Cup holder assembly

A receptacle for a vehicle interior is configured to provide light from a light source. The receptacle includes a base, a wall extending from the base to form an opening and providing an outlet into the opening, a guide for transmitting light along the base, and a guide for transmitting light along the wall. When light is provided beneath the base by the light source, light is transmitted through the guide along the base and into the guide along the wall.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates generally to vehicle interior components, and more specifically, to an illuminated cup holder assembly.

Cup holders may be positioned throughout a vehicle interior for securing beverage containers. For example, the center console, armrests, door panels, or other interior structures of the vehicle may include one or more cup holders. Certain cup holder configurations include a recess disposed within the interior structure, and a liner inserted within the recess. The liner is configured to secure the beverage container within the recess, thereby limiting movement of the beverage container during vehicle operation. Typical cup holders may accommodate a variety of cups, cans, bottles, and the like.

Certain cup holders include ambient lighting to increase the visibility of the cup holder and/or the beverage container in dark conditions (e.g., while driving at night). For example, certain cup holders may include a lit ring extending about the circumference of the cup holder to enhance the visibility of the cup holder in dark conditions. The lit ring may be illuminated by multiple light sources distributed about the ring. However, the distributed light sources may cause the lit ring to emit light with varying intensities. For example, a region of the lit ring proximate to a light source may emit light with a greater intensity than a region remote from the light source. Accordingly, the aesthetic appearance of the cup holder may be reduced. In addition, providing multiple light sources, and their associated electrical circuits (e.g., circuit boards, driving components, etc.), may significantly increase the cost of the cup holder.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a receptacle for a vehicle interior is configured to provide light from a light source. The receptacle includes a base, a wall extending from the base to form an opening and providing an outlet into the opening, a guide for transmitting light along the base, and a guide for transmitting light along the wall. When light is provided beneath the base by the light source, light is transmitted through the guide along the base and into the guide along the wall.

The present invention relates to a receptacle for a vehicle interior is configured to contain liquid and provide illumination from an electronic component. The receptacle includes a base, a wall extending from the base to form a body configured to contain liquid, a channel beneath the base and configured to receive liquid from the body, and a drain providing a port for liquid from the channel. A flow path is provided so that liquid in the body is directed to flow to the drain through the channel and away from the electronic component.

The present invention relates to a receptacle for a vehicle interior is configured to contain liquid and provide light from a light source. The receptacle includes a base, a wall extending from the base to form a body configured to contain liquid, a channel beneath the base and configured to receive liquid from the body, a drain providing a port for liquid from the channel, a guide for transmitting light along the base, and a guide for transmitting light along the wall. A flow path is provided so that liquid in the body is directed to flow to the drain through the channel and away from the electronic component, and when light is provided beneath the base by the light source, light is transmitted through the guide along the base and into the guide along the wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a motor vehicle10that may include an illuminated cup holder assembly. According to an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle10includes an interior having a seat, an armrest and a center console. According to an exemplary embodiment, the seat, armrest, center console and/or other areas within the interior may include cup holders configured to secure beverage containers. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cup holder assembly includes an illuminated ring configured to enhance the visibility of the cup holder in low light conditions (e.g., while driving at night). According to an exemplary embodiment, the cup holder assembly includes a cup holder body having a peripheral wall extending at least partially about a central opening of a receptacle. The cup holder assembly also includes a light transmissive element disposed within the central opening and forming a base of the receptacle. The light transmissive element is configured to receive light from a light source positioned proximate to a central portion of the light transmissive element, and to illuminate a surface of the light transmissive element proximate to the peripheral wall. For example, the surface may include a substantially annular ring extending about the base of the receptacle. The illuminated surface may enhance the visibility of the cup holder assembly in low light conditions (e.g., while driving at night). In addition, because the surface is illuminated by a single centrally-located light source, the luminous intensity of the surface may be substantially uniform. As a result, the aesthetic appearance of the cup holder may be enhanced.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the cup holder assembly includes a drain system configured to direct liquid away from electronic components positioned beneath the cup holder. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cup holder assembly includes a cup holder body having a peripheral wall extending at least partially about a central opening of a receptacle. The cup holder assembly also includes a support element disposed within the central opening and forming a base of the receptacle. In addition, the cup holder assembly includes a substrate configured to support the cup holder body and the support element. The substrate includes a central section proximate to the support element and a drain system configured to direct a liquid flow from an interface between the cup holder body and the support element to a region remote from the central section. For example, the central section may include electronic components, such as a light source for an illuminated surface of the cup holder assembly. In such a configuration, the drain system directs liquid (e.g., from a beverage container within the receptacle) away from the electronic components, thereby enhancing the longevity of the components.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the cup holder assembly includes a light transmissive liner configured to retain a beverage container and to facilitate illumination of the receptacle. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cup holder assembly includes a receptacle configured to receive a beverage container. The cup holder assembly also includes a liner disposed within the receptacle. The liner is formed from a light transmissive material configured to receive light from a light source positioned outwardly from an outer surface of the liner, and to illuminate an inner surface of the liner. The illuminated liner may enhance the visibility of the cup holder assembly in low light conditions (e.g., while driving at night). In addition, the liner may conceal the lighting system until activated, thereby enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the cup holder assembly (e.g., while the lighting system is not activated).

