Holding device for handheld device

Abstract

A holding apparatus for a handheld device includes a fixed portion and a movable portion. The fixed portion includes a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion. The movable portion includes a third engagement portion for engaging with the first engagement portion, a fourth engagement portion for engaging with the second engagement portion, and an actuation mechanism for selectively actuating the movable portion between an engaged configuration and a moved configuration. The engaged configuration refers to a case in which the third engagement portion moves toward and engages with the first engagement portion and the fourth engagement portion moves toward and engages with the second engagement portion. The moving configuration refers to a situation in which the third engagement portion moves away from and disengages from the first engagement portion and the fourth engagement portion moves away from and disengages from the second engagement portion, thereby allowing the movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology generally relates to a holding device for a handheld device, in particular a holding bracket for a mobile phone. Background Art

[0002] Holding devices are commonly used to hold handheld devices, such as mobile phones, on personal vehicles such as scooters, bicycles, etc. Holding devices enable users to use the mobile phone and wirelessly charge the mobile phone while driving the personal vehicle. However, current holding devices are unable to hold the mobile phone tightly during driving. This causes the mobile phone to fall and may cause damage to the mobile phone.

[0003] Some prior art methods have been proposed to solve the above technical problems.

[0004] A Korean patent application published on June 4, 2018, with publication number 20180058945A, patent owner Dayou Holdings Co. Ltd., and titled "Multipurpose Tablet Mounting Device" discloses a multi-purpose tablet mounting device having a locking unit to stably fix and mount a tablet.

[0005] A European patent application with publication number 3199857A1, patent owner Durable Hunke and Jochheim GmbH and Co.KG, and titled “Tablet Holder for Holding a Mobile Terminal”, published on August 2, 2017, discloses a tablet holding device for holding a mobile terminal and having a clamping device.

[0006] A Chinese utility model entitled "A vehicle-mounted navigation mobile phone holder" and published on February 28, 2023, with publication number 218543655U, patent owner Yan Ruiyu, discloses a vehicle-mounted navigation mobile phone holder, comprising a box body, a left clamping block, a first toothed rod, a first limit member, a first toothed gear, a right clamping block, a second toothed rod, a second toothed gear, a bottom bracket, a ratchet, a connecting block, a telescopic spring rod, a barrier member, a fixing block, and a retaining member between a finger frame and a return spring.

[0007] A Chinese patent application published on August 16, 2022, with publication number 114906066A, the patent owner is Shenzhen Yusian Electronics Co., Ltd., and named "A suction and snap-on type convertible adjustable integrated device bracket and method" discloses a suction and snap-on type convertible adjustable integrated device, wherein the bracket can switch between suction type or snap-on type.

[0008] A Chinese patent application published on February 9, 2018, with publication number 107682500A, patent owner Zhongshan Feiyu Hardware Technology Co., Ltd., and named "An electric mobile phone clamp with an upper and lower clamping structure" discloses a mobile phone clamp with an upper and lower clamping structure.

[0009] A German utility model application published on May 17, 2005, with publication number 202005002590U1, patent owner Vincent Shen, and named “Mobile Telephone Holder for a Motor Vehicle has a Main Body, a Fixed Plate to Swing Out, a Toothed Rack to Engage Teeth and a Thrusting Plate” discloses a main body having a fixed plate and a rack located on one side of the fixed plate.

[0010] A Chinese patent application published on May 4, 2021, with publication number 112747226A, the patent owner is Shandong Foreign Trade Vocational College, and named "Tablet computer support device for English learning" discloses a tablet computer support device that moves under the action of a threaded shaft. Summary of the invention

[0011] The present technology aims to improve some of the inconveniences of the prior art.

