Apparatus for holding a beverage container

Abstract

A vehicle container engaging assembly 3-1 for a beverage container holder has a container receptacle (13-1, 13-2, fig 3) has a collar section 21-1 mountable so as to extend partway around to the conta

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to apparatus for holding a beverage container. The apparatus may comprise a container engaging assembly for engaging a beverage container. The container engaging assembly may be mounted to a container receptacle for receiving the beverage container. Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a container engaging assembly, a beverage container holder and a vehicle. BACKGROUND It is known to provide a beverage holder in a vehicle, such as an automobile. The beverage holder may be configured to hold one or more beverage container. The beverage holder typically comprises a plurality of fingers which extend inwardly to engage a sidewall of the beverage container. The fingers may be articulated to enable different sizes and types of beverage containers to be held in the beverage holder. Different vehicles have different packaging requirements. Known beverage holders typically have different designs to meet packaging requirements. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a container engaging assembly, a beverage container holder and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a container engaging assembly fora beverage container holder, the beverage container holder having a container receptacle for receiving a beverage container; wherein the container engaging assembly comprises: a collar section for mounting to the container receptacle of the beverage container holder, the collar section extending at least partway around an outside of the container receptacle; at least one container engaging member for engaging a beverage container disposed in the container receptacle, the or each container engaging member being movable relative to the collar section; wherein the or each container engaging member is coupled to the collar section by an upper bearing and a lower bearing, the upper bearing being configured to enable linear and rotational motion of the container engaging member relative to the collar section; and the lower bearing being configured to enable linear and rotational motion of the container engaging member relative to the collar section. The at least one container engagement member may form an articulated finger for engaging a beverage container disposed in the container receptacle. At least one spring member may be provided for biasing the at least one container engaging member towards an extended position. At least in certain embodiments, the or each container engaging member is biased towards the extended position to engage a beverage container disposed in the container receptacle. The at least one container engaging member thereby holds the beverage container in position. The at least one spring member may bias the or each container engaging member radially inwardly towards the extended position. The or each container engaging member may undergo rotational and / ortranslational movement. The rotational and / or translational movement may displace the or each container engaging member away from the extended position towards a retracted or partially retracted position. The rotational and / or translational movement enables a range of different beverage containers to be inserted into the container receptacle. The at least one spring member biases the at least one container engaging member towards the extended position. At least in certain embodiments the at least one container engaging member is biased against a sidewall of the beverage container. The upper and lower bearings are configured to enable linear and rotational motion of the or each container engaging member. In use, the or each container engaging member is rotatable relative to the collar section about each of the upper and lower bearings. The or each container engaging member may rotate about the upper bearing or the lower bearing. Each of the upper and lower bearings also enables the or each container engaging member to be translate relative to the collar section. The or each container engaging member may, for example, translate in a radial direction relative to the collar section. In use, the or each container engaging member may undergo a combination of rotational and translational movement. The container engaging assembly is configured to be mounted to a container receptacle of a beverage container holder. In use, the at least one container engaging member may cooperate with a beverage container as it is inserted into, or removed from, the container receptacle. The beverage container may be inserted into the container receptacle in a first direction and removed from the container receptacle in a second direction. The first and second directions may be opposite to each other. The first and second directions may, for example, be along a longitudinal central axis of the collar section (which is typically aligned with a longitudinal central axis of the container receptacle). The at least one container engaging member is biased towards the extended position by the at least one spring member. The at least one container engaging member is configured to engage the beverage container. As the beverage container is inserted into the beverage container holder, a first force is applied to the at least one container engaging member in the first direction. Conversely, as the beverage container is removed from the beverage container holder, a second force is applied to the at least one container engaging member in the second direction. The application of the first force may cause the or each container engaging member to rotate about the upper bearing. The application of the second force may cause the or each container engaging member to rotate about the lower bearing. The or each container engaging member may rotate to accommodate the beverage container as it is inserted into, or removed from, the beverage container holder. The rotational motion may displace the or each container engaging member towards