Patent ID: 6513687
Filing Date: 2003-02-04
Classification: B60N,Y10S

Abstract:
A breakaway swing-down cup holder assembly comprising:a support panel configured to be supported on an automotive interior structure; a cup tray supported on the support panel for pivotal motion between a generally horizontal deployed position and a generally vertical stowed position, the cup tray being shaped to support and hold upright a beverage container; a support arm connected to the cup tray and slidably received within an aperture in the support panel when the tray is in or between the deployed and stowed positions, the support arm being positioned to slide through the support panel aperture when the cup tray is pivoted between the stowed position and the deployed position; an arm retainer disposed on the support panel adjacent the aperture and configured to arrest downward cup tray movement at the deployed position by engaging and retaining a support arm detent of the support arm when the cup tray reaches the deployed position, the arm retainer and distal end being configured to allow the support arm detent to disengage from the arm retainer when a predetermined amount of downward force is applied to the cup tray to allow the tray to pivot downward past the deployed position without plastically deforming or breaking the tray, the support arm, the arm retainer or any associated structures; and the arm retainer and the support arm being configured and positioned such that upward pivoting of the cup tray following disengagement causes the support arm detent to re-engage the arm retainer thus allowing an automotive vehicle passenger to quickly and easily re-engage the support arm using a single motion of one hand and without having to directly manipulate the support arm.