[0012] In a broad aspect of the present technology, a holding device for a handheld device is provided. The holding device has a fixed portion, which includes a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion spaced apart from the first engaging portion. The holding device also includes a movable portion, which is configured to move relative to the fixed portion along the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion. The movable portion includes: a third engaging portion, the third engaging portion is configured to engage with the first engaging portion; a fourth engaging portion, the fourth engaging portion is configured to engage with the second engaging portion; and an actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism is configured to selectively actuate the movable portion between an engaging configuration and a moving configuration. The engaging configuration refers to a situation in which the third engaging portion moves toward the first engaging portion and engages with the first engaging portion, and the fourth engaging portion moves toward the second engaging portion and engages with the second engaging portion. The moving configuration refers to a situation in which the third engaging portion moves away from the first engaging portion and disengages from the first engaging portion, and the fourth engaging portion moves away from the second engaging portion and disengages from the second engaging portion, thereby allowing the movable portion to move along the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first engagement portion is a first rack having a plurality of teeth, and the second engagement portion is a second rack having a plurality of teeth.

[0014] In some embodiments, the third engagement portion is a third rack having at least one tooth, and the fourth engagement portion is a fourth rack having at least one tooth.

[0015] In some embodiments, the retaining device further comprises a connecting rod having a first end configured to be operably engaged with the actuation mechanism and a second end configured to be operably engaged with the third engagement portion and the fourth engagement portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, the retaining device further comprises: a first arm, the first arm being connected to the second end of the connecting rod, and the first arm being operably connected to the third engaging portion; and a second arm, the second arm being connected to the second end of the connecting rod, and the second arm being operably connected to the fourth engaging portion. When the actuating mechanism is in the engaged configuration, the first arm and the second arm move the third engaging portion and the fourth engaging portion away from each other, so that the third engaging portion moves toward the first engaging portion and engages with the first engaging portion, and the fourth engaging portion moves toward the second engaging portion and engages with the second engaging portion. When the actuating mechanism is in the moving configuration, the first arm and the second arm move the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion toward each other, so that the third engaging portion moves away from the first engaging portion and disengages from the first engaging portion, and the fourth engaging portion moves away from the second engaging portion and disengages from the second engaging portion.

[0017] In some embodiments, the third engagement portion includes a first slot in which the first arm is slidably disposed, and the fourth engagement portion includes a second slot in which the second arm is slidably disposed.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first arm and the second arm are connected to the second end of the connecting rod via a fastener.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first arm and the second arm are a unitary piece.

[0020] In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism includes a button having a tapered bottom portion that abuts the first end of the connecting rod.

[0021] In some embodiments, the tapered bottom portion tapers toward a smaller bottom edge of the button.

[0022] In some embodiments, the retaining device further includes a spring disposed between the third engaging portion and the fourth engaging portion.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are parallel to each other, and the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are mounted to the fixing portion in a fixed manner.

[0024] In some embodiments, the movable portion includes a plate-shaped portion slidably engaged with the fixed portion, and the third engaging portion and the fourth engaging portion are slidably connected to the plate-shaped portion.

[0025] In some embodiments, the fixing portion includes a channel between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, the channel extending parallel to the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, and the plate-like portion is sized to fit within the channel.

[0026] In some embodiments, the movable portion includes a track, the plate-shaped portion includes a top surface, and the track is arranged on the top surface of the plate-shaped portion. The third engaging portion is slidably connected to the first portion of the track, and the fourth engaging portion is slidably connected to the second portion of the track.

[0027] In some embodiments, the plate-shaped portion includes: a first edge extending parallel to the first joint portion; and a second edge extending parallel to the second joint portion. A track extends from the first edge to the second edge, and the track is arranged to be orthogonal to the first edge and the second edge.

[0028] In some embodiments, the third engagement portion includes a bottom surface defining a recess for receiving the first portion of the track, and the fourth engagement portion includes a bottom surface defining a recess for receiving the second portion of the track.

[0029] In some embodiments, the retaining device further comprises a spring loaded rod having a first end and a second end. The first end of the spring loaded rod is connected to the fixed portion, and the second end of the spring loaded rod is connected to the movable portion.

