Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] This disclosure relates generally to automobile technologies, and more particularly to receptacle holders used in interior assembly of an automobile.
BACKGROUND
[002] Automotive interiors, i.e., interiors of automobiles may offer variety of utilities such as a center console, a dashboard, and the like. Another example of a utility is a receptacle holder, configured to accommodate a receptacle such as a cup, or a bottle. State of the art automotive interiors may include different receptacle holders configured to selectively accommodate bottles having volumes in the range between 1-2 liters.
[003] However, these receptacle holders seldom offer interchangeability. Such as, for example, a receptacle holder configured to accommodate a bottle having a volume of 1 liter may not be able to accommodate a bottle having a volume of 2 liters. Also, a receptacle holder designed to accommodate a 2-liter bottle may be able to accommodate and hold a 1-liter bottle. For example, during motion of the automobile, the 1-liter bottle may fall off the receptacle holder, or may continuously move within the receptacle holder, thereby distracting the driver.
[004] Therefore, there is a need for a single receptacle holder which may effectively accommodate and hold receptacles of various volumes.

SUMMARY
[005] In one embodiment, a receptacle holder may be disclosed. The receptacle holder may include a base plate. The base plate may further include at least three guides. Each jaw may be confined to a respective guide and configured to cooperatively slide along the respective guide. Each jaw may slide between a first dead and a second dead end. The first dead end may be positioned within each guide and positioned towards a center of the base plate, and the second dead end may be positioned within each guide positioned towards a periphery of the base plate. The receptacle holder may include a cavity configured to accommodate the receptacle. The cavity may formed by the at least three jaws therebetween, and may be progressively enlarged when the at least three jaws cooperatively slide from their respective first dead end to their respective second dead end.
[006] In another embodiment, a vehicle may be disclosed. The vehicle may include a frame. To the frame, a base plate of a receptacle holder may be affixed. The base plate may further include at least three guides. Each jaw may be confined to a respective guide and configured to cooperatively slide along the respective guide. Each jaw may slide between a first dead and a second dead end. The first dead end may be positioned within each guide and positioned towards a center of the base plate, and the second dead end may be positioned within each guide positioned towards a periphery of the base plate. The receptacle holder may include a cavity configured to accommodate the receptacle. The cavity may formed by the at least three jaws therebetween, and may be progressively enlarged when the at least three jaws cooperatively slide from their respective first dead end to their respective second dead end.
[007] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles.
[009] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a receptacle holder, in accordance with some embodiments.
[010] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the receptacle holder, in accordance with some embodiments.
[011] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the receptacle holder, in accordance with some embodiments.
[012] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the receptacle holder, in accordance with some embodiments.
[013] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the receptacle holder, in accordance with some embodiments.
[014] FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view of the receptacle holder, in accordance with some embodiments.
[015] FIG.7 illustrates an internal view of the vehicle with the receptacle holder assembled therein, in accordance with some embodiments.
[016] FIG.8 illustrates another internal view of the vehicle with the receptacle holder assembled therein, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[017] The foregoing description has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which forms the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other devices, systems, assemblies and mechanisms for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that, such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, to its device or system, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
[018] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a system or a device that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps 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.
[019] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals have been used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIGs. 1-6.
[020] In one embodiment, referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view 100 of a receptacle holder 102 is disclosed. The receptacle holder 102 may be configured to accommodate and hold a receptacle such as a bottle, cup, or any storage containers of volume ranging 0.5 liters to 2 liters. The receptacle holder 102 may include a base plate 104, a plurality of jaws 106a, 106b, 106c, and 106d (hereinafter commonly referred to as plurality of jaws 106), and a central protrusion 108. In another embodiment, the plurality of jaws 106 may include but not limited to at least three jaws, which may be confined to the base plate 104, and configured to maintain a linear contact thereto, by cooperatively sliding on the base plate 104.