FIG. 2is a perspective view of a part of the interior12of the vehicle10ofFIG. 1. According to an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle interior12includes the center console18having a cup holder assembly (e.g., component)20. As previously discussed, cup holders may be positioned throughout the interior12of the vehicle10. For example, cup holders may be positioned within an interior door panel, an armrest, or within the seats. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cup holder assembly20includes a light transmissive element configured to receive light from a single light source and to illuminate a surface of the light transmissive element proximate to a peripheral wall of a cup holder receptacle. The light emitted from the surface of the light transmissive element facilitates identification of the cup holder in low light conditions (e.g., while driving at night).

FIG. 3is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a cup holder assembly20having a lighting system configured to illuminate a portion of the cup holder assembly. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cup holder assembly20includes a cup holder body24having a peripheral wall26extending about a central opening28of a receptacle30. The receptacle30is configured to receive a beverage container, and to secure the beverage container within the cup holder assembly20during operation of the vehicle. For example, a liner may be disposed within the receptacle30to block movement of the beverage container via frictional contact with an outer surface of the beverage container. In certain configurations, the liner may include protrusions configured to deform to accommodate various beverage container diameters. Alternatively, the receptacle30may include movable (e.g., rotatable) fingers that are biased radially inward to block movement of the beverage container via contact with the outer surface of the beverage container.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the cup holder assembly20also includes a light transmissive element32disposed within the central opening28and forming a base34of the receptacle30. According to an exemplary embodiment, the light transmissive element32may be secured to the cup holder body24and configured to support the beverage container during operation of the vehicle. The light transmissive element32is also configured to receive light from a light source36positioned proximate to a central portion of the light transmissive element32, and to illuminate a surface (e.g., ring)40of the light transmissive element32proximate to the peripheral wall26. The illuminated surface may enhance the visibility of the cup holder assembly20in low light conditions (e.g., while driving at night). In addition, because the surface40is illuminated by a single centrally-located light source36, the luminous intensity of the surface may be substantially uniform. As a result, the aesthetic appearance of the cup holder may be enhanced.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the surface40forms a substantially annular ring extending about the base34of the receptacle30along a circumferential direction. However, it should be appreciated that the surface40may be shaped to match the contours of the base34of the receptacle30. According to an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle base34may have a polygonal, elliptical, or asymmetrical shape. Accordingly, the surface40may have a corresponding shape. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the light transmissive element may be formed from any suitable light transmissive material, such as glass or plastic (e.g., polycarbonate, acrylic, etc.). In addition, the light transmissive material may be substantially clear or tinted to provide a desired color to the illuminated surface.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the light source36is configured to emit light in a vertical direction toward the central portion of the light transmissive element32. The light transmissive element32, in turn, is configured to redirect the light outwardly in a radial direction toward the surface40, thereby illuminating the surface40. According to an exemplary embodiment, the light transmissive element32includes an integrated light directing device (e.g., lens)48configured to receive the light from the light source36and to direct the light through the central portion. According to an exemplary embodiment, the light directing device48may include a substantially conical protrusion extending from a bottom surface of the light transmissive element32, or a combination of a lens and angled surfaces configured to collimate and redirect the light, respectively.