[0030] In some embodiments, the spring loaded rod is a first spring loaded rod disposed along a first edge of the fixed portion. The first spring loaded rod extends parallel to the first engagement portion. The retaining device further comprises a second spring loaded rod having a first end and a second end. The first end of the second spring loaded rod is connected to the fixed portion, and the second end of the second spring loaded rod is connected to the movable portion. The second spring loaded rod is disposed along a second edge of the fixed portion, and the second spring loaded rod extends parallel to the second engagement portion.

[0031] For purposes of this application, terms related to spatial orientation, such as forward, rearward, upward, downward, leftward, and rightward, are intended to be understood by a user or operator of a personal transportation vehicle as typically understood by the user or operator of the personal transportation vehicle when the user is driving the personal transportation vehicle in an upright position and the personal transportation vehicle is maneuvered facing straight ahead and stationary on a flat surface. Terms related to spatial orientation when describing or referring to components or subassemblies of the device separately from the device should be understood to be consistent with how such components or subassemblies are understood when installed on the device.

[0032] The implementation schemes of the present technology each have at least one of the above aspects, but not necessarily all of the above aspects. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology generated in an attempt to achieve the above purpose may not meet the purpose and / or may meet other goals not specifically described herein.

[0033] Additional and / or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of implementations of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, drawings, and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as other aspects and further features of the present technology, reference is made to the following description which will be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 depicts a top plan view of a retaining device according to some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, wherein a cover of a securing portion is removed;

[0036] Figure 2 Depicted Figure 1 A top plan view of the retaining device, wherein the cover of the fixing portion is removed;

[0037] Figure 3 Depicted Figure 1A close up top plan view of the retaining device with the cover of the fixed portion removed;

[0038] Figure 4 Depicted Figure 1 The holding device passes through Figure 2 a cross-sectional view taken along line ZZ of ; and

[0039] Figure 5 Depicted is a flow chart for using a retention device in accordance with some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Reference Figures 1 to 4 , depicts a holding device 100 for a handheld device, such as a mobile phone. The holding device 100 can be connected to a personal vehicle, such as a scooter or a bicycle. In some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the holding device 100 is connected to the handlebar 2 of the personal vehicle. It is contemplated that in alternative embodiments, the holding device 100 can be connected to other suitable locations on the personal vehicle.

[0041] The holding device 100 includes a fixed portion 102 and a movable portion 104 that moves relative to the fixed portion 102. Figure 1 , the movable portion 104 moves in a linear manner relative to the fixed portion 102. That is, the movable portion 104 moves toward the fixed portion 102 along the axis X, and the movable portion 104 moves away from the fixed portion 102 along the axis X. In some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the axis X is colinear with the longitudinal axis of the fixed portion 102. In other non-limiting embodiments, the axis X can extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fixed portion 102.

[0042] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , the fixed part 102 includes a fixed body 106 having a first engaging portion 108a and a second engaging portion 108b disposed on the fixed body 106. The fixed part 102 includes a cover (not shown) that covers the fixed body 106. In some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the first engaging portion 108a is a first rack 108a, and the second engaging portion 108b is a second rack 108b. The first rack 108a and the second rack 108b are spaced apart from each other. The fixed body 106 defines a channel 110 between the first rack 108a and the second rack 108b. The channel 110 extends longitudinally along the fixed body 106 parallel to the first rack 108a and the second rack 108b. The channel 110 receives the movable part 104 in a slidable manner, which will be described in further detail below.

[0043] The first rack 108a is spaced apart from and extends parallel to the left edge 114 of the fixed body 106. The first rack 108a includes a plurality of teeth 116a extending along an inner side 118a of the first rack 108a. That is, the first rack 108a is positioned so that the plurality of teeth 116a face the channel 110. The plurality of teeth 116a are angled toward the rear edge 118 of the body 108 so that the plurality of teeth 116a prevent movement of the movable portion 104 away from the fixed portion 102. It should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the first rack 108a may include a single tooth disposed along the inner side 118a of the first rack 108a.