a retracted position. The container engaging assembly is suitable for a beverage container holder, The beverage container holder may be suitable for mounting in a vehicle, such as an automobile. The beverage container holder may, for example, be mounted in an armrest console of an automobile. The beverage container holder may be fixedly mounted. Alternatively, the beverage container holder may be movably mounted, for example on one or more rail. The upper bearing and the lower bearing are being configured also to enable linear motion of the container engaging member relative to the collar section; and the lower bearing being configured to enable linear and rotational motion of the container engaging member relative to the collar section; and The first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are offset from each other. At least in certain embodiments, the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are offset from each other in a vertical direction. The first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are at least substantially parallel to each other. The or each container engaging member may extend inwardly. In the extended position, the or each container engaging member may extend inwardly of the collar section. The or each container engaging member may extend inwardly in a radial direction. At least in certain embodiments, the or each container engaging member projects inwardly through one or more aperture formed in the collar section. The or each container engaging member may comprise an inner surface for engaging the beverage container. When mounted to the container receptacle, the or each container engaging member in the extended position may extend inwardly into an interior of the container receptacle. The or each container engaging member may be movable outwardly from the extended position, for example as a container is introduced into the container receptacle. The collar section comprises a sidewall. The sidewall may be configured to locate around an outside of the container receptacle. The sidewall of the collar section may, for example, be frustoconical or cylindrical. The sidewall of the collar section and the container receptacle may have complementary profiles. An inner surface of the sidewall may engage an outside of the container receptacle, for example in a face-to-face arrangement. In use, the container receptacle may be nested inside the collar section. The or each upper bearing and / or the or each lower bearing may comprise at least one pivot pin and at least one bearing guide. The or each bearing guide may comprise at least one seat portion for seating the at least one pivot pin. The upper bearing may comprise an upper bearing guide. The lower bearing may comprise a lower bearing guide. The or each bearing guide may optionally also comprise at least one guide portion for guiding the at least one pivot pin into the seat portion. The or each guide portion may be tapered inwardly towards the first seat portion. The or each guide portion may comprise at least one guide wall having an arcuate profile or an oblique profile to enable rotational motion of the or each container engaging member about the other one of the upper and lower bearings. The oblique profile of the at least one guide wall may extend at an oblique angle to the longitudinal central axis of the collar section. The at least one pivot pin may be provided on one of the container engaging member and the collar section. The or each first bearing guide may be provided on the other one of the container engaging member and the collar section. The or each first bearing guide may be elongated. In use, the at least one first pivot pin can travel along the first bearing guide. The at least one guide wall may comprise a first upper guide wall for guiding the at least one first pivot pin into the first seat portion. In use, the first upper guide wall may guide the at least one first pivot pin into the first seat portion as the container engaging member travels in a radial direction. The first upper guide wall may be rectilinear. The first upper guide wall may extend substantially perpendicular to the sidewall of the collar section. The at least one spring member may be configured to bias the at least one first pivot pin towards the first seat portion. Alternatively, or in addition, the at least one spring member may be configured to bias the at least one second pivot pin towards the second seat portion. The at least one spring member may comprise a spring arm or a tension spring. Alternatively, the at least one spring member may comprise an elasticated band. The elasticated band may, for example, be formed of an elastomer. The or each container engaging member may comprise a locating aperture for locating the elasticated band. The locating aperture may be formed in an outer portion of the or each container engaging member. In use, the elasticated band may be disposed in the locating aperture formed in the or each container engaging member. The locating aperture may, for example, comprise a locating recess for receiving the elasticated band. The locating recess may be disposed centrally between the upper bearing and the lower bearing. The elasticated band may bias the or each container engaging member towards a central position between the upper bearing and the lower bearing. The locating recess may be disposed at a mid-point vertically between the upper bearing and the lower bearing. This may help to balance forces applied to the beverage container by the container engaging member irrespective of whether the beverage container is being inserted or removed from the container receptacle. A separate elasticated band may be associated with the or each container engaging member. Alternatively, in arrangements comprising a plurality of the container engaging members, the elasticated band may be associated with two or more of the container engaging members. At least in certain embodiments, the same elasticated band may be associated with each of the plurality of container engaging members. The elasticated band may, for example extend around or across the collar section. The at least one container