[021] In another embodiment, with continued reference to FIG.1, the base plate 104 may be formed as a circular disc, with a center defined therein. Alternatively, the base plate 104 may also be formed as a square plate, or any symmetric planar member, which may be configured to accommodate and confine the plurality of jaws 106.
[022] In another embodiment, the base plate 104 may include a central protrusion 108. The central protrusion 108 may include a slot. In another embodiment, the base plate 104 may be fixated to a frame of a vehicle, using various fastening techniques commonly known in the art.
[023] In another embodiment, the plurality of jaws 106 may form a cavity 110 therebetween. The cavity 110 may be configured to accommodate the receptacle, which may include the bottle. In another embodiment, illustrated earlier, the plurality of jaws 106 may be configured to slide along the base plate 104. Each jaw in the plurality of jaws 106 may cooperatively slide, i.e., slide together towards the central protrusion 108, or away from the central protrusion 108 to progressively decrease or increase, i.e., enlarge or shrink the size of the cavity 110.
[024] Now, FIG.2 illustrates a top view 200 of the receptacle holder 102, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 3 illustrates a side view 300 of the receptacle holder 102, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 4 illustrates a front view 400 of the receptacle holder 102, in accordance with some embodiments.
[025] In one embodiment, again referring to FIG.2, the central protrusion 108 of the base plate 104 may further include a plurality of first stoppers 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d (hereinafter commonly referred to as plurality of first stoppers 202). In another embodiment, the central protrusion 108 may include a hollow cylinder defined at a geometrical center of the base plate 104. The hollow cylinder may include the slot surrounded by a perimeter with a pre-defined thickness. In the same embodiment, the perimeter of the central protrusion 108 may be configured to accommodate the plurality of first stoppers 202, which may be explained in detail with conjunction to FIG.5.
[026] In another embodiment, referring to FIGs. 3-4, each respective jaw of the plurality of jaws 106 may include proximal ends 302a, 302b, 302c, and 302d (hereinafter commonly referred to as proximal ends 302). The proximal ends 302 may include a base, formed as a T-shaped structure. By the virtue of the T-shape of the base, the plurality of jaws 106 may be confined and interlocked to the base plate 104.
[027] In another embodiment, referring to FIGs. 3-4, each jaw of the plurality of jaws 106 may include distal end 304a, 304b, 304c, and 304d (hereinafter commonly referred to as distal ends 304), oppositely disposed to the proximal ends 302. As illustrated by FIGs. 3-4, the each of the distal ends 304 may respectively include a sloped tip 306a, 306b, 306c, and 306d (hereinafter commonly referred to as sloped tips 306). The sloped tips 306 may be defined by an incline, or an angular shape of inner section of the distal ends 304. The angle of the incline may range between 30°-60°. The sloped tips 306 may enable ease of accommodation, when the receptacle may be placed, and pushed into the cavity 110.
[028] In an embodiment, referring to FIG.5, which illustrates an exploded view 500 of the receptacle holder 102. The base plate 104 may include a plurality of first stopper grooves 502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d (hereinafter commonly referred to as plurality of first stopper grooves 502). The plurality of first stopper grooves 502 may be formed in the perimeter of the central protrusion 108. Each of the first stopper groove from the plurality of first stopper grooves 502 may be configured to accommodate each respective first stoppers of the plurality of first stoppers 202, such that each first stopper may be affixed and locked in the respective first stopper groove.
[029] In another embodiment, the base plate 104 may include a plurality of guides 504a, 504b, 504c, and 504d (hereinafter commonly referred to as plurality of guides 504). The plurality of guides 504 may include, but not limited to at least three guides. Preferably, the plurality of guides 504 may correspond to the plurality of jaws 106, i.e., for each jaw, a respective guide may be provided. As illustrated by FIG.5, and by way of an example, the plurality of guides 504 may be formed as a T-shaped pathway, (interchangeably referred to as a T-shaped groove). The T-shaped groove may be configured to engage the T-shaped structure at the base of the plurality of jaws 106, such that the plurality of jaws 106 may be confined and interlocked within the plurality of guides 504 of the base plate 104. In another embodiment, the plurality of jaws 106 may cooperatively slide on the base plate 104, more particularly, within the plurality of guides 504 of the base plate 104, to progressively increase or decrease the size of the cavity 110.