[0044] The second rack 108b is spaced apart from and extends parallel to the right edge 120 of the fixed body 106. The second rack 108b includes a plurality of teeth 116b extending along an inner side 118b of the second rack 108b. Since the second rack 108b is identical to the first rack 108a (a mirror image of each other), the description of the first rack 108a is also applicable to the second rack 108b, and therefore the second rack 108b will not be described in further detail.

[0045] The first rack 108a and the second rack 108b are fixedly mounted to the fixed body 106. In certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the first rack 108a and the second rack 108b are mounted via fasteners, such as screws 122. In alternative embodiments of the present technology, the first rack 108a and the second rack 108b may be welded and / or glued to the fixed body 106. In further alternative embodiments, the first rack 108a and the second rack 108b may be integrally formed with the fixed body 106.

[0046] As previously described, the movable portion 104 moves toward and away from the fixed portion 102. Specifically, the movable portion 104 includes a movable body 126 that moves toward and away from the front edge 124 of the fixed body 106. Figures 1 to 4 , the movable portion 104 includes a plate-like portion 128 slidably received in the channel 110 of the fixed body 106. The plate-like portion 128 is connected to the movable body 126 via a connecting arm 130, so that the plate-like portion 128 moves with the movement of the movable body 126. In some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the connecting arm 130 is integrally formed with the plate-like portion 128, and the connecting arm 130 is connected via a fastener such as a screw 132 (such as Figure 4128. The connecting arm 130 is connected to the movable body 126 by a fastener. It is also conceivable that the connecting arm 130 can be integrally formed with the movable body 126. In other non-limiting embodiments, the connecting arm 130 can be connected to the plate-like portion 128 and the movable body 126 via welding or gluing.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, the connecting arm 130 defines a passage 134 that slidably receives a connecting rod 136. A first end 138 of the connecting rod 136 is operably engaged with an actuation mechanism 140 of the movable portion 104. In a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology, the actuation mechanism 140 is a button 140. The button 140 includes a tapered bottom portion 142 that tapers downward toward a smaller bottom edge 145. The first end 138 of the connecting rod 136 abuts the tapered bottom portion 142. When the button 140 is pressed, the first end 138 of the connecting rod 136 moves along the tapered bottom portion 142, thereby sliding backward toward the plate-like portion 128 within the passage 134. The second end 144 of the connecting rod 136 is connected to a pair of arms 146a, 146b (left arm 146a and right arm 146b). The left arm 146a is operably connected to the third rack 150a, and the right arm 146b is operably connected to the fourth rack 150b, which will be described in further detail below.

[0048] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , the paired arms 146a, 146b form a generally trapezoidal shape, wherein the left arm 146a defines one half of the trapezoid and the right arm 146b defines the other half of the trapezoid. The paired arms 146a, 146b are connected at a top section 149, thereby forming a trapezoid as a unitary piece. The paired arms 146a, 146b are connected to the second end 144 of the connecting rod 136 via fasteners, such as screws 148. Specifically, the screws 148 fasten the top section 149 of the trapezoid to the second end 144 of the connecting rod 136. It is contemplated that in alternative embodiments, the paired arms 146a, 146b may be arranged in different configurations without departing from the scope of the present technology.

[0049] Continue to refer to Figures 1 to 3 , the movable portion 104 also includes a third engagement portion 150a and a fourth engagement portion 150b. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the third engagement portion 150a is a third rack 150a configured to engage with the first rack 108a. The fourth engagement portion 150b is a fourth rack 150b configured to engage with the second rack 108b. The third rack 150a and the fourth rack 150b are positioned spaced apart from each other in a side-by-side configuration.