engaging member may be coupled to at least one mounting bracket disposed on an outer surface of the collar section. The at least one mounting bracket may be disposed on an outer surface of the collar section. The or each mounting bracket is configured to mount a respective container engaging member. The at least one bearing guide may be formed in the or each mount. For example, the or each mounting bracket may comprise the upper bearing guide and / or the or lower bearing guide. The at least one seat portion may be formed in the mount. The or each bearing guide may optionally also be formed in the mount. The or each mounting bracket may comprise a guide aperture for locating the elasticated band. The guide aperture may open outwardly to receive the elasticated band. The guide aperture may comprise a tapered or V-shaped channel. The guide aperture may be aligned with the locating aperture formed in the container engaging member. When assembled, the elasticated band may locate in both the guide aperture and the locating aperture. The elasticated band may help to align the container engaging member with the mounting bracket. The collar section may comprise at least one fastener for fastening the container engaging assembly to the container receptacle. The or each fastener may comprise a spring member for engaging a projection formed on the outside of the container receptacle. The spring member may, for example, comprise a spring tab for engaging the projection. The collar section may comprise one or more longitudinal positioning feature for positioning the collar section in a predetermined longitudinal position relative to the container receptacle. The one or more longitudinal positioning feature may comprise a projection or a stop for engaging a feature on the container receptacle. The collar section may comprise one or more angular alignment feature for cooperating with a complementary feature formed on the outer surface of the container receptacle. The one or more angular alignment feature may align the collar section in a predetermined angular orientation, for example about a longitudinal central axis of the collar section. The angular alignment feature may comprise a channel for receiving a complementary rib formed on the container receptacle. Alternatively, or in addition, the angular alignment feature may comprise a rib for locating in a channel formed in the container receptacle. The container engaging assembly may comprise a cross member for extending across a base of the container receptacle. The cross member may be configured to receive a mechanical fastener to mount the container engaging assembly to the container receptacle. Alternatively, or in addition, the cross member and the container receptacle may have complementary profiles to locate the container engaging assembly in a predetermined location. For example, the cross member may comprise an aperture for receiving a protrusion formed in the base of the container receptacle. The protrusion may be configured to receive a mechanical fastener to fasten the container receptacle to a vehicle body structure. The cross member may comprise a through hole for receiving a mechanical fastener to fasten the base of the container receptacle. The projection may, for example, comprise a threaded aperture for receiving a threaded mechanical fastener. The cross member may be clamped between the base of the container receptacle and the vehicle body structure. The container engaging assembly may comprise a plurality of the container engaging members movably coupled to the collar section. For example, the container engaging assembly may comprise four (4) of the container engaging members. The container engaging members may be arranged in one or more pairs. The container engaging members in each pair may be diametrically opposed from each other. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a container engaging assembly for mounting to a container receptacle; wherein the container engaging assembly comprises: at least one container engaging member for engaging a beverage container disposed in the container receptacle; the or each container engaging member being mounted by an upper bearing and a lower bearing, the upper bearing being configured to enable linear and rotational motion of the container engaging member relative; and the lower bearing being configured to enable linear and rotational motion of the container engaging member. The at least one container engagement member may form an articulated finger for engaging a beverage container disposed in the container receptacle. At least one spring member may be provided for biasing the or each container engaging member radially inwardly. The container engaging assembly may comprise a mounting member for mounting the container engaging assembly to the container receptacle. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a container engaging assembly for a beverage container holder, the beverage container holder having a container receptacle for receiving a beverage container; wherein the container engaging assembly comprises: at least one container engaging member for engaging a beverage container disposed in the container receptacle, the or each container engaging member being movably coupled to a mounting bracket; wherein the or each container engaging member is coupled to the mounting bracket by an upper bearing and a lower bearing, the upper bearing being configured to enable linear and rotational motion of the container engaging member relative to the collar section; and the lower bearing being configured to enable linear and rotational motion of the container engaging member relative to the collar section; and at least one spring member for biasing one or more of the container engaging members towards an extended position. The at least one spring member may comprise an elasticated band. The or each container engaging member and the mounting bracket may comprise locating channels which are at least substantially aligned with each other. The elasticated band may be disposed in the locating channels. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a beverage container holder comprising a container engaging assembly as described herein and a container receptacle for receiving a beverage container. The container receptacle may comprise at least one sidewall aperture. The or each container engagement member may extend through a respective sidewall aperture. The or each container engagement member project into an interior of the container receptacle. The beverage container holder may comprise a plurality of the container engaging assemblies. The beverage container holder may comprise a first one of the container engaging assemblies and a second one of the container engaging assemblies. The container engaging assemblies may be mounted to respective container receptacles. The container engaging assemblies and container receptacles may be mounted adjacent to each other, for example in a side-by-side arrangement ora tandem arrangement. The first and second container engaging assemblies may have respective first and second longitudinal central axes. The first and second longitudinal central axes may be disposed parallel to each other. Alternatively, the first and second longitudinal central axes may be inclined at an acute angle relative to each other. This arrangement may enable the bases of the container receptacles to be positioned closer together, for example to reduce a footprint of the beverage container holder. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising one or more container engaging assembly as described herein; or one or more beverage container holder as described herein. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle incorporating a container receptacle having a container engaging assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a beverage container holder in an armrest console of the vehicle shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a partial cutaway of the beverage container holder shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the container engaging assembly mounted in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of a region A shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 shows an enlarged view of a container engagement member of the container engaging assembly shown in Figure 4; Figure 7 shows a view of an underside of the beverage container holder shown in Figure 4; and Figure 8 shows a container engaging assembly in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION A beverage container holder 1 comprising at least one container engaging assembly 3-1, 3-2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures. As shown in Figure 1, the beverage container holder 1 is installed in a vehicle 5. The beverage container holder 1 is configured to hold at least one of a first beverage container C-1 and a second beverage container 7 C-2. The first and second beverage containers C-1, C-2 may, for example, be coffee cups or soft-drink cups. The beverage container holder 1 may hold other types of beverage containers. The vehicle 5 is illustrated as an automobile in the present embodiment. It will be understood that the beverage container holder 1 may be used in other types of vehicle, such as a sports utility vehicle, a utility vehicle or a tractor unit. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the beverage container holder 1 in the present embodiment is located in an armrest console 9 disposed between the front seats 7 of the vehicle 5. It will be understood that the beverage container holder 1 may be mounted in other locations in the vehicle 5, for example between rear seats (not shown) of the vehicle 5 or integrated into a centre console. The vehicle 5 is described herein with reference to a reference frame comprising a longitudinal axis X, a transverse axis Y and a vertical axis Z. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the beverage container holder 1 comprises a frame 11, a first container receptacle 13-1, a second container receptacle 13-2, a first container engaging assembly 3-1 and a second container engaging assembly 3-2. The first and second container receptacles 13-1, 13-2 comprise respective first and second bowls 15-1,15-2 for receiving the first and second beverage containers C-1, C-2. The first and second container engaging assemblies 3-1,3-2 are mounted to the first and second container receptacles 13-1, 13-2 respectively. The frame 11 is provided to support the first and second receptacles 13-1, 13-2. In the present embodiment, the frame 11 has a one-piece construction. The frame 11 is moulded from a plastics material but could be formed from other materials such as carbon fibre or metal. The first and second container receptacles 13-1,13-2 are arranged in a side-by-side configuration. In particular, the first and second container receptacles 13-1, 13-2 are offset from each other in a transverse direction, i.e. offset along the transverse axis Y. Other configurations are contemplated for the first and second container receptacles 13-1, 13-2. For example, the first and second container receptacles 13-1,13-2 may be arranged in a tandem configuration, i.e. offset along the longitudinal axis X. Alternatively, the first and second container receptacles 13-1,13-2 may be arranged in a staggered or offset arrangement relative to each other. The first and second container receptacles 13-1,13-2 have like configurations. For the sake of brevity, only the first container receptacle 13-1 is described herein. It will be understood that the second container receptacle 13-2 has a like configuration. The first container receptacle 13-1 is suitable for receiving the first beverage container C-1. In use, the first beverage container C-1 locates in the first bowl 15-1 of the first container receptacle 13-1. As shown in Figure 5, the first bowl 15-1 comprises a first sidewall 17-1 which is generally frustoconical in shape and tapers inwardly towards a bottom of the first bowl 15-1. The first bowl 15-1 has a bowl central axis BZ1. The first container engaging assembly 3 comprises at least one first container engagement member 19-n and a first collar section 21 -1. The first collar section 21-1 is mounted to the first container receptacle 13-1 and supports the at least one first