Patent Document

This Application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to provisional applications U.S. Ser. No. 60/877,783 filed Dec. 29, 2006 and U.S. Ser. No. 60/978,676 filed on Oct. 9, 2007 both of which are incorporated by reference herein. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates to a beverage container holder for vehicles and more particularly, to a beverage holder which removably mounts to a support platform. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Cupholders in various types of boats such as power boats and vehicles such as recreational vehicles are known. Often, the boat or vehicle is not provided with the optimum number or location for the cupholders and it is desirable to retrofit the vehicle or boat with a cupholder. Cupholders may be adapted for mounting to existing vehicle platforms which may include any type of structural mounting locations on a vehicle. Such structural mounting locations may include but are not limited to the armrests of seats which may serve as a mounting platform for such drink holders. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates to an improved beverage container holder which is readily mountable to the support platform on a boat, vehicle, or the like. The beverage container holder comprises a cylindrical can which is adapted to fit various size beverage containers wherein the can incorporates an improved mounting configuration for mounting the can. The beverage container holder further comprises a mounting ring which is separately mountable to the support platform. Preferably, the mounting ring is an annular shape that surrounds a corresponding opening formed in the support platform and in which the can is to be received. Both the cylindrical can and the mounting ring can be made from plastic resin that fluoresces in the dark or is adapted for illumination for increased visibility in low light settings. 
   As to the improved mounting arrangement, the mounting ring includes at least one cam track formed on an exterior surface of the mounting ring and which is adapted to receive a detent provided in the can. The detent projects into the cam track when the can and mounting ring are aligned with each other and the can is seated on the mounting ring. Thereafter, the can is rotated to slide the detent along the cam track and then into a locking engagement on the cam track thus positively restraining the can in a locked condition so the can is rigidly affixed to the support platform. 
   The mounting ring includes separate fasteners that affix the mounting ring in a non-rotatable fixed condition on the support platform. These fasteners may include screws which are inserted downwardly through fastener bores in the mounting ring and threadedly engage the support platform. The mounting ring fasteners can also include flexible ridged projections that can be inserted downwardly into the support platform that affix the mounting ring in fixed condition on the support platform. Thus, the overall beverage container holder is positively fastened to the support platform by conventional fasteners. The rim of the can then overlies these fasteners and encloses same to provide an improved aesthetic appearance to the overall beverage container. 
   This provides an improved mounting structure by which the can may be readily mounted to the support platform, and also provides an improved aesthetic appearance to the container holder since the fasteners used to secure the mounting ring to the support platform are in turn covered by the rim of the can. To increase the visibility in dark conditions, the cylindrical can, the rim of the can, or the mounting ring can be made to emit light by manufacturing these components with materials that glow in the dark, fluorescent materials, or clear materials that capture and transmit light from generating sources. 
   Other objects and purposes of the invention, and variations thereof, will be apparent upon reading the following specification and inspecting the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a bottom isometric view of the beverage container holder of the invention showing a holder can mounted to a mounting ring. 
       FIG. 2  is a plan view of the can. 
       FIG. 3  is a front elevational view of the can. 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded elevational view showing the can and mounting ring being mounted with screw fasteners to a support platform of a vehicle. 
       FIG. 5  is a plan view of the mounting ring with screw fasteners. 
       FIG. 6  is an enlarged elevational view of the holder assembly mounted to the vehicle platform using the screw fasteners. 
       FIG. 7  is a partial enlarged view of the rim of the can. 
       FIG. 8  is an enlarged partial view of the can rim with phantom lines provided therein that illustrate a detent therein. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates the engagement of the detent with the mounting ring. 
       FIG. 10  is a plan view of the mounting ring with circumferentially spaced detents. 
       FIG. 11  is a side view of the mounting ring from a first orientation. 
       FIG. 12  is a front elevational view of the mounting ring from a second orientation. 
       FIG. 13  is an enlarged view of a locking track which cooperates with a respective detent. 
