US20140110420A1 - Adaptable bin with retractable cup holder - Google Patents
Adaptable bin with retractable cup holder Download PDFInfo
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- US20140110420A1 US20140110420A1 US13/654,472 US201213654472A US2014110420A1 US 20140110420 A1 US20140110420 A1 US 20140110420A1 US 201213654472 A US201213654472 A US 201213654472A US 2014110420 A1 US2014110420 A1 US 2014110420A1
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- Prior art keywords
- link
- bin
- cup holder
- deployed position
- adaptable
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N3/00—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for
- B60N3/10—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of receptacles for food or beverages, e.g. refrigerated
- B60N3/102—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of receptacles for food or beverages, e.g. refrigerated storable or foldable in a non-use position
Definitions
- This disclosure relates to storage bins and cup holders, particularly those used in vehicles.
- Storage bins may be used to hold various items in the vehicle, including electronics, vehicle accessories, or personal items.
- Some vehicles may include one or more cup holders designed to support and grasp liquid containers used by occupants within the vehicle.
- the adaptable bin having a retractable cup holder includes a bin wall and a bin floor.
- the bin wall and the bin floor define a storage volume, which substantially encapsulates the retractable cup holder.
- a plurality of spiral links are movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. At least one of the plurality of spiral links is operatively attached to one of the bin wall and the bin floor.
- a cup holder axis is defined by the plurality of spiral links, and each of the plurality of spiral links rotates about the cup holder axis between the stowed position and deployed position. The plurality of spiral links define the retractable cup holder when in their deployed positions.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric view of an adaptable bin holding two cups in two retractable cup holders
- FIG. 2 is a schematic isometric view of the adaptable bin of FIG. 1 , shown with the two cups removed to illustrate a plurality of spiral links that form the retractable cup holders;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic isometric view of the adaptable bin shown in FIG. 2 , with the spiral links moved into stowed positions to substantially free a storage volume;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic isometric view of a portion of the adaptable bin shown in FIGS. 1-3 and is shown with a top spiral link in a deployed position;
- FIG. 5A is a schematic isometric view of an intermediate spiral link, which may form portions of the retractable cup holders shown in FIGS. 1-4 ;
- FIG. 5B is a schematic exploded view of the intermediate spiral link shown in FIG. 5A , and illustrates one embodiment for constructing the intermediate spiral link;
- FIG. 6A is a schematic isometric view of the top spiral link, which may form portions of the retractable cup holders shown in FIGS. 1-4 ;
- FIG. 7 is a schematic isometric view of a portion of the adaptable bin, illustrated without the retractable cup holder.
- the adaptable bin 10 includes a bin wall 12 and a bin floor 14 , which cooperate to define a storage volume 16 .
- the bin wall 12 and the bin floor 14 are approximately perpendicular to one another.
- the bin wall 12 and the bin floor 14 need not be perpendicular and in many cases the bin wall 12 will have an obtuse angle relative to the bin floor 14 .
- the bin wall 12 and the bin floor 14 define the storage volume 16 .
- the storage volume 16 is illustratively shown by dashed lines approximating the edges of the storage volume 16 defined by the portions of the bin floor 14 and the bin wall 12 shown. Therefore, based upon the configuration of the bin wall 12 and the bin floor 14 , the storage volume 16 may vary in size and shape from that illustrated in the figures. Importantly, the storage volume 16 may be partially defined by adjacent components, some of which may function as, or form, portions of the bin wall 12 .
- the adaptable bin 10 is holding two liquid containers or cups 18 that are partially within the storage volume 16 .
- Each cup 18 is disposed within a retractable cup holder 20 (which may be referred to herein simply as a cup holder 20 ).
- cup holders 20 While two cup holders 20 are shown in FIG. 1 , additional or fewer cups 18 may be placed or stored within the storage volume 16 , depending upon the configuration and the number of cup holders 20 incorporated therein.
- the storage volume 16 substantially encapsulates both of the cup holders 20 , such that the retractable cup holders 20 selectively block or occupy a portion of the storage volume 16 .
- a cup holder axis 22 (which may be referred to herein simply as the axis 22 ) is substantially central to the cup holders 20 , which are generally formed by a plurality of rotating links or spiral links 30 .
- the cup holders 20 may be moved between retracted positions and deployed positions (as shown in FIG. 1 ).
- some of the spiral links 30 may be positioned slightly above the bin wall 12 , such that a small portion of the cup holders 20 may be above the storage volume 16 .
- each of the cup holders 20 is substantially symmetric about the holder axis 22 .
- one or more of the cup holders 20 may be asymmetric.
- the upper portion of the cup holder 20 may extend further from the bin wall 12 to allow for larger containers or for cups 18 having handles.
- FIG. 2 shows the adaptable bin 10 without the cups 18 , and better illustrates the cup holders 20 in an extended or deployed position.
- FIG. 3 shows the adaptable bin 10 with the cup holders 20 in a retracted or stowed position.
- FIG. 4 shows a portion of the adaptable bin 10 with the cup holder 20 between the extended and the retracted positions.
- Each of the spiral links 30 rotates about the axis 22 between a deployed position, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , and a stowed position, shown in FIG. 3 .
- the axis 22 and the cup holder 20 may be viewed as defined by the spiral links 30 when in the deployed position.
