Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to TempFlow Anti-Spill Cup Holder. This invention relates to cup holders for vehicles, and more particularly to a cup holder that prevents spills and maintains beverage temperature.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many drivers face the challenge of keeping their drinks stable while navigating turns, sudden stops, or bumpy roads, leading to spilled beverages that can create messes, stain car interiors, and cause distractions. Traditional car cup holders lack the stability necessary to keep drinks from tipping, spilling, or sloshing, especially in fast-paced or rough driving conditions. This frequent issue not only wastes time and resources in clean-up but also poses a safety risk, as drivers may divert their attention from the road to manage or prevent spills. The lack of temperature control in conventional cup holders further diminishes the experience, as hot drinks cool down too quickly and cold drinks lose their chill. Drivers who wish to enjoy a hot coffee during long drives, or keep a cold drink refreshing, often find themselves disappointed by this limitation, which reduces overall satisfaction and adds to driving discomfort.
Existing Products:
1. CUBETECH Anti-Spill Cup Holder
1. Limited cup compatibility: It may not fit larger or uniquely shaped mugs, limiting its versatility.
2. No temperature control: It doesn’t offer any temperature regulation, so drinks can become too hot or too cold during long trips
2. PUNCIA 12V Smart Electric Heated Travel Mug
1. Small capacity: With a 380 ml capacity, it's not ideal for people who need larger drink containers.
2. Corded design: It relies on a 12V car plug, which may cause clutter and restrict mobility.
3. EAST MOUNT Smart Temperature Control Travel Mug :
A smart electric mug with a temperature control feature, designed for heating beverages while traveling. It has an anti-slip base and leak-proof lid, but is limited in size and only suited for heating
4. SpillNot Drink Carrier :
This device holds cups more securely, preventing spills during car rides. It works well for larger drinks but doesn’t regulate the drink's temperature
5. Gulrear Intelligent Car Electric Kettle :
This product functions as a portable kettle for the car, offering a temperature control feature and the ability to boil water
6. “Temperature-Controlled Car Cup Holder”
◦ PatentUS20180162256A1: Car Cup Holder with Temperature Control
◦ PatentUS9365146B1: Hot or Cold Cup Holder for Vehicles
7. " Anti-Spill Car Cup Holder"
◦ PatentUS8348084B2: Spill-proof Container with Gimbal
◦ Patent US20180343953A1: Beverage Holder System for Vehicles

8. " Spill-Proof Drink Holder for Cars"
◦ PatentUS20180267515A1: Stabilized Cup Holder for Vehicles
SHORTCOMING OF THE PRESENTLY AVAILABLE SOLUTIONS
• Limited Compatibility and Size Restrictions :
Many products are designed for specific types of cups or vehicles, limiting their universality.
• Lack of Durability in Spill-Proof Features :
Some anti-spill products work well under gentle conditions but are not as effective during extreme car movements (sharp turns, sudden stops, or bumpy roads).
• No Integration of Stabilization Technology :
Previous solutions focus either on spill prevention (e.g., gimbal or gyroscopic systems) or temperature control (e.g., heated/cooled cup holders), but TempFlow integrates both features in one innovative product.
While some products like the BMW’s Gyroscopic Anti-Spill Cup Holders attempt to stabilize cups, most available solutions don’t integrate advanced stabilization technology (such as gimbals) to prevent tipping or sloshing on rough terrain. But BMW’s product is in built in the car which prevents being an external tool.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
The present invention addresses the limitations of existing cup holders by providing a Car Anti-Spill Cup Holder with Gimbal and Temperature Control. This innovative device combines a gimbal stabilization system with integrated temperature control, offering a comprehensive solution for preventing spills and maintaining optimal beverage temperature.
The gimbal mechanism dynamically stabilizes the cup holder, keeping the beverage upright regardless of the vehicle's movements. This significantly reduces the risk of spills caused by turns, bumps, or sudden stops. The temperature control system allows users to select their desired beverage temperature, and smart sensors continuously monitor the liquid's temperature, activating heating or cooling elements as needed to maintain the selected setting.
The device is designed for universal compatibility, fitting most standard cups and mugs. Its compact and portable design allows for easy installation and use in a variety of vehicles. The user-friendly interface simplifies temperature setting adjustments, providing a convenient and personalized beverage experience.
This invention offers a unique combination of features not found in existing cup holders. By integrating gimbal stabilization and dual-mode temperature control into a single, portable device, it provides a superior solution for in-vehicle beverage management.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
The TempFlow Anti-Spill Cup Holder is designed to keep drinks secure and at the right temperature while in a vehicle. The gimbal system allows the cup to remain upright, even when the car turns or hits bumps, ensuring no spills. The integrated temperature control adjusts the drink’s heat or coolness based on user preferences, using sensors to maintain the optimal temperature. This technology ensures drinks stay at the perfect temperature while minimizing the risk of spills.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
FIGURE 1: SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
 
