The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 09, 2000
Filed:
Mar. 03, 1998
Collins & Aikman Plastics, Inc., Troy, MN (US);
Abstract
A convertible container holding assembly includes a housing fixedly secured to a structure such as an armrest or instrument panel. A base is movable into and out of the housing between retracted and extended positions. The base includes a support and a stabilizing edge. The support and stabilizing edge define a portion of a cupholding area. A stabilizing arm is pivotally secured to the base and is positionable in an infinite number of positions such that it is capable of positively abutting the container when the container is positively abutting the stabilizing edge, regardless of the diameter of the container. A brake prevents the stabilizing arm from moving to its outermost position once it is forced into engagement with the container. The stabilizing arm may be reset by forcing it to its innermost position or by retracting the base into the housing and moving the base back to its extended position.