       FIG. 14  is a front elevational view of the locking track from a second orientation. 
       FIG. 15  is a partial plan view of a locking track illustrating a detent being moved between locked and unlocked positions. 
       FIG. 16  is an exploded elevational view showing the can and mounting ring being mounted with flexible finger fasteners to a support platform of a vehicle. 
       FIG. 17  is a plan view of the mounting ring with flexible finger fasteners. 
       FIG. 18  is an enlarged elevational view of the holder assembly mounted to the vehicle platform using the flexible finger fasteners. 
       FIG. 19  is a bottom view of the holder assembly using the flexible finger fasteners. 
       FIG. 20  is a top view of the mounting ring with circumferentially spaced flexible finger fasteners and detents. 
       FIG. 21  is a bottom view of the mounting ring with circumferentially spaced flexible finger fasteners and detents. 
   

   Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience and reference only, and will not be limiting. For example, the words “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “rightwardly” and “leftwardly” will refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” will refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the arrangement and designated parts thereof. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , the invention relates to a holder  10  for beverage containers which is adapted for mounting to a generally horizontal support surface or platform such as the structure of a vehicle or vessel. The holder  10  particularly is suited for mounting to any desired location as an add-on component to the existing structure of the vehicle or vessel. 
   The holder  10  is an assembly comprising a mounting ring  12  which is configured for mounting to the support platform by a plurality of screws  14 . After affixing the mounting ring  12  in position, a generally cylindrical can or container  15  is provided which fits through the center portion of the mounting ring  12  and is affixed thereto by locking rotation of the can  15  in the direction of reference arrow  16 . 
   Referring more particularly to the construction of the can  15  as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the can  15  comprises a main cylinder body  17  having a main body wall  18  which defines a substantial vertical dimension of the overall height of the can  15 . The main cylinder body  17  then transitions downwardly and turns inwardly into a narrower bottom cylinder body  19  which preferably has a reduced diameter as compared to the main cylinder body  17 . The bottom cylinder  19  is defined by a bottom cylinder wall  20  and then again transitions radially inwardly to define the bottom can wall  22 . The differing diameters of the main cylinder body  17  and bottom cylinder  19  allows for usage of different size beverage containers within the can  15 . 
   The bottom of the can is also provided with a thin elastomer pad  24  ( FIG. 2 ) having a center hole, while the bottom can wall  22  includes a drain nipple  26 . Since the holder  10  of the invention is provided for use in marine environments, the nipple  26  serves as a drain for any water from the environment which collects therein. Also, the drain nipple  26  can serve as a spill tube for allowing spillage to also drain to a suitable location. Typically, a drain tube (not illustrated) is attached to the nipple  26  by a suitable elbow. 
   Next as to the top of the can  15 , the main cylinder body  17  transitions upwardly and terminates at a circumferential rim  28  which defines the can opening  29  that allows access to the interior compartment defined within the can  15 . Generally, the rim  28  projects radially outwardly from the main body wall  18  and has a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart locking formations  31  which preferably serve as detents for engagement with the mounting ring  12  as will be discussed herein. 
   Referring more particularly to  FIG. 4 , the holder  10  is typically mounted to any suitable support platform  32  on the upper surface  33  thereof. Preferably the support platform  32  is formed with a circular bore  34  which opens upwardly for receipt of the holder can  15  therein. 
     FIG. 4  generally illustrates the assembly of the holder  10  wherein the mounting ring  12  is first positioned over the bore or pocket  34  as indicated by reference arrow  36  and then suitable fasteners such as screws  14  are inserted downwardly therethrough as indicated by reference arrow  37 . This positively fixedly secures the mounting ring  12  to the upper surface  33  of the support platform  32  and allows for downward engagement of the can  15  therewith. In particular, the can  15  is aligned with the mounting ring  12  and platform bore  34  in coaxial alignment therewith and then displaced downwardly as indicated by reference arrow  38  so as to insert the can  15  into the bore  34  and ring  12  such that the can rim  28  is seated in overlying engagement with the mounting ring  12 . When positioning the can  15 , the detents  31  on the can rim  28  are aligned with corresponding locking formations in the mounting ring  12 , namely cam slots  40  which allows the can  15  to be fitted downwardly in a fully seated condition on the mounting ring  12 . Thereafter, the can  15  is rotated as generally indicated by reference arrow  41  to engage the cooperating locking formations  31  and  40  together and lock the can  15  to the ring  12 . 