[0050] The third rack 150a and the fourth rack 150b are slidably connected to the plate-like portion 128 so that the third rack 150a can move toward and away from the first rack 108a, and the fourth rack 150b can move toward and away from the second rack 108b. Specifically, the third rack 150a and the fourth rack 150b slidably connected to the track 152 are disposed on the top surface 154 of the plate-like portion 128. The track 152 extends between the left edge 156 and the right edge 158 of the plate-like portion 128. The track 152 is orthogonal to the left edge 156 and the right edge 158, so that the track 152 extends through the top surface 154 in the lateral direction.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, the bottom surface 160a of the third rack 150a is defined with a recess 162a, which receives a portion of the track 152, thereby allowing the third rack 150a to move toward the first rack 108a (thereby engaging the first rack 108a) and move away from the first rack 108a (disengaging the first rack 108a). In certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the recess 162a extends laterally through the entire bottom surface 160a of the third rack 150a, that is, from the outer edge 166a of the third rack 150a to the inner edge 168a. It is conceivable that in alternative embodiments, the recess 162a may extend partially through the bottom surface 160a. It should be understood that other configurations of the track 152 and the recess 162a may be used to provide movement of the third rack 150a without departing from the scope of the present technology.

[0052] although Figure 4 108b, but the fourth rack 150b is identical to the third rack 150a (mirror images of each other) and is slidably connected to the plate-like portion 128 to provide outward and inward movement of the fourth rack 150b for engaging and disengaging the second rack 108b. Similar to the third rack 150a, the fourth rack 150b includes a bottom surface defining a channel (not shown) extending between the outer edge 166b and the inner edge 168b to receive a portion of the track 152. As such, the description of the recess 162a of the third rack 150a is applicable to the fourth rack 150b, and this feature of the fourth rack 150b will not be described in further detail.

[0053] Reference Figures 1 to 3, the third rack 150a includes a plurality of teeth 164a disposed along an outer edge 166a of the third rack 150a. The plurality of teeth 164a of the third rack 150a is configured to interlock with the plurality of teeth 116a of the first rack 108a. That is, the plurality of teeth 164a of the third rack 150a are angled in a direction opposite to the plurality of teeth 116a of the first rack 108a. When the third rack 150a moves outward and engages with the first rack 108a, the plurality of teeth 164a of the third rack 150a fit within the recesses of the plurality of teeth 116a of the first rack 150a, thereby forming a secure connection and preventing the movable portion 104 from moving in a forward direction away from the fixed portion 102. In other words, outward movement of the movable body 126 is prevented by the plurality of teeth 164a of the third rack 150a interlocking with the plurality of teeth 116a of the first rack 108a, thereby providing a tight grip and preventing the mobile phone from accidentally falling from the bracket 100. It is contemplated that in alternative embodiments, the third rack 150a may include a single tooth configured to engage with the first rack 108a.

[0054] The top surface 170a of the third rack 150a is defined with a slot 172a. The left arm 146a is slidably disposed in the slot 172a. As previously described, the left arm 146a is connected to the second end 144 of the connecting rod 136 so that the backward movement of the connecting rod 136 toward the plate-shaped portion 128 causes the left arm 146a to move backward in the slot 172a. Similarly, the forward movement of the connecting rod 136 away from the plate-shaped portion 128 causes the left arm 146a to move forward in the slot 172a. The shape of the slot 172a is similar to a portion of the left arm 146a received in the slot 172a. In other words, the shape of the slot 172a is similar to the rear portion 174a of the left arm 146a because the slot 172a includes an angled portion 176a connected to the straight portion 178a.

[0055] The fourth rack 150b is identical to the third rack 150a (mirror images of each other) and includes a plurality of teeth 164b disposed along an outer edge 166b. The plurality of teeth 164b is configured to engage with the second rack 108b. The fourth rack 150b includes a slot 172b having a shape similar to the rear portion 174b of the right arm 146b (having an angled portion 176b and a straight portion 176b), wherein the right arm 146b is slidably disposed in the slot 172b. Thus, the description of these features of the third rack 150a applies to the fourth rack 150b and will not be explained in further detail.

[0056] In certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, a pair of springs 180a, 180b is disposed between the third rack 150a and the fourth rack 150b to help bias the third rack 150a away from the fourth rack 150b toward the first rack 108a, and bias the fourth rack 150a away from the third rack 150a toward the second rack 108b. It is contemplated that any number of springs may be used, for example, a single spring may be positioned between the third rack 150a and the fourth rack 150b. It is also contemplated that in alternative embodiments, the pair of springs 180a, 180b may be omitted.