- the spiral links 30 are generally curved or have an arc shape. However, other shapes may effect the functions of the spiral links 30 to form the cup holder 20 , which are described herein.
- the cup holder 20 retracts substantially out of the storage volume 16 . Therefore, the storage volume 16 is substantially open and unimpeded by any structure for holding the cups 18 , such that the full storage volume 16 is available for other uses.
- the spiral links 30 are curved substantially-radially about the axis 22 .
- the stowed position, relative to the bin wall 12 is the same for all of the spiral links 30 , each of which is proximate to its neighboring (vertically-adjacent) spiral links 30 .
- each spiral link 30 In the deployed position, each spiral link 30 is distally-extended—or cantilevered—relative to the neighboring spiral links 30 , although portions of the spiral links 30 always remain touching in the deployed position, as shown in FIGS. 1-2 . All of the spiral links 30 define the axis 22 in both the stowed position and the deployed position.
- spiral links 30 may be very similar, but some of the spiral links 30 may have different features.
- spiral links 30 refers generally and collectively to all of the links forming the cup holders 20 . However, individual links may be separately identified based upon location, function, or both. The different spiral links 30 used in the specific cup holder 20 shown in the figures will be described herein with reference the position or function of spiral links 30 forming the cup holder 20 .
- the cup holder 20 on the right may be deployed by rotating the spiral links 30 clockwise.
- the cup holder 20 on the left may be deployed by rotating the spiral links 30 counterclockwise.
- both cup holders 20 may rotate in the same direction, such that the components may be substantially identical, as opposed to mirrored, between the cup holders 20 .
- a first link 31 is operatively attached to one of the bin wall 12 and the bin floor 14 .
- the first link 31 may be referred to as a bottom link.
- the first link 31 is movable between a stowed position adjacent to the bin wall 12 , as shown in FIG. 3 , and a deployed position away from the bin wall 12 , as shown in FIGS. 1-2 .
- a second link 32 is operatively attached to the first link 31 .
- the second link 32 is attached to the top of the first link 31 .
- the second link 32 may be referred to as an intermediate link.
- Numerical designation as first, second, or otherwise, of any components are not limiting, and components or elements may be numbered randomly or consecutively from any beginning position.
- the second link 32 is movable between a stowed position, as shown in FIG. 3 , and a deployed position as shown in FIGS. 1-2 .
- the deployed position changes the location of the second link 32 relative to both the bin wall 12 and to the first link 31 .
- the first link 31 and the second link 32 both rotate about the axis 22 between the respective stowed positions and deployed positions. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , in the deployed position the first link 31 is rotated approximately ninety degrees about the axis 22 from its stowed position, and the second link 32 is rotated approximately one-hundred and eighty degrees.
- the additional spiral links 30 in the cup holder 20 shown in the figures may be referred to as a third link 33 , a fourth link 34 , a fifth link 35 , a sixth link 36 , a seventh link 37 , and an eighth link 38 .
- the first link 31 may be referred to as a bottom link
- the second link 32 through the seventh link 37 may be referred to as intermediate links
- the eighth link 38 may be referred to as a top link.
- the first link 31 through the seventh link 37 are substantially identical, but the eighth link 38 is slightly different.
- FIGS. 5A and 5B there are shown additional views of the second link 32 .
- FIG. 5A shows an isometric view of the second link 32
- FIG. 5B shows an exploded view of the second link 32 .
- the first link 31 is also substantially identical to the second link 32 . Therefore, the description of the second link 32 , and all of the features shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B , applies equally to the first link 31 . While only the interactions between the first link 31 and the second link 32 are described in detail, the description applies equally to each of the third through seventh links 33 - 37 . As will be described further herein, the eighth link 38 and the seventh link 37 also interact and move relative to each other similarly to the second link 32 and the first link 31 .
- first link 31 and the second link 32 include an upper mating feature on an upper side 40 thereof. Furthermore, the first link 31 and the second link 32 include a lower mating feature on a lower side 41 thereof.
- the lower mating feature of the second link 32 is configured to cooperate with the upper mating feature of the first link 31 . Therefore, the second link 32 moves between the stowed position and the deployed position by sliding either the lower mating feature or the upper mating feature relative to the other.
- the upper mating feature is a pin slot 42 and the lower mating feature is a pin 43 .
- the pin 43 is on the upper side 40 and the pin slot 42 is on the lower side 41 .
- the pin 43 slides relative to the pin slot 42 of the first link 31 . Furthermore, the pin slot 42 substantially encases the pin 43 .
- the first link 31 may not be substantially identical to the second link 32 .
- the lower side 41 of the first link 31 may be substantially flat to facilitate simply sliding along the bin floor 14 , instead of interacting with features of the bin floor 14 .
- a first detent 44 is formed in the pin slot 42 and extends toward the pin 43 .
- the first detent 44 is disposed in the pin slot 42 adjacent to the location of the pin 43 in the stowed position and restricts movement of the pin 43 , and the link to which it is attached, away from the deployed position. Therefore, the first detent 44 impedes movement of the pin 43 through the pin slot 42 as the second link 32 moves between the deployed and stowed positions relative to the first link 31 .
- the first detent 44 restricts movement from the stowed position to the deployed position, and assists in keeping the cup holder 20 retracted.
