Patent Abstract:
A beverage container holder adapted to hold a wide variety of containers including cups, bottles, mugs, and tumblers. The device preferably includes a base, an upright extending upward from the base, and a receiver near the top of the upright. The receiver preferably includes a cup holder which is preferably made detachable so that it may be washed in a dishwasher. The height of the receiver with respect to the base is adjustable in the present invention. The rotation of the receiver with respect to the base is preferably also made adjustable. The adjustment mechanism may preferably be activated using only one hand.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This non-provisional patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/776,925, filed on Feb. 26, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/942,243. The original application was filed on Nov. 9, 2010. It is listed the same inventor. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to the field of beverage holders. More specifically, the present invention comprises a modular beverage holder that includes at least a height adjusting feature and preferably an angular rotation adjusting feature as well. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     The need to provide a resting surface for beverage containers has long been recognized. The simplest solution to this problem is the provision of an end table (for a couch or chair) or a nightstand (for a bed). These pieces of furniture provide a horizontal surface near the user&#39;s position. The user may then place his or her beverage on this horizontal surface. 
     Of course, end tables and nightstands are relatively expensive and fixed in one location. Thus, some inventors have explored the possibility of a less expensive solution which may be attached directly to the furniture itself. An example of this approach is found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,113 to Waddell (1989). The Waddell device provides a flat tray adjacent to a bed frame. A similar approach is taken in U.S. Pat. No. D550,981 to Watson (2007) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,434 to Navarrette (1991). 
     A particular problem recognized in the prior art is the provision of a beverage holder for a hospital bed. It is generally not practical to provide a stationary end table or nightstand next to a hospital bed, since access must be provided to all portions of the patient. In addition, side rails and other features of the bed are designed to slide or fold away rapidly. Any beverage holder is preferably compatible with the existing hardware and preferably easy to remove in the event that rapid access to the patient is requires. The present invention solves these and other problems, as will be described more particularly in the following text. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention comprises a beverage container holder adapted to hold a wide variety of containers including cups, bottles, mugs, and tumblers. The device preferably includes a base, an upright extending upward from the base, and a receiver near the top of the upright. The receiver preferably includes a cup holder which is preferably made detachable so that it may be washed in a dishwasher. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the receiver includes at least one pocket having dimensions capable of accommodating a cellular phone, remote control, or other device. 
     The height of the receiver with respect to the base is adjustable in the present invention. The rotation of the receiver with respect to the base is preferably also made adjustable. The adjustment mechanism may preferably be activated using only one hand. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view, showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view, showing the embodiment of  FIG. 1  attached to a bed. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment, including a larger base. 
         FIG. 4  is a detailed perspective view, showing the detachable cup holder in its receiver. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view, showing the cup holder removed from the receiver. 
         FIG. 6  is a detailed perspective view, showing a coffee cup retained by the cup holder. 
         FIG. 7  is a detailed perspective view, showing a can retained by the cup holder. 
         FIG. 8  is a detailed perspective view, showing a tumbler retained by the cup holder. 
         FIG. 9  is a detailed perspective view, showing an alternate embodiment of the cup holder and receiver. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view, showing still another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view, showing the height-adjusting feature of the embodiment of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view, showing the rotation-adjusting feature of the embodiment of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view, showing the components of the locking mechanism used in the embodiment of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded perspective view, showing the components of  FIG. 13  in greater detail. 
         FIG. 15  is a sectional view, showing the locking mechanism components of  FIG. 13  in a locked state. 
         FIG. 16  is a sectional view, showing the locking mechanism components of  FIG. 13  in an unlocked state. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view, showing still another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a detailed perspective view, showing the receiver and cup holder of the embodiment of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view, showing the height-adjusting feature of the embodiment of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 20  is an exploded perspective view, showing the components used in the locking mechanism of the embodiment of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view, showing the rotation-adjusting feature of the embodiment of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view, showing an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view, showing the cord securing feature of the embodiment of  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 23A  is a detail view, showing more detail of the cord securing slot located in the receptacle. 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view, showing an electronic device charger placed in the cord securing feature of the embodiment of  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 24A  is a detailed view, showing the securing feature used on an electronic device cord and plug. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 beverage stand 
                 12 
                 receiver 
               