[030] In another embodiment, each jaw of the plurality of jaws 106 may include U-shaped grooves 506a, 506b, 506c, and 506d, respectively (hereinafter commonly referred to as U-shaped grooves 506. The U-shaped grooves 506 may be formed at an upper proximity of the proximal ends 302 (refer to FIG.3) of the plurality of jaws 106. In another embodiment, the U-shaped grooves 506 may be formed within each jaw, up to a predefined length of the plurality of jaws 106.
[031] In another embodiment, the plurality of first stoppers 202 may be connected to the plurality of jaws 106 respectively, through a spring mechanism. The spring mechanism may include a plurality of springs 508a, 508b, 508c, and 508d (hereinafter commonly referred to as a plurality of springs 508). Each spring of the plurality of springs 508 may include a first end and a second end. The first end of the plurality of springs 508 may be connected to the respective first stopper from the plurality of first stoppers 202, and the second end of the plurality of springs 508 may be accommodated in each respective U-shaped groove from the U-shaped grooves 506, of the plurality of jaws 106. In another embodiment, the cooperative sliding motion of the plurality of jaws 106, with respect to the central protrusion 108, may be elastically constrained by the plurality of springs 508.
[032] In another embodiment, now referring to FIG.6, a sectional view 600 of the receptacle holder 102 may be illustrated. As explained earlier, the second end of the plurality of springs 508 may be accommodated in each respective U-shaped groove from the U-shaped grooves 506 of the plurality of jaws 106. More particularly, the U-shaped grooves 506 may include a plurality of second stoppers 602a, 602b, 602c, and 602d (hereinafter commonly referred to as a plurality of second stoppers 602). In the same embodiment, each of the second stoppers plurality of second stoppers 602 may be affixed to the respective second ends of the plurality of springs 508, thereby elastically constraining the sliding motion of the plurality of jaws 106 with respect to the central protrusion 108.
[033] In another embodiment, the plurality of jaws 106 may cooperatively slide between a first dead end and a second dead end. The first dead end may be represented by a diametrical center of the base plate 104, and the second dead end may be represented by periphery, or circumference of the base plate 104, thereby positioning the second dead at a pre-defined distance from the first dead end. Alternatively, the first dead end may be represented by the central protrusion 108.
[034] In an embodiment, similar to the relationship between the plurality of guides 504 and the plurality of jaws 106, the plurality of first stoppers 202, the plurality of first stopper grooves 502, the plurality of springs 508, and the plurality of second stoppers 602 may also correspond to the plurality of jaws 106. For example, for each jaw, a first stopper groove, a first stopper, a spring, and a second stopper may be provided, such that the quantity of the plurality of guides 504, the plurality of jaws 106, the plurality of first stoppers 202, the plurality of first stopper grooves 502, the plurality of springs 508, and the plurality of second stoppers 602 may be equal.
[035] In an exemplary embodiment, while placing the receptacle in the cavity 110, the receptacle may impart a pushing-force on the plurality of jaws 106. As a result, the plurality of jaws 106 may slide from the first dead end to the second dead end, i.e., away from the central protrusion 108 to progressively increase the size of the cavity 110 in accordance with the size of the receptacle. As explained earlier, as the cooperative sliding motion of the plurality of jaws 106 may be elastically constrained using the plurality of springs 508, as a result of which the plurality of jaws 106 may tightly contact, or may impart a counter force on the receptacle, such that volume of the receptacle, ranging between 0.5-2 liters may be accommodated in the cavity 110 between the plurality of jaws 106.
[036] Now, FIG.7 illustrates an internal view 700 of the vehicle with the receptacle holder 102 assembled therein, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG.8 illustrates another internal view 800 of the vehicle with the receptacle holder 102 assembled therein, in accordance with some embodiments.
[037] With continued refence to FIGs. 7-8, the receptacle holder 102 may be fixated to a frame 702 of the vehicle. More particularly, the base plate 104 of the receptacle holder 102 may be adhered, or fixated to the frame 702 of the vehicle. In another embodiment, as explained earlier, the central protrusion 108 of the base plate 104 may include a slot, or a threaded groove. The slot or the threaded groove may be configured to allow passage of a fastener, such as a screw, a pin, or a nut bolt assembly to fixate the receptacle holder 102 on the frame 702. Alternatively, the base plate 104 may be adhered to the frame 702 of the vehicle, using an industrial adhesive such as but not limited to acrylic, epoxy, hot melt, polyurethane, silicone, thermoset, Ultraviolet (UV) curing adhesives, or industrial sealants. Therefore, by virtue of the fixation, the receptacle holder 102 may be interchangeably assembled, or disassembled from one vehicle and assembled in another vehicle.
[038] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
[039] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[040] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
[041] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
, Claims:CLAIMS

