FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10, rule 13)
"INTEGRATED CUP HOLDER AND ASHTRAY"
MINDA CORPORATION LIMITED, of G-l, Chakan Industrial Estate, MIDC, Phase III, Nighoje, Taluka Khed, Pune 410501, India
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention relates to a convenience unit assembly being installed in interior of a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cup holder which is integrated with a storage box, mounted on a same kinematic mechanism and which can be detached or removed with ease for cleaning.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Modern vehicles afford occupants many amenities to help one enjoy time spent traveling. Besides offering conveniences that aid an operator in driving, conveniences may offer a sense of comfort and luxury. Examples of these amenities are cup holders and containers arranged within the vehicle to accommodate the drinking, smoking & storage needs of the occupants. Incorporation of these conveniences into the vehicle may pose a challenge to a manufacturer.
Amenities added to vehicles must adequately serve the occupant needs, while remaining aesthetically pleasing at a minimal cost to the manufacturer. To meet these ends, movable Cup holder and container devices have been integrated into the dashboard of vehicles using minimum amount of components. A vehicle operator may use integrated conveniences while driving, requiring brief interaction with those conveniences. Accordingly, combining cup holders and container into a movable convenience unit in a vehicle dashboard allows for quick access while driving, reduced cost to manufacturers, and a pleasing look to consumers,
U.S. Patent No. 5,680,974 discloses a convenience unit assembly including a container for ashes adapted to be integrated into a vehicle console. This design allows cup holders and a container to be concealed within the console. Multiple operator movements are required to open the separate covers of the Cup holder and container, increasing required driver interaction time. Accident risk is likely to he increased by increased driver interaction time.
U.S. Patent No. 6,361,008 B1 discloses a vehicle cup- holder assembly that is integrated into a dashboard and flips down for operator use. The assembly does not include a separate container with the cup holders. If the container is included in the flip down

assembly returning a flip down cup holder to a storage position is likely to spill the contents of the container. A spill of a container holding ashes spreads ash in the vehicle, soiling the vehicle interior to the dissent of the operator. Despite being relatively simple and well integrated into the vehicle dash, the cup holder assembly does not integrate a separate container, requiring a separate container to be mounted elsewhere.
U.S. Patenet No. 4,462,630 discloses an ashtray device which releases stored energy to open the ashtray for operator use. The ashtray device includes a rotary damping device to control the ashtray speed when released from a stored position. The rotary damping device prevents a forceful ejection of ashes from the ashtray that may occur with unrestrained speed. For the purpose of preventing ash ejection from ashtrays that open for operator use, damping of sonic sort is generally used. Despite being relatively simple and well integrated into the vehicle dash, the ashtray does not integrate a cup holder, requiring a separate cup holder mounted elsewhere.
U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2009/0302628 A1 discloses a convenience unit assembly for a vehicle comprising of a convenience unit hingedly positioned within an interior of the vehicle including at least one cup holder and at least one storage container. In the existing cup holders / ashtrays, we don't have them in a single mounting unit.
In present invention both the things are integrated and also provided with a dual stop mechanism which allows the use of ashtray even when cup holder is not needed. Also the cup holder can be customized to become as two coin holders, two ashtrays or as a combination like cup holder and coin holder or coin holder and ashtray etc.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION:
The objective of the present invention is to provide a convenience unit assembly being installed in interior of a vehicle.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide an integrated or modular convenience unit assembly consisting of foldable cup holder with adjustable clamping mechanism and snap-in removable ash tray mounted on a single frame, which is sliding inside a box positioned in the dashboard. The assembly has a dual stop mechanism which allows the use of ashtray or coin holder without full opening of holder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a convenience unit assembly being installed in interior of a vehicle. The said assembly provides a single unit including the function of a Cup holder as well as ashtray; mounted on the vehicle dashboard, with automated sliding movement actuated by a spring and push - push mechanism. The Ashtray and the Cup holder apparatus are both mounted on a single frame, side by side. Ashtray is removable and has a snap fit functionality for ash disposal, and a sheet metal lid for containing the ash while in operation. The cup holder has a spring loaded arm to accommodate different size of cups and a holder base mounted by a four bar linkage mechanism for automatic lowering. The completed assembly is packaged in a single box with a lid. The opening of mechanism is governed by a constant force spring and the movement is dampened by a damping gear. The assembly is provided with a dual stop mechanism which allows use of ashtray without fully opening of cup holder, which will increase the usable space in cockpit. The frame of the cup holder is designed in such a way that ashtray can be replaced by a coin holder or also mirrored for a cup holder to be made as a different variant. The frame could also be designed as two cup holders, or two ashtrays or two coin holders or a combination of each.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
Figure 1: shows isometric view of the convenience unit assembly (1) in closed condition.
Figure 2: shows side view of the convenience unit assembly (1) in open condition
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3: shows exploded view of the convenience unit assembly (1) according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4: shows pictorial view of the convenience unit assembly (1) in open condition
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5(a)-5(b): show top and side views respectively of the assembly box (2) according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6: shows push mechanism link according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
Figure 7: shows structure of the main frame (4) according to an embodiment of the
present invention.

