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CUPHOLDER ASSEMBLY
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/676,739 filed on April 30, 2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates, in general, to a cupholder assembly and, more particularly, this invention relates to a vehicle cupholder
assembly that positively secures containers of various sizes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
As is generally well known, the driver and passengers of the vehicle often enjoy beverages during driving and therefore, every vehicle now
includes at least one cupholder assembly for retaining a beverage container. Frequently, such cupholder assemblies are adapted for use
with containers of various sizes. U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,579 to Moner, Jr. et al discloses on type of such cupholder assembly which includes a
beverage receiving cavity with a concave side wall and a pivotally disposed concave arm movable between fully extended and a fully retracted
positions for biasing the beverage container against the cavity wall. To accommodate containers of various sizes within the receiving cavity
the arm must be manually adjusted by the vehicle occupant which is undesirable as such adjustment must be performed incrementally for
each different container size. Furthermore, the required attention to perform such adjustment and place the beverage container into the
receiving cavity could be distracting to a driver during vehicle operation. Additionally, caging the beverage container between the wall and the
arm generally produces only two points of contact with such beverage container which are insufficient to secure the beverage container in all
applicaitons.
Therefore, there remains a need for an improved cupholder assembly which securely retains containers of various sizes without requiring
significant manual effort or attention which could be distracting to a driver during vehicle operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a cupholder assembly for securing a container therein. In a first aspect, the cupholder assembly includes a
predetermined plurality of grip member disposed in a predetermined pattern, each mounted for movement between extended and retracted
position, whereby the extended position is characterized by engagement of a predetermined portion of each grip members with a side
surface of the container. Each grip member has a vertically disposed shaft portion mounted for rotation about the rigid structure and a
generally horizontally disposed arm portion attached to the shaft portion for rotation between the extended and the retracted position. The
arm portion has a distal end thereof configured for engagement with the side surface of the container. A first gear axially attached to a shaft
portion of a respective grip member for rotation therewith. A second gear engages each first gear and has a horizontally disposed first
surface for engagement with a bottom surface of the container. The second gear is movable into the second position upon application of a
predetermined torque thereto and transfers such predetermined torque first to the first gear and then to each grip member for moving the
arm portion thereof into the extended position engaging the side surface of the container and applying a predetermined force thereto. The
predetermined force securely retains the container within the cupholder assembly. A ratchet is provided to secure the second gear in the
second position upon insertion of the container and maintain continuous engagement between each grip member and the container. A
release spring is provided for disengaging the ratchet and for moving the grip members into the retracted position with an aid of a bias
spring engageable with each grip member. The predetermined torque may be generated by the user inserting the container and applying
first a force in a downward direction and then rotating the container and the second gear. Or, alternatively, the predetermined torque may be
generated by an actuator, such as an electric motor, connected to such second gear. A sensor may be provided, particularly in combination
with the actuator, to provide a control signal enabling operation of such actuator. A cover member has a vertically aligned first aperture for
receiving the container and a predetermined plurality of second apertures disposed in a wall portion of the first aperture each aligned with a
respective one of the predetermined plurality of the grip means for enabling passage thereof for one of the engagement and the
disengagement with the container. The cupholder assembly is adapted for use in a vehicle in one of a stationary and slidable configuration.
In a second aspect, the cupholder assembly includes a predetermined plurality of grip member disposed in a predetermined pattern, each
mounted for movement between extended and retracted position, whereby the extended position is characterized by engagement of a
predetermined portion of each grip member with a side surface of the container. Each grip member has a first portion extending generally
horizontally and pivotally connected to a portion of the rigid structure and a second portion rigidly attached to such first portion for movement
between extended and retracted position and configured for engagement with the side surface of the container. A plate like member is
mounted for movement between a first position and a second position and has a plurality of elongated slots disposed therein. Each
elongated slot is engageable with a portion of a respective grip member to guide rotation thereof and transfer a predetermined torque
thereto. The predetermined torque is applied to the plate like member upon engagement thereof with the container. A ratchet is provided to
secure the plate like member in the second position upon insertion of the container and maintain continuous engagement between each
grip member and the container. A release spring is provided for disengaging the ratchet and for moving the grip members into the retracted
position with an aid of a bias spring engageable with each grip member. The predetermined torque may be generated by the user inserting
the container and applying first a force in a downward direction and then rotating the container and the second gear. Or, alternatively, the
predetermined torque may be generated by an actuator, such as an electric motor, connected to such second gear. A sensor may be
provided, particularly in combination with the actuator, to provide a control signal enabling operation of such actuator.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a cupholder assembly for securely retaining a container
therein.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a cupholder assembly which securely retains containers of various sizes.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a to provide a cupholder assembly for securely retaining containers of various sizes
which can be used on vehicles.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a cupholder assembly for securely retaining containers of various sizes which is
manually operable.
Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a cupholder assembly for securely retaining containers of various sizes which is
operable by an actuator.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a cupholder assembly for securely retaining containers of various sizes which
does not require an attention from the driver which could be distracting to such driver during vehicle operation.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a cupholder assembly which securely retains containers of various sizes which does
not require incremental adjustments during use.
In addition to the several objects and advantages of the present invention which have been described with some degree of specificity
above, various other objects and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the
relevant art, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing Figures and with the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention, particularly showing grip means in the extended position for securing a
container;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the invention of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the invention along lines 3-3 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention; and
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the invention of FIG. 4.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS
EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present invention, it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and
understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the
several views illustrated in the drawing figures.
It is to be understood that the definition of a container applies to covered on uncovered cups, bottles, cans, jugs, drums, and the like suitable
for containing a liquid substance such as beverage.
Reference is now made, to FIGS. 1-3, wherein there is shown a cupholder assembly, generally designated 10, of the first embodiment for
securing a container 4 therein. Such cupholder assembly 10 includes a predetermined plurality of grip means, generally designated 20,
disposed in a predetermined pattern about the container 4. Each grip means 20 is mounted for movement between extended and retracted
position, whereby the extended position is characterized by engagement of a predetermined portion of each of the predetermined plurality of
grip means 20 with a side surface 6 of the container 4. In the presently preferred embodiment, each grip means 20 includes a vertically
disposed shaft portion 22 mounted for rotation about a rigid structure 60 at a first end 24. A generally horizontally disposed arm portion 28
having a predetermined shape is rigidly attached to the shaft portion 22 adjacent a second end 26 thereof for rotation of the arm portion 28
between the extended and the retracted position. The arm portion 28 has a distal end 30 configured for engagement with the side surface 6
of the container 4. The distal end 30 may be provided with anti-slip frictional means 32 for preventing lateral and vertical movements of the
container 4 during use.
Each arm portion 28 is biased towards the retracted position by a bias means 34 which is preferably a well known torsion spring 34
mounted on the shaft portion 22 and engaging such arm portion 28.
There is a predetermined plurality of first torque transmission means 40 each axially connected to a respective one of the predetermined
plurality of grip means 20 adjacent the first end 24 for rotation with the grip means 22. The first end 24 of the shaft portion 22, preferably,
extends through the first torque transmission means 40 for rotatable attachment to the rigid structure 60.
A second torque transmission means 42 is engageable with each of the predetermined plurality of first torque transmission means 40 and
has a horizontally disposed first surface 44 for engagement with a bottom surface 8 of the container 4. A peripheral flange 46 having a
predetermined height may be provided to contain spillage during use of the container 4. The first surface 44 may be provided with an anti-
slip frictional means 48 for preventing lateral movement of the container 4 during its use.
In operation, the second torque transmission means 42 is mounted for movement between a first and a second position and is movable
into the second position upon application of a predetermined torque to the first surface 44. In such first position, the first surface 44 is
disposed at a predetermined distance above the rigid structure 60. The user, inserting the container 4 into the cupholder assembly 10 and
engaging the first surface 44, first applies a force in a downward direction and then rotates the container 4 in a first direction thus generating
the predetermined torques and enabling the second transmission means 42, rotating with the container 4, to transfer such predetermined
torque first to the first transmission means 40 and then to each of the predetermined plurality of grip means 22 for moving each arm portion
28 into the extended position engaging the side surface 6 of the container 4 and applying a predetermined force to such side surface 6.
Such predetermined force securely retains the container 4 within the cupholder assembly 10.