- a second detent 45 may be formed in the pin slot 42 .
- the second detent 45 is shown in phantom FIG. 5B and is largely hidden from view in the other figures, but may be substantially identical to the first detent 44 .
- the second detent 45 extends toward the pin 43 and impedes movement of the pin 43 through the pin slot 42 .
- the second detent 45 restrains the second link 32 from moving from the deployed position to the stowed position, and assists in keeping the cup holder 20 extended.
- the third link 33 is substantially identical to the second link 32 and operatively attaches to the upper mating feature (the pin slot 43 ) of the second link 32 .
- the third link 33 is similarly movable between a stowed position and a deployed position relative to the bin wall 12 and to the second link 32 .
- the fourth link 34 is also substantially identical to the second link 32 and operatively attached to the top of the third link 33 , and is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position relative to the third link 33 . As best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the fourth link 34 makes one complete rotation about the axis 22 when deployed. Therefore, relative to the bin wall 12 , the deployed position of the fourth link 34 is the same as the stowed position. However, relative to the third link 33 , the deployed position of the fourth link 34 is different than the stowed position.
- first link 31 and the second link 32 include additional mating features.
- the first link 31 further includes a track 46 on the upper side 40
- the second link 32 further includes a track slot 47 or track receptacle on the lower side 41 .
- the track slot 47 is configured to slidably receive the track 46 of the first link 31 , such that the second link 32 moves between the stowed position and the deployed position by sliding along the track 46 of the first link 31 .
- the track 46 of the first link 31 In the stowed position, the track 46 of the first link 31 substantially fills the track slot 47 of the second link 32 , but only a portion of the track 46 is retained within the track slot 47 in the deployed position.
- the track 46 and the track slot 47 add support as the second link 32 cantilevers relative to the first link 31 in the deployed position. In this embodiment, these features are used together with the pin slot 42 and the pin 43 . However, in other embodiments, the track 46 and the track slot 47 may be the only supportive or restrictive features of the first link 31 and the second link 32 .
- the pins 43 are single-spot columns, which cooperate with the first detent 44 and the second detent 45 to restrain movement when the spiral links 30 are in either the stowed or the deployed positions.
- the tracks 46 run along substantially the entire length of the spiral links 30 and provide cantilever support and guidance when spiral links 30 rotate to the deployed position.
- the pin slot 42 , the pins 43 , the tracks 46 , and the track slots 47 may all be considered mating features.
- the track slots 47 are open at the ends of the spiral links 30 , but the pin slots 42 are closed, such that movement of the adjacent spiral links 30 are limited by the pin slots 42 .
- the intermediate links may be formed in multiple pieces, as shown in the exploded view of the second link 32 in FIG. 5B . There may be manufacturability gains from the multi-piece design of the embodiment shown.
- the second link 32 is formed from an upper piece 50 , which includes the upper surface 40 , and a lower piece 51 , which includes the lower surface 41 . As shown, the second link 32 may also include a bumper 52 , which may be formed from rubber or comparable materials. The bumper 52 is more flexible than the upper piece 50 or the lower piece 51 , and may provide improved contact between the cups 18 and the cup holders 20 .
- the pin 43 extends downward from the lower piece 51 .
- the pin slot 42 is formed in, and defined by, the upper piece 50 , which also forms the track 46 . Both the upper piece 50 and the lower piece 51 define the track slot 47 .
- FIGS. 6A and 6B there are shown two views of the eighth link.
- FIG. 6A shows an isometric view the eighth link 38
- FIG. 6B shows an exploded view of the eighth link 38 .
- the first link 31 through the seventh link 37 are substantially identical in the embodiment shown in the figures.
- the eighth link 38 does not include all of the features of the other spiral links 30 .
- the eighth link 38 does not include the pin slot 42 and does not include the track 46 on the upper side 40 . Because there are no additional spiral links 30 above the eight link 38 , it does not include any of the upper mating features. Instead, a flat upper piece 54 replaces the upper piece 50 of the seventh link 37 .
- the lower piece 51 may be identical for the eighth link 38 and the remaining spiral links 30 , such that the eighth link 38 includes the pin 43 and the track slot 47 .
- the eighth link 38 also includes a bumper 52 .
- the eighth link 38 may include indicators to direct vehicle occupants on operation of the cup holders 20 . Additionally, the eighth link 38 may include finger grips 56 , tabs, or pulls to assist in gripping the eighth link 38 and moving the cup holders 20 between the extended and retracted positions.
- FIG. 7 there is shown an isometric view of a portion of the adaptable bin 10 with the cup holder 20 hidden from view.
- the bin wall 12 and the bin floor 14 may include features to assist in moving the spiral links 30 between the stowed and the deployed positions.
- a plurality of guide rails 60 are formed on the bin wall 12 . These guide rails 60 provide support for all of the spiral links 30 in the stowed positions and provide direct support for the fourth link 34 and the eighth link 38 in the deployed position.
- a support boss 61 is formed in the bin floor 14 .
- the support boss 61 provides support for the first link 31 in the deployed position by preventing the first link 31 from being completely cantilevered. Furthermore, the support boss 61 may act as a detent feature to keep the first link 31 in the deployed position.