               
                 14 
                 cup holder 
                 16 
                 base 
               
               
                 18 
                 upright 
                 20 
                 box spring 
               
               
                 22 
                 mattress 
                 24 
                 lip 
               
               
                 26 
                 holder cutout 
                 28 
                 receiver cutout 
               
               
                 30 
                 circular relief 
                 32 
                 notch 
               
               
                 34 
                 edge 
                 36 
                 step 
               
               
                 38 
                 small portion 
                 40 
                 large portion 
               
               
                 42 
                 coffee mug 
                 44 
                 handle 
               
               
                 46 
                 can 
                 48 
                 insulating jacket 
               
               
                 50 
                 upper surface 
                 52 
                 tumbler 
               
               
                 54 
                 notch 
                 56 
                 rib 
               
               
                 58 
                 release button 
                 60 
                 base tube 
               
               
                 62 
                 extension slide 
                 64 
                 release rod 
               
               
                 66 
                 cone shaft 
                 68 
                 compression spring 
               
               
                 70 
                 expanding mandrel 
                 72 
                 expansion cone 
               
               
                 74 
                 expanding tab 
                 76 
                 slit 
               
               
                 78 
                 tube shank 
                 80 
                 through hole 
               
               
                 82 
                 retainer 
                 84 
                 cutout flange 
               
               
                 86 
                 ladder frame 
                 88 
                 extension slide 
               
               
                 90 
                 actuator 
                 92 
                 window 
               
               
                 94 
                 flex tang 
                 96 
                 protrusion 
               
               
                 98 
                 receptacle 
                 100 
                 support upright 
               
               
                 102 
                 receptacle slot 
                 104 
                 large area 
               