It will be appreciated, that movement of the second torque transmission means 42 from the first position into the second position is
characterized in combination by the second torque transmission means 42 moving downwardly and rotating in the first direction and the arm
portion 28 of each of the predetermined plurality of grip means 22 engaging the side surface 6 of the container 4.
In a particular reference to FIG. 3, therein illustrated means, generally designated 50, preferably engageable with the second torque
transmission means 42 and the rigid structure 60 for enabling continuous engagement of each of the predetermined plurality of grip means
22 with the side surface 6 of the container 4 upon insertion thereof into the cupholder assembly 10 and for enabling movement of each of
the predetermined plurality of grip means 22 into the retracted position upon removal of the container 4 from the cupholder assembly 10.
It is presently preferred that such engagement and release enabling means 50 includes a predetermined plurality of slopping teeth 52
attached to a second surface 45 of the second torque transmission means 42 and a lock pawl 54 attached to the rigid structure 60 and
engageable with the predetermined plurality of slopping teeth 52 during downward movement of the second torque transmission means 42
to allow a rotation of such second torque transmission means 42 only in such first direction. When the second torque transmission means
42 reaches the second position, such lock pawl 54 positively maintains the second torque transmission means 42 preventing undesirable
reverse rotation thereof.
A release means 56, preferably being a well known compression spring 56 is provided for disengaging the slopping teeth 52 from the lock
pawl 54 upon removal of the container 4 and urging such second transmission means 42 in an upward direction. The second transmission
means 42 return into the first position with the aid of the bias means 34.
Alternatively, such engagement and release enabling means 50 may engage at least one of such predetermined plurality of first torque
transmission means 40 or the at least one of the predetermined plurality of grip means 22.
In further reference to FIG. 3, the cupholder assembly 10 may include a cover member 62 having a vertically aligned first aperture 64 for
receiving the container 4 and a predetermined plurality of second apertures 68 disposed in a peripheral wall portion 66 of such first aperture
64. Each second aperture 68 is aligned with a respective grip means 22 for enabling passage thereof for one of the engagement and the
disengagement with the container 4. Advantageously, the wall portion 66 extends towards the second torque transmission means 42 and
terminates just above the first surface 44 when such second torque transmission means 42 is disposed in the first position for receiving the
container 4.
The cupholder assembly 10 may further include means 70 for sensing one of an insertion, removal and combination thereof of the container
4 into the cupholder assembly 10. Such sensing means 70 may be a non-contact sensor 70 capable of providing at least one control signal.
Such non-contact sensor 70 may be attached to the wall portion 66 of the cover member 62 directly sensing the container 4, as best shown
in FIG. 3, or may be mounted for sensing rotation of the grip means 22 or the movement of the second torque transmission means 42 or the
rotation of at least one first torque transmission means 40. Alternatively, any well known contact type sensing means 70 may be applied in
the cupholder assembly 10.
The cupholder assembly 10 may be provided with any well known actuating means, such as an electric motor, (not shown) preferably
connected to the second torque transmission means 42 for one of applying the predetermined torque, enabling continuous engagement of
each of the predetermined plurality of grip means 22 with the side surface 6 of the container 4, and for moving each of the predetermined
plurality of grip means 22 into the retracted position. Such actuating means (not shown) will be operable by a control system (not shown)
and will be advantageous in combination with the sensing means 70 to enable simple placement of the container 4 and secure retainment
thereof within cupholder assembly 10. Such simple placement of the container 4 will eliminate the need for user to apply the force in the
downward direction and rotate the container 4. Additionally, an unlock actuator, such as solenoid or a valve, (not shown) may be connected to
the lock pawl 54 for disengaging it from the predetermined plurality of slopping teeth 52.
It is presently preferred that the first torque transmission means 40 is a first gear 40 having a predetermined thickness and predetermined
diameter and the second torque transmission means 42 is a second gear 42 having a predetermined thickness and predetermined
diameter, whereby the predetermined thickness of such second gear 42 enables continuous engagement thereof with each first gear 40
during movement of the second gear 42 between the first and the second position.
While such embodiment is illustrated, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other power transmission means may be applied to
secure the container 4 within the cupholder assembly 10. For example, the first and second torque transmission means 40 and 42
respectively may be elastomers with a predetermined coefficient of friction.
