Cup Holder Insert

Abstract

An insert for a cup holder or similar orifice with an inner wall has a plurality of arcuate legs. The legs arc outward from a proximal end to a distal end and are flexible inward via application of a force. The legs return flex outward when the force is released thereby forming a pressure fit against the wall of a cup holder or insert to rigidly maintain the insert within the wall.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An insert for maintaining a substantially rigid connection with a cylindrical orifice defining a circumferential wall, comprising
 a plurality of arcuate legs that each arc outward from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein   the legs are inwardly flexible upon application of an inward force, and the legs return flex outward upon a release of said inward force.   
     
     
         2 . The insert of  claim 1 , comprising three legs circumferentially spaced evenly from one another around 360°. 
     
     
         3 . The insert of  claim 2 , wherein the legs are spaced at equal distances from one another. 
     
     
         4 . The insert of  claim 1 , comprising two or more legs. 
     
     
         5 . The insert of  claim 4 , comprising three or more legs. 
     
     
         6 . The insert of  claim 5 , comprising three legs equally spaced from one other about an entire circumference. 
     
     
         7 . The insert of  claim 1 , wherein outward pressure from the legs forms a pressure fit with the circumferential wall when the legs are positioned within the orifice. 
     
     
         8 . The insert of  claim 1 , wherein the arcuate legs are integrally formed of molded plastic. 
     
     
         9 . The insert of  claim 1 , wherein each leg has a proximal width W 1  and a distal width W 2  that is greater than W 1 . 
     
     
         10 . The insert of  claim 1 , wherein the legs are separated from one another at their distal end by a diameter D 1  and separated from one another at their proximal end by a diameter D 2  that is less than D 1 . 
     
     
         11 . An insert for maintaining a substantially rigid connection with a cylindrical orifice defining a circumferential wall, comprising
 a plurality of arcuate legs that each arc outward from a proximal end with a width W 1  to a distal end with a width W 2  that is greater than W 1 , wherein   the legs are inwardly flexible upon application of an inward force, and the legs return flex outward upon a release of said inward force, and said outward flexure provides pressure on the circumferential wall to maintain the insert within the wall.