GB2339563A - Article retainer pad - Google Patents

Description

2339563 ARTICLE RETAINER PAD AND AN ARRANGEMENT THEREOF The present

invention relates to an article retainer pad, and more particularly to an article retainer pad arranged within a motor vehicle to retain an article such as a beverage container.

In a motor vehicle there is a requirement to store and retain articles such that they are resiliently secured whiist still remaining relatively freely accessible to occupants of that vehicle.

Typically, previous article retainer arrangements have comprised orifices or recesses within the motor vehicle in which the article can be retained. These orifices or recesses can also include a bias means in order to compressibly abut the article to be retained. This bias means is normally presented by a mechanical spring acting against the side of the article through an element such as an engagement blade or surface.

Unfortunately, a wide range of articles will require retention within a motor vehicle and thus it is difficult to provide the appropriately adjustable degree of bias in order to engage that article without damage or unacceptable retention. For example, there is an increasing prevalence to use recyclable beverage containers which essentially comprise a paper walled cup or carton. It will be appreciated that such paper cups - are relatively easily compressed particularly with larger sizes.

In addition to retention of beverage containers, it is also advantageous to provide other storage bins within a motor vehicle within which articles can be retained with a greater degree of resilience in order to diminish rattle noise nuisance.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an article retainer pad and an arrangement thereof which substantially relieves the above mentioned problems.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an article retainer pad comprising a compressive interlock layer arranged, in use, to associate with a structural surface or similar compressive interlock layer in a recess of a motor vehicle to define clamp means therebetween configured to resiliently retain a range of article dimensions therein.

Furthermore, in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an article retainer arrangement for a motor vehicle, the arrangement comprising a recess with two opposed surfaces, at least one of said surfaces including a compressive interlock layer to associated with the other said clamp surface to define clamp means therebetween and said clamp means being configured to resiliently retain a range of article dimensions therein.

Preferably, the compressive layer comprises a spiked or dendritic or webbed arrangement which has a erectile or shape memory function to allow at least partial envelopment or engagement with an article such as a beverage cup. Furthermore, the compressive interlock layer may be integral 5 with the recess or adhered to or mechanically fastened or an interference fit Within the recess. Thus, the compressive interlock layer may be part of a lining or insert sock located within the recess.

The compressive layer may be formed from a silicone or neoprene rubber or other suitable rubber type material, eg. TPE with an appropriate compressive deformation response to achieve adequate compressive interlocking engagement with an article.

The compressive interlock layer - may include a range of discrete elements of different compressibility or erectility in order to variously interlockingly engage an article over a compressive range with the article.

The compressive interlock layer may have a thermally insulative effect.

Furthermore, the stiffness of the compressive interlock layer may vary temperature to achieve a temporary shape similar to the article retained.

The compressive interlock layer may include parallel components with a space therebetween in order to laterally vary the compressive interlock response of the layer. Furthermore, the space between the surfaces may be closed by appropriate fastening or tie elements.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a cross-section of a first article retainer arrangement; Figure 2 is a plan view of the article retainer arrangement depicted in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a plan view of a first retainer pad configuration; Figure 4 is a part cross-section of a second retainer pad configuration; Figure 5 is a part cross-section of a third retainer pad configuration; Figure 6 is a part cross-section of a fourth retainer pad configuration; Figure 7 is a plan view of a second article retainer arrangement; and Figure 8 is a cross-section in the direction X-X of the arrangement depicted in Figure 7.

Resilient retention of an article within a motor vehicle is important to ensure that vehicle motions do not disturb the article with resultant beverage spillage or noisy rattle. With regard to beverage containers such as cups, it has been traditional to utilise the beverage weight within the cup along with typically biased engaging arm in order to retain the beverage container within an orifice or recess appropriately located within the vehicle interior to allow occupant access.

Unfortunately, as the beverage is consumed, it will be appreciated that the beverage weight available for retention is reduced and reciprocally there is less beverage within the container in order to resist the compressive deformation of the bias used to retain the container within the orifice or recess. With plastic or paper cups, such problems can make acceptable cup retention difficult to achieve. Furthermore, such problems are compounded by the various sizes and resilience of containers that can be used within a motor vehicle. It will be understood that beverages may be contained within cans, cups, bottles or cartons. Thus, an article container arrangement used within a motor vehicle for an article such as a beverage container retention must be sufficiently adaptable to accommodate such a wide range of different beverage container types and dimensions.