   The embodiment can include any type of bayonet connection such that two surfaces are turned in opposite directions to guide a first surface into a second surface slot that prevents the first surface from being removed. The can is held into position to prevent it from backing out. To disconnect the two surfaces the user pushes the two surfaces together to overcome the frictional forces holding the can in its locked position by using a fraction of a turn to reverse the locking turn. 
   As seen in  FIG. 5 , the fasteners  14  fit downwardly in circumferentially spaced relation through the mounting ring  12  to secure the mounting ring  12  to the support platform  32  as also generally illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
   When secured in position, the rim  28  substantially encloses the mounting ring  12  as illustrated in  FIG. 6  and the can  15  is then mounted so that it only projects slightly above the upper surface  33  of the support platform  32 . 
   More particularly as to the arrangement of the locking structure on the can rim  28 ,  FIGS. 7-9  best illustrate this locking structure and namely the detents  31 . As seen in  FIGS. 7-9 , the main body wall  18  extends vertically upwardly to its upper terminal edge  45 . At this upper terminal edge  45 , the main body wall  18  then is outturned and transitions into the rim  28 , and specifically transitions into an upper rim wall  46  which extends radially outwardly. The upper rim wall  46  then turns an additional corner  47  so as to define a downwardly projecting outer rim wall  48  which terminates at a bottom edge  49 . This outer rim wall  48  has an inside surface  50  which faces radially towards the opposing outside surface  51  of the main body wall  18  to thereby define an annular ring-receiving channel  53  which is adapted to fit over the mounting ring  12  as can be seen in  FIG. 9 . This channel  53  opens downwardly and has a width generally corresponding to the overall width of the can rim  28 . 
   To secure the can  15  to the mounting ring  12 , a plurality of the locking formations  31  are provided and preferably three such formations are provided at equal angular spacing about the circumference of the outer rim wall  48 . Preferably the locking formations  31  are formed as inwardly projecting detents  55  which project a small radial distance into the ring channel  53  and also only have a small angular dimension as illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 15  wherein these detents  55  are defined by opposite angularly-spaced end surfaces  56  and  57 . 
   Preferably, the can  15  is formed as a single unitary body of a suitable corrosion-resistant material including stainless steel, plastics or other resins that are adapted to emit or transmit light. 
   Turning next to the mounting ring  12 , the mounting ring  12  is illustrated in FIGS.  5  and  10 - 12 . This mounting ring  12  has an annular shape defined by inner and outer circumferential surfaces  59  and  60 , and top and bottom surfaces  61  and  62 . Preferably, the mounting ring  12  is formed from a molded plastic material. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 15 , arcuate lengths of the ring  12  are formed with recessed channels  64  which extend between opposite ends  65  and  66  and are defined on opposite sides by channel walls  67  and  68  ( FIG. 15 ). These channels  64  preferably reduce the material used for the mounting ring  12  during molding thereof. 
   Along the length of the arcuate channels  64 , bosses  70  are provided through which the fastener  14 , are threadedly engaged with the support platform  32 . Preferably as seen in  FIG. 10 , the bosses  70  are positioned closest to the cam slots  40  to best hold the cam slots  40  in position against the upper support surface  33  during locking rotation of the can  15 . 
   As to the cam slots  40 , these cam slots  40  are positioned at equal angular distances from each other as generally illustrated in  FIGS. 10-12  and as such are aligned with the detents  55  of the can  15  as diagrammatically illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 12 . 