               
                 106 
                 small area 
                 108 
                 plug 
               
               
                 110 
                 cord 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a resting place for a beverage container when the user is not actually holding the beverage container.  FIG. 1  shows a preferred embodiment. Beverage stand  10  includes base  16 , upright  18 , and receiver  12 . Upright  18  extends upward from base  16  to any desired height. Receiver  12  is connected to the upper end of upright  18 . Cup holder  14  is attached to receiver  12 . 
     In some embodiments the cup holder is integral to the receiver itself. However, in the preferred embodiments the cup holder is made removable. The cup holder will accumulate small quantities of spilled liquid over time. The spilled liquid tarnishes the appearance of the device and may in some instances create an unsanitary hazard. Making the cup holder removable allows it to be more easily cleaned—such as by placing it in a dishwasher. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , base  16  is elongated so that it may be captured between two elements of a piece of furniture. As an example,  FIG. 2  shows the stand with base  16  inserted between box spring  20  and mattress  22 . Upright  18  is preferably made long enough to place receiver  12  well above the upper level of the mattress when the unit is installed. The same method may be used to secure the device to a couch or chair. In that scenario, base  16  is inserted between the cushion and the frame. 
     Other embodiments may be configured to rest directly on the floor.  FIG. 3  shows an embodiment in which base  16  is enlarged in all directions so that it provides stable support when the unit is placed directly on the floor. Upright  18  is sized so that cup holder  14  will rest at the same height as an arm rest or side table. 
     As stated previously, the preferred embodiments include a removable cup holder.  FIG. 4  shows this configuration in more detail. Cup holder  14  is provided with lip  24  which extends over the upward facing surface of receiver  12 . Thus, the cup holder may be lowered into position but it cannot pass completely through the receiver. 
     The cup holder includes a cutout sized to accommodate the handle of a coffee mug. Holder cutout  26  passes through the vertical side wall of cup holder  14 . Receiver cutout  28  passes through the corresponding portion of receiver  12 . It is preferable to provide a rotation-limiting connection between the cup holder and the receiver so that the two cutouts are aligned when the cup holder is placed in the receiver. 
     The rotation-limiting connection may assume many forms.  FIG. 5  shows an example of such a connection. Receiver  12  includes circular relief  30  which is sized to receiver large portion  40  of cup holder  14  without allowing lip  24  to pass through. The cup holder rests within circular relief  30  but lip  24  bears against upper surface  50 . Circular relief  30  includes one or more notches  32  which are positioned to engage edges  34  on the cutout in the vertical side wall of the cup holder. Thus, when the cup holder is placed in the receiver, the cup holder is unable to rotate with respect to the receiver. In addition, the engagement of the notches with the two edges properly aligns the cutout in the cup holder with the cutout in the receiver. 
     The size and shape of the cup holder may assume many forms.  FIG. 5  shows a version including large portion  40  and small portion  38 . Step  36  lies at the junction between the large portion and the small portion. Step provides a horizontal surface which engages the bottom of a typical coffee mug. On the other hand, the base of a large tumbler will typically be small enough to pass beyond step  36  and into small portion  38 . 
       FIG. 6  shows the same embodiment with coffee mug  42  in position within the cup holder. The reader will observe how handle  44  protrudes through holder cutout  26  and receiver cutout  28 . The user may grasp the handle and use it to remove the mug from the cup holder or place the mug back in the cup holder. Sufficient clearance is preferably provided on each side of handle  44  to avoid interference between the cup holder and the user&#39;s thumb and fingers. 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  show how the same cup holder geometry can accommodate different types of beverage containers.  FIG. 7  shows an aluminum can  46  surrounded by an insulating jacket  48 . This fits within large portion  40  of the sup holder.  FIG. 8  shows a large tumbler  52 , the base of which is resting within the small portion of the cup holder. 
       FIG. 9  shows one possible additional embodiment for the preferred rotation-limiting connection between cup holder  14  and receiver  12 . The cup holder has been provided with a vertical rib  56  sized to slide into notch  54  in the receiver. This engagement easily prevents rotation while maintaining the desired alignment between the cutouts in the cup holder and the receiver. 
     The invention can be made using a wide variety of materials and need not be made from any single material. As a first example, the base and upright might be made of stamped metal while the receiver and cup holder could be made of injection molded plastic. Likewise, the entire assembly could be made as one unitary piece. 
     In many installations of the present invention, base  16  will be secured by placing it beneath the mattress of a bed (such as sliding it between a mattress and box spring). It is advantageous to provide an adjustable overall height for the invention in these and other circumstances, so that the user may place the cupholder at a height that he or she desires.  FIGS. 10-21  show embodiments in which the distance between the base and receiver is adjustable. 