While FIG. 2 shows four grip means 22, it will be apparent that various other quantities of the grip means 22 may be applied to secure
container 4 within the cupholder assembly 10.
Now in reference to FIGS. 4-5, therein shown a cupholder assembly, generally designated 100, of a second embodiment for securing a
container 4 therein. Such cupholder assembly 100 includes a predetermined plurality of grip means, generally designated 110, disposed in
a predetermined pattern, each preferably including a first portion 112 extending generally horizontally and having a first end 114 pivotally
connected to a predetermined portion of a rigid structure 150. A second portion 120 has a first end 122 rigidly attached to the second end
116 of the first portion 110 for movement of the second portion 120 between extended and retracted position, and a second end 124
extending in a downward direction and configured for engagement with the side surface 6 of the container 4. A bias spring 128 is
engageable with each grip means 110 to urge the second portion 120 into the retracted position.
A plate like member 130 is mounted for movement between a first position and a second position and has a horizontally disposed first
surface 132 for engagement with the bottom surface 8 of the container 4.
Means 140 is disposed within the cupholder assembly 110 for guiding movement of each of predetermined plurality of grip means 110
between the extended and the retracted position and for transferring the predetermined torque thereto. It is presently preferred that such
guiding means 140 includes a predetermined plurality of elongated slots 140 disposed in a predetermined pattern within the plate like
member 130, each having a predetermined shape and a predetermined length and configured for passing a respective one of the second
end 124 of the second portion 120 of the predetermined plurality of grip means 110 therethrough.
In operation, the plate like member 130 is movable from the first into the second position upon application of a predetermined torque to the
first surface 132. In such first position, the first surface 132 is disposed at a predetermined distance above a second predetermined portion
of the rigid structure 150. The user inserting the container 4 into the cupholder assembly 100 and engaging the first surface 132 of the plate
like member 130 first applies a force in a downward direction and then rotates the container 4 in a first direction thus generating the
predetermined torque and enabling the plate like member 130 to transfer such predetermined torque to each of the predetermined plurality
of grip means 110 through a respective one of such predetermined plurality of elongated slots 140. Subsequently, each second portion 120
of the grip means 110 rotates into the extended position engaging the side surface 6 of the container 4 and applying a predetermined force
to such side surface 6. Such predetermined force securely retains the container 4 within the cupholder assembly 100.
It will be understood that engagement and release enabling means 50, best shown in FIG. 3, would be applicable to provide continuous
engagement of each of the predetermined plurality of grip means 110 with the side surface 6 of the container 4 upon insertion thereof into
the cupholder assembly 100 and for enabling movement of each of the predetermined plurality of grip means 110 into the retracted position
upon removal of the container 4 from the cupholder assembly 10.
Accordingly, the predetermined plurality of slopping teeth 52 will be attached to a second surface 134 of the plate like member 130 and the
lock pawl 54 will be attached to the second predetermined portion of the rigid structure 150 engaging the predetermined plurality of slopping
teeth 52 during downward movement of the plate like member 130 and allowing the rotation thereof only in such first direction. When the
plate like member 130 reaches the second position, such lock pawl 54 positively maintains the plate like member 130 preventing
undesirable reverse rotation thereof.
A release means 56, preferably being the well known compression spring 56 is provided for disengaging the slopping teeth 52 from the lock
pawl 54 upon removal of the container 4 and urging such plate like member 130 in an upward direction. The plate like member 130 returns
into the first position with the aid of the bias means 128.
It will be further understood that the sensing means 70 and actuating means (not shown) may be applied to the invention of the second
embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-5.
While FIGS. 4-5 show six grip means 110, it will be apparent that other quantities of the grip means 110 may be applied to secure container
4 within the cupholder assembly 100.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the cupholder assemblies shown in FIGS. 1-5 will be suitable for securely retaining
containers of various sizes. Furthermore, use of such cupholder assemblies will be advantageous in combination with a vehicle to
overcome current disadvantages of placing and securing cups and other beverage containers. Movement of the grip means between
retracted and extended position after placement of the container into cupholder assembly provides the user with an aperture generally larger
than the size of the container and therefore does not require user’s attention to aim for placing such container into the cupholder assembly.