   As to the specific structure of these cam slots  40 ,  FIGS. 13-15  best illustrate the cam slots  40 . 
   Generally, each cam slot  40  includes a vertical entry passage  72  which opens vertically through the entire thickness of the mounting ring  12  and has a circumferential distance defined by the full thickness passage side face  73  and the partial thickness passage side face  74 . The bottom end of the entry passage  72  then opens circumferentially into a cam section  75  which is open on the bottom side thereof but is defined by the top cam face  76 . The cam face  76  generally slopes along a first sloped section  77  until it reaches an inclined rib  78 . Circumferentially past the rib  78 , a flat lock seat  79  is formed. It is noted that the dimension of the lock seat  79  is shallower than the first sloped section  77  which progressively varies along the length thereof. 
   During mounting of the can  15  to the mounting ring  12 , the detents  55  are first aligned with the entry passage  72  as generally illustrated in  FIG. 15  which shows the detent  55  in a first unlocked position indicated by reference arrow  81 . This unlocked position  81  also is diagrammatically illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 12 . Once the can  15  is fully seated with the mounting ring  12  being completely seated within the ring channel  53  of the can rim  28  shown in  FIG. 9 , the can  15  can then be rotated as indicated by reference arrow  82  in  FIG. 10 . This causes the detents  55  to rotate or translate circumferentially to the fully locked position  83  shown in  FIGS. 12 and 15 . In particular the detents  55  then ride over the cam rib  78  of the cam slot  40  and then seat within the lock seat  79  thereof. In particular, the inwardly projecting detent  55  generally rides along the outer edge portion of the cam slot  40  along the outer cam edge  85 .  FIG. 9  illustrates the detent  55  generally in contact with the cam rib  78  as it rides thereover and prepares to either move into the lock seat  79  or back to the slope section  77  depicted in  FIG. 9  in phantom outline. This riding of the detent  55  along the slope cam section  77  draws the can rim  28  downwardly into tight-fitting engagement with the mounting ring  12 . As the detent  55  rides over the cam rib  78 , a positive resistance to locking is felt and then this resistance drops off slightly as the detent  55  then aligns with the lock seat  79  in the locked position  83  ( FIG. 15 ). The detent end face  57  then faces towards and is positioned for contact with the rib  78  so as to resist return rotation of the cam  15 . Therefore, this slope section  77  causes a positive drawing of the can  15  downwardly towards the support platform  32  while the rib  78  then causes the detent  55  to move over into a positively locked position  83 . 
   During assembly, the mounting ring  12  is first positioned and fastened to the support surface  32  by the fasteners  14 . Thereafter, the can  15  is positioned with the detents  55  thereof in alignment with the corresponding entry passages  72  of the cam slots  40 . As the can  15  is moved downwardly to the fully seated position with the mounting ring  12  seated fully within the ring channel  53  ( FIG. 9 ), the can  15  is then rotated as generally depicted in  FIGS. 10 and 15  to the positively locked position  83 . In this manner, an improved mounting arrangement is provided for positively locking the beverage containing can  15  in position on a desired vehicle or vessel. 
   Another embodiment of the present invention includes, as seen in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , an assembly comprising a mounting ring  12  which is configured for mounting to the support platform by circumferentially spaced fasteners  84  which frictionally engage the support platform  32 . After affixing the mounting ring  12  in position, a generally cylindrical can or container  15  is provided which fits through the center portion of the mounting ring  12  and is affixed thereto by locking rotation of the can  15  in the direction of reference arrow  16 . The mounting ring  12  with the fasteners  84  on the mounting ring  12  fit downwardly in circumferentially spaced relation through the bore  34  to secure the mounting ring  12  to the support platform  32  as also generally illustrated in  FIG. 18 . The fasteners  84  comprise flexible fingers  87  that extend downwardly and include detents  89  that extend outwardly to frictionally engage the support platform  32  in the bore  34  also see  FIG. 17 . 
