Supports – Brackets – Article holding means
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-04
2001-10-16
Ramirez, Ramon O. (Department: 3632)
Supports
Brackets
Article holding means
C248S313000, C248S316200, C248S506000, C206S545000, C294S119300
Reexamination Certificate
active
06302364
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to holders for containers in general, and more specifically to a container holder which will securely hold containers of a variety of sizes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Numerous approaches have been taken for holding beverage containers of various sizes. Some of these approaches include depressions in the molded plastic of an instrument panel or center console and trays or drawers that slide out from an armrest or under the dash with openings for beverage containers.
One problem with existing container holders is the inability to accommodate containers of various sizes. Containers which are smaller than the depression or opening are not held securely and may tip easily. Containers which are larger than the depression or opening do not fit into the holder.
Recently, some container holders have included flexible inserts to allow for a greater variety of container sizes. However, such holders may not hold a smaller container securely. Also, larger containers may be difficult to insert and remove from the container holder. Therefore, a container holder which can adjust to the size of the container is needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the related art by providing a pneumatically operated means for selectively adjusting the size of the container holder depression or opening. An air bladder positioned on the periphery, or a portion thereof, of the container holder is inflated or deflated using a pump mechanism in order to change the size of the container receiving aperture. The container holder is adapted to be attached to, or integral with, a surrounding structure, such as a vehicle panel, console, or seat armrest.
An advantage of the present invention is a container holder which is capable of securely holding containers of varying sizes.
Another advantage is a container holder in which the container holder opening or depression size can be selectively varied to fit the size of a container.
Still another advantage of the present invention is a container holder which is easily operated.
A feature of the present invention is a pneumatically inflatable bladder member positioned around a periphery, or portion thereof, of the container holder.
Another feature is a pump attached to the bladder member for selectively inflating or deflating the bladder member.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2932378 (1960-04-01), Smith
patent: 2932825 (1960-04-01), Vaughan, Jr.
patent: 3028702 (1962-04-01), St. Cyr
patent: 4015940 (1977-04-01), Conlon
patent: 4964600 (1990-10-01), Lee
patent: 4969618 (1990-11-01), Thompson
patent: 5316255 (1994-05-01), Marcusen
patent: 5397000 (1995-03-01), Holte et al.
patent: 5536056 (1996-07-01), Clarke et al.
patent: 5560578 (1996-10-01), Schenken et al.
patent: 5704579 (1998-01-01), Celentino et al.
patent: 1238423 (1959-02-01), None
patent: 629620 (1963-07-01), None
patent: 769792 (1957-03-01), None
patent: 851475 (1960-10-01), None
Hodges Leslie C.
Landry Walter
Ramirez Ramon O.
Visteon Global Technologies Inc.
LandOfFree
Pneumatic container holder does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Pneumatic container holder, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Pneumatic container holder will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2568959