Inflatable vehicle cup holder

Abstract

An inflatable cup holder secures a variety of beverage container sizes and shapes. The cup holder includes a shell having an inner wall defining an internal bore, the inner wall having an aperture therein. An inflatable bladder adjacent to the aperture extends through the aperture and reduces the bore volume upon pressurization. An inflation device for pressurizing the bladder is located within the shell. A manual or air compressor inflation device operation are contemplated. A pressure release valve in full communication with the bladder prevents bladder inflation above a pre-selected threshold and also is activated to release a beverage container from the inventive cup holder.

1 . A process of securing a beverage container comprising the steps of: 
 inserting the beverage container into a cup holder comprising a shell having an inner wall defining an internal bore and having an aperture therein; an inflatable bladder adjacent to the aperture, said bladder extending through the aperture into the bore upon pressurization; and an inflation device for pressurizing said bladder located within said shell, and inflating said bladder into proximity to said beverage container.    
     
     
         2 . The process of  claim 1  further comprising bleeding pressurizing median from said bladder upon reaching a preselected pressure.  
     
     
         3 . The process of  claim 1  wherein said bladder is inflated manually with a bellows.  
     
     
         4 . The process of  claim 1  wherein said bladder is inflated with a mechanical air compressor.  
     
     
         5 . The process of  claim 1  further comprising the step of placing a sheet material intermediate between said bladder and beverage container.  
     
     
         6 . The use of a pressure bladder to reduce the diameter of a cup holder.