Figure 8: shows exploded view of cup holding device (8) according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9: shows a closer view of part of contour (6) according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Before describing in detail embodiments it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present invention resides in a convenience unit assembly. Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus. The following paragraphs explain present invention wherein a convenience unit assembly. The invention in respect of the same may be deduced accordingly.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a convenience unit assembly (1) being installed in interior of a vehicle, comprising an assembly box (2), and a main frame assembly (4), wherein the said assembly box (2) having a lid (3) and consisting four guides (5) at the longitudinal sides (2a) of the assembly box (2) and contours (6) engraved on the base (2b) of box, for providing a push tracking mechanism/link (7) for the main frame assembly (4),

the main frame assembly (4) being adapted to accommodate a cup holding device (8) and a storage box (9) in an integrated manner and push-fixed in the said assembly box (2) with a pinion gear (10), constant force spring (11) and a push tracking/link mechanism (7). whereby the cup holding device comprising a pivotally mounted spring loaded finger (12) and at least two foldable arms namely a side arm (13) and base arm (14), the said side arm (13) convert in vertical position and base arm (14) converts in horizontal position during open condition of main frame (4) and folds automatically in close condition of main frame (4),
the storage box (9) is snap fixed on the guiding tracks (15) of the mainframe (4).
In one aspect of the present invention, the lid (3) is snap fixed in the four guides (5) provided on the longitudinal sides (2a) of the assembly box (2).
Another aspect of the present invention, the contours (6) engraved on the base (2b) of the assembly box (2) comprises a elongated slot (16) and two heart shaped grooves (17a, 17b) and a rack gear (18) is mounted beside the contour (6).
Still another aspect of the present invention, the two heart shaped grooves (17a, 17b) defines two stop positions i.e. intermediate stop position (17b) and final stop position (17a) and the longitudinal slot (16) and rack gear (18) provide the controlled/smooth longitudinal movement to the main frame (4).
Yet another aspect of the present invention, the main frame (4) has dimensions so as to get fit and able to slide inside the assembly box (2).
Further aspect of the present invention, the main frame (4) comprises at least two compartments i.e. first compartment and second compartment parted by a middle web (19) for accommodating the cup holding device (8) in first compartment and the storage box (9) in second compartment.
Furthermore aspect of the present invention, the main frame (4) is provided with a push mechanism link (7) so as to slide on the provided contour (6) in the assembly box (2).
Another aspect of the present invention, the push mechanism link (7) consist a circular hinge (20) which get fits in the circular cavity (22) provided at bottom of the main frame (4) and a sliding pin (21) which slides in the contour (6) and locks the main frame (4)

either at the final stop position (17a) to enable the complete opening and closing of main frame (4) or at the intermediate stop position (17b) to enable the opening of storage box (9) only while the cup holding device (8) remain closed according to the requirement of the user.
Stiff another aspect of the present invention, the cup holding device (8) holds the cup in the first compartment with the help of the side arm (13), base arm (14), middle web (19) and the spring loaded finger arm (12).
Yet another aspect of the present invention, the spring loaded finger arm (12) is able to move horizontally to hold the cup irrespective to the fixed size of cups.
Further aspect of the present invention, the storage box (9) is snap fixed in the second compartment on guiding track (15) provided on the front (15a) and rear side (15b) of the second compartment.
Furthermore aspect of the present invention, the storage box (9) is provided with a second lid (23) snap fixed on the storage box (9).
The present invention is described with reference to the figures and specific embodiments; this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various alternate embodiments of the invention will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that such alternative embodiments form part of the present invention.
The present invention provides a convenience unit assembly (1) being installed on the dashboard of the vehicle. The convenience unit assembly (1) is an integrated assembly of cup holding device (8) and storage box (2). The convenience unit assembly (1) is provided with two stop positions i.e. final stop position (17a) and intermediate stop position (17b). The final stop position (17a) enables the complete opening and closing of main frame assembly (4) and the intermediate stop position (17b) can be used by user if user wants to open the storage box (9) only and do not want to open the cup holding device (8).
Referring to figure 1 and 3, the convenience unit assembly (1) comprises a assembly box (2) having lid (3) and a main frame assembly (4) mounted slide-ably on the provided