container engagement member 19-n. The first collar section 21-1 is mounted to an outside of the first sidewall 17-1 of the first bowl 15-1. The first collar section 21-1 and the first bowl 15-1 have complementary profiles. In the present embodiment, the first collar section 21-1 is frustoconical and locates around an outside of the first sidewall 17-1. In the present embodiment, the first bowl 15-1 and the first collar section 21-1 have cooperating features to fasten the first container engagement member 19-n to the first container receptacle 13-1. In particular, the first collar section 21-1 comprises a plurality of first spring arms 23-1 which cooperate with respective first projections 25-1 formed on an outside of the first sidewall 17-1 of the first bowl 15-1. Other types of connectors or fasteners may be used to secure the first container engaging assembly 3. The at least one first container engagement member 19-n is configured to engage a sidewall of the first beverage container C-1. The or each first container engagement member 19-n may be referred to as a finger. In the present embodiment, the first container engaging assembly 3 comprises a plurality of the first container engagement members 19-n. The first container engagement members 19-1 extend radially inwardly into an interior of the first bowl 15-1. Each of the first container engagement members 19-1 extend through a respective first aperture (shown as a second aperture 24-2 in Figure 4) formed in the first sidewall 17-1 of the first bowl 15-1. Each of the first container engagement members 19-n is movable relative to the first collar section 21-1. The relative movement of the first container engagement members 19-n facilitates the insertion of the first container C-1 into the first container receptacle 13-1; and / or the removal of the first container C-1 from the first container receptacle 13-1. Moreover, the relative movement of the first container engagement members 19-n enables different sizes (capacities) and / or profiles of the first container C1 to be disposed in the first container receptacle 13-1. The first container engaging assembly 3-1 comprises four (4) of the first container engagement members 19-n. The first container receptacle 13-1 may have less than, or more than, four (4) first container engagement members 19-n. The first container engagement members 19-n are angularly spaced apart from each other around the circumference of the first container receptacle 13-1 (as shown most clearly in Figure 7). The first container engagement members 19-n are arranged in pairs, the first container engagement members 19-n in each pair being diametrically opposed from each other. For example, first and second of the first container engagement members 19-1, 19-2 oppose each other; and third and fourth of the first container engagement members 19-3, 19-4 oppose each other. The first container engagement members 19-n have like configurations. For the sake of brevity, a first one of the first container engagement members 19-1 will now be described with reference to Figures 4, 5 and 6. The other first container engagement members 19-n have the same configuration. The first container engagement member 19-1 is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. As described herein, the first container engagement member 19-1 may rotate and / or translate as it moves between the extended position and the retracted position. In the extended position, the first container engagement member 19-1 extends radially inwardly into an interior of the first bowl 15-1. In the retracted position, the first container engagement member 19-1 is at least partially retracted from the interior of the first bowl 15-1. A spring biasing means 27 is provided to bias the first container engagement members 19-1 towards the extended position. In the present embodiment, the spring biasing means 27 comprises an elasticated band 27 (omitted from Figure 3). The elasticated band 27 extends around an outside of the first collar section 21-1 and biases each of the first container engagement members 19-n towards their respective extended positions. Alternatively, or in addition, the spring biasing means 27 may comprise on or more spring element, such as a coil spring. In a variant, each first container engagement members 19-n may have a separate spring biasing means 27. In use, the first beverage container C-1 is introduced into the first container receptable 13-1 and the first container engagement members 19-1 is displaced outwardly towards the retracted portion. The spring biasing means 27 is configured to bias the first container engagement members 19-1 against the sidewall of the first beverage container C-1 to hold the first beverage container C-1 in an upright orientation. Other configurations of the first container engagement members 19-1 are contemplated. Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of the Region A shown in Figure 4. The mounting arrangement of the first container engagement member 19-1 will now be described. The first collar section 21-1 comprises a first mount 29-1 for mounting the first container engagement member 19-1. The first mount 29-1 comprises a first mounting bracket 29-1 in the present embodiment. The first mounting bracket 29-1 is formed integrally with the first collar section 21-1 in the present embodiment. For example, the first mounting bracket 29-1 may be moulded integrally with the first collar section 21-1, for example from a plastics material. In a variant, the first mounting bracket 29-1 may be formed separately and fastened to the first collar section 21-1. An enlarged view of the first container engagement member 19-1 and the first mounting bracket 29-1 is shown in Figure 6. It will be appreciated that the first container engagement member 19-1 and the first mounting bracket 29-1 are inverted in Figure 6 (in the same orientation as the first bowl 15-1 in Figure 4). The container engaging assembly 1 comprises a first upper bearing 31 and a first lower bearing 51. The first upper bearing 31 is configured to enable linear and rotational motion of the first container engaging member 19-1 relative to the first