Abstract:
A cup holder that suspends a beverage below a human wrist. A wrist strap is connected by a preferably flexible suspension to a beverage support. The device may be adjusted for different sized wrists and cups and to modify the distance between the cup and the wrist. The user may release the cup at any time and it will be supported below the wrist by the invention. Angling the wrist downward automatically delivers the cup into the hand of the user. While the cup is supported, the user may rotate and swing their arm freely without upsetting the orientation of the cup. Use of this cup holder requires no visual ability.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This invention relates to receptacle holders, specifically to an improved holder for beverage containers, storage bins or hand tools. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    The handling of beverage containers poses significant difficulties to people who require full use of their hands for other tasks. These difficulties are numerous for people with impaired vision because they rely on their hands for routine tasks such as reading braille, locating or identifying objects and walking with the aid of a guide dog or white cane. Difficulties are also numerous for people with normal vision because they often require uninterrupted use of their eyes and hands to perform dangerous tasks such as riding a bicycle or motorcycle. It is therefore desirable to have a beverage container holder which enables a person to pick up and put down a beverage container without having to look at it. Many devices for holding a beverage or beverage container have been disclosed in the relevant art. These include devices for holding beverage containers which are attachable to a person&#39;s body or to a piece of mobile equipment. 
         [0003]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,968 discloses a device which is adapted to a golf cart, U.S. Pat. No. 5,494,306 discloses a device which is adapted to a shopping cart, U.S. Pat. No. 6,942,131 B2 discloses a device which is adapted to a motorcycle, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,264,153 B1 discloses a device which is adaptable to a variety of mobile equipment including a lawn mower and bicycle. In all cases, the beverage is deposited into the holder to liberate the drinking hand, and is removed from the holder to consume the beverage. When using these devices, it is necessary to visually locate the beverage holder before depositing a beverage into it or removing a beverage from it. This may not be possible for a visually impaired user and temporarily distracts an able user from the activity they are engaged in. A short distraction may be acceptable when operating a lawn mower or shopping cart but it is not acceptable when operating a bicycle or motorcycle since shifting one&#39;s gaze could result in an accident. A further problem is that the operator of a bicycle or motorcycle may, at any time, require the immediate use of their hands to apply the brakes or clutch or to turn the handlebars. Sufficient time is not available to locate a beverage holder and deposit a beverage when confronted with an emergency situation. Devices such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,942,131 B2 are not very safe in practice so beverages are rarely, if ever, consumed by motorcyclists. 
         [0004]    Another disadvantage with the cited beverage holders is that they are either fixedly connected to the mobile equipment, as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,494,306, or are connected by a swivel, as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,968, to accommodate sloped terrain. When the mobile equipment travels over rough terrain, the beverage is jostled and is likely to splash and spill. A further problem with these beverage holders is that they are specifically designed for a particular type of mobile equipment and are not interchangeable between many different types of mobile equipment. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,762 discloses a beverage container holder which straps to a person&#39;s upper arm, U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,636 discloses a beverage container holder which straps to a person&#39;s wrist, US Pat. No. 2010/0032461 A1 discloses a beverage container holder that is integrated into a belt buckle and U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,938 discloses a beverage container holder which clamps to a person&#39;s thigh. These devices connect to a person&#39;s body so one may use their sense of proprioception to aid in locating the device. This is a benefit for the visually impaired but the benefit is offset by other problems. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,762, the body must be seated and motionless to avoid spillage. This is not appropriate for daily use but is better suited to exceptional circumstances such as sporting events. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,762, a sealed container must be used which presents a variety of other disadvantages. Many drinks such as coffee and tea are not served in sealed containers so one must provide ones own container and transfer the beverage into it. Many sealed containers require two hands to open and drink from which is inconvenient for the visually impaired who have many demands placed on their hands and for cyclists and motorcyclists who do not have two hands available for sipping a beverage. A typical bicycle water bottle is held in one hand, opened with the mouth, and the contents of the bottle are squeezed into the mouth. This is suitable for cold beverages such as water or sports drinks but could result in injury if attempted with hot beverages such as coffee or tea. Finally, the time required to deposit a sealed container into a body mounted holder is still beyond acceptable limits for responding to an emergency situation without dropping the beverage on the ground. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,876 discloses a beverage container which attaches to a person&#39;s wrist and U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,869 discloses a beverage container which attaches to a person&#39;s arm. With these devices, the contents of the beverage are transferred directly into the beverage holder. This has all of the disadvantages described above for holders of sealed containers, with the added inconvenience of a cleanliness requirement. 
         [0007]    Furthermore, most body mounted beverage containers and beverage container holders are unattractive and not well suited to daily use or situations where appearance is important. They are primarily intended for informal occasions such as chores and sporting events or when a person is alone and not expected to be seen by others. 