       FIGS. 10-16  show a first embodiment incorporating a height adjusting feature. In  FIG. 10  base  16 , upright  18 , receiver  12 , and cup holder  14  perform the same functions as the embodiments disclosed previously. Receiver  12  preferably includes receiver cutout  28 . This feature is designed to align with holder cutout  26  in cup holder  14 . However, additional features are provided to allow the adjustment of the height of the device. 
     The distance between base  16  and receiver  12  is generally fixed when the invention is in use. In order to change the distance, the user presses release button  58 . While continuing to press release button  58 , the user may grasp receiver  12  and pull it upward or push it downward. The mechanism employed preferably allows these operations using only one hand. For example, the user may press release button  58  with the right thumb while simultaneously hooking the fingers of the right hand under receiver  12  and pulling it upward. When the user releases button  58  the receiver will be locked in position. 
       FIG. 11  graphically illustrates this operation. The upright connecting base  16  to receiver  12  is made of two pieces in this embodiment—base tube  60  and extension slide  62 . The base tube is a hollow extruded tube having a uniform cross section. It is connected via a boss to base  16  at its lower end. 
     In the embodiment shown, extension slide  62  is another hollow tube. The outside diameter of the tube used for extension slide  62  is selected to be a close sliding fit within the inside diameter of base tube  60 .  FIG. 11  shows how a user can press release button  58  and pull receiver  12  upward. Cup holder  14  and extension slide  62  travel along with receiver  12 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates how the position of receiver  12  is also rotatably adjustable with respect to base  16  in this particular embodiment. The user is able to grasp receiver  12  and rotate it as indicated by the arrow. Rotation may or may not be locked by the mechanism controlled by release button  58 . 
     Many different locking mechanisms could be employed in the invention and the invention is certainly not limited to any particular mechanism. Nevertheless, the reader may benefit from an explanation of one particularly suitable locking mechanism and—accordingly—this explanation is provided with respect to  FIGS. 13-16 . 
       FIG. 13  shows an exploded view of the components used in the locking mechanism. Expanding mandrel  70  is attached to the lower end of extension slide  62 . The expanding mandrel and the extension slide slip into the upper end of base tube  60 . It extends below the lower portion of extension slide  62  when installed. Expanding mandrel  70  is changeable between a loaded state in which it expands outward and a relaxed state in which it does not. In the loaded state, the expanding mandrel frictionally engages the inner wall of base tube  60  and locks extension slide  62  to base tube  60 . In the relaxed state, the expanding mandrel is free to move up and down within the base tube and to rotate. 
     The other components shown (release rod  64 , compression spring  68 , and expansion cone  72 ) are used to control the expanding mandrel. In other words, they selectively change the expanding mandrel between the loaded state and the relaxed state. 
     Cone shaft  66  is connected to release rod  64 . The cone shaft passes through compression spring  68  and expanding mandrel  70  before attaching to expansion cone  72 . 
       FIG. 14  shows a more detailed view of the same components. The reader will observe that expanding mandrel  70  has four expanding tabs  74 . Each expanding tab  74  is separated from its neighbors by a pair of slits  76 . The expanding mandrel includes a through-hole along its central axis. This through hole allows the passage of cone shaft  66 . Expansion cone  72  attaches to the end of cone shaft  66 . 
     Compression spring  68  is sandwiched between expanding mandrel  70  and a shoulder located on release ro6  64 . The compression spring urges the expanding mandrel and release rod apart. In the orientation shown in the view, compression spring  68  urges release rod  64  to the right and expanding mandrel  70  to the left. 
     Since expansion cone  72  is attached to cone shaft  66 , the effect of compression spring  68  is to pull expansion cone  72  up into the hollow interior of expanding mandrel  70 . The shape of expanding cone  72  thereby urges expanding tabs  74  outward as it is pulled into the interior of the expanding mandrel. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  show the expanding mandrel in a loaded state and a relaxed state, respectively. In both views, a “break” is shown in the length of extension slide  62  so that the top and bottom portions can be shown in a single view. In  FIG. 15 , the reader will observe how expanding mandrel  70  is attached to the lower portion of extension slide  62  by virtue of tube shank  78  sliding into the open lower end of extension slide  62  (Recall that in this embodiment the extension slide is simply a hollow tube). The mandrel can be attached to the extension slide using adhesive, a threaded engagement, or any other suitable means. Whatever means is used, the upper portion of the expanding mandrel is connected to the lower portion of extension slide  62 . 
     The expanding mandrel includes a through hole  80  aligned with its central axis. This through hole allows the passage of cone shaft  66 . Expansion cone  72  is connected to the free end of cone shaft  66 . This connection may again be made by adhesive, a threaded engagement, a cross pin, a circlip, etc. However the connection is made, expanding cone  72  is locked securely to cone shaft  66 . 
     The upper end of the cone shaft is attached to release rod  64 , which slides up and down within extension slide  62 . Compression spring  68  is sandwiched between the downward facing shoulder on release rod  64  and the upward facing surface of tube shank  78 . Expanding mandrel  70  and extension slide  62  are locked together at all times. Thus, compression spring  68  urges release rod upward in the orientation shown in the view. This action urges expansion cone  72  upward. The expansion cone forces expansion tabs  74  outward and causes a strong frictional engagement between the expanding mandrel and the inner wall of base tube  60 . The result is that extension slide  62  is locked in position with respect to base tube  60 . 