collar section 21-1. The first upper bearing 31 enables the first container engagement member 19-1 to be displaced radially inwardly and radially outwardly relative to the first collar section 21-1. The first upper bearing 31 also enables rotational movement of the first container engagement member 19-1 relative to the first collar section 21-1. The first lower bearing 51 is configured to enable linear and rotational motion of the first container engaging member 19-1 relative to the first collar section 21-1. The first lower bearing 51 enables the first container engagement member 19-1 to be displaced radially inwardly and radially outwardly relative to the first collar section 21-1. The first lower bearing 51 also enables rotational movement of the first container engagement member 19-1 relative to the first collar section 21 -1. The first upper bearing 31 comprises a first upper pivot pin 33 and a first upper bearing guide 35. In the present embodiment, the first upper pivot pin 33 is provided on the first container engagement member 19-1; and the first upper bearing guide 35 is provided on the first collar section 21-1. The positions of the first upper pivot pin 33 and the first upper bearing guide 35 may be reversed. The first upper bearing guide 35 comprises a first upper seat portion 37 for receiving the first upper pivot pin 33; and a first upper guide portion 39 for guiding the first upper pivot pin 33 into the first upper seat portion 37. The first upper seat portion 37 forms a part-cylindrical seat for rotatably receiving the first upper pivot pin 33. The first mounting bracket 29-1 comprises two side members 41 disposed on respective sides of the first container engagement member 19-1. The side members 41 define an entry portion of the first upper bearing 31. In particular, the side members 41 each define a first upper guide wall 43 for guiding the first upper pivot pin 33 into the first upper seat portion 37. The side members 41 each define a first upper radial wall 45 for guiding the first upper pivot pin 33 in a radial direction. The first lower bearing 51 comprises a first lower pivot pin 53 and a first lower bearing guide 55. In the present embodiment, the first lower pivot pin 53 is provided on the first container engagement member 19-1; and the first lower bearing guide 55 is provided on the first collar section 21-1. The positions of the first lower pivot pin 53 and the first lower bearing guide 55 may be reversed. The first lower bearing 51 comprises a first lower pivot pin 53 and a first lower bearing guide 55. The first lower bearing guide 55 comprises a first lower seat portion 57 for receiving the first lower pivot pin 53; and a first lower guide portion 59 for guiding the first lower pivot pin 53 into the first lower seat portion 57. The first lower seat portion 57 forms a part-cylindrical seat for rotatably receiving the first lower pivot pin 53. As outlined above, the two side members 41 of the first mounting bracket 29-1 are disposed on respective sides of the first container engagement member 19-1. The side members 41 each define a first lower guide wall 63 for guiding the first lower pivot pin 53 into the first lower seat portion 57. The side members 41 each define a first lower radial wall 65 for guiding the first lower pivot pin 53 in a radial direction. The first upper bearing guide 35 comprises a circular arc section for guiding the first upper pivot pin 33 into the first upper seat portion 37. The first upper guide walls 41 define a circular arc having a geometric centre substantially coincident with a centre of the first lower seat portion 57 to enable rotation of the first container engagement member 19-1 about the first lower pivot pin 53. In use, the first upper pivot pin 33 travels along the first upper guide walls 41 as the first container engagement member 19-1 rotates about the first lower pivot pin 53 seated in the first lower seat portion 57. The first lower bearing guide 35 may optionally comprise a circular arc section for guiding the first lower pivot pin 53 into the first lower seat portion 57. The first lower guide walls 61 define a circular arc having a geometric centre substantially coincident with a centre of the first upper seat portion 37 to enable rotation of the first container engagement member 19-1 about the first upper pivot pin 33. In use, the first lower pivot pin 53 travels along the first lower guide wall 61 as the first container engagement member 19-1 rotates about the first upper pivot pin 33 seated in the first upper seat portion 37. This arrangement enables the first container engagement member 19-1 to rotate about the other one of the first upper bearing 31 and the first lower bearing 51. The first upper guide wall 41 and / or the first lower guide wall 61 may have a different profile, for example each comprising one or more oblique section. The side members 41 hold the first container engagement member 19-1 in position and limit or prevent movement in a circumferential direction. The side members 41 each comprise a guide aperture 71 for locating the elasticated band 27. The guide aperture 71 in the present embodiment comprises a tapered channel 71. A corresponding recess 73 is formed in the first container engaging member 19-1. The recess 73 is disposed midway between the first upper bearing 31 and the first lower bearing 51. The elasticated band 27 locates in the tapered channels 71 and the recess 73 to align the first container engaging member 19-1 with the first upper bearing 31 and the first lower bearing 51. In a variant, a first elasticated band 27 may be associated with the first upper bearing 31 and a second elasticated band 27 may be associated with the first lower bearing 51. As described herein, the first bowl 15-1 and the first collar section 21-1 have complementary profiles. The first collar section 21-1 locates on an exterior of the first bowl 15-1. The first bowl 15-1 and the first collar section 21-1 comprise cooperating longitudinal positioning features to locate the first collar section 21-1 in a predetermined longitudinal position along the bowl central axis BZ1. In the present embodiment, the longitudinal