         [0008]    However, none of the relevant art discloses a beverage container holder adapted to holding various types of beverage containers below a person&#39;s wrist on a mobile suspension. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either single or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention claimed here. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
       [0009]    The consumption of beverages is commonly done while engaging in other activities. Beverages such as coffee, tea, water or soda are consumed while driving, shopping, playing golf, operating a personal data assistant, and many other activities that require two hands. Sometimes two activities are performed that each require one hand, such as talking on a cellular phone while pushing a shopping cart or directing a guide dog. 
         [0010]    Typical beverage holders attach either to a part of the body or to a secondary object and provide the user with a place to put down their beverage. They are not particularly useful to the visually impaired who lack the ability to visually locate a beverage holder. It may be necessary to use the non-drinking hand to locate the beverage holder before depositing a beverage. This is inconvenient if that hand is already busy directing a guide dog, swinging a white cane, or performing some other important activity. 
         [0011]    When riding a bicycle or motorcycle, consuming a beverage hampers one&#39;s ability to react to an emergency. A user does not have time to deposit a beverage into a beverage holder and must drop the beverage if there is an immediate need to grip the handle bars or apply the brakes or clutch. Consequently, people seldom consume non-essential beverages while performing these types of activities, even though they may wish to. 
         [0012]    Many beverage containers used to serve hot beverages such as coffee and tea, have a lid with a small opening to drink from. When these are held in a beverage holder that is rigidly connected to a vehicle such as a shopping cart or baby stroller, the beverage will splash up through the opening when the vehicle travels over bumpy or rough terrain. 
         [0013]    People often drink beverages while engaging in a variety of different activities and require a different beverage holder to accommodate each of them. It would be preferable to have one beverage holder that adapts to any activity. 
       Solution to Problem 
       [0014]    The present invention consists of a fixed or adjustable, rigid or flexible cup support which is connected by a rigid, flexible or elastic suspension to a rigid, flexible or elastic wrist strap. The suspension may comprise a chord, cable, rope, string, strap, belt, elastic chain, mechanical linkage, slider, strut, or any other similar mechanism or material. The cup support may also comprise a heat insulator sleeve. The wrist strap is worn on the user&#39;s wrist and the beverage container is placed in the cup support. The beverage is never removed from the support, even during consumption, so the user may let go of the beverage at any time and it will be supported by the invention just below the wrist. 
         [0015]    Spillage is minimized by angling the arm downward before releasing the beverage. Rotating the arm axially while the beverage is supported will not cause spillage because the suspension counter-rotates to cancel the motion. In the preferred embodiment, a cord slides through a guide on the wrist strap to cancel axial arm rotation. Swinging the arm while the beverage is supported causes the beverage container and the liquid inside of it to swing in unison, resulting in minimal splashing and spillage. The particular embodiment and materials used to define the suspension affect the amount of spillage when the beverage is released or swung and may be optimized for a particular application. An elastic suspension prevents sudden movements from being transmitted to the beverage, preventing a very common form of spillage that occurs with most existing cup holders any time they are jostled. 
         [0016]    When the beverage is being supported below the wrist, reaching down causes the beverage to swing automatically into the hand of the user. The user need not visually locate the beverage and may pay full attention to the activity they are engaging in. The device is easily operated by people with degraded or no visual ability and since the beverage holder is connected to the user, the same device may be used with any type of mobile equipment or activity. 
         [0017]    The present invention may be adapted to activities such as hammering nails where a user requires one hand to hold a nail and the other hand to swing a hammer. The cup holder may be replaced by a bin to hold the nails. The user lowers their hand into the bin to retrieve a nail, and raises it to drive the nail into the work piece, thus making the job of retrieving nails, faster and easier. A similar device could be used to aid in driving screws, hanging curtain rings and a wide variety of other activities. 
         [0018]    The present invention may be adapted to holding a hand tool such as a hammer or drill. A user could let go of the tool at any time and reach down to retrieve it as desired. 
       Advantageous Effects of Invention 
       [0019]    One advantage of the invention is that the beverage is never removed from the beverage holder so the beverage may be released at any time and it will be supported by the invention. Lowering the hand while the beverage is supported automatically swings the beverage into the hand so no visual ability is required to pick up or put down the beverage. This also allows the user to react to an emergency situation without dropping the beverage on the ground. 
         [0020]    A further advantage is that the invention supports the beverage in such a way that the beverage container and the liquid contained inside of it move in unison when there is an external disturbance or when the user voluntarily moves their arm. This minimizes splashing and spillage without restricting operator mobility and eliminates the need for a sealed container. The invention also absorbs sudden movements and prevents the beverage from splashing or spilling as a result of being jostled. 
         [0021]    A further advantage is that the invention is connected to the user and not to any secondary object so it can be used in conjunction with any mobile equipment or activity. 
         [0022]    A further advantage is that the invention is unobtrusive, attractive in appearance, and may closely resemble jewelry or an athletic band. The invention is small, collapsible and easily hidden in a pocket, purse or tote when not in use. 
         [0023]    Further advantages of my invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0024]      FIG. 1A  shows the preferred embodiment of a cup holder with a wrist, hand and cup included to show how the cup holder is used. 