We claim:

1. A receptacle holder (102), comprising:
a base plate (104), comprising:
at least three guides (504a, 504b, 504c, and 504d);
at least three jaws (106a, 106b, 106c and 106d), each confined to a respective guide and configured to cooperatively slide along the respective guide between:
a first dead end within each guide and positioned towards a center of the base plate (104);
a second dead end within each guide positioned towards a periphery of the base plate (104); and
a cavity (110) configured to accommodate a receptacle, wherein the cavity (110) is formed by the at least three jaws (106a, 106b, 106c and 106d) therebetween, wherein the cavity (110) is progressively enlarged when the at least three jaws (106a, 106b, 106c and 106d) cooperatively slide from their respective first dead end to their respective second dead end.

2. The receptacle holder (102) as claimed in claim 1, the second dead end is located at a at a predefined distance from the first dead end.

3. The receptacle holder (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein cooperative sliding of each of the at least three jaws (106a, 106b, 106c and 106d) is along their respective guide from the at least three guides (504a, 504b, 504c, and 504d) is constrained via a spring mechanism.

4. The receptacle holder (102) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the spring mechanism comprises:
a plurality of first stoppers (202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d) positioned at the first dead end;
a plurality of second stoppers (602a, 602b, 602c, and 602d) positioned within each jaw of the at least three jaws (106a, 106b, 106c and 106d); and
a plurality of springs (508a, 508b, 508c, and 508d) fixated between the plurality of first stoppers (202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d) and the plurality of second stoppers (602a, 602b, 602c, and 602d).

5. The receptacle holder (102) as claimed in claim 4, wherein each jaw of the at least three jaws (106a, 106b, 106c and 106d) comprises:
a proximal end (302a, 302b, 302c, and 302d), comprising:
a base, wherein the base is defined by a T-shaped structure;
a plurality of grooves (506a, 506b, 506c, and 506d) formed at an upper proximity to the base of each jaw, wherein the plurality of grooves (506a, 506b, 506c, and 506d) is defined by a U-shaped structure, wherein the plurality of grooves (506a, 506b, 506c, and 506d) are configured to accommodate the plurality of springs (508a, 508b, 508c, and 508d); and
a distal end (304a, 304b, 304c, and 304d) oppositely disposed to the proximal end (302a, 302b, 302c, and 302d), wherein the distal end (304a, 304b, 304c, and 304d) comprises:
a sloped tip (306a, 306b, 306c, and 306d) to facilitate accommodation of the receptacle.

6. The receptacle holder (102) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least three guides (504a, 504b, 504c, and 504d) comprises:
a T-shaped pathway, wherein the T-shaped pathway is configured to engage the T-shaped structure of the base of the at least three jaws (106a, 106b, 106c and 106d) to slidably confine the at least three jaws (106a, 106b, 106c and 106d) in the base plate (104).