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a",” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", “third”, and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The Car Anti-Spill Cup Holder with Gimbal and Temperature Control comprises several key components working in concert. The core of the device is the gimbal mechanism, which consists of interconnected rings or frames that allow the cup holder to rotate freely in multiple axes. This rotational freedom ensures that the cup holder, and thus the beverage container placed within it, remains upright regardless of the vehicle's motion. The gimbal is housed within an outer casing, which is designed to fit securely within a standard vehicle cup holder. The casing may be manufactured from durable plastic, metal, or composite materials.
Integrated within the cup holder is a temperature control system. This system includes a heating element and a cooling element, both in thermal contact with the inner cup holder surface. The heating element may be a resistive heating coil, while the cooling element may be a thermoelectric cooler. A temperature sensor, located within the cup holder, continuously monitors the temperature of the beverage. This sensor provides feedback to a control circuit, which regulates the heating and cooling elements.
The control circuit is programmed to maintain the user-selected beverage temperature. A user interface, located on the outer casing, allows the user to easily adjust the desired temperature setting. The user interface may include buttons, a touch screen, or other input mechanisms. The control circuit receives the temperature setting from the user and compares it to the actual beverage temperature reported by the sensor. Based on this comparison, the control circuit activates either the heating element or the cooling element, or both, to bring the beverage temperature to the selected level.
The power for the temperature control system can be supplied by the vehicle's 12V power outlet via a standard adapter. Alternatively, the device may incorporate a rechargeable battery, allowing for cordless operation. The design of the cup holder ensures that it can accommodate a wide range of cup and mug sizes and shapes. The inner surface of the cup holder may be lined with an insulating material to enhance temperature retention. The interaction of the gimbal system and the temperature control system provides a unique benefit. The gimbal system ensures that even if the heated or cooled beverage is in a less-than-full container, it is unlikely to spill, while the temperature control keeps the beverage at the desired temperature.
The assembly of the device involves securing the gimbal mechanism within the outer casing, integrating the heating and cooling elements with the cup holder, connecting the temperature sensor and control circuit, and providing the user interface. The device is designed for easy installation; the user simply places the device in their vehicle's existing cup holder and connects the power source.
The TempFlow Anti-Spill Cup Holder is designed to keep drinks secure and at the right temperature while in a vehicle. The gimbal system allows the cup to remain upright, even when the car turns or hits bumps, ensuring no spills. The integrated temperature control adjusts the drink’s heat or coolness based on user preferences, using sensors to maintain the optimal temperature. This technology ensures drinks stay at the perfect temperature while minimizing the risk of spills.
Key Features:
1. Gimbal Stabilization: Uses a gimbal mechanism to keep cups steady during motion, preventing spills.
2. Temperature Control: Regulates the temperature of beverages, keeping them hot or cold as desired.
3. Smart Sensors: Monitors the beverage’s temperature and adjusts the heating or cooling mechanism accordingly.
4. User-Friendly Interface: Simple controls for easy customization of temperature settings.
5. Universal Compatibility: Designed to fit most standard cups and mugs, ensuring widespread use.
The novelty of the Car Anti-Spill Cup Holder with Gimbal and Temperature Control lies in its innovative combination of stabilization technology and dual temperature control in a single, easy-to-install device for vehicles. Current cup holders primarily offer only a secure grip for cups, relying on tight fits or non-slip materials to reduce spill risks, but these solutions often fall short during sudden stops or turns. This device’s gimbal mechanism addresses this gap by providing dynamic stabilization that keeps the cup level, reducing spillage regardless of how the car moves. This feature is rarely seen in the market and fills a crucial need for stability in car cup holders, particularly in the rough terrains and unexpected stops or starts of everyday driving.
Additionally, while some existing products offer temperature regulation, they typically come as separate units or require integration into vehicle systems, limiting their portability and ease of use. This product’s dual temperature control feature, which allows for both heating and cooling in a single unit, adds convenience by keeping drinks at an ideal temperature throughout the journey. Most current devices either heat or cool but don’t offer both functionalities simultaneously, especially not in a format that can universally fit different vehicles and cup sizes.
 
, Claims:We Claim:
1. A Car Anti-Spill Cup Holder comprising: a gimbal mechanism for stabilizing a beverage container; a temperature control system including heating and cooling elements; and a control circuit for regulating the temperature of the beverage.
2. The Car Anti-Spill Cup Holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gimbal mechanism comprises interconnected rings or frames allowing for multi-axis rotation.
3. The Car Anti-Spill Cup Holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the temperature control system further comprises a temperature sensor for monitoring the beverage temperature.
4. The Car Anti-Spill Cup Holder as claimed in claim 3, wherein the control circuit activates the heating or cooling elements based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor and a user-selected temperature setting.
5. The Car Anti-Spill Cup Holder as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a user interface for adjusting the temperature setting.
6. The Car Anti-Spill Cup Holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device is designed to fit within a standard vehicle cup holder.
7. The Car Anti-Spill Cup Holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device is powered by a vehicle's 12V power outlet.
8. The Car Anti-Spill Cup Holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device includes a rechargeable battery for cordless operation.
9. A method of stabilizing and controlling the temperature of a beverage in a vehicle, comprising: placing a beverage container in a gimbal-stabilized cup holder; selecting a desired beverage temperature; and activating heating or cooling elements to maintain the selected temperature.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the temperature is maintained by continuously monitoring the beverage temperature and adjusting the heating or cooling elements accordingly.