[0057] In certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the retaining device 100 further includes a pair of spring-loaded levers 182a, 182b (left spring-loaded lever 182a and right spring-loaded lever 182b) to help bias the movable body 126 away from the fixed body 106. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a left spring loaded rod 182a has a first end 184a connected to the fixed body 106 and a second end 186a connected to the movable body 126. The left spring loaded rod 182a is disposed between the left edge 114 and the first rack 108a, and extends parallel to the left edge 114 of the fixed body 106. Similarly, a right spring loaded rod 182b has a first end 184b connected to the fixed body 106 and a second end 186b connected to the movable body 126. The right spring loaded rod 182b is disposed between the right edge 120 and the second rack 108b, and extends parallel to the right edge 120 of the fixed body 106. It is contemplated that in alternative embodiments, any number of spring loaded rods may be used, for example, a single spring loaded rod may be used to bias the movable body 126 away from the fixed body 106. It is also contemplated that the pair of spring loaded rods 182a, 182b may be omitted.

[0058] Reference Figure 5 , a method 300 of using the retaining device 100 will now be described. The method 300 begins with step 302 of pressing the button 140 to actuate the movable portion 104 into the moving configuration. The method 300 continues with step 304 of moving the movable body 126 away from the fixed body 106. Finally, once the desired distance is reached, step 306 involves releasing the button 140 to actuate the movable portion 104 into the engaged configuration, thereby locking the position of the movable body 126 in place.

[0059] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 4, the mobile configuration will be described in more detail. Broadly speaking, when in the mobile configuration, the movable portion 104 can move in two directions relative to the fixed portion 102. In some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the movable portion 104 can move along two axes relative to the fixed portion 102. In this embodiment, the two axes are perpendicular to each other. That is, the movable portion 104 is configured to move longitudinally and laterally relative to the fixed portion 102.

[0060] By moving the third rack 150a away from the first rack 108a, the third rack 150a is disengaged from the first rack 108b. By moving the fourth rack 150b away from the second rack 108b, the fourth rack 150b is disengaged from the second rack 108b. Thus, the movable portion 104 can now be moved toward and away from the fixed portion 102 to accommodate a mobile phone inserted into the holding device 100.

[0061] Specifically, when the button 140 is actuated, as the first end 138 of the connecting rod 136 moves along the tapered bottom portion 142 away from the smaller bottom edge 145 of the button 140, the connecting rod 136 moves rearward within the passage 134 of the connecting arm 130 ( Figure 4 ). When the connecting rod 136 moves backward, the second end 144 of the connecting rod 136 in turn causes the pair of arms 146a, 146b to move backward within the corresponding slots 172a, 172b of the third rack 150a and the fourth rack 150b. Figure 1 As depicted, the portions of the paired arms 146a, 146b closer to the top section 149 are now disposed within the respective angled portions 176a, 176b of the slots 172a, 172b. In other words, when the paired arms 146a, 146b form a generally trapezoidal shape, the distance between the paired arms 146a, 146b closer to the top section 149 is smaller (e.g., Figure 1 The third rack 150a and the fourth rack 150b move toward each other. The third rack 150a moves away from and disengages from the first rack 108a, and the fourth rack 150b moves away from and disengages from the second rack 108b. The plate-like portion 128 can now move along the channel 110, thereby moving parallel to the first and second engagement portions 108a, 108b (i.e., along the Figure 1 ). Thus, the movable part 104 can now be freely moved towards or away from the fixed part 102 to adjust the distance for receiving a mobile phone or withdrawing the mobile phone from the holding device 100.

[0062] Reference Figures 2 to 4, the engagement configuration will now be described in more detail. Broadly speaking, the engagement configuration allows the movable portion 104 to be locked relative to the fixed portion 102, thereby preventing longitudinal movement of the movable portion 104. In other words, the engagement configuration prevents the movable portion 104 from moving toward and away from the fixed portion 102.