     FIG. 16  generally illustrates the assembly of the holder  10  wherein the mounting ring  12  is first positioned over the bore  34  as indicated by reference arrow  36  and then suitable fasteners  84  comprising circumferentially spaced and downwardly extending flexible fingers  87  with outwardly radiating detents  89  are inserted downwardly therethrough as indicated by reference arrow  37 . Alternative fasteners could also be used, these include but are not limited to; any friction type fastener of smooth, ridged, continuous or discontinuous design; adhesive fasteners where an adhesive coating of any type may be applied to either the support platform  32  or the mounting ring  12  or both with optional flexible coverings placed on the adhesive until it is to be fixed; screw type fasteners where metal or plastic screws of any shape are used; or any other type of fastener know to one skilled in the art that can be used to secure the mounting ring to the support platform. 
   The fasteners  84  positively fixedly secure the mounting ring  12  to the upper surface  33  of the support platform  32  and allows for downward engagement of the can  15  therewith. In particular, the can  15  is aligned with the mounting ring  12  and platform bore  34  in coaxial alignment therewith and then displaced downwardly as indicated by reference arrow  38  so as to insert the can  15  into the bore  34  and ring  12  such that the can rim  28  is seated in overlying engagement with the mounting ring  12 . When positioning the can  15 , the detents  31  on the can rim  28  are aligned with corresponding locking formations in the mounting ring  12 , namely cam slots  40  which allows the can  15  to be fitted downwardly in a fully seated condition on the mounting ring  12 . Thereafter, the can  15  is rotated as generally indicated by reference arrow  41  to engage the cooperating locking formations  31  and  40  together and lock the can  15  to the ring  12 . 
   As seen in  FIG. 18 , the fasteners  84  comprise of downwardly extending fingers  87  with outwardly radiating detents  89  that frictionally engage the support platform  32  to affix the mounting ring  12  in the support platform  32 . Preferably, there are a plurality of detents  89  to provide increased frictional engagement to the support platform  32 . It is also contemplated in this embodiment that a single detent  89  can be used to frictionally engage the mounting  12 . The detents  89  can be made of various shapes and sizes. For instance, the detents  89  can have a triangular shaped cross-section, in which a point of the triangularly shaped detent frictionally engages the support platform  32  to help prevent upward removal of the mounting ring  12  from the support platform  32 . In some embodiments, the detents  89  are formed as a plurality of ridges on the downward fingers  87  in which the detents  89  span the axial width of the finger  87  or are limited to a small width of the finger  87 . In other embodiments, the detents  89  are formed as a plurality of conical protrusions on each finger  87 . 
   As seen in  FIG. 21 , for example, the mounting ring  12  includes three circumferentially spaced fasteners  84  but other embodiments, depending on the support platform  32  material and construction, could include more or less fasteners  84  to provide the optimal frictional engagement at the lowest manufacturing cost In some embodiments for increased engagement and affixing to the support platform  32 , the fastener  84  can be adapted as one continuous support ring extending downwardly from the mounting ring  12  with a plurality of detents  89  that spans the entire circumference of the mounting ring  12  thereby providing circumferential affixing of the mounting ring  12  to the support platform  32 . 
   Further embodiment modifications include using materials for the holder  10 , cylindrical can  15 , the rim of the can  28 , or the mounting ring  12  which can be manufactured with either phosphorescent materials, fluorescent materials, or other substances that radiate visible light after being energized to provide increased visibility in low light conditions. 
   Further embodiment modifications include using materials for the holder  10 , cylindrical can  15 , the rim of the can  28 , or the mounting ring  12  which can be manufactured with either translucent or transparent materials that capture and transmit light from generating sources, such as a light positioned below or next to the beverage container holder  10  to provide back illumination for enhanced visibility in the dark. 
   Although a particular preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized that variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus, including the rearrangement of parts, lie within the scope of the present invention.

Technology Category: y