           [0025]      FIG. 1B  shows the preferred embodiment of a cup holder with a wrist, hand and cup included to show how the cup is retrieved when supported by the cup holder. 
           [0026]      FIG. 1C  shows a detailed view of the preferred embodiment of a cup holder. 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  shows a wrist mount comprising an open bottom. 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  shows a wrist mount comprising a closed elastic bottom. 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  shows a wrist mount comprising an adjustable enclosure. 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  shows a wrist mount comprising a support for a rotary joint. 
           [0031]      FIG. 6  shows a wrist mount comprising a support for a universal joint. 
           [0032]      FIG. 7  shows a wrist mount comprising a support for a flexible suspension. 
           [0033]      FIG. 8  shows an exploded view of a wrist mount comprising an open guide. 
           [0034]      FIG. 9  shows a flexible cup support. 
           [0035]      FIG. 10  shows a rigid cup support. 
           [0036]      FIG. 11  shows a flexible beverage support assembly. 
           [0037]      FIG. 12  shows an adjustable flexible cup support. 
           [0038]      FIG. 13  shows an adjustable rigid cup support. 
           [0039]      FIG. 14  shows a bin receptacle. 
           [0040]      FIG. 15  shows optional rotation axes resulting from the placement of the lower pivot on a cup support or bin receptacle. 
           [0041]      FIG. 16  shows a flexible cup support comprising an insulation sleeve. 
           [0042]      FIG. 17  shows a rigid cup support comprising an insulation sleeve. 
           [0043]      FIG. 18  shows a cup holder comprising a fixed length arm suspension. 
           [0044]      FIG. 19  shows a cup holder comprising a flexible cable suspension. 
           [0045]      FIG. 20  shows a cup holder comprising an elbow arm suspension. 
           [0046]      FIG. 21  shows a cup holder comprising a strut suspension. 
           [0047]      FIG. 22  shows a cup holder comprising a rotatable fixed length arm suspension. 
           [0048]      FIG. 23  shows a cup holder comprising a rotatable flexible cable suspension. 
           [0049]      FIG. 24  shows a cup holder comprising a rotatable elbow arm suspension. 
           [0050]      FIG. 25  shows a cup holder comprising a rotatable strut suspension. 
           [0051]      FIG. 26  shows flexible cable suspension comprising a length adjustment mechanism. 
       
    
    
     REFERENCE SIGNS 
       [0000]    
       
           30 —wrist mount assembly 
           32 —beverage support assembly 
           33 —cup support 
           34 —adjustment assembly 
           36 —suspension 
           38 —universal joint 
           40 —elbow arm suspension 
           42 —strut suspension 
           44 —bin receptacle 
           50 —guide 
           52 A,  52 B,  52 C,  52 D,  52 E,  52 F,  52 G,  52 H—wrist mount 
           54 —articulating surface 
           56 —flexible suspension 
           56 L,  56 R—left and right flexible suspension 
           57 —cup support aperture 
           58 —flexible cup support 
           59 A,  59 B,  59 C,  59 D—rigid cup support 
           60 —limb axis 
           62 —transverse axis 
           64 —cup 
           66 —lid 
           68 —drinking cutout 
           70 —wrist 
           72 —hand 
           74 L,  74 R—left and right first flex pivot 
           76 L,  76 R—left and right second flex pivot 
           78 —wrist mount gap 
           79 —elastic enclosure 
           80 —adjustable enclosure 
           82 —upper link support 
           83 —universal joint support 
           84 —upper link pivot 
           86 —upper link 
           87 —strut 
           88 —elbow pivot 
           89 —lower link support 
           89 L,  89 R—left and right lower link support 
           90 A,  90 B,  90 C—lower link 
           92 —lower link pivot 
           92 L,  92 R—left and right lower link pivot 
           94 —universal link pivot 
           96 —universal link 
           98 —upper fixed length arm pivot 
           99 —strut pivot 
           100 —fixed length arm 
           102 —lower fixed length arm pivot 
           104 —flexible suspension support 
           105 L,  105 R—left and right flexible suspension support 
           106 —open guide 
           107 —channel 
           108 A,  108 B—beverage support member 
           110 A,  110 B—adjustment clamp 
           111 —adjustment gap 
           112 —adjustment screw 
           114 —side wall 
           115 —bottom surface 
           116 A,  116 B,  116 C,  116 D—support rotation axis 
           118 —insulated sleeve 
       
     
       DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0110]      FIGS. 1A ,  1 B and  1 C show the preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 1A and 1B  include a hand  72 , wrist  70  and cup  64  to show how the present invention is used and  FIG. 1C  shows only the present invention to provide greater detail.  FIGS. 1A and 1C  are perspective views and  FIG. 1B  is a side view. A detailed view of the wrist mount assembly  30  is show in  FIG. 2  and a detailed view of the cup support  33  is shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0111]    In  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B and  1 C, wrist mount assembly  30  comprises wrist mount  52 A and guide  50 . A flexible suspension  56  such as a chord, cable, rope, string, strap, belt, elastic or chain passes over wrist mount  52 A, through guide  50 , and is pivotally connected at each end to flexible cup support  58  at left and right second flex pivots  76 L and  76 R. The specific locations of left and right second flex pivots  76 L and  76 R together determine the support rotation axis  116 B which is the rotation axis that cup support  33  rotates with respect to suspension  36  when left and right second flex pivots  76 L and  76 R flex. A selection of optional locations for left and right second flex pivots  76 L and  76 R to achieve other optional cup support rotation axes  116 A,  116 C and  116 D are shown in  FIG. 15 . Wrist mount  52 A comprises an articulating surface  54  which flexible suspension  56  may slide freely over when cup support  33  and suspension  36  swing in unison about transverse axis  62  or limb axis  60  or when wrist  70  rotates about limb axis  60 . 