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the cup holder assembly20includes a shield (e.g., plate)50configured to block at least a portion of the light from the central portion into the receptacle. For example, the shield may be formed from a substantially opaque material (e.g., thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyurethane (PE) foam, etc.), thereby blocking light from the central portion. As a result, the light emitted from the surface40may form an illuminated ring extending about a circumference of the receptacle30. According to an exemplary embodiment, the shield50may be formed from a material that enables a portion of the light from the center portion to pass through the shield, thereby establishing various lighting effects. For example, the shield50may include alternating regions of substantially opaque and light transmissive material to establish a desired lighting pattern at the base34of the receptacle30.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the light source36includes a light emitting element (e.g., light)52and a circuit assembly54. The circuit assembly54may include a circuit board and associated electronic components configured to drive the light emitting element to emit light. The light emitting element52may be any suitable device configured to emit sufficient light to illuminate the light transmissive element, such as a light emitting diode (LED), incandescent bulb, or a fluorescent bulb, for example. According to an exemplary embodiment, a single light emitting element52may be employed to illuminate the surface40of the light transmissive element32. Alternatively, multiple light emitting elements52(e.g., LEDs) may be directed toward the central portion of the light transmissive element32to illuminate the surface40. According to an exemplary embodiment, the light emitting elements52may be selected to have substantially similar colors and/or intensities (e.g., selected from the same bin). Consequently, the illuminated surface40may emit light with a desired color and/or intensity.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the circuit assembly54may be configured to vary the intensity, frequency, and/or color of the light emitted by the light emitting element52. For example, the light source36may include a tricolor LED configured to emit a variety of colors via a combination of red, green and blue color elements. In such a configuration, a color of the illuminated surface40may be particularly adjusted based on user input, for example. Furthermore, the circuit assembly54may include a dimming feature to adjust lighting intensity, and/or voltage conditioning elements to provide a desired voltage to the light emitting element52.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the cup holder assembly20may include a sensor communicatively coupled to the circuit assembly54. The sensor is configured to output a signal indicative of presence of an activating object, temperature of the activating object and/or ambient temperature. The circuit assembly, in turn, is configured to adjust a color, intensity, and/or frequency of the light emitted from the light emitting element based on the signal. For example, the sensor may be a thermocouple disposed within the receptacle. The sensor outputs a signal indicative of a beverage container temperature to the circuit assembly. The circuit assembly then adjusts the color emitted by the light emitting element based on the detected temperature. For example, if a cold beverage is placed within the cup holder receptacle, the illuminated surface may emit blue light, and if a hot beverage is placed within the cup holder receptacle, the illuminated surface may emit red light. Similarly, the color of the light emitted by the light emitting element may be adjusted based on a detected ambient temperature within the vehicle interior. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cup holder assembly20is configured to actively heat or cool the beverage container (e.g., by directing heated or cooled air from the HVAC system to the cup holder assembly20). The circuit assembly may instruct the light emitting element to emit red light if the beverage container is being actively heated, and to emit blue light if the beverage container is being actively cooled.

