Vehicular refreshment support

Abstract

Provided is a vehicular refreshment support 10 comprising a support platform 12 defining a support surface 12.1 with at least one refreshment support 14 and an abutment surface 16. Also included is a magnetic attachment arrangement 18 disposed within said abutment surface 16, wherein the magnetic attachment arrangement 18 is configured releasably and magnetically to adhere the abutment surface 16 to a vehicle surface 8, in use, so that the refreshment support 10 is able to support a refreshment. The support platform 12 is further configured such that an obtuse angle 20 is defined between the support and abutment surfaces 12.1 and 16 to improve magnetic adherence to vehicle surface 8.

Description

VEHICULAR REFRESHMENT SUPPORTTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates broadly to vehicles and outdoor activities, in general, and more specifically to a vehicular refreshment support.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] Outdoor activities involving vehicles are very popular in many parts of the world. For example, off-roading and camping trips are enjoyed by many people in various countries. The popularity of these practices has seen the development of various contrivances and apparatus to improve comfort and enjoyment of such vehicular-based outdoor activities.

[0004] In light hereof, Applicant has identified a need in the art for a vehicular refreshment support and the current invention was conceived with this goal in mind.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that reference herein to a 'vehicle' generally comprises broad and non-exclusive reference to cars, trucks, motorcycles, planes, boats and related vehicles which may find application with the vehicular refreshment support, as described herein, and which will become apparent to the skilled addressee in light of the following disclosure.

[0006] According to a broad aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicular refreshment support comprising : a support platform defining a support surface with at least one refreshment support and an abutment surface ; and a magnetic attachment arrangement disposed within said abutment surface ; wherein the magnetic attachment arrangement is configured releasably and magnetically to adhere the abutment surface to a vehicle surface , in use , so that the refreshment support is able to support a refreshment ; and wherein the support platform is configured such that an obtuse angle is defined between the support and abutment surfaces .

[0007] In an embodiment , the support platform is manufactured from wood or lightweight metal , such as aluminium .

[0008] In an embodiment , the support surface is configured to provide a substantially hori zontal upward- facing surface when the vehicular refreshment support is adhered to a vehicle surface , such as a door or side of said vehicle .

[0009] In an embodiment , the support platform defines a curved edge and / or associated surface oppositely distal from the abutment surface to provide an aesthetic appeal to the vehicular refreshment support when adhered to a vehicle surface .

[0010] In an embodiment , the at least one refreshment support is selectable from a non-exhaustive group consisting of a slot for receiving a stemmed glass therein, a glass holder for receiving a glass bottom therein, a beverage can cavity, and a comestible cavity .

[0011] In an embodiment , the support surface defines an ashtray therein .

[0012] In an embodiment, the support surface comprises a bottle opener .

[0013] In an embodiment, the support surface comprises a marketing indicium.

[0014] In an embodiment, the abutment surface defines a mobile phone holder.

[0015] In an embodiment, the magnetic attachment arrangement comprises a plurality of magnets countersunk within and arranged longitudinally along the abutment surface.

[0016] In an embodiment, the magnets comprise rare-earth magnets .

[0017] In an embodiment, the magnets are interspaced along the abutment surface.

[0018] In an embodiment, the abutment surface comprises a nonscratch material or cover covering said surface.

[0019] In an embodiment, the non-scratch material is selectable from a non-exhaustive group consisting of a leather, a fabric, a rubber sheet and a foam material sheet.

[0020] In an embodiment, the obtuse angle defined between the support and abutment surfaces is in the range of 90.01 and 95 degrees .

[0021] In an embodiment, the obtuse angle is 90.01 degrees.

[0022] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a refreshment support for releasable adherence to a vehicle , the refreshment support comprising : a support platform defining a support surface with at least one refreshment support and an abutment surface , the support platform configured such that an obtuse angle is defined between the support and abutment surfaces ; and a magnetic attachment arrangement disposed within said abutment surface , wherein the magnetic attachment arrangement is configured releasably and magnetically to adhere the abutment surface to a vehicle surface , in use , so that the refreshment support is able to support a refreshment .