As also indicated above, it is advantageous within the motor vehicle to provide an article retention arrangement which can retain a wide range of articles such as sunglasses, maps, music cassettes, sweets/confectionery. deicer equipment and other items. Unfortunately, such articles may rattle within a normal storage recess such as a door bin. Thus, it is advantageous to provide means of achieving adequate retention control of such articles.

In accordance with the present invention, an article retainer pad is described. This pad can be integral within a recess of a motor vehicle interior in order to retain an article such as a beverage container. However, it will also be appreciated, that the present article retainer pad could be a discrete component or part of a lining or insert secured by a motor vehicle manufacturer or occupant/owner within a motor vehicle orifice or recess. I ii such circumstances, the article retainer pad may be secured by adhesive or mechanical fastening or through an interference fit.

The essential feature of the article retainer pad is that it has a compressive interlock layer to engage the article. This compressive interlock layer at least partially envelopes a proportion of the article surface in compressive interlocking engagement. Thus, the compressive interlock layer acts in concert with either a structural surface or a similar compressive interlock layer in order to clamp an article therebetween.

Typically, the respective compressive interlock layers along with structural surface are in a generally opposed relationship such that, in use, an article is secured through clamp engagement therebetween.

In Figures 1 to 3, a first and preferred embodiment of the present invention is depicted. Article retainer pads I are secured within a moulded recess 2. These retainer pads I are generally arranged in an opposed relationship such that a clamp effect is achieved therebetween. However, it will be appreciated that a single retainer pad, with sufficient compressive interlocking range, could be used against a flat or smooth structural surface in order to achieve a clamping effect.

The inherent feature of each article retainer pad 1 is a compressive interlock layer. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 1 to 3, this compressive interlock layer is defined through spikes 3 which extend inwardly of the recess 2. Thus, the clamping effect defined between the retainer pads 1 is precipitated by deformation of these spikes 3. Normally, the retainer pad 1 will, be made from an elastomeric material such as silicone rubber, neoprene rubber or natural rubber appropriately moulded or shaped to achieve the spikes 3. The number and distribution along with dimensions of the spikes 3 is determined by the appropriate recess 2 dimensions within which the retainer pads 1 are to be secured in order to retain an article such as a beverage container 4 in a resilient manner.

As illustrated in Figure 2, generally at least two opposed pairs of article retainer pads 1 would be necessary to appropriately and adequately retain an article such as a beverage container 4 with sufficient resilience within a motor vehicle subject to motion. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that the entire circumference of the recess 2 could be covered with a or several retainer pads 1. The base 2 of the recess 2 could also have a retainer pad secured to it. Alternatively, the recess could have the compressive interlock 5 pad integral with its surfaces or an insert sock to that recess.

As illustrated in Figure 3, typically each retainer pad 1 will have a relatively large number of spikes 3 regularly distributed about its surface in order to achieve the necessary compressive interlock layer for clamping of an article 4 in use. As indicated previously, the actual dimensions and distribution of these spikes 3 will be determined to a great extent by the dimensions of the recess 2 or hole within which the retainer pad 1 is to be secured in order to achieve an appropriate article retainer arrangement. However, it will be understood that, typically the spikes 3 will at least have a height of 10 mm in order to achieve a minimum degree of compressive interlock deformation range for article clamping effect.

The spikes 3 through their tips define a perimeter 5 which is one extreme of the compressive deformation range. Thus, insertion of an article such as beverage container 4 will deform these spikes 3 in order to radially expand the perimeter 5. However, it will be appreciated by the elastic nature of the material from which the spikes 3 are formed that there is a desire and bias of the spikes 3 to return to the perimeter 5, ie. a shape memory and thus a compressive clamping engagement with an article therebetween is achieved. The pads 1 interlock with a portion of an article 4 to substantially coincide with its curvature or other shaping in order to resiliently secure the article within the recess 2. The spike 3 bias of' 5 respective pads 1, or parts thereof, is opposed with the article thus clamped therebetween.