The sensor may also be configured to detect the presence of an activating object (e.g., keys, sunglasses, coins, food/beverage containers, etc.) within the cup holder assembly20. If the object is detected, the circuit assembly instructs the light emitting element to decrease luminous intensity or completely darken. In this manner, light reflected from the object within the cup holder may be significantly reduced or eliminated. Furthermore, once the sensor has detected that the object has been removed from the cup holder, the circuit assembly instructs the light emitting element to return to the initial illuminated state, thereby facilitating identification of the cup holder assembly in low light situations. According to an exemplary embodiment, the circuit assembly may be configured to instruct the light emitting element to increase luminous intensity, vary the color, and/or vary the frequency of the emitted light upon detection of an activating object.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the light transmissive element32includes a top (e.g., first side) facing the receptacle30and a bottom (e.g., second side), opposite the top. As previously discussed, the top of the light transmissive assembly32is configured to support a beverage container within the receptacle30during operation of the vehicle. According to an exemplary embodiment, the light transmissive element32is configured to block liquid flow from the top to the bottom. For example, the light transmissive element may be formed from a substantially liquid-tight material, such as glass or plastic (e.g., polycarbonate, acrylic, etc.). Accordingly, the light transmissive element32substantially blocks liquid flow through the base34of the receptacle30. Because the light source36is positioned adjacent to the bottom of the light transmissive element32(e.g., beneath the base34of the receptacle30), the possibility of contact between liquid (e.g., from a beverage container within the receptacle) and the light source36is substantially reduced or eliminated. As a result, the longevity of the light source36may be significantly enhanced.

FIG. 4is a cross-sectional view of the cup holder assembly20ofFIG. 3. As previously discussed, the light transmissive element32is configured to receive light from the light source36and to illuminate the surface40proximate to the peripheral wall26of the cup holder body. According to an exemplary embodiment, the light emitting element of the light source36emits light L toward the central portion of the light transmissive element32. The integrated light directing device48receives the light L from the light emitting element and directs the light through the central portion of the light transmissive element32toward the illuminated surface40. According to an exemplary embodiment, the light directing device48includes a substantially conical protrusion62extending from the bottom of the central portion and configured to substantially collimate the light L from the light source36. The light directing device48also includes angled surface(s)63configured to direct (e.g., reflect) the collimated light L outwardly through the central portion of the light transmissive element32in the radial direction. According to an exemplary embodiment, the light transmissive element32includes respective angled surface(s)66configured to reflect the light L upwardly in the vertical direction, thereby directing the light L toward the illuminated surface40. As previously discussed, the illuminated surface40is configured to direct the light L toward the interior of the receptacle, thereby enhancing the visibility of the cup holder assembly20in low light conditions (e.g., while driving at night). In addition, because the surface40is illuminated by a single centrally-located light source36, the luminous intensity of the surface40may be substantially uniform. As a result, the aesthetic appearance of the cup holder may be enhanced.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the light directing device48includes a continuous angled surface63(e.g., forming a conical surface) to direct light substantially evenly along the annual illuminated surface40. According to an exemplary embodiment, the light directing device48may include multiple discrete surfaces63configured to direct light toward separated arcuate portions of the annular surface40. For example, the light directing device48may include three angled surfaces63(e.g., forming a pyramidal structure) to direct light to three respective arcuate portions of the annular surface40, thereby establishing a pattern of illuminated arcuate sections along the surface40. According to an exemplary embodiment, the light directing device48may include two, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more angled surfaces63. In addition, the central portion of the light transmissive element32may be substantially continuous (e.g., annular and extending radially outward from the light directing device48to the illuminated surface40) or divided into multiple segments. For example, each angled surface63may be optically coupled to a corresponding portion of the annular surface40by a respective segment of the central portion. According to an exemplary embodiment, the annular surface40may be divided into multiple discrete segments (e.g., each associated with a respective angled surface66) configured to receive light from the respective segments of the central portion and the respective angled surfaces63,66.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the surface40of the light transmissive element32may be coated with a reflective material to enhance visibility of the receptacle in daylight conditions. For example, the light transmissive element32may include a chrome coating over the illuminated surface. Such a coating may be configured to facilitate light passage from the light transmissive element, thereby maintaining visibility of the receptacle in low light conditions. It should also be appreciated that alternative light transmissive colored and/or textured coatings may be applied to enhance the appearance of the cup holder assembly20. In addition, it should be appreciated that the light transmissive element32may be tinted to provide a desired illuminated color. For example, if blue light is desired and white light is emitted from the light source, the light transmissive element32may be tinted blue to provide the desired appearance. According to an exemplary embodiment, the light transmissive element32may be tinted the same color as the cup holder body to enhance the appearance of the cup holder assembly.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the light transmissive element32is coupled to the cup holder body to form the receptacle. According to an exemplary embodiment, the angled surface(s)66of the light transmissive element32include protrusion(s)72configured to contact a bottom surface of the cup holder body to block movement of the light transmissive element32in the vertical direction. For example, during the manufacturing process, the light transmissive element32may be inserted through the central opening28of the receptacle until the angled surface(s)66contact the cup holder body. Further downward movement in the vertical direction drives the opening28to expand via contact between the angled surface(s)66and the peripheral wall26, thereby enabling the light transmissive element to be inserted into an installed position. Once inserted, contact between the protrusion(s)72and the bottom surface secures the light transmissive element32to the cup holder body. According to an exemplary embodiment, the light transmissive element32may be secured to the cup holder by an adhesive connection, by fasteners, or by other suitable mounting devices.