[0023] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a utility support for releasable adherence to a magnetic surface , the support comprising : a support platform defining a support surface with at least one utilitarian support and an abutment surface , the support platform configured such that an obtuse angle is defined between the support and abutment surfaces ; and a magnetic attachment arrangement disposed within said abutment surface , wherein the magnetic attachment arrangement is configured releasably and magnetically to adhere the abutment surface to a magnetic surface , in use , so that the utilitarian support is able to support a utility .

[0024] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicular refreshment support and a utility support , substantially as herein described and / or illustrated .BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :Figure 1 is a diagrammatic perspective-view representation of one example of a vehicular refreshment support , in accordance with aspects of the present invention;Figure 2 is a diagrammatic perspective-view representation of an example vehicular refreshment support adhered to a vehicle surface ;Figure 3 is diagrammatic side-sectional representation of the vehicular refreshment support showing an obtuse angle defined between support and abutment surfaces thereof ;Figure 4 is a diagrammatic rear-perspective view representation of an example vehicular refreshment support, showing a magnetic attachment arrangement thereof , including an alternative counter-sunk magnet embodiment within the abutment surface ; andFigure 5 to 13 show diagrammatic perspective-view representations of di f ferent vehicular refreshment support examples having varying types of refreshment supports defined by a support surface thereof .DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof . This description is included solely for the purposes of exempli fying the present invention to the skilled addressee . It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above .

[0026] In the figures , incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments , like reference numerals are used to identi fy like parts throughout . Additionally, features , mechanisms and aspects well-known and understood in the art willnot be described in detail, as such features, mechanisms and aspects will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee.

[0027] Additionally, the accompanying figures do not represent engineering or design drawings, but provide a functional overview of the invention only. As a result, features and practical construction details required for various embodiments may not be indicated in each figure, but such construction requirements will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee.

[0028] Broadly, the present invention provides for a vehicular refreshment support 10 which is adherable to a vehicle surface 8, such as a car door, when in use in order to provide refreshment support, particularly during outdoor activities involving vehicles, such as off-roading and camping trips, or the like. Accordingly, the skilled addressee is to appreciate that other vehicles may also be apposite, such as trucks, motorcycles, planes, boats and related vehicles which may find application with the vehicular refreshment support 10 as disclosed herein. Of course, the refreshment support 10 may also be used on any magnetic surface, such as building infrastructure, e.g. shed beams, etc., or on other surfaces, such as white goods, e.g. a side of a fridge, etc .

[0029] With reference to the accompanying figures, the vehicular refreshment support 10 broadly comprises a support platform 12 and a magnetic attachment arrangement 18. The support platform 12 generally defines a support surface 12.1 having at least one refreshment support 14 and an abutment surface 16, as shown. The magnetic attachment arrangement 18 is typically disposed within the abutment surface 16, with said magnetic attachment arrangement 18 configured releasably and magnetically to adhere the abutment surface 16 to a vehicle surface 8, in use,so that the refreshment support 14 is able to support a refreshment, as described in more detail below.

[0030] Importantly, the support platform 12 is specifically configured such that an obtuse angle 20 is defined between the support and abutment surfaces 12.1 and 16, as shown more clearly in Figure 3. In one embodiment, the obtuse angle 20 defined between the support and abutment surfaces 12.1 and 16 is in the range of 90.01 and 95 degrees, i.e. ( 90.01 °<angle 20< 95°) . In one embodiment, the obtuse angle 20 is substantially 90 degrees, e.g. 90.01. The skilled addressee is to appreciate that the obtuse angle 20 serves to facilitate a load-bearing ability of the magnetically adherable vehicular refreshment support 10, as will be described in more detail below.

[0031] In one embodiment, the support platform 12 is manufactured from wood, but of course other materials are apposite, such as polymers, lightweight metals, e.g. aluminium or stainless steel, and the like. For example, attractive pieces of dressed wood may be used, or the like. In one embodiment, the support surface 12.1 is configured to provide a substantially horizontal upward-facing surface when the vehicular refreshment support 10 is adhered to a vehicle surface 8. In one embodiment, the support platform 12.1 also defines a curved edge and / or associated surface 22 oppositely distal from the abutment surface 16, as shown, in order to provide an aesthetic appeal to the vehicular refreshment support 10 when adhered to a vehicle surface 8. For example, where dressed wood is used, the outward-facing edge of the support platform 12.1 may be left in a natural state, i.e. not machined, for aesthetic reasons, or the like.