- the support boss 61 may be a cluster or plurality of small features, such as nubs, detents, or indentions.
- a floor pin slot 62 cooperates with the pin 43 of the first link.
- the floor pin slot 62 also includes a first floor detent 64 and a second floor detent 65 , both of which may function similarly to the first detent 44 and the second detent 45 on the upper side 40 of the intermediate links.
- a floor track 66 similarly cooperates with the track slot 47 of the first link 31 .
- the second floor detent 65 shown in FIG. 7 also illustrates the second detent 45 of the second link 32 , which is hidden from view in the figures.
- the cup holders 20 of the adaptable bin 10 may be taken from the refracted position, as shown in FIG. 3 , to the extended position, as shown in FIGS. 1-2 , by moving at least some of the spiral links 30 from their respective stowed positions to their respective deployed positions.
- FIG. 4 represents the cup holder 20 just as the operator is beginning to pull the eighth link 38 toward the deployed position and extending the cup holder 20 .
- first link 31 , the second link 32 , the third link 33 , and the fourth link 34 are offset by substantially ninety degrees about the axis 22 in the deployed position.
- fifth link 35 , the sixth link 36 , the seventh link 37 , and the eighth link 38 are offset by substantially ninety degrees about the axis 22 in the deployed position.
- the fourth link 34 rotates fully once and returns to the same position relative to the bin wall 12 .
- the eighth link 38 rotates about the axis 22 twice and then returns to the same position relative to the bin wall 12 . Therefore, to fully expand the retractable cup holders 20 , the operator pulls or rotates the eighth link 38 to make two rotations about the axis 22 , and each of the lower spiral links 30 are pulled around behind the eight link 38 until each of the spiral links 30 reaches its respective deployed position.
- the fourth link 34 and the eighth link 38 may be connected by a vertical member.
- pulling the eighth link 38 open, as shown in FIG. 4 would also pull the fourth link 34 . Therefore, the operator would only pull the eighth link 38 one rotation about the axis.
- the eighth link 38 would consecutively pull the seventh link 37 , the sixth link 36 , and the fifth link 35 , but the fourth link 34 —through its vertical connection to the eighth link 38 —would pull the third link 33 , the second link 32 , and the first link 31 .
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Abstract
Description
- This disclosure relates to storage bins and cup holders, particularly those used in vehicles.
- Storage bins may be used to hold various items in the vehicle, including electronics, vehicle accessories, or personal items. Some vehicles may include one or more cup holders designed to support and grasp liquid containers used by occupants within the vehicle.
- An adaptable bin having a retractable cup holder is provided. The adaptable bin includes a bin wall and a bin floor. The bin wall and the bin floor define a storage volume, which substantially encapsulates the retractable cup holder.
- A plurality of spiral links are movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. At least one of the plurality of spiral links is operatively attached to one of the bin wall and the bin floor. A cup holder axis is defined by the plurality of spiral links, and each of the plurality of spiral links rotates about the cup holder axis between the stowed position and deployed position. The plurality of spiral links define the retractable cup holder when in their deployed positions.
- The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages, of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the invention, which is defined solely by the appended claims, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric view of an adaptable bin holding two cups in two retractable cup holders; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic isometric view of the adaptable bin ofFIG. 1 , shown with the two cups removed to illustrate a plurality of spiral links that form the retractable cup holders; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic isometric view of the adaptable bin shown inFIG. 2 , with the spiral links moved into stowed positions to substantially free a storage volume; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic isometric view of a portion of the adaptable bin shown inFIGS. 1-3 and is shown with a top spiral link in a deployed position; -
FIG. 5A is a schematic isometric view of an intermediate spiral link, which may form portions of the retractable cup holders shown inFIGS. 1-4 ; -
FIG. 5B is a schematic exploded view of the intermediate spiral link shown inFIG. 5A , and illustrates one embodiment for constructing the intermediate spiral link; -
FIG. 6A is a schematic isometric view of the top spiral link, which may form portions of the retractable cup holders shown inFIGS. 1-4 ; -
FIG. 6B is a schematic exploded view of the top spiral link shown inFIG. 6A , and illustrates one embodiment for constructing the top spiral link; and -
FIG. 7 is a schematic isometric view of a portion of the adaptable bin, illustrated without the retractable cup holder. - Referring to the drawings, like reference numbers correspond to like or similar components wherever possible throughout the several figures.
FIG. 1 shows anadaptable bin 10 for a vehicle (not shown). Theadaptable bin 10 may be located in the passenger compartment or elsewhere within the vehicle. - While the present invention may be described with respect to automotive or vehicular applications, those skilled in the art will recognize the broader applicability of the invention. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” et cetera, are used descriptively of the figures, and do not represent limitations on the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims. Any numerical designations, such as “first” or “second” are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
- Features shown in one figure may be combined with, substituted for, or modified by, features shown in any of the figures. Unless stated otherwise, no features, elements, or limitations are mutually exclusive of any other features, elements, or limitations. Any specific configurations shown in the figures are illustrative only and the specific configurations shown are not limiting of the claims or the description. All elements may be mixed and matched between figures.
