Adjustable Cup Holder with Spring-Loaded Indexing Mechanism

Patent & Production

At a glance

What the claims cover, in plain language

Claim 1 defines a cup holder comprising a mounting seat, a clamping seat, and a first elastic piece. The two seats connect via a rotating fit. One seat has a latch block, and the other has multiple latching grooves arranged circumferentially around the connection point. A spring keeps the latch block engaged in a groove (locked position). Pushing the seats apart axially disengages the latch, allowing rotation. Releasing returns the latch to a groove.

Claims 2-5 specify the geometry: the connection uses a boss and a limiting post with a hole. The spring is a coil spring sleeved on the boss. The limiting post passes through the boss and is secured by a stopper (often threaded). An accommodating groove surrounds the post, housing the spring and latch mechanisms, with avoidance grooves aligned with the latching grooves to facilitate smooth disengagement.

Claims 6-9 describe the cup-holding element: a retainer member and a clamping member (often a C-shaped elastic clip) attached to the clamping seat. Some embodiments include a supporting plate with a sliding portion and a locking member (screw/bolt) to adjust the plate’s position. Another variant uses a second elastic member to push a locking plate against the cup.

Claim 10 details a specific mounting base option: two fixing arms hinged together, driven by a tightening screw with opposite thread directions on parallel movable shafts, allowing the arms to clamp tightly onto a tube or bar.

This is a simplified reading for orientation only. The legal scope is defined by the exact claim wording in the official Chinese document.

What this means for US production

This patent was filed in China and is currently active there. The public record shows no US or other foreign counterpart.

Two issues worth checking before tooling:

• Other patents may exist. Cup holders are a crowded product category, even if this latch mechanism looks unusual in the public record. Nuvo Enterprise Co., Ltd. and individual inventor Yu Fan have cited this patent in later applications (EP4428021A1 and WO2024221385A1 respectively). These citations suggest both are active in similar areas. Before launch, commission a freedom-to-operate (FTO) search covering existing US patents held by major accessory makers.
• Material Compliance. If used in automotive interiors, material flammability and VOC emissions must meet specific standards (e.g., FMVSS 302). For food-contact adjacent parts, FDA compliance for plastics may apply depending on final use.

Customization and manufacturing

What can be customized

Things to plan for (US market)

• FMVSS 302 - Flammability of interior materials, critical for automotive applications.
• REACH / Prop 65 - Chemical safety for plastics and metals, especially if sold in California.
• ASTM F963 - If marketed towards children’s toys or strollers, impact and small parts testing is required.
• Corrosion Resistance - For marine or outdoor use, salt spray testing (ASTM B117) is standard.

How a project runs

1. Inquiry - Define target application (auto, bike, boat), load requirements, and aesthetic preferences.
2. Design - CAD modeling of the latch/groove interface, spring selection, and clip geometry.
3. Prototype - 3D printed functional samples to test latch feel and rotation smoothness.
4. Pilot Run - Injection molded parts tested for fatigue, drop impact, and environmental exposure.
5. Production - Mass molding, spring insertion, sub-assembly, and packaging.

Quantities & timeline

Tooling costs depend on the complexity of the latch mold (side-actions may be needed for undercuts). Assembly involves inserting springs and snapping components together. Send us your target quantity, material preference, and application context and we will reply with options.

Patent drawings

Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.

Production notes

Tooling and process

Injection molding is likely the primary process for the plastic seats and clips. Aluminum extrusion or stamping may be used for metal mounting brackets. The coil spring is typically sourced externally or formed from wire stock.

Cost drivers

Weight typically affects shipping costs, particularly for bulk accessories. The number of molds increases tooling investment if different colorways or sizes are planned. Fastener count (screws/stoppers) adds assembly time and labor cost.

Prototyping path

Functional samples are usually created via 3D-printed parts to verify the latch action. Impact test samples help validate wall thickness before tooling. Machined frames serve as fixtures for assembly trials.

What we would change before tooling

We would optimize the draft angles on the grooves to ensure clean ejection. Wall thickness uniformity should be checked to prevent sink marks. Hinge boss dimensions need precise tolerance control to minimize play.

Common failure points

Cracking under impact is a risk if the plastic is too brittle. Spring fatigue could lead to weak locking over time. Bolts may loosen if not torqued correctly. UV degradation can embrittle external plastic parts.

Frequently asked questions

How does the locking mechanism work?

It uses a spring-loaded latch. A coil spring pushes the top part (clamping seat) down so a small block fits into a groove on the bottom part (mounting seat). This stops rotation. To change the angle, you push down to lift the block out of the groove, turn the holder, and let go. The spring snaps it into the next groove.

Is it difficult to adjust?

No. The spring tension is designed to be firm enough to hold against vibration but light enough for a user to press with one hand. The “click” into the next groove gives tactile feedback that it is locked.

What materials are used?

The patent describes plastic components (likely nylon or ABS) and a metal coil spring. The C-shaped clip is made of elastic material. Metal variants are possible for heavy-duty use. Specific grades are chosen based on the target environment (UV resistance for outdoors, heat resistance for cars).

Can it hold large bottles?

Yes. The C-shaped elastic clip adapts to different diameters. Alternatively, versions with adjustable support plates or locking members can accommodate larger containers. The size range is determined by the specific mold design.

Will it loosen over time?

Unlike friction joints, this mechanical latch does not rely on surface rubbing to stay tight. However, the spring can fatigue after thousands of cycles. We recommend testing spring life for your expected usage frequency. Better-grade steel springs resist fatigue better than low-cost alternatives.

Is it suitable for motorcycles?

Potentially, yes. Motorcycles experience high vibration. The positive lock helps prevent the holder from swinging loose. However, extreme impacts could cause cracking if the plastic is not reinforced (e.g., glass-filled nylon). Proper material selection is critical.

Can this design be made and sold in the US?

The patent is active in China, but the public record shows no US counterpart. Therefore, the patent itself does not restrict manufacturing or selling in the US. However, other companies may hold different US patents on similar cup holder technologies. We strongly recommend a freedom-to-operate check before mass production to avoid infringement risks.

Are you affiliated with the patent owner?

No. IP2M is an independent design and manufacturing service working from the public patent document.

Request a quote

Click Request a Quote below to see our email address - copy it, or open your email app with a ready-made message. Please mention patent CN216468203U in the subject.

Helpful details to include:

• Your company and channel (automotive, marine, cycling, furniture)
• Target environment (indoor, outdoor, high-vibration)
• Desired locking positions (number of angles)
• Cup size range
• Estimated quantity and target price
• Timeline - when you would like samples and the first shipment

You can also reach us at (332) 203-9997.