[0032] In one embodiment, with some examples shown in Figures 5 to 13, the at least one refreshment support 14 may comprise a slot for receiving a stemmed glass, such as a wine glass, therein,and / or a glass holder for receiving a glass bottom therein, a beverage can cavity, and / or a comestible cavity. Such comestibles may, for example, comprise snacks, such as chips or crisps, nuts, cheese, etc. Similarly, such comestibles may comprise fluids, such as dips, sauces, and the like. In this manner, the refreshment support 14 may be configured to support various different refreshments, as required, with a configuration of such refreshment supports 14 selectable according to user needs.

[0033] For example, one embodiment of the vehicular refreshment support 10 may comprise refreshment supports 14 suited to enjoying cheese and wine, or cheese and crackers. Similarly, another embodiment of the vehicular refreshment support 10 may comprise refreshment supports 14 suited to enjoying beer and nuts, or soft drink cans and confectionary, or the like. A yet further embodiment may be configured for the enjoyment of coffee and biscuits, or chips and dip, or the like.

[0034] Additionally, further embodiments of the vehicular refreshment support 10 may comprise the support surface 12.1 defining an ashtray therein, and / or may comprises a bottle opener. In a typical embodiment, the support surface 12.1 comprises a marketing indicium 30, such as a name of the product, or the like. Of course, variations hereon are possible and anticipated. For example, in an outdoor vehicle-based restaurant or food service scenario, the marketing indicium 30 may comprise a QR-type scannable code whereby a user is able to order refreshment for support on the vehicular refreshment support 10, or the like.

[0035] Additionally, yet further embodiments are possible, for example the abutment surface 12.1 may define a mobile phone holder, or the like. In such an embodiment of the vehicular refreshment support 10, the support surface 12.1 may be suited to enjoyingmultimedia and / or music on a device, such as a smart phone, a tablet, a music player, or the like.

[0036] In one embodiment, as exemplified more clearly in Figures 3 and 4, the magnetic attachment arrangement 18 comprises a plurality of magnets 26 that are typically countersunk and arranged longitudinally within the abutment surface 16. In a typical embodiment, the magnets 26 comprise rare-earth magnets. Typically, the magnets are interspaced along the abutment surface 16, as shown.

[0037] In one embodiment, the abutment surface 16 comprises a non-scratch material or cover 28 covering said surface 16. Typically, such a non-scratch material or cover 28 may comprise a leather, a fabric, a rubber sheet, a foam material sheet, and / or the like, and serves to prevent scratches and related damage to the vehicle surface 8. Cover 28 further minimises water or condensation getting to the magnetic attachment arrangement 18, which may result in rust or similar deterioration thereof.

[0038] In light of the above broad disclosure, one possible and non-limiting example of manufacture of the vehicular refreshment support 10 is now provided. In one example, dressed timber is used, with all sides squared off at roughly 90° edges / corners . A typical example of dimensions for the vehicular refreshment support 10 are 250mm length, 100mm width x 30mm height, which is well-suited for magnets 26 that have a diameter of 25mm.

[0039] As described, the abutment surface 16 of the timber typically has a slight pitch of, for example, 89° where holes for the magnets are drilled using a 25mm spade bit on a drill press and vice. In order for the magnet holes to have a levelled depth all round, the drill press vice is also pitched at a slight 1° angle to counter the 89° rip cut on the material. This is requiredas the 25mm 0 magnets are then pressed into the 25mm 0 holes at a level of accuracy leaving the support surface 12.1 of the vehicular refreshment support 10 flush for further production. Alternatively, a Forstner bit may be used to drill a cavity for a countersunk magnet 26 with thread, an example of which is shown in the cut-out portion of Figure 4.