positioning features comprise the first spring arms 23-1 and the first projections 25-1. The first spring arms 23-1 engage the first projections 25-1 to prevent or restrict movement of the first collar section 21-1 in a longitudinal direction. In a variant, the spring arms 23-1 may comprise a flange or a projection (not shown) configured to locate in an aperture (not shown) formed in the first collar section 21-1 to prevent relative longitudinal movement. Other longitudinal positioning features are also contemplated. The first bowl 15-1 and the first collar section 21-1 comprise cooperating angular alignment features to align the first collar section 21-1 in a predetermined angular orientation about the bowl central axis BZ1. For example, the angular alignment features may comprise cooperating male and female features which prevent or restrict rotation of the first collar section 21-1 relative to the first bowl 15-1. As shown in Figure 7, the angular alignment features comprise at least one rib 75 disposed on the first sidewall 17-1 of the first bowl 15-1 and an at least one alignment channel 77 formed on an inside of the first collar section 21-1. The or each rib 75 extends in a longitudinal direction and locates inside the alignment channel 77 formed on the first collar section 21-1. The at least one rib 75 and the at least one alignment channel 77 cooperate with each other to prevent rotation of the first collar section 21-1 about the first bowl 15-1. The at least one alignment channel 77 formed on the at least one rib 75 may have a keyed configuration to ensure that the first collar section 21-1 locates on the first bowl 15-1 in a predetermined angular orientation. It will be understood that the alignment features may have different forms. The at least one rib 75 may be provided on the first collar section 21-1 for cooperating with at least one alignment channel 77 formed on an inside of the first collar section 21-1. Alternatively, or in addition, the first spring arms 23-1 may locate inside a U-shaped recess to inhibit longitudinal and rotational movement of the first collar section 21-1. In use, the first beverage container C-1 may be selectively inserted into and removed from the first container receptacle 13-1 of the beverage container holder 1. The first container engagement members 19-1 are displaced radially outwardly (towards their respective retracted positions) by the first beverage container C-1. The elasticated band 27 biases the first container engagement members 19-1 radially inwardly to maintain contact with the sidewall of the first beverage container C-1. As described herein, the first upper bearing 31 and the first lower bearing 51 enable both rotational and linear displacement of each of the first container engagement members 19-1. As the first beverage container C-1 is inserted into the first container receptacle 13-1, the first container engagement members 19-1 may tend to rotate about the first upper bearings 31. As the first beverage container C-1 is removed from the first container receptacle 13-1, the first container engagement members 19-1 may tend to rotate about the first lower bearings 35. The rotational movement of the first container engagement members 19-1 may help to maintain engagement with the sidewall of the first beverage container C-1 as it is raised relative to the first bowl 15-1, thereby helping to support the first beverage container C-1. The first container engagement members 19-1 are biased radially inwardly (towards their respective extended positions) by the elasticated band 27 when the first beverage container C-1 is removed. It will be understood that the second container receptacle 13-2 operates in the same manner. The first container engaging assembly 3-1 in the above embodiment is mounted to the first sidewall 17-1 of the first bowl 15-1. A modified arrangement is illustrated in Figure 8. Like reference numerals are used for like components. The first and second container engaging assemblies 3-1, 3-2 have like configurations and only the first container engaging assembly 3-1 will be described for brevity. In the arrangement illustrated in Figure 8, the first container engaging assembly 3-1 comprises a transverse member 79 for extending under the first bowl 15-1. The transverse member 79 is connected to the first collar section 21-1 by a pair of vertical arms 81 for positioning on opposing sides of the first bowl 15-1. The transverse member 79 comprises a central aperture 83 for receiving a protrusion 85 formed on the base of the first bowl 5 15-1 to receive a mechanical fastener (not shown). The fastener does not directly engage the transverse member 79. Rather, the fastener fastens the first bowl 15-1 to a body structure (not shown) of the vehicle 5. The transverse member 79 is thereby clamped or held between the base of the first bowl 15-1 and the body structure. This mounting arrangement may be used in combination with, or instead of, the longitudinal positioning features described herein. 10 It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A container engaging assembly for a beverage container holder, the beverage container holder having a container receptacle for receiving a beverage container; wherein the container engaging assembly comprises:a collar section for mounting to the container receptacle of the beverage container holder, the collar section extending at least partway around an outside of the container receptacle;at least one container engaging member forengaging a beverage container disposed in the container receptacle, the or each container engaging member being movable relative to the collar section;wherein the or each container engaging member is coupled to the collar section by an upper bearing and a lower bearing, the upper bearing being configured to enable linear and rotational motion of the container engaging member relative to the collar section; and the lower bearing being configured to enable linear and rotational motion of the container engaging member relative to the collar section; andat least one spring member for biasing the at least one container engaging member towards an extended position.

