Drink container holder for use when taxiing, taking off and landing an aircraft

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a beverage container holder for a vehicle, and more particularly, to a beverage container holder usable during taxi, takeoff, and landing (TTOL) of an aircraft.

[0002] Government agencies and airline carriers determine TTOL preparedness policies for passenger aircraft. Current policies affect, for example, the seating requirements of the passengers and flight crew, cabin lighting, position of the window shades, sitting positions, tray table stowage, charging of electronic devices, and use of portable electronic devices. The stowage of articles brought on board and acquired while on board are also part of TTOL preparedness policies.

[0003] Loose articles such as portable electronic devices and beverage containers are required to be managed during TTOL to prevent these items from becoming projectiles during a dynamic event such as extreme turbulence or a sudden deceleration. In economy class seats, these items may be held or stowed in a seatback pocket for convenient retrieval. In business class seats without a forward seat and seatback pocket, these items may be held or stowed within a closed compartment. Closed compartments are not convenient for stowing often used items.

[0004] Therefore, what is needed is a retention solution for stowing often used items, such as a beverage container, in an open space in the vicinity of a passenger seat. US10695268B2 relates to a bottle holder apparatus for an infant comprising a pillow arranged within a hollow structural portion of a bottle holder cover, the pillow providing a sloping rest for a bottle. WO2014 / 120463A1 relates to a springable magnetic device. US2005 / 006547A1 relates to a beverage holder.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] Broadly, the present disclosure provides a beverage container holder for installation in a vehicle, for instance for use with a business class seat in an aircraft. The beverage container holder includes a strap configured to function differently during each of routine aircraft events and high g-force events, such that the beverage container holder can be used to secure a beverage container, positioned upright, in an open compartment during taxi, takeoff, and landing (TTOL).

[0006] In one aspect, a beverage container holder is provided according to claim 1.

[0007] According to another aspect, a storage cubby for an aircraft is provided according to claim 8.

[0008] Optional embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.

[0009] This summary is provided solely as an introduction to subject matter that is fully described in the following detailed description and drawing figures. This summary should not be considered to describe essential features nor be used to determine the scope of the claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary and the following detailed description are explanatory only and are not necessarily restrictive of the subject matter claimed. Any embodiments, aspects, or examples referred to herein are included only insofar as they fall within the scope of the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Implementations of the inventive concepts disclosed herein may be better understood when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description refers to the included drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, and in which some features may be exaggerated and some features may be omitted or may be represented schematically in the interest of clarity. Like reference numerals in the drawings may represent and refer to the same or similar element, feature, or function. In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stowage cubby including a beverage container holder for use with, for example, a business class seat in an aircraft, in accordance with example embodiments of this disclosure; FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the beverage container holder showing the strap in a latched condition, in accordance with example embodiments of this disclosure; FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the beverage container holder showing the strap in an unlatched condition, in accordance with example embodiments of this disclosure; FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a portion of the beverage container holder, in accordance with example embodiments of this disclosure; FIG. 4 is a lateral cross-section through the bearing block showing pull directions corresponding to the first and second use conditions of the strap, in accordance with example embodiments of this disclosure; FIG. 5A is a lateral cross-section through the bearing block showing axial alignment of the magnetic latch and positioning magnet during a first use condition of the strap, in accordance with example embodiments of this disclosure; FIG. 5B is a lateral cross-section through the bearing block showing a passenger pull direction of the strap, in accordance with example embodiments of this disclosure; and FIG. 5C is a lateral cross-section through the bearing block showing axial misalignment of the magnetic latch and positioning magnet, and engagement of the magnetic latch with the catch, in accordance with example embodiments of this disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the inventive concepts disclosed herein in detail, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components or steps or methodologies set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. In the following detailed description of embodiments of the instant inventive concepts, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the inventive concepts. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the instant disclosure that the inventive concepts disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features may not be described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the instant disclosure. The inventive concepts disclosed herein are capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0012] As used herein, a letter following a reference numeral is intended to reference an embodiment of the feature or element that may be similar, but not necessarily identical, to a previously described element or feature bearing the same reference numeral (e.g., 1, 1a, 1b). Such shorthand notations are used for purposes of convenience only, and should not be construed to limit the inventive concepts disclosed herein in any way unless expressly stated to the contrary.