     The reader will also note that the upper portion of extension tube  62  is attached to receiver  12 . A “break” in the view is shown between the lower portion and upper portion of extensions slide  62  and release rod  64 . The break is included so that the upper and lower portions of these components can be shown in the same view at a scale that is large enough to depict the relevant details. 
     The attachment between the upper portion of extension slide  62  and receiver  12  may again be made by any suitable means, including a press fit, a threaded engagement, an engagement based on adhesive, etc. However the connection is made, extension slide  62  and receiver  12  are locked together. 
     The upper portion of release rod  64  is also shown in the upper part of  FIG. 15 . The very top of release rod  64  includes release button  58 . Receiver  12  preferably includes a retainer  82  surrounding release button  58 . Without the retainer, compression spring  68  would push release rod  64  up and out the top of the receiver. The retainer keeps release rod  64  in the position shown. The retainer is shown as an integral feature of receiver  12  but may of course be a separate feature that is added during the assembly process. It is also possible to omit the retainer altogether, since the interaction of expansion cone  72  and expanding mandrel  70  limits the upward travel of release rod  64 . 
       FIG. 15  shows expanding mandrel  70  in a “loaded” state. Compression spring  68  is urging expansion cone  70  up into the mandrel and forcing expanding tabs  74  outward. The expanding tabs create a strong frictional engagement with the inward facing wall of base tube  60 . This locks the extension slide and the components attached thereto (receiver  12  and cupholder  14 ) in position. 
       FIG. 16  shows the locking mechanism in a “relaxed” state. The user has pressed down on release button  58  as indicated by the arrow. This motion pushes release rod  64  downward and pushes expansion cone  72  out of expanding mandrel  70  (while also further compressing compression spring  68 ). Expanding tabs  74  relax inward and are then able to freely slide along the inner wall of base tube  60 . Extension slide  62  is free to slide up and down and to rotate. 
     Significantly, the mechanism shown allows the user to adjust the position of the receiver  12  using only one hand. Returning to  FIG. 11 , those skilled in the art will realize that the user may—using a single hand—depress release button  58  and grasp receiver  12 . While holding the release button down, the user can pull the receiver up or push it down. The user can also rotate the receiver as shown in  FIG. 12 . When the user lets go of the release button, the receiver will be locked in position. Thus, the user may adjust the position of the receiver as desired by pressing the release button, moving the receiver to a desired position, and releasing the release button. This feature creates a “selectable separation distance” between receiver  12  and base  16 , which is limited only by the length of base tube  60  and extension slide  62 . 
       FIGS. 17-21  show still another embodiment incorporating a different type of adjustment mechanism.  FIG. 18  shows how the same major components are included—base  16 , upright  18 , receiver  12 , cup holder  14 , and release button  58 .  FIG. 18  shows more detail of receiver  12  and cup holder  14 . In the particular embodiment of cup holder  14  shown, holder cutout  26  is preferably aligned with receiver cutout  28 . Holder cutout  26  incorporates a cutout flange  84  surrounding its perimeter. This cutout flange extends outward and bears against the two sides of receiver cutout  28 , thus preventing the rotation of cup holder  14  with respect to receiver  12 . 
       FIG. 19  illustrates the adjustment features of this embodiment. Ladder frame  86  extends upward from the base. Extension slide  88  is a sliding fit on the ladder frame. Actuator  90  is moved by release button  58 . When the release button is pressed in with respect to receiver  12 , the user is able to move extension slide  88  and up and down with respect to the ladder frame. When the user releases the release button, extension slide  88  is locked into the nearest available position on the ladder frame. 
       FIG. 20  shows more details of ladder frame  86 , extension slide  88 , and actuator  90 . The reader will note that the ladder frame has a series of transverse windows  92 . The lower portion of actuator  90  includes flex tang  94 . The lower portion of flex tang  94  includes protrusions  96  facing toward the viewer in the view and additional protrusions  96  facing away from the viewer. 
     When the release button is depressed, actuator  90  moves down with respect to extension slide  88 , and the end of flex tang  94  extends past the end of the extension slide, as shown in  FIG. 20 . In this configuration flex tang  94  is free to deflect away from the viewer. This deflection allows the upward facing protrusions  96  to pop in and out of successive windows  92  as extension slide  88  slides with respect to the ladder frame. 
     However, when the user lets go of the release button, actuator  90  translates upward with respect to extension slide  88  until the lower end of the actuator is roughly even with the lower end of the extension slide. In that position, the rearward facing protrusions  96  bear against the inner wall of actuator  90  and force flex tang  94  to deflect upward. This causes the flex tang to “pop” into the next window  92  it passes. Once the flex tang pops into a window, extension slide  88  is locked in position until the release button is again actuated. 