- The
adaptable bin 10 includes abin wall 12 and abin floor 14, which cooperate to define astorage volume 16. In the configuration shown, thebin wall 12 and thebin floor 14 are approximately perpendicular to one another. However, thebin wall 12 and thebin floor 14 need not be perpendicular and in many cases thebin wall 12 will have an obtuse angle relative to thebin floor 14. - Depending upon the configuration of the
adaptable bin 10, there may be a portion of thebin wall 12 removed from view inFIG. 1 or theadaptable bin 10 may butt against adjacent components, which may act as portions of thebin wall 12. Alternatively, the portion of theadaptable bin 10 shown may be only a portion of a largeradaptable bin 10 with thebin wall 12 and thebin floor 14 extending further out of the view plane or mirroring what is shown in the figures. Thebin wall 12 and thebin floor 14 are shown intersecting at substantially right angles. However, many production versions of theadaptable bin 10 will include fillets, bosses, or protrusions into thestorage volume 16 at the intersection of thebin wall 12 and thebin floor 14. - The
bin wall 12 and thebin floor 14 define thestorage volume 16. Thestorage volume 16 is illustratively shown by dashed lines approximating the edges of thestorage volume 16 defined by the portions of thebin floor 14 and thebin wall 12 shown. Therefore, based upon the configuration of thebin wall 12 and thebin floor 14, thestorage volume 16 may vary in size and shape from that illustrated in the figures. Importantly, thestorage volume 16 may be partially defined by adjacent components, some of which may function as, or form, portions of thebin wall 12. - In
FIG. 1 , theadaptable bin 10 is holding two liquid containers orcups 18 that are partially within thestorage volume 16. Eachcup 18 is disposed within a retractable cup holder 20 (which may be referred to herein simply as a cup holder 20). - While two
cup holders 20 are shown inFIG. 1 , additional orfewer cups 18 may be placed or stored within thestorage volume 16, depending upon the configuration and the number ofcup holders 20 incorporated therein. Thestorage volume 16 substantially encapsulates both of thecup holders 20, such that theretractable cup holders 20 selectively block or occupy a portion of thestorage volume 16. - A cup holder axis 22 (which may be referred to herein simply as the axis 22) is substantially central to the
cup holders 20, which are generally formed by a plurality of rotating links orspiral links 30. Thecup holders 20 may be moved between retracted positions and deployed positions (as shown inFIG. 1 ). In some embodiments of theadaptable bin 10, some of thespiral links 30 may be positioned slightly above thebin wall 12, such that a small portion of thecup holders 20 may be above thestorage volume 16. - In the
adaptable bin 10 shown, each of thecup holders 20 is substantially symmetric about theholder axis 22. However, one or more of thecup holders 20 may be asymmetric. For example, the upper portion of thecup holder 20 may extend further from thebin wall 12 to allow for larger containers or forcups 18 having handles. - Referring also to
FIG. 2 ,FIG. 3 , andFIG. 4 , and with continued reference toFIG. 1 , there are shown additional views of theadaptable bin 10.FIG. 2 shows theadaptable bin 10 without thecups 18, and better illustrates thecup holders 20 in an extended or deployed position.FIG. 3 shows theadaptable bin 10 with thecup holders 20 in a retracted or stowed position.FIG. 4 shows a portion of theadaptable bin 10 with thecup holder 20 between the extended and the retracted positions. - Each of the spiral links 30 rotates about the
axis 22 between a deployed position, shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , and a stowed position, shown inFIG. 3 . Theaxis 22 and thecup holder 20 may be viewed as defined by the spiral links 30 when in the deployed position. The spiral links 30 are generally curved or have an arc shape. However, other shapes may effect the functions of the spiral links 30 to form thecup holder 20, which are described herein. - When the spiral links 30 are in the stowed position, the
cup holder 20 retracts substantially out of thestorage volume 16. Therefore, thestorage volume 16 is substantially open and unimpeded by any structure for holding thecups 18, such that thefull storage volume 16 is available for other uses. - As illustrated in the figures, the spiral links 30 are curved substantially-radially about the
axis 22. The stowed position, relative to thebin wall 12, is the same for all of the spiral links 30, each of which is proximate to its neighboring (vertically-adjacent) spiral links 30. In the deployed position, eachspiral link 30 is distally-extended—or cantilevered—relative to the neighboring spiral links 30, although portions of the spiral links 30 always remain touching in the deployed position, as shown inFIGS. 1-2 . All of the spiral links 30 define theaxis 22 in both the stowed position and the deployed position. - Each of the spiral links 30 may be very similar, but some of the spiral links 30 may have different features. As used herein, spiral links 30 refers generally and collectively to all of the links forming the
cup holders 20. However, individual links may be separately identified based upon location, function, or both. Thedifferent spiral links 30 used in thespecific cup holder 20 shown in the figures will be described herein with reference the position or function ofspiral links 30 forming thecup holder 20. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , thecup holder 20 on the right (as viewed in the figure) may be deployed by rotating the spiral links 30 clockwise. However, thecup holder 20 on the left (as viewed in the figure) may be deployed by rotating the spiral links 30 counterclockwise. Alternatively, bothcup holders 20 may rotate in the same direction, such that the components may be substantially identical, as opposed to mirrored, between thecup holders 20. - A