The retainer pads 1 within the recess 2 will be able to accommodate a range of article dimension sizes within the compressive range of the spikes 3. Thus various sizes of beverage container or other article may be resiliently secured for engagement with the spikes 3 within the recess 2.

The minimum article size will be defined by that dimension necessary to achieve some adequate deformation of the spikes 3 for compressivC interlock engagement with that article. Thus, depending upon the materials from which these spikes 3 are made and their dimensions, it will be appreciated that the article to be appropriately retained will require dimensions in order to expand the perimeter 5 by at least 1 mm and probably a greater degree.

The maximum sized article that can be secured within the retainer arrangement will be defined by the compressive limits of the retainer pads 1. It will be appreciated that there is a limit to the compaction that the spikes 3 can attain within the recess 2, when deformed by an article to be retained. These spikes 3 must deform into the gap or space remaining between the article and the recess 2 wall surface. Thus, such factors as interference, in compression, between each spike 3 and its neighbours along with elasticity compressibility will determine the maximum article ",ize t ha t can be accommodated. Furthermore, it wili be understood that convenient low occupant effort article retrieval will also be a requirement. Thus, overtight clamp retainment may be unacceptable at the limits of spike 3 compaction due to tight engagement.

Finally, it will be appreciated that through appropriate design choice, each pad 1 could be suspended to allow slightly greater article sizes. In such circumstances, each pad 1 could be secured upon a mounting of the recess 2 which would allow, under excessive compression load, a limited degree of radial expansion in the direction of arrow head R, le. when the spikes 3 are compacted and substantially parallel with the recess 2 surface. Such a feature could be advantageous with rectangular articles, ie. drinks cartons, as it will only be the corners which cause spike 3 compaction and limit the article dim ension accommodation range.

Although a spiked configuration as depicted in Figures 1 to 3 is 20 preferred, to achieve the appropriate perimeter 5, it will be understood that alternative configurations for the compressive interlock layer could be achieved. For example, the retainer pad could have a castellated SUIfil(V M' include projections of various types such as rods or buttons or cubes in order to define the compressive interlock layer to engage an article to be retained. Furthermore, the projections could be of varying shapes dependent upon the 5 expected article types to be secured.

Referring back to Figure 1, it will be noted that the beverage retainer 4 has a tapering dimension from top to bottom. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, it is the spikes 3 at the upper end of the retainer pad 1 which engage the article 4 for reiention. It will thus be appreciated that the compounded compressive effect of those spikes 3 engage must be sufficient to achieve an adequate clamping effect upon the article, ie. beverage container 4. Again, adequate design choice should therefore be made with regard to the materials from which the retainer pads 1 are manufactured and the dimensions of the spikes 3 appropriate for recess 2 size.

The general concept of the present invention is defined with regard to the first embodiment depicted in Figures 1 to 3. However, it will be appreciated that the retainer pad, and in particular the compressive interlock layer, can be adapted in order to achieve varying performance as required. Thus, in Figure 4 it will be noted that a retainer pad 11 is shown, in part cross-section, which is a second embodiment of the present invention. In this retainer pad 11, a base layer 12 is secured to a corrugated or concertina compressive layer 13. The base layer 12 is adapted to be secured within a recess to appropriately present, in use, the retainer pad 11 to an article. The compressive layer 13 is secured to the base layer 12 through trough sections 14 whilst peak sections 15 will be presented, in use, to the article. Typically, the base layer 12 and the compressive layer 13 will be secured through the trough sections 14 using an adhesive or fusion bond. As the compressive layer 13 is a concertina or corrugated section, it will be understood that spacing S between the trough sections 14 may be adjusted, possibly by lateral stretching of the section, and this will alter presentational height H of the peak sections 15. Such presentational height H will to a large extent determine the compressive interlock engagement range of the retainer pad 11. Thus, manufacture of a range of retainer pads 11 with different performance may be easier. It will be appreciated that, compression interlock article engagement response for different portions of the pad 11 may be achieved by asymmetric stretching, etc, of the corrugated or concertina layer 13 pre-form to locally change the spacings during manufacture.