2. A container engaging assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collar section comprises a sidewall which is frustoconical or cylindrical.

3. A container engaging assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the or each upper bearing and / or the or each lower bearing comprises at least one pivot pin and at least one bearing guide; the or each bearing guide comprising:at least one seat portion for seating the at least one pivot pin; andat least one guide portion for guiding the at least one pivot pin into the seat portion.

4. A container engaging assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the or each guide portion is tapered inwardly towards the first seat portion.

5. A container engaging assembly as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the or each guide portion comprises at least one guide wall having an arcuate profile or an oblique profile to enable rotational motion of the or each container engaging member about the other one of the upper and lower bearings.

6. A container engaging assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one spring member comprises an elasticated band, the or each container engaging member comprising a recess for receiving the elasticated band.

7. A container engaging assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the recess is disposed centrally between the upper bearing and the lower bearing.

8. A container engaging assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one container engaging member is coupled to at least one mounting bracket disposed on an outer surface of the collar section.

9. A container engaging assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collar section comprises at least one fastener for fastening the container engaging assembly to the container receptacle.

10. A container engaging assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the or each fastener comprises a spring member for engaging a projection formed on the outside of the container receptacle.

11. A container engaging assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collar section comprises an angular alignment feature for cooperating with a complementary feature formed on the outer surface of the container receptacle to orient the collar section in a predetermined angular orientation.

12. A container engaging assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising a cross member for extending across a base of the container receptacle.

13. A beverage container holder comprising a container engaging assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and a container receptacle for receiving a beverage container, the container receptacle comprising at least one sidewall aperture, the or each container engagement member extending through a respective sidewall aperture and projecting into an interior of the container receptacle.

14. A vehicle comprising one or more container engaging assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 or one or more beverage container holder as claimed in claim 13.

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