first link 31 is operatively attached to one of thebin wall 12 and thebin floor 14. Thefirst link 31 may be referred to as a bottom link. Thefirst link 31 is movable between a stowed position adjacent to thebin wall 12, as shown inFIG. 3 , and a deployed position away from thebin wall 12, as shown inFIGS. 1-2 . - A
second link 32 is operatively attached to thefirst link 31. In theexemplary cup holder 20 shown in the figures, thesecond link 32 is attached to the top of thefirst link 31. Thesecond link 32 may be referred to as an intermediate link. Numerical designation as first, second, or otherwise, of any components are not limiting, and components or elements may be numbered randomly or consecutively from any beginning position. - The
second link 32 is movable between a stowed position, as shown inFIG. 3 , and a deployed position as shown inFIGS. 1-2 . The deployed position changes the location of thesecond link 32 relative to both thebin wall 12 and to thefirst link 31. - The
first link 31 and thesecond link 32 both rotate about theaxis 22 between the respective stowed positions and deployed positions. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , in the deployed position thefirst link 31 is rotated approximately ninety degrees about theaxis 22 from its stowed position, and thesecond link 32 is rotated approximately one-hundred and eighty degrees. - The
additional spiral links 30 in thecup holder 20 shown in the figures may be referred to as athird link 33, afourth link 34, afifth link 35, asixth link 36, aseventh link 37, and aneighth link 38. Thefirst link 31 may be referred to as a bottom link, thesecond link 32 through theseventh link 37 may be referred to as intermediate links, and theeighth link 38 may be referred to as a top link. In the embodiment shown in the figures, thefirst link 31 through theseventh link 37 are substantially identical, but theeighth link 38 is slightly different. - Referring now to
FIGS. 5A and 5B , and with continued reference toFIGS. 1-4 , there are shown additional views of thesecond link 32. Features of thesecond link 32, and any of the other intermediate links, may be more apparent with reference toFIG. 5A , which shows an isometric view of thesecond link 32, andFIG. 5B , which shows an exploded view of thesecond link 32. - In the embodiment of the
adaptable bin 10 and thecup holders 20 shown in the figures, thefirst link 31 is also substantially identical to thesecond link 32. Therefore, the description of thesecond link 32, and all of the features shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B , applies equally to thefirst link 31. While only the interactions between thefirst link 31 and thesecond link 32 are described in detail, the description applies equally to each of the third through seventh links 33-37. As will be described further herein, theeighth link 38 and theseventh link 37 also interact and move relative to each other similarly to thesecond link 32 and thefirst link 31. - To assist in supporting the
second link 32 relative to thefirst link 31, or other adjacent links, thefirst link 31 and thesecond link 32 include an upper mating feature on anupper side 40 thereof. Furthermore, thefirst link 31 and thesecond link 32 include a lower mating feature on alower side 41 thereof. - The lower mating feature of the
second link 32 is configured to cooperate with the upper mating feature of thefirst link 31. Therefore, thesecond link 32 moves between the stowed position and the deployed position by sliding either the lower mating feature or the upper mating feature relative to the other. - In this configuration of the
first link 31 and thesecond link 32, the upper mating feature is apin slot 42 and the lower mating feature is apin 43. Note however, that these features could be reversed, such that thepin 43 is on theupper side 40 and thepin slot 42 is on thelower side 41. - In the embodiment shown, the
pin 43 slides relative to thepin slot 42 of thefirst link 31. Furthermore, thepin slot 42 substantially encases thepin 43. - In an alternative embodiment, the
first link 31 may not be substantially identical to thesecond link 32. For example, thelower side 41 of thefirst link 31 may be substantially flat to facilitate simply sliding along thebin floor 14, instead of interacting with features of thebin floor 14. - A
first detent 44 is formed in thepin slot 42 and extends toward thepin 43. Thefirst detent 44 is disposed in thepin slot 42 adjacent to the location of thepin 43 in the stowed position and restricts movement of thepin 43, and the link to which it is attached, away from the deployed position. Therefore, thefirst detent 44 impedes movement of thepin 43 through thepin slot 42 as thesecond link 32 moves between the deployed and stowed positions relative to thefirst link 31. In the embodiment shown, thefirst detent 44 restricts movement from the stowed position to the deployed position, and assists in keeping thecup holder 20 retracted. - A
second detent 45 may be formed in thepin slot 42. Thesecond detent 45 is shown in phantomFIG. 5B and is largely hidden from view in the other figures, but may be substantially identical to thefirst detent 44. Thesecond detent 45 extends toward thepin 43 and impedes movement of thepin 43 through thepin slot 42. Thesecond detent 45 restrains thesecond link 32 from moving from the deployed position to the stowed position, and assists in keeping thecup holder 20 extended. - As can be understood from the foregoing, the
third link 33 is substantially identical to thesecond link 32 and operatively attaches to the upper mating feature (the pin slot 43) of thesecond link 32. Thethird link 33 is similarly movable between a stowed position and a deployed position relative to thebin wall 12 and to thesecond link 32. - The