A significant feature of the pad 11 depicted in Figure 4 is the cavities 16 behind each corrugation of the compressive layer 13. It will be appreciated that each cavity 16, if left empty, will significantly alter the compressive performance of that corrugation in comparison with a solid equivalent of the same material. This, again provides an additional design variant to 13- accommodate particular article retention requirements. Alternatively, these cavities 16 could be filled, either uniformly or selectively, with an alternative material, or materials, to again vary the compressive interlock response of the pad 11 in use in engagement with an expected article.

Finally, if the cavities 16 are open to allow air evacuation, it will be appreciated that the limit of compression will be increased by the reduction in the volume of material in the compressive layer 13 to be compacted under engagement with an article. Thus, the compressive range of i li( compressive layer 13 is increased in comparison with the spikes 3 of the pad 1 described in Figures 1 to 3.

It will be understood that the compressibility depth of the embodiments depicted in Figures 1 to 4 is determined essentially by the spikes 3 or corrugated compressive layer 13. However, it may be advantageous to achieve a greater compressibility interlock depth in order to accommodate a wider range of article dimensions. As indicated previously with regard to the first embodiment depicted in Figures 1 to 3, this can be achieved by appropriate suspensive mounting of each pad 1. However, it will be appreciated that each retainer pad could itself include a degree of compressive depth variability. Thus, as depicted in Figure 5, a retainer pad 21 is provided with means to adjust the degree of penetration of the pad 21 into a recess in use and so provide a wider range of article size acceptabilities.

In essence, a compressive interlock layer 23 is secured to a base layer 22 through tie elements 24 with a gap 25 therebetween. The maximum range of the gap 25 is determined by the ties 24 which also ensure fixed association between the layers 22, 23. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 5, the gap 25 is coupled to appropriate air evacuation and/or injection means, ie. a plunger mechanism in order to vary the gap 25 through evacuation or injection of air. By such means, the compressive layer 23 can be displaced from base layer 22 secured to the recess through a wall surface and so the compressive layer 23 through its spikes 26 can be adjusted to impinge further into the recess and so create a perimeter closer to the centre of that recess.

In Figure 5a the retainer pad 21 is shown with the compressive layer 23 intermediately displaced from the base layer 22. The gap 25 has a gap value g which is defined by pumping air in or out from the gap 25 in the direction of arrow head A. In Figure 5b the compressive layer 23 abuts the base layer 22 and so the perimeter defined by the compressive layer 23 through the peaks of its spikes is as retracted as possible. By the means described with regard to Figure 5, it will be appreciated that an occupant of a vehicle through a plunger could adjust the gap 25 and so that compressive interlock engagement range of the retainer pad 21 in use with an article. Thus, the range of articles which can be retained within a retainer arrangement incorporating the retainer pad 21 may be further increased.

It will also be understood that, with the use of a gap 25 as depicted in Figure 5, inherently there will be a suspensive effect to the compressive layer 23 and so eccentric or irregular shaping of an article to be retained will precipitate reciprocal uneven distribution of air within the air gap 25.

Thus, the compressive layer 23 will more consistently interlock with a proportion of an article to be retained. In such circumstances, the gap value g of the gap 25 will locally vary as a result of the irregularities in the article engaged and so be retained. Such variation in the gap value g is due to the inherent natural desire for air pressure equalisation within the gap 25.

However, it will be appreciated due to such inclination and adjustment of the compressive layer 23 a closer interlock engagement with the article is achieved and therefore greater retention resilience.

The compressive layer 23 is substantially similar to the retainer pad I described with regard to Figure 1 with the addition of the base layer 22 and the tie elements 24. Thus, in the condition depicted in Figure 5b the retainer pad 21 will substantially operate in a similar fashion to that described with regard to Figures 1 to 3.