[0013] Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by anyone of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0014] In addition, use of the "a" or "an" are employed to describe elements and components of embodiments of the instant inventive concepts. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the inventive concepts, and "a" and "an" are intended to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

[0015] Finally, as used herein any reference to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The appearances of the phrase "in some embodiments" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, and embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed may include one or more of the features expressly described or inherently present herein, or any combination of sub-combination of two or more such features, insofar as such combinations or sub-combinations fall within the scope of the appended claims, along with any other features which may not necessarily be expressly described or inherently present in the instant disclosure.

[0016] Broadly, embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein are directed to stowage cubby solutions including a beverage container holder for installation in a vehicle, for instance a passenger cabin in an aircraft. In a non-limiting application, the stowage cubby is installable in connection with a business class seat in an aircraft. The beverage container holder includes a strap configured to operate differently according to different conditions of the aircraft. For example, according to a first condition of the aircraft corresponding to routine aircraft events (e.g., taxi, takeoff, and landing (TTOL), flight, minor turbulence, events less than 16G, etc.), the strap includes a magnetic latch that interacts with a positioning magnet to maintain the strap in a closed condition, and allows the strap to be pulled axially away from the positioning magnet to unlatch the strap. According to a second condition of the aircraft corresponding to emergency aircraft events (e.g., major turbulence, extreme decelerations, 16G and greater events, etc.), the strap includes a magnetic latch that interacts with a catch for transferring pulling forces on the strap, from the moving beverage container, and preventing the strap from being unlatched. In embodiments, the beverage container seats in a space delimited by a bearing block and a portion of the housing, and the bearing block forms a bearing surface angled to direct the momentum of the beverage container in a direction that engages the magnetic latch with the catch. As such, the beverage container holder is suitable for use in an open compartment during TTOL of an aircraft.

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a storage cubby 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The storage cubby 100 may be installed in, for example, a console positioned to one side of a passenger seat, for instance a business class seat in an aircraft passenger cabin. In embodiments, the storage cubby 100, for instance implemented as an open compartment, includes a housing 102. In some embodiments, the housing 102 may be a standalone structure or may be part of a larger structure. In embodiments, the housing 102 has a closed top 104, a closed bottom 106, closed sides 108, 110, a closed back 112, a front opening 114 (e.g., open front), and an interior space 116 accessible through the front opening 114. The front opening 114 may be oriented substantially facing the seated passenger such that regular use items can be stowed in the interior space for convenient retrieval.

[0018] The storage cubby 100 further includes a beverage container holder 118 positioned in the interior space 116. In embodiments, the storage cubby 100 includes a fixed retention bar 120 that extends from side-to-side of the housing across the front opening 114. The fixed retention bar 120 may be positioned along a vertical plane of the front opening 114 and positioned nearer the closed bottom 106 than to the closed top 104. In this position, the fixed retention bar 120 and the closed back 112 delimit a space therebetween for positioning a beverage container 122, for instance a water bottle, in an upright position. In use, the fixed retention bar 120 is positioned to retain a lower portion of the beverage container 122 and the beverage container holder 118 is positioned to retain an upper portion of the beverage container 122. In use, the fixed retention bar 120 and the beverage container holder 118 cooperate to prevent the beverage container 122 from tipping over within the interior space 116 and from being ejected from the interior space 116. In some embodiments, the fixed retention bar 120 may include linear and / or curved portions depending on the shape of the housing 102 and the front opening 114.