         [0112]      FIG. 2  shows a detailed perspective view of wrist mount  52 A which comprises a wrist mount gap  78  such that wrist mount  52 A partially encircles wrist  70  when worn. 
         [0113]      FIG. 3  shows a detailed perspective view of wrist mount  52 B which is an alternate embodiment of wrist mount  52 A. Wrist mount  52 B is continuous and completely encircles wrist  70  with an elastic enclosure  79  when worn. 
         [0114]      FIG. 4  shows a detailed perspective view of wrist mount  52 C which is an alternate embodiment of wrist mount  52 A. Wrist mount  52 C comprises an adjustable enclosure  80  such as a buckle, velcro strap, friction assembly, or any other material or mechanism that may be used to adjust and secure a strap to wrist  70 . 
         [0115]      FIG. 5  shows a detailed perspective view of wrist mount  52 D which is an alternate embodiment of wrist mount  52 A. Wrist mount  52 D comprises an upper link support  82  and an upper link pivot  84  which is connected to upper link  86 . Upper link pivot  84  allows upper link  86  to rotate relative to wrist mount  52 D about an axis substantially parallel to transverse axis  62 . 
         [0116]      FIG. 6  shows a detailed perspective view of wrist mount  52 E which is an alternate embodiment of wrist mount  52 A. Wrist mount  52 E comprises a universal joint support  83  which is connected to universal joint  38 . Universal joint  38  comprises universal link pivot  94 , universal link  96  and upper fixed length arm pivot  98  and connects fixed length arm  100  to wrist mount  52 E. Universal link  96  is connected to wrist mount  52 E by universal link pivot  94  and to fixed length arm  100  by upper fixed length arm pivot  98 . Universal link pivot  94  allows universal link  96  to rotate relative to wrist mount  52 E about an axis substantially parallel to limb axis  60  shown in  FIG. 1 . Upper fixed length arm pivot  98  allows fixed length arm  100  to rotate relative to universal link  96  about an axis substantially parallel to transverse axis  62 . 
         [0117]      FIG. 7  shows a detailed perspective view of wrist mount  52 F which is an alternate embodiment of wrist mount  52 A. Wrist mount  52 F comprises flexible suspension support  104  which pivotally connects left and right flexible suspensions  56 L and  56 R to wrist mount  52 F. 
         [0118]      FIG. 8  shows a detailed perspective exploded view of wrist mount  52 G which is an alternate embodiment of wrist mount  52 A. Wrist mount  52 G comprises an open guide  106  which partially exposes flexible suspension  56 . Flexible suspension  56  is held into channel  107  of open guide  106  by the weight of the payload (not shown) which applies a downward force (indicated by dashed arrows) on both sides of flexible suspension  56 . 
         [0119]      FIG. 9  shows a detailed perspective view of cup support  33  comprising flexible cup support  58 . Flexible suspension  56  is connected to flexible cup support  58  at left and right second flex pivots  76 L and  76 R. 
         [0120]      FIG. 10  shows a detailed perspective view of cup support  33  comprising rigid cup support  59 A and left and right lower link supports  89 L and  89 R. Lower link  90 A is connected to rigid cup support  59 A by left and right lower link pivots  92 L and  92 R which each have a rotation axis that is coincident and aligned with support rotation axis  116 B. 
         [0121]      FIG. 11  shows a detailed perspective view of beverage support assembly  32  comprising flexible cup support  58  and beverage support members  108 A and  108 B. Beverage support members  108 A and  108 B are connected to flexible cup support  58  with substantially equal spacing between connection points. Beverage support assembly  32  provides support to the bottom of a beverage container so that when a beverage container with substantially straight sides, such as a can or bottle, is inserted, it is adequately supported. 
         [0122]      FIG. 12  shows a detailed perspective view of cup support  33  comprising flexible cup support  58  and adjustment clamp  110 A. Adjustment clamp  110 A may be used to adjust the circumference of cup support aperture  57  to accommodate different sized cups. 
         [0123]      FIG. 13  shows a detailed perspective view of cup support  33  comprising rigid cup support  59 B and adjustment assembly  34  which comprises adjustment screw  112  and adjustment gap  111 . Adjustment screw  112  may be used to widen or narrow adjustment gap  111  to adjust the circumference of cup support aperture  57  to accommodate different sized cups. 