fourth link 34 is also substantially identical to thesecond link 32 and operatively attached to the top of thethird link 33, and is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position relative to thethird link 33. As best illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3 , thefourth link 34 makes one complete rotation about theaxis 22 when deployed. Therefore, relative to thebin wall 12, the deployed position of thefourth link 34 is the same as the stowed position. However, relative to thethird link 33, the deployed position of thefourth link 34 is different than the stowed position. - To assist in supporting the
second link 32 relative to thefirst link 31, or other adjacent links, thefirst link 31 and thesecond link 32 include additional mating features. Thefirst link 31 further includes atrack 46 on theupper side 40, and thesecond link 32 further includes atrack slot 47 or track receptacle on thelower side 41. - The
track slot 47 is configured to slidably receive thetrack 46 of thefirst link 31, such that thesecond link 32 moves between the stowed position and the deployed position by sliding along thetrack 46 of thefirst link 31. In the stowed position, thetrack 46 of thefirst link 31 substantially fills thetrack slot 47 of thesecond link 32, but only a portion of thetrack 46 is retained within thetrack slot 47 in the deployed position. - The
track 46 and thetrack slot 47 add support as thesecond link 32 cantilevers relative to thefirst link 31 in the deployed position. In this embodiment, these features are used together with thepin slot 42 and thepin 43. However, in other embodiments, thetrack 46 and thetrack slot 47 may be the only supportive or restrictive features of thefirst link 31 and thesecond link 32. - In the embodiment shown in the figures, the
pins 43 are single-spot columns, which cooperate with thefirst detent 44 and thesecond detent 45 to restrain movement when the spiral links 30 are in either the stowed or the deployed positions. Thetracks 46 run along substantially the entire length of the spiral links 30 and provide cantilever support and guidance when spiral links 30 rotate to the deployed position. Thepin slot 42, thepins 43, thetracks 46, and thetrack slots 47 may all be considered mating features. Thetrack slots 47 are open at the ends of the spiral links 30, but thepin slots 42 are closed, such that movement of theadjacent spiral links 30 are limited by thepin slots 42. - The intermediate links may be formed in multiple pieces, as shown in the exploded view of the
second link 32 inFIG. 5B . There may be manufacturability gains from the multi-piece design of the embodiment shown. - The
second link 32 is formed from anupper piece 50, which includes theupper surface 40, and alower piece 51, which includes thelower surface 41. As shown, thesecond link 32 may also include abumper 52, which may be formed from rubber or comparable materials. Thebumper 52 is more flexible than theupper piece 50 or thelower piece 51, and may provide improved contact between thecups 18 and thecup holders 20. - The
pin 43 extends downward from thelower piece 51. Thepin slot 42 is formed in, and defined by, theupper piece 50, which also forms thetrack 46. Both theupper piece 50 and thelower piece 51 define thetrack slot 47. - Referring now to
FIGS. 6A and 6B , and with continued reference toFIGS. 1-5B , there are shown two views of the eighth link.FIG. 6A shows an isometric view theeighth link 38, andFIG. 6B shows an exploded view of theeighth link 38. Thefirst link 31 through theseventh link 37 are substantially identical in the embodiment shown in the figures. However, theeighth link 38 does not include all of the features of the other spiral links 30. - The
eighth link 38 does not include thepin slot 42 and does not include thetrack 46 on theupper side 40. Because there are noadditional spiral links 30 above the eightlink 38, it does not include any of the upper mating features. Instead, a flatupper piece 54 replaces theupper piece 50 of theseventh link 37. - The
lower piece 51 may be identical for theeighth link 38 and the remaining spiral links 30, such that theeighth link 38 includes thepin 43 and thetrack slot 47. Theeighth link 38 also includes abumper 52. - The
eighth link 38 may include indicators to direct vehicle occupants on operation of thecup holders 20. Additionally, theeighth link 38 may include finger grips 56, tabs, or pulls to assist in gripping theeighth link 38 and moving thecup holders 20 between the extended and retracted positions. - Referring now to
FIG. 7 , and with continued reference toFIGS. 1-6B , there is shown an isometric view of a portion of theadaptable bin 10 with thecup holder 20 hidden from view. As shown inFIG. 7 , thebin wall 12 and thebin floor 14 may include features to assist in moving the spiral links 30 between the stowed and the deployed positions. - A plurality of
guide rails 60 are formed on thebin wall 12. These guide rails 60 provide support for all of the spiral links 30 in the stowed positions and provide direct support for thefourth link 34 and theeighth link 38 in the deployed position. - A
support boss 61 is formed in thebin floor 14. Thesupport boss 61 provides support for thefirst link 31 in the deployed position by preventing thefirst link 31 from being completely cantilevered. Furthermore, thesupport boss 61 may act as a detent feature to keep thefirst link 31 in the deployed position. Thesupport boss 61 may be a cluster or plurality of small features, such as nubs, detents, or indentions. - Several of the features of the
adaptable bin 10 match those of theupper surface 40 of thefirst link 31. Afloor pin slot 62 cooperates with thepin 43 of the first link. Thefloor pin slot 62 also includes afirst floor detent 64 and asecond floor detent 65, both of which may function similarly to thefirst detent 44 and thesecond detent 45 on theupper side 40 of the intermediate links. Afloor track 66 similarly cooperates with thetrack slot 47 of thefirst link 31. Note that thesecond floor detent 65 shown inFIG. 7 also illustrates thesecond detent 45 of thesecond link 32, which is hidden from view in the figures. - In operation, the