It will be appreciated that, if the gap 25 is coupled to an appropriate plunger or similar device, that air can be drawn from the spacing 25 to evacuate it, ie. reduce gap 25 or injected to inflate it - increase gap 25. Thus, the gap 25 and the plunger will be a substantially sealed or closed 16- system. Although described with regard to air, it will be appreciated that, an alternative gas or liquid could be used. Finally, the closed system of the gap 25 and plunger could include a valve to allow pressure release under excessive load in order to accommodate oversized articles for the current retainer pad gap value g setting. In such circumstances, either the plunger or the valve would be operated to release the air or fluid within gap 25 into that plunger or a reservoir in order to achieve equilibrium but adequate retention of an article by the compressive interlock layer 23.

In Figure 6, a part cross-section of a fourth retainer pad embodiment is depicted. A retainer pad 31 includes a plurality of spikes 32, 33, 34 of' different heights. These spikes 32, 33, 34 can be juxtaposed next to each other or, as depicted in Figures 1 to 3, have a flat spacing layer 35 in between. Furthermore, the spikes 32, 33, 34 may be in rows which are staggered or regular or random. With provision of spikes 32, 33, 34 of varying heights, it will be appreciated that the presented compression interlock response in terms of bias return strength is varied over the article compression depth range and so provides a further potential for design variation for specific article retention applications. Furthermore, by appropriate distribution of spikes within an article retainer arrangement comprising retainer pads, it will be appreciated that angular, ie. rectangular or square-shaped cartons may be more readily accommodated. Thus, lower height spikes may be provided for the corners of such rectangular or square cartons with longer spikes to engage the flat lateral surfaces between these carton corners with the result that such articles are more resiliently retained.

The embodiments described above principally include projections in the 5 form of spikes or similar corrugations to provide the compressive interlock layer for the retainer pad and therefore an article retainer arrangement in accordance with the present invention. However, as depicted in Figures 7 and 8, an alternative is to provide web or baffle projections which extend inwards of a recess perimeter 42.

In Figure 7, a plan view of this second embodiment of the present invention is depicted whilst in Figure 8 a side cross-section in the direction X-X is illustrated. Essentially, a plurality of radial webs 43 extend inwardly of a recess perimeter 42. These webs 43 are made from an elastomeric material of a similar type to that used with regard to previous retainer pads and in particular spikes 3, etc. Thus, the webs 43 compressively interlock with an article located within the recess perimeter 42 in order to resiliently secure that article. Normally, the webs 43 will only be secured about the recess periphery 42 such that radial deformation away from the centre of the recess is not inhibited by fastenings to the base of that recess. In such circumstances, -the webs 43 act in a similar fashion to the previous spikes or corrugations described above.

It will be appreciated that webs 43 can be arranged, as depicted in Figures 7 and 8, in a vertical configuration or, alternatively, adopt a horizontal configuration or a combination thereof.

From the above, it will be appreciated that the compressive interlock layer of the article retainer pad can be constructed from a range of projections such as spikes or dendritic members or webs or other structures. However, such structures must achieve a degree of shape memory which biases those structures towards a natural or relaxed perimeter expanded by article insertion. The compressive interlock layer is arranged to engage a proportion of an article surface irrespective of any irregularities in that surface or presentation of the article.

Each compressive interlock layer described above is typically of a passive nature in that the response of the materials from which the layer is formed is substantially uniform. However, it will be appreciated that if a retainer pad, and particularly as described in Figures 4 and 5 is used, then the spikes or corrugations could be made more erectile through excessive fluid pressure pumped into the gap 25 or cavity 16 in order to extend the height H or gap value g. Such action would adapt the compressive interlock depth and therefore a range of resilient retention of an article engaged by that compressive interlock layer. Such erectility could be achieved through a plunger or similar device and this plunger may be manually or automatically operated to achieve article retention.

It will be appreciated that an essential feature of the present invention is that the article retainer pad is secured within a recess of a motor vehicle in order to achieve an article retainer arrangement which can resiliently secure a range of articles of varying dimensions. Thus, the article retainer pad could be formed integrally with a recess moulding of that vehicle or could be a discrete component adhered through an adhesive to that recess or could be mechanically fastened through a latch or toggle or could simply achieve adequate retention through an interference fit within the recess.

Vaere the article retainer pad is a discrete item, it will be appreciated that it could constitute a proportion of a lining for a reciprocal recess or constitute an insert sock for that recess. It will be appreciated that a selection of article retainer pads in the form of linings or insert socks could be provided for a particular recess within a motor vehicle to accommodate different types of article, ie. sunglasses or beverage containers such as cups.