[0040] The support surface 12.1 or top side of the vehicular refreshment support 10 is marked with a branded version of the indicium 30 or logo to ensure a user uses the vehicular refreshment support 10 right side up. A thickness of the material at 30mm and the slight angled DAR cut (89°) , i.e. obtuse angle 20, generally allows for higher amounts of leverage when being used horizontally and dependant on the curvature of the vehicle surface 8 that the support 10 will be adhered to in order to provide a stronger magnetic connection.

[0041] Depending on the vehicle surface 8, the "down force" the support 10 can withstand is increased by the slight obtuse angle 20, allowing for more weight to be added to the support surface 12.1 of the vehicular refreshment support 10. When removing the vehicular refreshment support 10 from the vehicle surface 8, the support 10 is typically leveraged upwards to break the magnetic connection using leverage against the stronger downwards connection .

[0042] In one embodiment, the support 10 is typically fitted with 5 to 6 rare-earth super magnets that have an individual pull force of 6kg. To achieve this, the timber material is placed in a 1° offset drill press vice and each magnet hole is drilled accurately with a 25mm spade bit and to a depth of 8mm. Using a custom-made jig for measurements, the timber material is drilled out and moved onto the next stage where the magnets are pressed into the material, ensuring a flush finish. The 25mm spade bit hasa sharp centre point which is used as a pilot hole for screws fixing the magnets 26 into place with counter sunk wood screws that are 25mm long and are non-magnetic . The non-magnetic counter sunk screws are required not only for faster production when trying to align the screws for fixing magnets into place , but to also reduce the loss of magnetic strength in the rare earth super magnets li fespan . Alternatively, a Forstner bit can be used which has a custom and adj ustable centre drill for an M5 thread for the screw / thread to stop the wood splitting from the screws / thread being inserted .

[0043] In another embodiment , an example of which is shown in the cut-out portion of Figure 4 , magnets 26 having the same diameter as a countersunk hole is used, with a casing around the magnet with a 5mm thread that ' s 8mm long extending from the casing . Suitable holes in abutment surface 16 is then drilled within which the magnets 26 are then fixed into the wood by the thread section with wood glue , or the like . For example , wood glue compliant with ANS I / HPVA Type I water-resistance , D3 European standard as well as FDA approved for indirect food contact may be used . In such an embodiment , typically 5 magnets 26 are interspaced along the abutment surface , and may provide around 22 kg pull force each, depending on the magnets . Of course , further variations are possible and expected .

[0044] In a typical example , the non-scratch material or cover 28 is fitted over the magnets 26 within the abutment surface 16 . One example comprises kangaroo hide , which is used as a protective cover to prevent contamination of the rare earth super magnets 26 , the timber abutment surface 16 and the screws . This non-scratch material or cover 28 is typically fastened by means of an adhesive to provide a strong, protective and weather proof covering for the timber material , the magnets 26 and the screws . The magnets 26 maypick up magnetic dust and particles over time, but with this protective backing 28 it can easily be wiped off.

[0045] The curved edge and / or surface 22 may also be sculpted by wood-working tools, such as a grinder, a sander, a table router, or the like. This allows for a more unique and aesthetically- pleasing finish. A mixture of food-grade wood sealants is applied over the timber grain to ensure the protection and longevity of the timber from natural elements and potential condensation from cold beverages or humidity.

[0046] The vehicular refreshment support 10 may also undergo a quality control and calibration process, where each support 10 is magnetically adhered to a suitable surface and a predetermined weight placed onto the support surface 12.1 in order to provide a load-bearing rating for the support 10.

[0047] Applicant believes it particularly advantageous that the present invention provides for a vehicular refreshment support 10 which is adherable to a vehicle surface 8, such as a car door, when in use in order to provide refreshment support, particularly during outdoor activities involving vehicles. Of course, the refreshment support 10 described herein may also find application as broader utilitarian support. For example, such a utility support may hold other equipment involved with being outdoors with vehicles, such as camping gear, a headtorch, cooking equipment; may support tools whilst working on a vehicle, such as spanners, rachets; may attach on shed wall to support bolts, screws, spray cans, etc., may be used to hold fishing gear, such as sinkers, hooks, filleting knife; may be used on metal surfaces in shop fronts to display goods; may be used in shops to display products such as new lures, knives, multitools, business cards; or used to support spices in a kitchen environment, or the like.