As previously discussed, the cup holder assembly20includes a shield configured to block at least a portion of the light from the central portion into the receptacle. According to an exemplary embodiment, the shield is secured to the top of the central portion of the light transmissive element32. According to an exemplary embodiment, the shield includes a protrusion76configured to interface with a recess78within the light transmissive element32. Contact between the protrusion76and the recess78blocks movement of the shield in the vertical direction. In addition, contact between an outer edge of the shield and an inner edge of the light transmissive element32blocks radial movement of the shield. With the shield in the desired position, a substantially annular lit ring, which extends about the base of the receptacle, is established.

While the lighting system (e.g., light source, light transmissive element, etc.) is described with reference to a cup holder assembly, it should be appreciated that the lighting system may be employed within other retaining assemblies of the vehicle interior. For example, the vehicle may include a receptacle configured to retain a portable electronic device. In such a configuration, the lighting system may be configured to emit light from a light transmissive element at the base of the receptacle to facilitate identification of the receptacle in low light conditions.

FIGS. 5A-5Care cross-sectional views of another embodiment of a cup holder assembly having a lighting system. As previously discussed, the light emitting element is configured to emit light L toward the central portion of the light transmissive element32. The integrated light directing device48receives the light L from the light emitting element and directs the light through the central portion of the light transmissive element32toward the illuminated surface40. According to an exemplary embodiment, the light directing device48includes a lens80configured to substantially collimate the light L from the light emitting element. The light directing device48also includes angled surface(s)63configured to direct (e.g., reflect) the collimated light L outwardly through the central portion of the light transmissive element32in the radial direction. The respective angled surface(s)66are configured to reflect the light L upwardly in the vertical direction, thereby directing the light L toward the illuminated surface40. As previously discussed, the illuminated surface40is configured to direct light toward the interior of the receptacle, thereby enhancing the visibility of the cup holder assembly20in low light conditions (e.g., while driving at night). In addition, because the surface40is illuminated by a single centrally-located light source36, the luminous intensity of the surface40may be substantially uniform. As a result, the aesthetic appearance of the cup holder may be enhanced.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the cup holder assembly20includes a liner84disposed within the receptacle. The liner84is configured to retain a beverage container during operation of the vehicle and/or to block liquid flow from the beverage container into the receptacle. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cup holder liner84is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) (e.g., polyolefin). As will be appreciated, the hardness of the cup holder liner84may be characterized by the resistance to indentation, otherwise referred to as Durometer, denoted in the Shore A scale, for example. Within the Durometer scale, materials are generally characterized based on ranges. Hard elastomers generally include those having a Durometer greater than about 80 Shore A, soft elastomers generally include those having a Durometer of about 60 Shore A to about 80 Shore A, and super-soft elastomers generally include those having a Durometer below about 60 Shore A. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cup holder liner84may be composed of a material having a Durometer of approximately between 70 to 80 Shore A. According to an exemplary embodiment, the liner84may be formed from a substantially rigid material, such as polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), among other materials.