         [0124]      FIG. 14  shows a detailed perspective view of a bin receptacle  44  which comprises a bottorn surface  115  and side walls  114  and is connected to flexible suspension  56  at left and right second flex pivots  76 L and  76 R. 
         [0125]      FIG. 15  shows a plan view of a cup holder  33  with optional cup support rotation axes  116 A,  116 B,  116 C and  116 D which may be defined by positioning left and right lower flex pivots  76 L and  76 R, or left and right lower link supports  89 L and  89 R such that their rotation axes are coincident and aligned with the desired cup support rotation axis. A first option is to position the pivots at the back of cup holder  33 , coincident with axis  116 A. A second option is to mount the pivots between the middle and back of cup holder  33 , coincident with axis  116 B. A third option is to mount the pivots at the centre of cup holder  33 , coincident with axis  116 C. A fourth option is to mount the pivots toward the front of cup holder  33 , coincident with axis  116 D. The particular choice of mounting points and axis will affect the angle at which cup  64  or bin receptacle  44  tilts when it is supported by suspension  36 , as shown in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  14 ,  16  and  17 . In  FIG. 1B , moving the cup support rotation axis toward the rear of cup holder  33  will result in a clockwise rotation of cup holder  33  and moving the cup support rotation axis toward the front of cup holder  33  will result in a counter-clockwise rotation of cup holder  33 . 
         [0126]      FIG. 16  shows a side view of a cup support  33  which comprises a flexible cup support  58  and an insulated sleeve  118 . 
         [0127]      FIG. 17  shows a side view of cup support  33  which comprises a rigid cup support  59 C and an insulated sleeve  118 . 
         [0128]      FIG. 18  shows a perspective view of the present invention where suspension  36  comprises a fixed length arm  100  pivotally connected to upper link support  82  of wrist mount  52 D by upper fixed length arm pivot  98  and pivotally connected to lower link support  89  of rigid cup support  59 D by lower fixed length arm pivot  102 . 
         [0129]      FIG. 19  shows a perspective view of the present invention where suspension  36  comprises a left and right flexible suspension  56 L and  56 R which are pivotally connected to left and right flexible suspension supports  105 L and  105 R located on each side of wrist mount  52 H, and pivotally connected to rigid cup support  59 C by left and right second flex pivots  76 L and  76 R. 
         [0130]      FIG. 20  shows a perspective view of the present invention where suspension  36  comprises a variable length elbow arm suspension  40  comprising an upper link  86 , a lower link  90 B, and an elbow pivot  88 . Upper link  86  is pivotally connected to upper link support  82  of wrist mount  52 D by upper link pivot  84  and is pivotally connected to lower link  90 B by elbow pivot  88 . Lower link  90 B is pivotally connected to lower link support  89  of rigid cup support  59 D by lower link pivot  92 . 
         [0131]      FIG. 21  shows a perspective view of the present invention where suspension  36  comprises a variable length strut suspension  42  comprising a strut  87  and a lower link  90 C. Strut  87  is pivotally connected to upper link support  82  of wrist mount  52 D by strut pivot  99  and is slidably connected to lower link  90 C such that strut  87  and lower link  90 C may extend and retract axially, with respect to one another. Lower link  90 C is pivotally connected to lower link support  89  of rigid cup support  59 D by lower link pivot  92 . 
         [0132]      FIG. 22  shows a perspective view of the present invention where suspension  36  comprises a fixed length arm  100  and a universal joint  38 . Universal joint  38  comprises universal link  96 , universal link pivot  94  and upper fixed length arm pivot  98 . Universal link  96  is pivotally connected to universal joint support  83  of wrist mount  52 E by universal link pivot  94 . Fixed length arm  100  is pivotally connected to universal link  96  by upper fixed length arm pivot  98  and pivotally connected to lower link support  89  of rigid cup support  59 D by lower fixed length arm pivot  102 . 
         [0133]      FIG. 23  shows a perspective view of the present invention where suspension  36  comprises a left and right flexible suspension  56 L and  56 R which are pivotally connected to a common flexible suspension support  104  on wrist mount  52 F, and pivotally connected to flexible cup support  58  by left and right second flex pivots  76 L and  76 R. 
         [0134]      FIG. 24  shows a perspective view of the present invention where suspension  36  comprises a variable length elbow arm suspension  40  and a universal joint  38 . Elbow arm  40  comprises upper link  86 , lower link  90 B, and elbow pivot  88 . Universal joint  38  comprises universal link  96 , universal link pivot  94  and upper link pivot  84 . Universal link  96  is pivotally connected to universal joint support  83  of wrist mount  52 E by universal link pivot  94 . Upper link  86  is pivotally connected to universal link  96  by upper link pivot  84  and is pivotally connected to lower link  90 B by elbow pivot  88 . Lower link  90 B is pivotally connected to lower link support  89  of rigid cup support  59 D by lower link pivot  92 . 
