Earlier this month, AppleInsider reported that Apple has filed a patent for an automobile dock for the iPod. Apple's patent for an "Electronic device holder," no. 20050147951, in very general terms describes the interfacing of an electronic device with the cup holder of an automobile. From the patent's abstract:

An apparatus that can secure an electronic device and be inserted into a conventional cup holder is described. The cup holder, for example, is inside of an automobile. The electronic device being held can be a variety of devices that include a digital music player. One embodiment of the invention includes a spool about which connecting cable can be wound. Adapting sleeves that fit around the base of the apparatus can be used to adapt electronic device holder to cup holders of different sizes and shapes.

Simply place your iPod into the TuneDok and let our secure, suction-cup functionality keep it easily accessible. TuneDok provides security and stability, along with flexible construction for a perfect fit in your car's cup-holder console. With its innovative height-adjustment capability, our ratcheting-neck feature lets you reposition your iPod easily. The cable-management clip eliminates loose and tangled cords--and this helps keep your iPod experience simple as you drive.