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the liner84is formed from a light transmissive material configured to receive light from the illuminated surface40, which is positioned outwardly from an outer surface of the liner, and to illuminate an inner surface of the liner84. Accordingly, the liner enables light L from the illuminated surface40to pass through the liner84, thereby illuminating the interior of the receptacle. The illuminated liner may enhance the visibility of the cup holder assembly in low light conditions (e.g., while driving at night). In addition, the liner may conceal the lighting system until activated, thereby enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the cup holder assembly (e.g., while the lighting system is not activated). For example, the liner84may appear to be formed from a substantially opaque material (e.g., appear substantially opaque) until the liner84is illuminated by the light emitting element/light transmissive element32. According to an exemplary embodiment, the liner84may be formed from a material that appears transparent or translucent while the lighting system is not activated. According to an exemplary embodiment, the liner84may include a light transmissive portion (e.g., a transparent or translucent portion) substantially aligned with the illuminated surface40(e.g., forming a ring proximate to the peripheral wall26of the cup holder body).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the light transmissive material is configured to reduce an intensity of the light L without substantially varying a color of the light. Such a material may be considered a neutral density material. According to an exemplary embodiment, the light transmissive material may be configured to tint the light to a desired color. For example, the illuminated surface may be configured to emit white light, and the liner material may be configured to tint the light to a color that matches and/or complements the color of the surrounding structure. While the illustrated liner is illuminated by a light transmissive element at the base of the receptacle, it should be appreciate that the liner84may be illuminated by other light sources (e.g., light guides, light emitting elements, etc.) distributed throughout the receptacle to provide a desired lighting effect.

The illustrated cup holder assembly20also includes a drain system configured to direct liquid away from electronic components positioned beneath the cup holder. As previously discussed, the cup holder assembly20includes a cup holder body having a peripheral wall26that extends about the central opening28of the receptacle. In addition, the cup holder assembly20includes a light transmissive element32disposed within the central opening28and forming the base of the receptacle. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cup holder assembly20also includes a substrate92configured to support the cup holder body and the light transmissive element32. The substrate92includes a central section proximate to the light transmissive element32. The substrate92also includes a drain system configured to direct a liquid flow from an interface98between the cup holder body and the light transmissive element32to a region remote from the central section. According to an exemplary embodiment, the drain system includes a channel102extending about the central section of the substrate92. The channel102is configured to receive the liquid flow from the interface98. The drain system also includes at least one drain port104configured to direct the liquid flow from the channel102to the region remote from the central section of the substrate92.

By way of example, liquid F from a beverage container within the cup holder assembly20(e.g., condensation, spillage, etc.) may collect at the base of the receptacle, as shown inFIG. 5B. The liquid F may then leak through the interface98between the cup holder body and the light transmissive element32, as shown inFIG. 5C. The drain system directs the liquid F from the interface98to the region remote from the central section of the substrate92. For example, the liquid F may flow from the interface98to the channel102and then drain from the channel102through one or more drain ports104. Because the drain system is configured to direct the liquid F away from the central section of the substrate92, the longevity of electronic components (e.g., the light emitting element, the circuit assembly, etc.) disposed within the central section may be enhanced. According to an exemplary embodiment, the flow path for liquid F from the body of the receptacle through the drain system under the base34with interface98and channel102and drain port104channeled to protect electronic components such as light source36is shown schematically by a broken line inFIG. 5C. According to an exemplary embodiment, the drain system may be employed in alternative cup holder assemblies having other support structures (e.g., formed from a substantially opaque material) at the base of the receptacle.