It will be appreciated that such cupholder assemblies will be adapted for use in one of a stationary and slidable configuration.
Thus, the present invention has been described in such full, clear, concise and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to
which it pertains to make and use the same. It will be understood that variations, modifications, equivalents and substitutions for
components of the specifically described embodiments of the invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
I Claim:
1. A cupholder assembly for securing a container therein, said cupholder assembly comprising:
(a) a predetermined plurality of grip means disposed in a predetermined pattern, each mounted for movement between extended and
retracted position, whereby said extended position is characterized by engagement of a predetermined portion of each of said
predetermined plurality of grip means with a side surface of said container;
(b) a predetermined plurality of first torque transmission means each axially connected to a respective one of said predetermined
plurality of grip means for rotation therewith,
(c) a second torque transmission means engageable with each of said predetermined plurality of first torque transmission means and
mounted for movement between a first and a second position, said second torque transmission means having a horizontally disposed first
surface for engagement with a bottom surface of said container, said second torque transmission means movable into said second
position upon application of a predetermined torque to said first surface, whereby application of said predetermined torque enables said
second transmission means to transfer said predetermined torque first to said first transmission means and then to each of said
predetermined plurality of grip means for moving said predetermined portion thereof into said extended position engaging said side surface
of said container and applying a predetermined force thereto, said predetermined force securely retaining said container within said
cupholder assembly; and
(d) means engageable with one of said second torque transmission means, at least one of said predetermined plurality of first torque
transmission means, at least one of said predetermined plurality of grip means, a rigid structure, and various combinations thereof for
enabling continuous engagement of each of said predetermined plurality of grip means with said side surface of said container upon
insertion thereof into said cupholder assembly and for enabling movement of each of said predetermined plurality of grip means into said
retracted position upon removal of said container from said cupholder assembly.
2. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein each of said predetermined plurality of grip means includes:
(a) a vertically disposed shaft portion mounted for rotation about said rigid structure and having a first end extending through and
attached to said respective one of said predetermined plurality of first torque transmission means; and
(b) a generally horizontally disposed arm portion having a predetermined shape and rigidly attached to said shaft portion adjacent a
second end thereof for rotation between said extended and said retracted position, said arm portion having a distal end configured for
engagement with said side surface of said container.
3. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 2, wherein said cupholder assembly includes a predetermined plurality of bias means each
engageable with said arm portion of each of said predetermined plurality of grip means for biasing thereof towards said retracted position.
4. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said cupholder assembly includes an anti-slip frictional means applied to one of
said first surface of said second transmission means, said predetermined portion of each of said predetermined plurality of grip means,
and a combination thereof for preventing one of a lateral movement, vertical movement, and combination thereof of said container disposed
within said cupholder assembly.
5. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said movement of said second torque transmission means from said first
position into said second position is characterized in combination by said second torque transmission means moving downwardly and
rotating in a first direction and said predetermined portion of each of said predetermined plurality of grip means engaging said side surface
of said container.
6. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 5, wherein said engagement and release enabling means includes:
(a) a predetermined plurality of slopping teeth attached to a predetermined portion of said second torque transmission means;
(b) a lock pawl attached to said rigid structure and engageable with a portion of said predetermined plurality of slopping teeth during said
movement of said second torque transmission means from said first position into said second position and positively maintaining said
second torque transmission means in said second position; and
(c) a release means engageable with one of said predetermined plurality of slopping teeth, said lock pawl, said rigid surface and various
combinations thereof for disengaging said predetermined plurality of slopping teeth from said lock pawl upon removal of said container and
for urging said second transmission means into said first position.
7. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 6, wherein said release means is a bias spring.
8. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein each of said predetermined plurality of said first torque transmission means is a
first gear having each of a predetermined thickness and predetermined diameter.
9. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said second torque transmission means is a second gear having each of a
predetermined thickness and predetermined diameter, whereby said predetermined thickness of said second gear enables continuous
engagement thereof with each of said predetermined plurality of first transmission means during movement of said second torque
transmission means between said first and said second position.
10. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined torque is applied by one of a hand, power actuator and
combination thereof.
11. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said cupholder assembly further includes a cover member having a vertically
aligned first aperture for receiving said container and a predetermined plurality of second apertures disposed in a wall portion of said first
aperture each aligned with a respective one of said predetermined plurality of said grip means for enabling passage thereof for one of said
engagement and said disengagement with said container, said wall portion extending towards said first surface of said second torque
transmission means.
12. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said second transmission means includes a peripheral flange having a
predetermined height for containing spillage during use of said container.
13. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said cupholder assembly further includes means for sensing one of an
insertion, removal and combination thereof of said container into said cupholder assembly.
14. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 13, wherein said sensing means includes one of a contact sensor, non-contact sensor and
combination thereof capable of providing at least one control signal to an actuating means connected with said second torque transmission
means.
15. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 14, wherein said cupholder assembly includes control means for receiving said at least
one control signal and operating said actuating means in response to receiving said at least one control signal.
16. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said cupholder assembly includes an actuating means connected to said
second torque transmission means for one of applying said predetermined torque, enabling continuous engagement of each of said
predetermined plurality of grip means with said side surface of said container, moving each of said predetermined plurality of grip means
into said retracted position, and various combinations thereof.
17. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said cupholder assembly is adapted for use in a vehicle in one of a stationary
and slidable configuration.
18. A cupholder assembly for securing a container therein, said cupholder assembly comprising:
(a) a predetermined plurality of grip means disposed in a predetermined pattern, each mounted for movement between extended and
retracted position, whereby said extended position is characterized by engagement of a predetermined portion of each of said
predetermined plurality of grip means with a side surface of said container;
(b) a plate like member mounted for movement between a first position and a second position, said plate like member having a
horizontally disposed first surface for engagement with a bottom surface of said container, said plate like member movable into said second
position upon application of a predetermined torque to said first surface, whereby application of said predetermined torque enables said
plate like member to transfer said predetermined torque to each of said predetermined plurality of grip means for moving said
predetermined portion thereof into said extended position engaging said side surface of said container and applying a predetermined force
thereto, said predetermined force securely retaining said container within said cupholder assembly;
(c) means engageable with said predetermined plurality of grip means for guiding movement thereof between said extended and said
retracted position and for transferring said predetermined torque to said predetermined plurality of grip means; and
(d) means engageable with one of at least one of said predetermined plurality of grip means, said plate like member, a rigid structure,
and various combinations thereof for enabling continuous engagement of said predetermined portion of each of said predetermined plurality
of grip means with said side surface of said container upon insertion thereof into said cupholder assembly and for enabling movement of
each of said predetermined plurality of grip means into said retracted position upon removal of said container from said cupholder assembly.
19. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 18, wherein each of said predetermined plurality of grip means includes:
(a) a first portion extending generally horizontally and having a first end pivotally connected to a portion of said rigid structure; and
(b) a second portion having a first end rigidly attached to said second end of said first portion for movement between extended and retracted
position, and a second end extending in a downward direction towards said plate like member and configured for engagement with said
side surface of said container.
20. The cupholder assembly, according to claim 19, wherein said guiding means includes a predetermined plurality of elongated slots
disposed in a predetermined pattern within said plate like member each having each of a predetermined shape and a predetermined length
and configured for passing a respective one of said second end of said second portion of said predetermined plurality of grip means
therethrough and engageable with said respective one of said second end of said second portion of said predetermined plurality of grip
means during movement of said plate like member between said first and said second position.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A cupholder assembly for securing a container includes a plurality of grip members disposed in a predetermined pattern, each mounted for
movement between retracted position and extended position engaging a side surface of the container in such extended position. A first gear
is attached to each grip member for rotation therewith. A second gear engageable with each first gear has a surface engageable with the
bottom portion of the container for transferring torque generated during insertion of the container to each first gear and then to each grip
member for applying force to the container. A ratchet is provided to secure the second gear upon insertion of the container and maintain
continuous engagement between each grip member and the container. A release spring is provided for disengaging the ratchet and for
moving the grip members into the retracted position with an aid of a bias spring engageable with each grip member. Alternatively, the first
and second gears are replaced with a plate like member having a plurality of elongated slots each engageable with a respective grip
member to guide rotation thereof and transfer the torque thereto.