cup holders 20 of theadaptable bin 10 may be taken from the refracted position, as shown inFIG. 3 , to the extended position, as shown inFIGS. 1-2 , by moving at least some of the spiral links 30 from their respective stowed positions to their respective deployed positions.FIG. 4 represents thecup holder 20 just as the operator is beginning to pull theeighth link 38 toward the deployed position and extending thecup holder 20. - In their deployed positions, the
first link 31, thesecond link 32, thethird link 33, and thefourth link 34 are offset by substantially ninety degrees about theaxis 22 in the deployed position. Similarly, thefifth link 35, thesixth link 36, theseventh link 37, and theeighth link 38 are offset by substantially ninety degrees about theaxis 22 in the deployed position. - When moving from the stowed to the deployed position, the
fourth link 34 rotates fully once and returns to the same position relative to thebin wall 12. When moving from the stowed to the deployed position, theeighth link 38 rotates about theaxis 22 twice and then returns to the same position relative to thebin wall 12. Therefore, to fully expand theretractable cup holders 20, the operator pulls or rotates theeighth link 38 to make two rotations about theaxis 22, and each of thelower spiral links 30 are pulled around behind the eightlink 38 until each of the spiral links 30 reaches its respective deployed position. - In an alternative embodiment, which is not shown, the
fourth link 34 and theeighth link 38 may be connected by a vertical member. In such an embodiment, pulling theeighth link 38 open, as shown inFIG. 4 , would also pull thefourth link 34. Therefore, the operator would only pull theeighth link 38 one rotation about the axis. Theeighth link 38 would consecutively pull theseventh link 37, thesixth link 36, and thefifth link 35, but thefourth link 34—through its vertical connection to theeighth link 38—would pull thethird link 33, thesecond link 32, and thefirst link 31. - The detailed description and the drawings or figures are supportive and descriptive of the invention, but the scope of the invention is defined solely by the claims. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the claimed invention have been described in detail, various alternative designs, configurations, and embodiments exist for practicing the invention defined in the appended claims.
Claims (19)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/654,472 US8695843B1 (en) | 2012-10-18 | 2012-10-18 | Adaptable bin with retractable cup holder |
CN201310492136.4A CN103770681B (en) | 2012-10-18 | 2013-10-18 | There is the adaptability basket of recoverable cup keeper |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/654,472 US8695843B1 (en) | 2012-10-18 | 2012-10-18 | Adaptable bin with retractable cup holder |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US8695843B1 US8695843B1 (en) | 2014-04-15 |
US20140110420A1 true US20140110420A1 (en) | 2014-04-24 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/654,472 Expired - Fee Related US8695843B1 (en) | 2012-10-18 | 2012-10-18 | Adaptable bin with retractable cup holder |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US8695843B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN103770681B (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102014104650B4 (en) * | 2013-04-08 | 2020-03-12 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC (n. d. Gesetzen des Staates Delaware) | Cup holder and customizable container with such a cup holder |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9248770B2 (en) | 2013-04-08 | 2016-02-02 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Adaptable bin with rotating cup holder |
US9643525B2 (en) * | 2015-04-20 | 2017-05-09 | Inoac Usa, Inc. | Device for holding a container |
US10183603B2 (en) | 2016-01-26 | 2019-01-22 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Armrest with deployable cup holder |
US9931969B1 (en) * | 2017-02-02 | 2018-04-03 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Adjustable cupholder |
US20190084463A1 (en) * | 2017-09-20 | 2019-03-21 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Beverage container holder assembly |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE4404078A1 (en) * | 1994-02-09 | 1995-08-10 | Fischer Artur Werke Gmbh | Device for holding beverage containers, drinking vessels or the like |
DE4429515C1 (en) * | 1994-08-19 | 1995-11-16 | Fischer Artur Werke Gmbh | Device for holding two beverage containers in the center console of a motor vehicle |
US5634621A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1997-06-03 | Manchester Plastics, Inc. | Three-stage dual cup holder |
DE19950889A1 (en) * | 1999-10-22 | 2001-04-26 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag | Holder for drinks container in automobile has reception opening defined by pivoted lamalla elements adjusted to suit size of drinks container |
US6732894B2 (en) * | 1999-12-15 | 2004-05-11 | Lear Corporation | Vehicle cup holder arm assembly |
DE10159461B4 (en) * | 2001-12-04 | 2005-03-03 | Preh Gmbh | Device for holding containers, in particular beverage containers |
JP2004074904A (en) * | 2002-08-15 | 2004-03-11 | Kanto Auto Works Ltd | Cup holder |
CN100534361C (en) * | 2003-07-25 | 2009-09-02 | 蓝永辉 | Adjustable cup holder |
KR100513677B1 (en) * | 2003-10-02 | 2005-09-08 | 현대자동차주식회사 | Cup holder for automobile |
-
2012
- 2012-10-18 US US13/654,472 patent/US8695843B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2013
- 2013-10-18 CN CN201310492136.4A patent/CN103770681B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102014104650B4 (en) * | 2013-04-08 | 2020-03-12 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC (n. d. Gesetzen des Staates Delaware) | Cup holder and customizable container with such a cup holder |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN103770681B (en) | 2017-03-01 |
US8695843B1 (en) | 2014-04-15 |
CN103770681A (en) | 2014-05-07 |
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