         [0135]      FIG. 25  shows a perspective view of the present invention where suspension  36  comprises a variable length strut suspension  42  and a universal joint  38 . Strut suspension  42  comprises strut  87  and lower link  90 C. Universal joint  38  comprises universal link  96 , universal link pivot  94  and strut pivot  99 . Universal link  96  is pivotally connected to universal joint support  83  of wrist mount  52 E by universal link pivot  94 . Strut  87  is pivotally connected to universal link  96  by strut pivot  99  and is slidably connected to lower link  90 C such that strut  87  and lower link  90 C may extend and retract axially, with respect to one another. Lower link  90 C is pivotally connected to lower link support  89  of rigid cup support  59 D by lower link pivot  92 . 
         [0136]      FIG. 26  shows a detailed perspective view of a cup support  33  which is pivotally connected to flexible suspension  56  at right second flex pivot  76 R by an adjustment clamp  110 B. Adjustment clamp  110 B may be used to adjust the length of flexible suspension  56  to vary the distance cup  64  hangs below wrist  70 , as seen in  FIG. 1A . A similar method may be used to adjust the length of any of the fixed length members of the other suspension systems including the fixed length arm, elbow arm and strut suspension systems to achieve a similar benefit. 
       Examples 
       [0137]    The method of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is best shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . Flexible suspension  56  is free to slidably pass through guide  50  and over articulating surface  54 , thus allowing cup  64  and cup support  33  to swing freely about limb axis  60 . This same freedom of motion permits wrist  70  to rotate about limb axis  60  without substantially affecting the orientation of cup  64 . Flexible suspension  56  may also pivot at left and right first flex pivots  74 L and  74 R, thus allowing cup  64  and cup support  33  to swing freely about transverse axis  62 . As suspension  36  rotates relative to wrist mount assembly  30  about transverse axis  62 , cup support  33  counter-rotates relative to suspension  36  about support rotation axis  116 B, thus maintaining a substantially constant orientation of cup  64 . 
         [0138]      FIG. 1B  shows the side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention with hand  72  and wrist  70  rotated clockwise about transverse axis  62  such that hand  72  and wrist  70  are pointed downward. As the rotation angle becomes steeper, flexible suspension  56  pivots at left and right first flex pivot  74 L and  74 R, flexible suspension  56  pivots at left and right second flex pivot  76 L and  76 R, flexible suspension  56  slides along articulating surface  54  and cup  64  moves closer to hand  72 . Once the angle is sufficiently steep, cup  64  becomes close enough to hand  72  that cup  64  may be grasped by hand  72 . As cup  64  is drawn into hand  72 , flexible suspension  56  sags to accommodate the decrease in distance between cup support  33  and wrist mount assembly  30 . Accordingly, cup  64  may be held comfortably and the beverage may be consumed without removing cup  64  from cup support  33 . 
         [0139]    When cup  64  is held in hand  72 , it may be released at any time. Cup  64  and cup support  33  will drop until all of the available slack in flexible suspension  56  is taken up, after which cup support  33  will be supported by suspension  36 . This may cause some of the liquid inside of cup  64  to splash up and exit through drinking cutout  68 . Constructing the flexible suspension  56  from an elastic material with low stiffness and damping will generally reduce splashing and spillage but will increase the oscillations cup  64  and cup support  33  will experience after being released. The material properties of suspension  56  may be selected to provide an optimal trade-off between spillage and oscillation. If the need to release cup  64  is not urgent, spillage and oscillation may be minimized by pointing hand  72  and wrist  70  downward until all slack is removed from flexible suspension  56  before releasing cup  64 , as shown in  FIG. 1B . 
         [0140]      FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4  show perspective views of alternate embodiments of wrist mount  52 A which employ different methods for securing the corresponding wrist mount to wrist  70 . In  FIG. 2 , wrist mount  52 A comprises wrist mount gap  78 . Wrist mount  52 A may be constructed from a flexible material such as memory plastic so that wrist mount gap  78  may be spread open to facilitate mounting and removal of wrist mount assembly  30  to and from wrist  70 . Once wrist mount assembly  30  has been mounted, its elastic property grasps wrist  70  and firmly secures wrist mount assembly  30  to wrist  70 . 
         [0141]    In  FIG. 3 , wrist mount  52 B comprises elastic enclosure  79 . Elastic enclosure  79  may be stretched open to facilitate mounting and removal of wrist mount assembly  30  to and from wrist  70 . Once wrist mount assembly  30  has been mounted, its elastic property grasps wrist  70  and firmly secures wrist mount assembly  30  to wrist  70 . 
         [0142]    In  FIG. 4 , wrist mount  52 C comprises adjustable enclosure  80  which may be a buckle, as shown in  FIG. 4 , or any other means of adjusting an aperture to secure a strap to a human limb such as a velcro strap or a friction assembly. Adjustable closure  80  may be opened, closed and adjusted to facilitate installation, removal and securing of wrist mount assembly  30  to wrist  70 . 
