Compact dual arm container holder

Abstract

A container holder for vehicles includes a foldable assembly slidably received in a housing defined trough including a bottom and side members with an optional top wall. The assembly is stored in a folded position and is slidable out through a front end of the housing to an unfolded operative position ready to receive a container. The assembly includes a support member with a base and a pair of side walls pivotally mounted on the support member. Dual guide arms are pivotably mounted along upper edges of the side walls and are pivoted downward between the side walls in the stored position of the assembly. The arms have inner ends linked for simultaneous movement with the side walls. A resilient element, such as a spring, urges the side walls in an outwardly pivoting direction. Upon sliding of the base outward from the stored position to the operative position, the side walls are pivoted to angle outward and the guide arms are pivoted upward toward horizontal positions. Cutouts in the arms form an opening for receiving a container between the outwardly angled arms for engagement with the base and restraint in an upright position within the container holder. Upon return of the base to the stored position, the side walls are forced inward by engagement with the side members of the housing, allowing the guide arms to pivot downward and fold the guide arms and side walls into the stored position within the trough formed in the housing.