[0048] In the example embodiments, well-known processes, well- known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee. Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features. Where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0049] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive sense. Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and / or graphically, for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Variations (e.g. modifications and / or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor (s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor (s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

[0050] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and / or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are tobe construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising, " "having, " "including, " and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter.

[0051] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "beneath, " "below, " "lower, " "above, " "upper, " and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element (s) or feature (s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly .

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A vehicular refreshment support comprising : a support platform defining a support surface with at least one refreshment support and an abutment surface ; and a magnetic attachment arrangement disposed within said abutment surface ; wherein the magnetic attachment arrangement is configured releasably and magnetically to adhere the abutment surface to a vehicle surface , in use , so that the refreshment support is able to support a refreshment ; and wherein the support platform is configured such that an obtuse angle is defined between the support and abutment surfaces .2 . The vehicular refreshment support of claim 1 , wherein the support platform is manufactured from wood or lightweight metal , such as aluminium or stainless steel .3 . The vehicular refreshment support of either of claims 1 or 2 , wherein the support surface is configured to provide a substantially hori zontal upward- facing surface when the vehicular refreshment support is adhered to a vehicle surface , such as a door or side of said vehicle .4 . The vehicular refreshment support of any of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the support platform defines a curved edge and / or associated surface oppositely distal from the abutment surface to provide an aesthetic appeal to the vehicular refreshment support when adhered to a vehicle surface .5 . The vehicular refreshment support of any of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the at least one refreshment support is selectable from a non-exhaustive group consisting of a slot for receiving a stemmedglass therein, a glass holder for receiving a glass bottom therein, a beverage can cavity, and a comestible cavity .6 . The vehicular refreshment support of any of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the support surface defines an ashtray therein .7 . The vehicular refreshment support of any of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the support surface comprises a bottle opener .8 . The vehicular refreshment support of any of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the support surface comprises a marketing indicium, such as a QR-code for ordering from a food provider .9 . The vehicular refreshment support of any of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the abutment surface defines a mobile phone holder .10 . The vehicular refreshment support of any of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the magnetic attachment arrangement comprises a plurality of magnets countersunk within and arranged longitudinally along the abutment surface .11 . The vehicular refreshment support of claim 10 , wherein the magnets comprise rare-earth magnets .12 . The vehicular refreshment support of either of claims 10 or 11 , wherein the magnets are interspaced along the abutment surface .13 . The vehicular refreshment support of any of claims 1 to 12 , wherein the abutment surface comprises a non-scratch material or cover covering said surface .14 . The vehicular refreshment support of claim 13 , wherein the non-scratch material is selectable from a non-exhaustive group consisting of a leather, a fabric, a rubber and a foam material .15 . The vehicular refreshment support of any of claims 1 to 14 , wherein the obtuse angle defined between the support and abutment surfaces is in the range of 90 . 01 and 95 degrees .16 . The vehicular refreshment support of claim 15 , wherein the obtuse angle is 90 . 01 degrees .17 . A refreshment support for releasable adherence to a vehicle , the refreshment support comprising : a support platform defining a support surface with at least one refreshment support and an abutment surface , the support platform configured such that an obtuse angle is defined between the support and abutment surfaces ; and a magnetic attachment arrangement disposed within said abutment surface , wherein the magnetic attachment arrangement is configured releasably and magnetically to adhere the abutment surface to a vehicle surface , in use , so that the refreshment support is able to support a refreshment .18 . A utility support for releasable adherence to a magnetic surface , the support comprising : a support platform defining a support surface with at least one utilitarian support and an abutment surface , the support platform configured such that an obtuse angle is defined between the support and abutment surfaces ; and a magnetic attachment arrangement disposed within said abutment surface , wherein the magnetic attachment arrangement is configured releasably and magnetically to adhere the abutment surface to a magnetic surface , in use , so that the utilitarian support is able to support a utility .

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