As indicated above, the article retainer pad will be made from elastomeric material such as silicon, natural or neoprene rubber. However, it will be understood that within the scope of the present invention, alternative materials can be utilised. For example, engagement spikes of limited compressibility could be secured upon a base layer of high elasticity compressibility such that all the compressive interlock functions of the compressive interlock layer is achieved through load transfer through those incompressible spikes to the underlying compressible base layer.

Furthermore, and as illustrated with regard to Figure 6, within a respective article retainer pad, several materials of different compressibility/erectabiltiy could be provided to achieve a differential response with compression depth in engagement with an article during use.

The article retainer pad could be arranged to achieve variation in elastic compressibility with temperature. Thus, with cold and/or hot drinks held within a beverage container, the compressive interlock layer through spikes or correlation or webs could be made stiffer at such elevated or reduced temperatures. Thus, the compressive interlock layer may thereby create a perimeter which is moulded to the article shape such that the beverage container is retained closely but not under too great a biascompression. Furthermore, in order to maintain beverage temperature, it Will be appreciated that the article retainer pad could be made to have a thermal insulative nature through appropriate choice of materials, etc.

The present invention, as indicated above achieves an article retainer arrangement which can accommodate a wider range of article dimensions without the necessity of having complicated mechanisms to ensure that excessive compression is not applied to an article such as a relatively easily deformable paper or plastic cup. Furthermore, the present invention allows bespoke alteration of an article retainer arrangement by an occupant of a vehicle depending upon the articles to be retained rather than a fixed compromise determined by the vehicle manufacturer in view of expected articles to be secured.

As indicated previously a principal use of the present invention is with regard to a cup holder for a motor vehicle and the present invention allows a previously moulded recess within a vehicle to be adapted to be such a cup 10 holder.

Claims (15)

-22CLAIMS

1. An article retainer pad comprising a compressive interlock layer arranged, in use, to associate with a structural surface or a similar compressive interlock layer within a recess of a motor vehicle to define clamp means therebetween configured to resiliently retain a range of article dimensions therein.

2. An article retainer arrangement for a motor vehicle, the arrangement comprising a recess with two opposed surfaces, at least one of said surfaces including a compressive interlock layer to associated with said other clamp surface to define clamp means therebetween and said clamp means configured to resiliently retain a range of article dimensions therein.

3. A retainer pad or retainer arrangement as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the compressive layer comprises a plurality of spike elements or dendritic elements or corrugations which extend inwardly of the recess in use to present the compressive interlock layer to an article.

4. A retainer pad or an article retainer arrangement as claimed in Claim I or Claim 2, wherein the compressive interlock layer comprises a plurality of webs which radiate inwardly of the recess in use to provide the compressive interlock layer presented to an article.

5. An article retainer arrangement as claimed in Claim 2 and any claim dependent thereon, wherein the compressive interlock layer is integral with the recess.

6. An article retainer arrangement as claimed in Claim 2 and any claim dependent thereon, wherein the compressive interlock layer is a discrete component secured to the recess through an adhesive or a mechanical fastening or through an interference fit within the recess.

7. An article retainer arrangement as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the compressive interlock layer is part of a lining or insert sock for the recess.

8. An article retainer pad or an article retainer arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the compressive interlock layer is formed from elastomeric material such as silicon rubber or neoprene rubber.

9. An article retainer pad or an article retainer arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the compressive interlock layer includes elements which have different compressibility and/or erectility in response to engagement with an article in use.

10. An article retainer pad or an article retainer arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the compressive interlock layer includes cavities or a gap which allows variation in the compressive interlock response of that compressive interlock layer through variation in the pressure or volume of air or fluid retained within said cavity or gap.

11. An article retainer pad or an article retainer arrangement wherein the compressive interlock layer varies in stiffness with temperature.

12. An article retainer pad or an article retainer arrangement, wherein the compressive interlock layer is thermally insulative.

13. An article retainer pad substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

14. An article arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

15. A motor vehicle including an article retainer pad or an article retainer arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim.