 3 can be a "light" object such as a smartphone or a relatively heavy object as described above. The interface 21 is selected according to the object 3 to be attached and can, for example, be a thread, which is particularly useful for relatively heavy objects 3, as it ensures a secure hold even under high lateral and / or longitudinal accelerations.Interface 21 can also be a metal eyelet permanently connected to adapter 2 (more precisely, its body K), to which object 3 can be attached, for example, by means of clamps. The type of interface 21 is essentially freely selectable, as long as it provides a secure mounting for object 3 on adapter 2.

[0022] The type of adapter 2 is essentially freely selectable, as long as it has a body K that can be pressurized, expands as a result, and conforms to (at least a large part of) the internal geometry of the cupholder 1, more precisely, presses its body into it as completely as possible. For this purpose, the adapter 2 has a height H2 that is at least equal to the height H1 of the cupholder 1. It is even advantageous if it is slightly higher. This makes attaching an object 3 easier. Examples of suitable adapters 2 include pipe sealing cushions, as well as balloon-like bodies or tubes—in principle, any body that has a substantially cylindrical shape when activated and that has a valve 20 and an attachment point for an object 3 (interface 21) on its upper surface O.

[0023] In one embodiment, the object 3, which is to be attached to the cupholder 1 via the adapter 2, is attached directly to the interface 21, e.g. if the object 3 or a holder thereof has a thread that fits into a thread provided as interface 21.

[0024] In an alternative embodiment, an intermediate element 4 is provided, which is connected to the interface 21 of the adapter 2 (or to two adapters 2, as in Fig. (2 shown) is attached and serves as an interface for attaching the object 3 to the adapter 2 if the object does not fit into the interface 21 of the adapter 2. This intermediate element 4 can, for example, be formed as a linear displacement, as shown in Fig. 2 is indicated, so that object 3 is even movable. Additionally, a ball joint can be provided to increase the degrees of freedom of movement of the object.

[0025] In one embodiment, an adapter 2 can be provided in each of two adjacent cupholders 1, with an intermediate element 4 serving as a connecting element being attached to both interfaces 21 of the adapters 2, to which the object 3 can in turn be attached. A linear displacement and a ball joint can also be provided here.

[0026] By providing the adapter 2 with the body K, which expands under pressure to such an extent that it can conform to the inner geometry of the cupholder 1, a completely reversible torque protection is provided, which allows even relatively heavy objects 3 to be held securely in the cupholder 1 even under high lateral and / or longitudinal accelerations. Reference symbol list 1 Cupholder H1 Height Cupholder 2 adapters 20 valve 21 Interface O Top Adapter K Body Adapter H2 Height Adapter 3. Item 4 Intermediate element 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 2004 008 294 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Adapter (2) for arranging an object (3) in a cupholder (1) of a vehicle, wherein the adapter (2) has a body (K) whose diameter in a first, non-activated state is smaller than the diameter of the cupholder (1), so that the adapter (2) can be inserted into the cupholder (1), and wherein the adapter (2) is formed such that its body (K) is expandable under pressure in such a way that the adapter (2) conforms to an internal geometry of the cupholder (1), and wherein the adapter (2) has at least one interface (21) on a top surface (O) facing towards the interior of the vehicle after insertion into the cupholder (1) for attaching the object (3) or a holder of the object (3). [2] Adapter (2) according to claim 1, wherein the adapter (2) has a valve (20) on its upper side (O) through which a gas or liquid can be introduced under pressure into the body (K) of the adapter (2). [3] Adapter (2) according to claim 2, wherein the adapter (2) has a height (H2) which corresponds at least to a height (H1) of a cupholder (H1). [4] Adapter (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the interface (21) is formed as a thread. [5] Adapter (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an intermediate element (4) is provided which can be attached to the interface (21) and which is designed to fasten the object (3). [6] Adapter (2) according to claim 5, wherein the intermediate element (4) is formed as a linear displacement. [7] Adapter (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter (2) is formed as a pipe sealing cushion or as a balloon. [8] Holder for objects (3) in cupholders (1) of a vehicle, comprising two adapters (2) each formed according to one of the preceding claims, and each inserted into one of two adjacent cupholders (1), wherein an intermediate element (4) serving as a connecting element is attached to both interfaces (21) of the adapters (2), wherein the object can in turn be attached to the intermediate element (4).

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