7. The receptacle holder (102) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the base plate (104) comprises:
a central protrusion (108) defined by:
a hollow cylinder, comprising a slot surrounded by a perimeter with a pre-defined thickness, wherein the perimeter comprises:
a plurality of first stopper grooves (502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d), wherein the plurality of first stopper grooves (502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d) are configured to accommodate the plurality of first stoppers (202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d) respectively.

8. A vehicle comprising:
a frame (702);
a base plate (104) affixed to the frame (702), comprising:
at least three guides (504a, 504b, 504c, and 504d);
at least three jaws (106a, 106b, 106c and 106d), each confined to a respective guide and configured to cooperatively slide along the respective guide between:
a first dead end within each guide and positioned towards a center of the base plate (104);
a second dead end within each guide positioned towards a periphery of the base plate (104); and
a cavity (110) configured to accommodate a receptacle, wherein the cavity (110) is formed by the at least three jaws (106a, 106b, 106c and 106d) therebetween, wherein the cavity (110) is progressively enlarged when the at least three jaws (106a, 106b, 106c and 106d) cooperatively slide from their respective first dead end to their respective second dead end.

9. The vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein the base plate (104) is affixed to the frame (702) using any one of:
adhering the base plate (104) to the frame (702) using an adhesive; or
fastening the base plate (104) to the frame (702) using at least one fastener.

10. The vehicle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the base plate (104) comprises:
at least one slot, wherein the at least one slot is configured to accommodate the at least one fastener.

11. The vehicle as claimed in claim 8, the second dead end is located at a at a predefined distance from the first dead end.

12. The vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein cooperative sliding of each of the at least three jaws (106a, 106b, 106c and 106d) is along their respective guide from the at least three guides (504a, 504b, 504c, and 504d) is constrained via a spring mechanism.

13. The vehicle as claimed in claim 12, wherein the spring mechanism comprises:
a plurality of first stoppers (202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d) positioned at the first dead end;
a plurality of second stoppers (602a, 602b, 602c, and 602d) positioned within each jaw of the at least three jaws (106a, 106b, 106c and 106d); and
a plurality of springs (508a, 508b, 508c, and 508d) fixated between the plurality of first stoppers (202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d) and the plurality of second stoppers (602a, 602b, 602c, and 602d).

14. The vehicle as claimed in claim 13, wherein each jaw of the at least three jaws (106a, 106b, 106c and 106d) comprises:
a proximal end (302a, 302b, 302c, and 302d), comprising:
a base, wherein the base is defined by a T-shaped structure;
a plurality of grooves (506a, 506b, 506c, and 506d) formed at an upper proximity to the base of each jaw, wherein the plurality of grooves (506a, 506b, 506c, and 506d) is defined by a U-shaped structure, wherein the plurality of grooves (506a, 506b, 506c, and 506d) are configured to accommodate the plurality of springs (508a, 508b, 508c, and 508d); and
a distal end (304a, 304b, 304c, and 304d) oppositely disposed to the proximal end (302a, 302b, 302c, and 302d), wherein the distal end (304a, 304b, 304c, and 304d) comprises:
a sloped tip (306a, 306b, 306c, and 306d) to facilitate accommodation of the receptacle.

15. The vehicle as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least three guides (504a, 504b, 504c, and 504d) comprises:
a T-shaped pathway, wherein the T-shaped pathway is configured to engage the T-shaped structure of the base of the at least three jaws (106a, 106b, 106c and 106d) to slidably confine the at least three jaws (106a, 106b, 106c and 106d) in the base plate (104).

16. The vehicle as claimed in claim 13, wherein the base plate (104) comprises:
a central protrusion (108) defined by:
a hollow cylinder, comprising a slot surrounded by a perimeter with a pre-defined thickness, wherein the perimeter comprises:
a plurality of first stopper grooves (502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d), wherein the plurality of first stopper grooves (502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d) are configured to accommodate the plurality of first stoppers (202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d) respectively.