[0063] After the button 140 is released, the connecting rod 136 moves forward within the passage 134 of the connecting arm 130 as the first end 138 of the connecting rod 136 moves along the tapered bottom portion 142 toward the smaller bottom edge 145 of the button 140. Figure 4 ). When the connecting rod 136 moves forward, the second end 144 of the connecting rod 136 in turn causes the pair of arms 146a, 146b to move forward within the corresponding slots 172a, 172b of the third rack 150a and the fourth rack 150b. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As depicted, the rearward portions of the pair of arms 174a, 174b, distal from the top section 149, are now disposed within the respective angled portions 176a, 176b of the slots 172a, 172b. The distance between the pair of arms 146a, 146b is greater (eg, Figure 2 and Figure 3 The third rack 150a and the fourth rack 150b are moved outwardly away from each other (as shown by the distance B in FIG). In certain non-limiting embodiments, springs 182a, 182b disposed between the third rack 150a and the fourth rack 150b help bias the third rack 150a and the fourth rack 150b away from each other. The third rack 150a moves toward the first rack 108a and engages with the first rack 108a, and the fourth rack 150b moves toward the second rack 108b and engages with the second rack 108b. Thus, the movable portion 104 can be fixed in place to prevent the movable portion 104 from moving along the axis X (as shown in FIG. Figure 1 The mobile phone is moved toward and away from the fixing portion 102 to fix the mobile phone in the holding device 100 .

[0064] It should be appreciated that in the engaged configuration, a better retention of the mobile phone can be achieved due to the greater latching and / or clamping force between the first rack 108a and the third rack 150a and the second rack 108b and the fourth rack 150b. The greater latching and / or clamping force can be partially attributed to the complementary geometric shapes of the first rack 108a and the third rack 150a and the complementary geometric shapes of the second rack 108b and the fourth rack 150b.

[0065] In addition, when the movable portion 104 moves a distance adapted to the size of the mobile phone, the longitudinal positions of the third rack 150a and the fourth rack 150b can be positioned closer to the center of mass of the mobile phone. Therefore, the first rack 108a, the second rack 108b, the third rack 150a and the fourth rack 150b can be subjected to less torque, reduce wear, and improve the retention of the mobile phone in the holding device.

[0066] Although the retention device 100 has been described as having four racks 108a, 108b, 150a, 150b, it should be understood that any number of racks may be implemented without departing from the present technology.

[0067] It should also be understood that although the first engaging portion 108a, the second engaging portion 108b, the third engaging portion 150a and the fourth engaging portion 150b have been described as racks, it is contemplated that any other interlocking geometry can be used to engage the first engaging portion 108a and the third engaging portion 150a together and the second engaging portion 108b and the fourth engaging portion 150b together. It is also contemplated that any other manner of removably connecting the first engaging portion 108a and the third engaging portion 150a together and the second engaging portion 108b and the fourth engaging portion 150b together can be achieved without departing from the present technology.

[0068] Modifications and improvements to the above implementations of the present technology may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The above description is intended to be exemplary and not restrictive. Therefore, the scope of the present technology is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A holding device for a handheld device, the holding device comprising: A fixed part, the fixed part having: a first joint portion; and a second engaging portion, the second engaging portion being spaced apart from the first engaging portion; as well as a movable portion configured to move relative to the fixed portion along the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, the movable portion having: a third engaging portion configured to engage with the first engaging portion; a fourth engaging portion configured to engage with the second engaging portion; as well as an actuation mechanism configured to selectively actuate the movable portion between an engaged configuration and a moved configuration, In the engaged configuration, the third engaging portion moves toward the first engaging portion to engage the first engaging portion, and the fourth engaging portion moves toward the second engaging portion to engage the second engaging portion; and In the moving configuration, the third engaging portion moves away from the first engaging portion to disengage from the first engaging portion, and the fourth engaging portion moves away from the second engaging portion to disengage from the second engaging portion, thereby allowing the movable portion to move along the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion.

2. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein: The first engaging portion is a first rack having a plurality of teeth; and The second engaging portion is a second rack having a plurality of teeth.

3. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein: The third engaging portion is a third rack having at least one tooth; and The fourth engaging portion is a fourth rack having at least one tooth.

4. The retaining device according to claim 1 further includes a connecting rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to be operably engaged with the actuating mechanism, and the second end being configured to be operably engaged with the third engaging portion and the fourth engaging portion.

5. The holding device according to claim 4, further comprising: a first arm connected to the second end of the connecting rod and operably connected to the third engagement portion; as well as a second arm connected to the second end of the connecting rod and operably connected to the fourth engagement portion; in: When the actuation mechanism is in the engaged configuration, the first arm and the second arm move the third engagement portion and the fourth engagement portion away from each other, so that the third engagement portion moves toward and engages with the first engagement portion, and the fourth engagement portion moves toward and engages with the second engagement portion; as well as When the actuating mechanism is in the moving configuration, the first arm and the second arm move the first joint and the second joint toward each other, so that the third joint moves away from the first joint and disengages from the first joint, and the fourth joint moves away from the second joint and disengages from the second joint.

6. The holding device according to claim 5, wherein: The third engaging portion includes a first slot in which the first arm is slidably disposed; and The fourth engaging portion includes a second groove in which the second arm is slidably disposed.

7. The holding device according to claim 6, wherein: The first arm and the second arm are connected to the second end of the connecting rod via fasteners.

8. The holding device according to claim 7, wherein: The first arm and the second arm together form a trapezoidal member.

9. The holding device according to claim 8, wherein: The first arm and the second arm are a single piece.

10. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein: The actuation mechanism includes a button having a tapered bottom portion that abuts the first end of the connecting rod.

11. The holding device according to claim 10, wherein: The tapered bottom portion tapers toward a smaller bottom edge of the button. 12 . The holding device according to claim 1 , further comprising a spring disposed between the third engaging portion and the fourth engaging portion.

13. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein: The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are parallel to each other, and the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are mounted to the fixing portion in a fixed manner.

14. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein: The movable portion includes a plate-like portion slidably engaged with the fixed portion; and The third engaging portion and the fourth engaging portion are slidably connected to the plate-shaped portion.

15. The holding device according to claim 14, wherein: The fixing portion includes a channel between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, the channel extending parallel to the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion; and The plate-like portion is sized to fit within the channel.

16. The holding device according to claim 14, wherein: The movable portion includes a track; The plate-like portion includes a top surface; The track is arranged on the top surface of the plate-shaped portion; The third engaging portion is slidably connected to the first portion of the track; as well as The fourth engagement portion is slidably connected to the second portion of the track.

17. A holding device according to claim 16, wherein: The plate-shaped portion comprises: a first edge extending parallel to the first engaging portion; and a second edge extending parallel to the second engaging portion; and The track extends from the first edge to the second edge, and the track is arranged orthogonal to the first edge and the second edge.

18. A holding device according to claim 17, wherein: The third engagement portion includes a bottom surface defining a recess for receiving the first portion of the track; and The fourth engagement portion includes a bottom surface defining a recess for receiving the second portion of the track.

19. The retention device of claim 1 further comprising a spring loaded lever having a first end and a second end, and wherein: The first end of the spring loaded lever is connected to the fixed portion and the second end of the spring loaded lever is connected to the movable portion.

20. The holding device according to claim 19, wherein: The spring loaded rod is a first spring loaded rod arranged along a first edge of the fixing portion, the first spring loaded rod extending parallel to the first engaging portion; The holding device also includes: a second spring loaded lever having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second spring-loaded rod being connected to the fixed portion, and the second end of the second spring-loaded lever is connected to the movable portion; and The second spring loaded bar is disposed along a second edge of the fixing portion, the second spring loaded bar extending parallel to the second engaging portion.

Images