contour on the base of the assembly box (2). The assembly box (2) has three side walls and an opening at front side (2c). The top of assembly box (2) is cover with the help of lid (3). The longitudinal side walls (2a) have four guides (5) as shown in figures (5a and 5b). The lid (3) is snap fixed into the guides (5) to cover the top side of the assembly box (2). The opening at front side (2c) of the assembly box (2) allows the insertion of the main frame assembly (4) and reciprocating motion in longitudinal direction during opening and closing of the main frame assembly (4). The base (2b) of the assembly box (2) is provided with an engrave contour (6) and a rack gear (18) along the contour (6) as shown in figure (5a). The contour (6) comprises an elongated slot (16) and two heart shaped grooves i.e. final and intermediate grooves (17a and 17b respectively). The final groove (17a) allows complete opening or closing of the main frame assembly (4) while the intermediate groove (17b) allows the partial opening of the main frame assembly (4). In partial opening condition, the cup holding device (8) remain closed while the storage box (9) can be used.
Referring the figures 3 and 4. the main frame assembly (4) has two compartments i.e. first and second compartments, adjacent to the front side. The first and second compartments are parted by a vertical middle web (19). Both the compartments are surrounded by surface on three sides including front, rear and one of the inside surface and having opening at outer side. The first compartment has an open cavity (26) at the rear side surface for mounting the cup holding device (8) and a housing (27) at outer corner of the first compartment for mounting the spring loaded finger arm (12). The housing has two side opened for movement of spring loaded finger arm (12). The housing has hole on each upper and lower surface to accommodate torsion spring (24) along with spring loaded finger arm (12). The spring loaded finger arm (12) has an arc shape or has a shape like smoothly bended finger. The cup holding device comprises at least two foldable arms i.e. side arm (13) and base arm (14). The side arm (13) comprises a cover frame (13a) and a support (13b). The side arm (13) is pivotally hinged in the cavity (26) with the help of a pin (25). The base arm (14) has a flat surface and rectangular construction. The base arm (14) is connected to the lower side of the side arm (13) with the help of pin (25). The opening and closing of the cup holding device is carried out by four bar linkage mechanism. As shown in figure 8, the side arms (13a, 13b) acts as a four bar linkage mechanism. As the cup holding device (8) is pushed open by coil spring (11) side arms (13a, 13b) are pushed towards opened condition. During this opening the hinge

pins (25a, 25b, 25c, 25d) are firmly fixing side arm in position. Opening force will push link towards out side and pin from side arm (13a) which running in a slot on the side wall of housing (2a) which will operate to rotate towards downward direction. During this downward direction rotation of side arm (13a) force transmitted to side arm (13b) and base arm (14) through hinge pins (25a. 25b, 25c, 25d). This will lead to opening up of the base arm (14) to flat condition.
When the main frame (4) is in fully opened condition, the cup holding device (8) opens automatically. In open condition of the cup holding device (8) side arm (13) converts into the vertical position so as to form a rear side supportive wall for the cup while the base arm converts into the horizontal position so as to form a base for placing the cup. The middle web (19) provides support from inner side of the compartment to hold the cup. The front surface of the compartment supports the cup from front. Further, the spring loaded finger arm (12) is movable in horizontal direction. Therefore, the spring loaded finger arm (12) supports the cup from outer open side of the compartment. The movable spring loaded finger arm (12) enables the cup holding device (8) to hold the cup of any size.
The second compartment of the main frame (4) is provided with guiding tracks (15) on front (15a) and rear side (15b). The outer side of the second compartment is open so as to allow the insertion and separation/removal of the storage box (9). The storage box (9) is snap fixed into the second compartment through sliding on the guiding track (15). The storage box (9) can be placed in an open condition inside the convenience assembly (1) so as to quick access of the user. The open storage box (9) can be used for keeping coins, bills and such other utilities. If the user requires to use the storage box (9) as an ashtray, the storage box (9) can be closed with a snap fixed second lid (23) so as to cover the storage box (2) inside the convenience assembly (1) as an embodiment of the present invention. The second lid (23) restricts the ash to scatter inside the convenience assembly (1).
Referring to figure 7, the main frame (4) is provided with a circular cavity (22) at bottom side of the main frame (4) for mounting of the push mechanism link (7). The push mechanism link (7) has a circular hinge (20) at the one end of the upper surface of push mechanism link (7) while a sliding pin (21) at the opposite end of the push mechanism link (7) but on the bottom surface. The circular hinge (20) fits in the circular cavity (22)