[0019] In some embodiments, the storage cubby 100 may further include a closeable latch 124 positioned in the interior space 116 for securing a pair of over-ear headphones 126. In some embodiments, the closeable latch 124 is mounted to the closed top 104 and / or closed back 112 of the housing 102, and is positioned alongside the beverage container holder 118 such that the interior space 116 is elongated and has a relatively shallow depth.

[0020] FIG. 2A illustrates a latched condition of the beverage container holder 118, and FIG. 2B illustrates an unlatched condition of the beverage container holder 118. The beverage container holder 118 generally includes a bearing block 128 mounted in the interior space 116, and a strap 130 configured to interact with the bearing block 128. The bearing block 128 may be mounted to at least one of a closed side and the closed back 112 of the housing 102, which side depending on the direction of flight. As discussed further below, the bearing block 128 defines an angled bearing surface 132 delimiting part of a space for receiving the beverage container 122 positioned upright. In some embodiments, the space for receiving the beverage container 122 is delimited between the bearing surface 132 and the closed back 112 of the housing 102. When latched, the strap 130 is positioned about an upper portion of the beverage container 122, while the fixed retention bar 120 is positioned about a lower portion of the beverage container 122. As discussed in detail below, the strap 130 carries a magnetic latch 134 that interacts with a positioning magnet 136 and a catch 138 mounted to the bearing block 128 in the first and second use conditions of the strap 130, respectively. In embodiments, the strap 130, which may be flexible or rigid, may be mounted at one end, hingedly or otherwise, to an interior wall within the housing 102.

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a non-limiting example of a latch and catch assembly for maintaining a latched condition of the strap 130. As shown, the bearing block 128 forms a recess 140 in which each of the positioning magnet 136 and the catch 138 are mounted. A further recess 142 is formed for receiving the positioning magnet 136. The catch 138, which is shown as a C-shaped element, opens in the direction of the positioning magnet 136. The magnetic latch 134 includes a base 144 and a head 146 interconnected by a stem 148, at least one or more of which may be constructed from or include a magnetic element. The catch 138 and magnetic latch 134 are shaped such that, when the two are engaged during the second use of the strap 130, the base 144 is positioned 'behind' the catch 138 to prevent the magnetic latch 136 from being disengaged, i.e., pulled apart, from the catch 138.

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates the first use condition of the strap (not shown) in which the magnetic latch 134 and the positioning magnet 136 are axially aligned. In this configuration, the magnetic latch 134 is disengaged from the catch 138. As such, the strap is configured to be pulled, for instance by pulling on the tab formed at the end of the strap, in the axial direction as illustrated at directional arrow 150 to overcome the magnetic attraction to unlatch the strap. Directional arrow 152 illustrates the beverage container pull direction resulting from movement of the beverage container 122 from a sufficient g-force event. The bearing surface 132 is shown angled relative to the pulling direction 150, and angled such that the momentum of the moving beverage container 122 causes the strap to be pulled to move the magnetic latch 134 into engagement with the catch 138. In embodiments, the bearing surface 132 is inclined, and is not perpendicular to the pulling direction 150, thereby defining a non-orthogonal motion path for the moving beverage container 122. The degree and direction of the angle of the bearing surface 132 may be determined by the flight direction depending on the orientation of the installed beverage container holder.

[0023] FIG. 5A illustrates the first use condition in which the magnetic latch 134 is axially aligned with the positioning magnet 136. In use, the magnetic attraction of the positioning magnet 136 positions the magnetic latch 134 aligned with the positioning magnet 136 and out of engagement (e.g., to the side) of the catch 138 such that the strap can be pulled axially along the alignment axis 150 to unlatch the strap. FIG. 5B illustrates pulling force applied by the user to magnetically decouple the magnetic latch 134 from the positioning magnet. FIG. 5C illustrates the magnetic latch 134 shifted to one side thereby axially misaligning the magnetic latch 134 and the positioning magnet 136, and positioning the magnetic latch 134 in engagement with the catch 138. The shift to one side is the result of pulling force on the strap (not shown) from the beverage container (not shown) moving along the motion path defined by the bearing surface 132. In this configuration, which depicts the second use condition of the strap, the strap cannot be unlatched by pulling in the direction of the axis 150, and force on the strap is transmitted to the catch 138 through the magnetic latch 134.