FIG. 6is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a cup holder assembly having a lighting system. According to an exemplary embodiment, the light transmissive element32extends to an inlet106of the receptacle. Accordingly, the illuminated surface40forms a ring (e.g., a substantially annular ring) about the inlet106. As a result, the visibility of the cup holder may be enhanced, especially in low light conditions (e.g., while driving at night). According to an exemplary embodiment, the cup holder assembly20includes a liner (e.g., wall)108that extends in the vertical direction from the base to the inlet106. As previously discussed, the cup holder liner108is configured to block movement of a beverage container via frictional contact with an outer surface of the beverage container. The cup holder liner108may also substantially block liquid flow from the beverage container into the receptacle. According to an exemplary embodiment, the liner108includes a light transmissive portion110configured to facilitate light passage from the outer surface of the liner108to the inner surface of the liner108. According to an exemplary embodiment, the light transmissive element32includes an integrated light redirecting device112configured to direct at least a portion of the light L through the light transmissive portion110of the liner108. Accordingly, the light L is emitted from the inner surface of the liner108to facilitate identification of the cup holder assembly in low light conditions. According to an exemplary embodiment, the liner108may include additional light transmissive portions. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the shape, color, arrangement, and/or number of light transmissive portions may be particularly selected to provide a desired lighting effect, thereby enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the cup holder assembly.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the light directing device48includes curved surface(s)82(e.g., parabolic, hyperbolic, etc.) configured to substantially collimate the light L from the light emitting element and to direct (e.g., reflect) the collimated light L outwardly through the central portion of the light transmissive element32in the radial direction. Utilizing the curved surface(s)82may obviate the conical protrusion62/lens80, thereby reducing the complexity of the light transmissive element32. The light directing device48may include a continuous curved surface82to direct light radially outward toward an annular illuminated surface, or the light directing device48may include multiple curved surfaces to direct light toward respective illuminated portions (e.g., separated arcuate portions of the annular surface).

FIG. 7is a top view of an embodiment of a cup holder assembly having a lighting system. According to an exemplary embodiment, the lighting system is configured to illuminate two receptacles30with a single light source. According to an exemplary embodiment, the light source36includes a circuit assembly54having two light emitting elements52. The light source36also includes a pair of light guides116(e.g., fiber optic cables, solid light guides, etc.) configured to direct the light from each light emitting element52to a respective light transmissive element32. Each light transmissive element32is configured to illuminate a corresponding receptacle to enhance the visibility of the cup holder assembly in low light conditions (e.g., while driving at night). Because a single light source is used to illuminate two receptacles, the cost of the cup holder assembly may be reduced, as compared to configurations that utilize independent light sources to illuminate each receptacle. According to an exemplary embodiment, the light source36may be utilized to illuminate 3, 4, 5, 6, or more receptacles. In addition, it should be appreciated that a single light emitting element52may be utilized to illuminate multiple light transmissive elements32via respective light guides116.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a cup holder assembly includes a cup holder body having a peripheral wall extending at least partially about a central opening of a receptacle. The cup holder assembly also includes a light transmissive element disposed within the central opening and forming a base of the receptacle. The light transmissive element is configured to receive light from a light source positioned proximate to a central portion of the light transmissive element, and to illuminate a surface of the light transmissive element proximate to the peripheral wall.

Accordingly to an exemplary embodiment, a cup holder assembly includes a cup holder body having a peripheral wall extending at least partially about a central opening of a receptacle. The cup holder assembly also includes a support element disposed within the central opening and forming a base of the receptacle. In addition, the cup holder assembly includes a substrate configured to support the cup holder body and the support element. The substrate includes a central section proximate to the support element and a drain system configured to direct a liquid flow from an interface between the cup holder body and the support element to a region remote from the central section.

Accordingly to an exemplary embodiment, a cup holder assembly includes a receptacle configured to receive a beverage container. The cup holder assembly also includes a liner disposed within the receptacle. The liner is formed from a light transmissive material configured to receive light from a light source positioned outwardly from an outer surface of the liner, and to illuminate an inner surface of the liner.