         [0143]      FIGS. 5 ,  6  and  7  show perspective views of alternate embodiments of wrist mount  52 A, each adapted to be connected to an alternate embodiment of suspension  36 . The embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  is adapted to be connected to a fixed length arm  100 , an elbow arm suspension  40  or a strut suspension  42  as shown in  FIGS. 18 ,  20 , and  21  respectively. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  is adapted to be connected to a suspension  36  that comprises a universal joint  38  as shown in  FIGS. 22 ,  24  and  25 . The embodiment shown in  FIG. 7  is adapted to be connected to a left and right flexible suspension  56 L and  56 R as shown in  FIG. 23 . 
         [0144]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective exploded view of open guide  106  which is an alternate embodiment of guide  50  from the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1C . Open guide  106  comprises a channel  107  which only partially encloses flexible suspension  56 . The weight of the payload supported by flexible suspension  56  applies a force to each side of flexible suspension  56  which presses it into channel  107  of open guide  106 , holding flexible suspension  56  in place without restricting its ability to slide relative to open guide  106 . This embodiment improves ease of disassembly and replacement of components since flexible suspension  56  is not mechanically connected to open guide  106 . Flexible suspension  56  is held into channel  107  of open guide  106  by gravity only. 
         [0145]      FIGS. 9 ,  10 ,  11 ,  12  and  13  show perspective views of alternate embodiments of cup support  33  of the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1C .  FIG. 9  shows a detailed view of the preferred embodiment where flexible cup support  58  is made from a deformable material, whose aperture  57  may deform to accommodate a cup  64  with any cross-sectional shape.  FIG. 10  shows an embodiment which comprises a rigid cup support  59 A whose aperture  57  maintains its original shape regardless of the cross-sectional shape of the cup  64 . This embodiment is best suited to embodiments that comprise a rigid suspension such as a fixed length arm  100  as shown in  FIGS. 18 and 22 , an elbow arm suspension  40  as shown in  FIGS. 20 and 24 , or a strut suspension  42  as shown in  FIGS. 21 and 25  which are connected to cup support  33  by a lower link pivot  92  or a pair of lower link pivots  92 L and  92 R. Rigid cup support  59 A may have an aperture  57  with a cross-sectional shape that is circular, square or any other shape to accommodate any desired shape of beverage container. Cup support  33  may also comprise any combination of rigid and flexible materials to facilitate flex pivots, mechanical pivots, deformable apertures, adjustable apertures, or any combination of features described in this disclosure. 
         [0146]      FIG. 11  shows beverage support assembly  32  which is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of cup support  33  from the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1C . Beverage support assembly  32  comprises flexible cup support  58  and beverage support members  108 A and  108 B to support a beverage container from below. This embodiment is best suited to supporting beverage containers which have substantially straight sides such as a bottle or can and must be supported from their underside. Beverage support members  108 A and  108 B may be constructed from a flexible or rigid material, may have any shape that provides support to the underside of a container, and may be used with either a flexible or rigid cup support. They may be permanently attached to the cup support or may be removable to accommodate beverage containers with both straight and graduated side profiles. 
         [0147]      FIGS. 12 and 13  show perspective views of alternate embodiments of cup support  33  of the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1C .  FIG. 12  shows a cup support  33  comprising a flexible cup support  58  and an adjustment clamp  110 A which may be used to increase or decrease the circumference of aperture  57  to accommodate cups with different outer dimensions.  FIG. 13  shows a cup support  33  comprising rigid cup support  59 B and an adjustment assembly  34  comprising an adjustment gap  111  and an adjustment screw  112 . Turning adjustment screw  112  increases or decreases the width of adjustment gap  111 , thereby increasing or decreasing the circumference of aperture  57  to accommodate cups with different outer dimensions. Adjustment assembly  34  may also comprise a lever, cam, worm gear or any other mechanism or means of adjusting the aperture  57  of a rigid cup support  59 B. 
         [0148]      FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of a bin receptacle  44  that may replace cup support  33  of the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1C . Bin receptacle  44  comprises a bottom surface  115  and side walls  114  so that it may contain items such as screws, nails or any other loose objects desired. Bin receptacle  44  may be square, round, oval or any other shape and may comprise openings, interior walls or compartments in any arrangement that make it convenient for a particular application. 
         [0149]      FIG. 15  shows a top view of cup support  33  and a plurality of optional support rotation axes  116 A,  116 B,  116 C or  116 D. When there are two pivots connecting the suspension to the cup support  33 , as in  FIG. 1C , the support rotation axis is defined by the axis that connects the two pivot points. When there is a single pivot connecting the suspension to the cup support  33 , the support rotation axis is the rotation axis of the pivot joint. In  FIG. 15 , Cup support  33  may be replaced by any other payload such as bin receptacle  44  shown in  FIG. 14 . When the support rotation axis is  116 A or  116 B, the payload will naturally tilt toward the front when it is supported by suspension  36 . When the support rotation axis is  116 C, the payload will naturally remain substantially upright when it is supported by suspension  36 . When the support rotation axis is  116 D, the payload will naturally tilt toward the rear when it is supported by suspension  36 . In  FIG. 1C , the preferred embodiment uses support rotation axis  116 B. Cup  64  tilts toward hand  72  when wrist  70  is angled downward which makes it convenient to grasp cup  64 , as shown in  FIG. 1B . 