     The reader will note in  FIG. 20  that two vertical sets of release windows  92  are provided on the ladder frame. These allow the extension slide and its related hardware to be reversible on the ladder frame. The user can depress the release button, pull extension slide  88  completely clear of the ladder frame, rotate the extension slide 180 degrees, and reinstall it. This configuration is shown in  FIG. 21 . Thus, the embodiment provides a rotation adjusting feature for the receiver, though it is only possible to place it in two angular positions (0 degrees and 180 degrees). 
       FIG. 22  shows yet another embodiment of the present invention. Beverage stand  10  includes the primary components described in the embodiments shown in FIGS.  1 - 21 —base  16 , receiver  12 , cup holder  14 , upright  18 , holder cutout  26 , and receiver cutout  28 .  FIG. 22  comprises the same basic structure of the invention as the previous embodiments described. In addition, the embodiment shown in  FIG. 22  includes many of the additional features shown in  FIGS. 10-16 . These features provide the functionality of adjusting the height of beverage stand  10  and rotating receiver  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 11-12 . 
     While beverage stand  10  includes all of the components discussed in the previous text, the embodiment in  FIG. 22  also includes additional features. Receiver  12  includes at least one receptacle  98 . Receptacle  98  provides an opening in receiver  12 . Preferably, the opening is located horizontally level with the top surface of receiver  12 . Receptacle  98  includes a bottom surface and 4 side surfaces, thereby creating a pocket. The user can, then, place objects in receptacle  98  in order to hold or store the objects. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the current invention, there are two receptacles  98 . Each receptacle  98  is preferably designed to fit a multitude of objects. The reader will understand that the user can place many objects in receptacles  98  including a cellular phone, a reading tablet, a book, a television (or any other) remote control, a portable music player, or any object that may fit. Preferably, receptacles  98  do not interfere with holder cutout  26  and receiver cutout  28 . For instance, receptacles  98  can be placed on the opposite end of receiver cutout  28 , proximate push button  58 . 
     Although two receptacles  98  are shown, the reader should note that there are a number of possible configurations for receptacle  98 . For example, receptacle  98  can be extended in the direction away from cup holder  14 , thereby increasing the width of receptacle  98 . Ultimately, receptacle  98  can take many other forms than shape and size presented here. 
     Another feature of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 22  is support upright  100 . Support upright  100  increases the stability of beverage stand  10 . This is especially true when base  16  is placed between a mattress and box spring (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). While in this configuration, support upright  100  is pressed firmly against the side of a mattress, which limits the movement of beverage stand  100 . Preferably, the height of support upright  100  is approximately the thickness of a typical mattress. 
       FIGS. 23 and 23A  show additional details of receptacle  98 . Preferably, the bottom surface of receptacle  98  includes receptacle slot  102 . In an even more preferred embodiment, receptacle slot  102  contains large area  104  and small area  106 . Receptacle slot  102  is designed to accommodate a cord and plug that can be used to charge an electronic device (cellular phone, tablet, portable media player, etc.). 
       FIGS. 24 and 24A  show an electronic device charger within receptacle  98 . Preferably, plug  108  can fit through large area  104  of receptacle slot  102 . In order to keep plug  108  within receptacle  98 , the user can slide cord  110  over into small area  106  of receptacle slot  102 . The cross sectional area of plug  108  is large enough to ensure plug  108  and cord  110  do not fall through receptacle slot  102 . This allows the user to charge an electronic device while it rests in receptacle  98  without concern for plug  108  to fall through receptacle slot  102 . 
     Although  FIGS. 24 and 24A  show plug  108  and cord  110  as separate components from receiver  12 , it is possible to provide plug  108  and cord  110  as integral to receiver  12 . In this alternate embodiment, the wire for the charger is attached to upright  18 . This keeps cord  110  stowed and out of the way of the user. Preferably, plug  108  receives power either by battery pack in base  16  or by means of wall outlet. In one configuration, plug  108  is specifically chosen for a type of cellular phone or tablet. However, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, plug  108  is a standard USB plug. In order to charge a cellular phone or other electronic device, the user can plug in different adaptors for different devices. This is especially useful because the majority of cellular phones, tablets, and portable music players use one of two plugs—an iPhone® type charger plug or a micro-USB type charger plug. It should be noted that other options for plug choice are available, but the most universal choices are discussed. 
     The preceding description contains significant detail regarding the novel aspects of the present invention. It should not be construed, however, as limiting the scope of the invention but rather as providing illustrations of the preferred embodiments of the invention. As an example, although the illustrated embodiments show a design incorporating a removable cup holder, the invention could includes an integral cup holder and receiver. Such variations would not alter the function of the invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be fixed by the following claims, rather than by the examples given.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0