[0024] From the above description, it is clear that the inventive concepts disclosed herein are well adapted to achieve the objectives and to attain the advantages mentioned herein as well as those inherent in the inventive concepts disclosed herein. While presently preferred embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein have been described for purposes of this disclosure, it will be understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are accomplished within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A beverage container holder (118), comprising: a bearing block (128) mountable to a wall, the bearing block having a bearing surface (132), and the bearing surface delimiting part of a space for receiving a beverage container positioned upright; a positioning magnet (136) mounted to the bearing block; a catch (138) mounted to the bearing block, the catch positioned alongside the positioning magnet in a direction of the bearing surface; and a strap (130) having a first end mountable to a wall and a second end carrying a magnetic latch (134); wherein, during a first use condition of the strap, the magnetic latch is retained by the positioning magnet, and the magnetic latch is disengaged from the catch; and wherein, during a second use condition of the strap, the magnetic latch is engaged with the catch.

2. The beverage container holder according to claim 1, wherein: the first use condition of the strap (130) occurs when a beverage container (122) held in the space delimited in part by the bearing surface is stationary; and the second use condition of the strap occurs when a beverage container held in the space delimited in part by the bearing surface moves in a direction away from the bearing surface.

3. The beverage container holder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: during the first use condition of the strap (130), the positioning magnet (136) and the magnetic latch (134) are axially aligned; and during the second use condition of the strap, the positioning magnet and the magnetic latch are axially misaligned.

4. The beverage container holder according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein: the catch (138) comprises a raised retaining element; the magnetic latch (134) comprises an annular element; and during the second use condition of the strap (130), the annular element of the magnetic latch is retained by the raised retaining element such that a load transmitted to the strap, from movement of a held beverage container, is transmitted from the annular element to the raised retaining element.

5. The beverage container holder according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein: the bearing surface (132) is angled relative to an axis of the positioning magnet (136); and the bearing surface is angled relative to a vertical plane aligned with a front opening (114).

6. The beverage container holder according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the strap (130) is flexible; or wherein the strap is rigid and the first end of the strap is connectable to a hinge.

7. The beverage container holder according to any of claims 1 to 6, mountable in an interior space formed in a housing, wherein the space for receiving a beverage container positioned upright is further limited in part by a wall defining the interior space.

8. A storage cubby (100) for an aircraft, comprising: a housing (102) having a front opening (114) and an interior space (116) accessible through the front opening; a fixed retention bar (120) extending across the front opening; and a beverage container holder (118) as defined in any of claims 1 to 4, positioned in the interior space; wherein the bearing surface (132) and a portion of the housing together delimit the space for receiving the beverage container (122) positioned upright; wherein the first end of the strap (130) is mounted to the housing and the second end of the strap is detached from the housing.

9. The storage cubby according to claim 8, wherein: the first use condition of the strap occurs during less than 16 g-force events of the aircraft; and the second use condition of the strap occurs during 16 g-force or greater events of the aircraft.

10. The storage cubby according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: the housing (102) has a closed top (104), a closed bottom (106), a closed back (112), and closed sides.

11. The storage cubby according to claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein: the fixed retention bar (120) extends substantially horizontally across the front opening (114); and the fixed retention bar is positioned nearer to a bottom (106) of the interior space as compared to the strap (130).

12. The storage cubby according to claim 8, 9, 10 or 11, wherein the space for receiving a beverage container (122) positioned upright is delimited by the bearing surface (132) and a closed back (112) of the housing (102).

13. The storage cubby according to any of claims 8 to 12, wherein the first end of the strap is hingedly mounted to a closed back (112) of the housing (102).

14. The storage cubby according to any of claims 8 to 13, further comprising a closeable latch (124) positioned in the interior space configured to hold over-ear headphones.