         [0150]      FIGS. 16 and 17  show perspective views of alternate embodiments of cup support  33  of the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1C .  FIG. 16  shows a cup support  33  comprising a flexible cup support  58  and an insulated sleeve  118 .  FIG. 17  shows a cup support  33  comprising a rigid cup support  59 C and an insulated sleeve  118 . Hot beverages are commonly served with a paper insulation sleeve to protect the consumer from discomfort. The reusable insulated sleeve  118  eliminates the need for disposable paper sleeves. 
         [0151]      FIGS. 18 ,  19 ,  20  and  21  show perspective views of alternate embodiments of suspension  36  of the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1C . In these embodiments, wrist mounts  52 D in  FIGS. 18 ,  20  and  21  or wrist mount  52 H in  FIG. 19  should fit loosely enough around wrist  70  such that slippage may occur between wrist  70  and wrist mount  52 D or  52 H when wrist  60  rotates about limb axis  60  from  FIG. 1A , such that the original orientation of cup  64  is not substantially disturbed. 
         [0152]    In  FIG. 18 , suspension  36  comprises a fixed length arm  100 . Fixed length arm  100  may be constructed from a soft, flexible or elastic material to allow elongation or shortening of the arm when subjected to a load force. 
         [0153]    In  FIG. 19 , suspension  36  comprises left and right flexible supports  56 L and  56 R which will naturally sag or buckle, thereby providing no resistance to a reduction in the distance between wrist mount assembly  30  and cup support  33 . 
         [0154]    In  FIG. 20 , suspension  36  comprises an elbow arm suspension  40  which can pivotally retract to allow a reduction in the distance between wrist mount assembly  30  and cup support  33 . Elbow pivot  88  may comprise a spring or damper to provide a tuned suspension for cup support  33 . 
         [0155]    In  FIG. 21 , suspension  36  comprises a strut suspension  42  which can slidably retract to allow a reduction in the distance between wrist mount assembly  30  and cup support  33 . Strut  87  may comprise a spring or damper to provide a tuned suspension for cup support  33 . 
         [0156]      FIGS. 22 ,  24  and  25  show perspective views of alternate embodiments of suspension  36  of the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1C . In these embodiments, rotation of wrist  70  about limb axis  60  from  FIG. 1A , will induce a counter-rotation in universal joint  38  such that the original orientation of cup  64  is not substantially affected. Wrist mount  52 E may firmly grasp wrist  70  without upsetting the orientation of cup  64  when wrist  70  rotates about limb axis  60 . 
         [0157]    In  FIG. 22 , suspension  36  comprises a universal joint  38  and a fixed length arm  100 . Fixed length arm  100  may be constructed from a soft, flexible or elastic material to allow elongation or shortening of the arm when subjected to a load force. 
         [0158]    In  FIG. 23 , suspension  36  comprises left and right flexible supports  56 L and  56 R mounted to wrist mount  52 F at a single flexible suspension support  104 . Mounting flexible supports  56 L and  56 R at a single support point allows them to flex in unison and provide a degree of freedom similar to that provided by universal joint  38  in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 22 ,  24  and  25 . Wrist mount  52 E may firmly grasp wrist  70  without substantially upsetting the orientation of cup  64  when wrist  70  rotates about limb axis  60  from  FIG. 1A . Left and right flexible supports  56 L and  56 R will naturally sag or buckle, thereby providing no resistance to a reduction in the distance between wrist mount assembly  30  and cup support  33 . 
         [0159]    In  FIG. 24 , suspension  36  comprises a universal joint  38  and an elbow arm suspension  40  which can pivotally retract to allow a reduction in the distance between wrist mount assembly  30  and cup support  33 . Elbow pivot  88  may comprise a spring or damper to provide a tuned suspension for cup support  33 . 
         [0160]    In  FIG. 25 , suspension  36  comprises a universal joint  38  and a strut suspension  42  which can slidably retract to allow a reduction in the distance between wrist mount assembly  30  and cup support  33 . Strut  87  may comprise a spring or damper to provide a tuned suspension for cup support  33 . 
         [0161]      FIG. 26  shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of flexible suspension  56  of the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1C . Suspension  36  comprises flexible suspension  56  and adjustment clamp  110 B which may be used to adjust the maximum length of flexible suspension  56  or to adjust the point of connection between right second flex pivot  76 R and flexible cup support  58 , thereby adjusting the effective support rotation axis. A length adjustment mechanism may also be added to the fixed length arm  100 , or the members of the elbow arm suspension  40  or strut suspension  42  shown in the preceding figures to allow for a similar adjustment of the maximum length of any suspension described by this disclosure. 
       CITATION LIST 
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