so as to form a fixed connection between the main frame (4) and the push mechanism link (7). The sliding pin (21) of push mechanism link (7) mounted on the contour (6) on the base (2b) of the assembly box (2). The sliding pin moves along the contour (6).
Referring to figure 9, in fully closed condition, sliding pin (21) rests in first groove (17c) of first heart profile (17a). Once user pushes the main frame (4), the pin will move towards extreme end (17d) of the contour (6). Further the sliding pin (21) travels through flat area (17e) and then to one longitudinal area (17f). After traveling to longitudinal area (17f), it rests at second groove (17g) of the second heart profile (17b). This is a half open position. During this time, end user can see half open storage box for putting down ash (when using as ashtray) or coin inserting area (when used as a coin holder).
Now when the user further pushes the main frame (4), the sliding pin (21) can travel in two directions/paths. If the user wants to close the cup holding device (8), user needs to keep pushing the main frame (4). Then once, sliding pin (21) hits wall (17h), travel through longitudinal strips (17n, 17p) and another flat area (17k) and then reach to first groove (17c). If end user wants to open the main frame (4) completely, especially for removal and disposal of ash, or to take out coins, user needs to push and release the main frame (4). Once the main frame (4) is pushed and released, the sliding pin (21) will further travel to wall (17h). Once the load is released the coil spring (11) will try to push the holder towards fully open condition, so the sliding pin will travel to area (17j) and then to fully opened condition. During closing, sliding pin will come from narrow portion (171) to an open portion (17m), then to longitudinal area (17f), further to flat area (17k) and stops at first profile (17c).
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
The main advantage of the present invention is to provide a convenience unit assembly being installed in interior of a vehicle. The integrated or modular convenience unit assembly consisting of foldable cup holder with adjustable clamping mechanism and snap-in removable ash tray mounted on a single frame, which is sliding inside a box positioned in the dashboard. The assembly has a dual stop mechanism which allows semi opening and the use of ashtray or coin holder without full opening of cup holder. Also it can be fully opened or fully closed from the semi opened condition.

WE CLAIM
1. A convenience unit assembly (1) being installed in interior of a vehicle,
comprising
a. an assembly box (2). and
b. a main frame assembly (4)
the said assembly box (2) having a lid (3) and consisting four guides (5) at the longitudinal sides (2a) of the assembly box (2) and contours (6) engraved on the base (2b) of box, for providing a push tracking mechanism/link (7) for the main frame assembly (4).
the main frame assembly (4) being adapted to accommodate a cup holding device (8) and a storage box (9) in an integrated manner and push-fixed in the said assembly box (2) with a pinion gear (10). constant force spring (11) and a push tracking/link mechanism (7), whereby the cup holding device comprising a pivotally mounted spring loaded finger (12) and at least two foldable arms namely a side arm (13) and base arm (14), the said side arm (13) convert in vertical position and base arm (14) converts in horizontal position during open condition of main frame (4) and folds automatically in close condition of main frame (4),
the storage box (9) is snap fixed on the guiding tracks (15) of the main frame (4).
2. The convenience unit (J) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lid (3) is snap fixed in the four guides (5) provided on the longitudinal sides (2a) of the assembly box (2).
3. The convenience unit (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contours (6) engraved on the base (2b) of the assembly box (2) comprises a longitudinal slot (16) and two heart shaped grooves (17a, 17b) and a rack gear (18) is mounted beside the contour (6).
4. The convenience unit (1) as claimed in claim 1-3, wherein the two heart shaped grooves (17a, 17b) defines two stop positions i.e. intermediate stop position (17b) and final stop position (17a) and the elongated slot (16) and rack gear

(18) provide the controlled/smooth longitudinal movement to the main frame (4).
5. The convenience unit (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein main frame (4) has dimensions so as to get fit and able to slide inside the assembly box (2).
6. The convenience unit (1) as claimed in claim 1. wherein the main frame (4) comprises at least two compartments i.e. first compartment and second compartment parted by a middle web (19) for accommodating the cup holding device (8) in first compartment and the storage box (9) in second compartment.
7. The convenience unit (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main frame (4) is provided with a push mechanism link (7) so as to slide on the provided contour (6) in the assembly box (2).
8. The convenience unit (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the push mechanism link (7) consist a circular hinge (20) which get fits in the circular cavity (22) provided at the bottom of the main frame (4) and a sliding pin (21) which slides in the contour (6) and locks the main frame (4) either at the final stop position (17a) to enable the complete opening and closing of main frame (4) or at the intermediate stop position (17b) to enable the opening of storage box (9) only while the cup holding device (8) remain closed according to the requirement of the user.
9. The convenience unit (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cup holding device (8) holds the cup in the first compartment with the help of the side arm (13). base arm (14), middle web (19) and the spring loaded finger arm (12).
10. The convenience unit (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spring loaded finger arm (12) is able to move horizontally to hold the cup irrespective to the fixed size of cups.

11. The convenience unit (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage box (9) is snap fixed in the second compartment on guiding track (15) provided on the front (15a) and rear side (15b) of the second compartment.
12. The convenience unit (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage box (9) is provide with a second lid (23) snap fixed on the storage box (9).