Abstract:
A holding apparatus capable of embracing a generally flat-shaped item, such as a smartphone, computer tablet or the like, said holding apparatus comprising one or more pairs of opposing V-shaped clamping surfaces capable of providing a self-adjusting, permanent grip of the sides of the item regardless of the item being static, vibrating, or touched by a user&#39;s finger or other external object. The V-shaped clamping surfaces can be arranged on two or more sides of the device. For instance, opposing V-shaped clamping surfaces can be arranged to clamp the left and right sides of a four-sided quadrangular device, and additional opposing surfaces can be arranged perpendicularly to grip the top and bottom sides of the device, providing a very effective and robust grip that minimizes the risk of the item being dropped and damaged.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This Continuation-In-Part Utility Patent application claims the benefit of co-pending United States Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/292,859, filed on Nov. 9, 2011, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates to a holding apparatus for retaining a generally flat-shaped item, and in particular, a generally flat-shaped, hand-held electronic device such as smartphone, camera, media player, tablet or the like, in order to protect the device and/or to provide the device with additional external functionality. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Hand-held electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, cameras, media players, and the like quite frequently require the connection of external holding accessories that at least partially embrace the device. For instance, a holding accessory including a camera lens can be attached to camera, tablet or smartphone devices in order to provide the devices with enhanced photographic capabilities. Similarly, holding accessories providing an interface for connecting a tripod and other mounting brackets are also known in the art. In a further example, a holding accessory can be used to mount the electronic device onto a vehicle dashboard or windshield so that it is correctly placed for the vehicle occupants to use a navigation software application run by the device. In another example, covers or cases can be installed on the devices to make them waterproof and be able to be used for capturing underwater pictures or videos. It is also common to simply provide the hand-held devices with a protective cover, in order to reduce the risk of the devices becoming deteriorated due to regular use. Occasionally, covers can comprise additional functionality such as an integrated keyboard, card holders, etc. 
     Hand-held electronic device holding apparatus or covers are available in a wide variety of designs. For instance, holding apparatus or covers can be shaped and sized to perfectly match the device model, or, alternatively, be adjustable so that they can be fitted onto different devices. Normally, model-specific holding apparatus provide a better aesthetic finish, while presenting the drawback that they cannot be re-used from one device model to another, forcing the user to purchase different covers or holding apparatus for each device. Adjustable holding apparatus or covers are usually less attractive, but can be shared among different devices and thus be a more cost effective solution when owning several hand-held electronic devices. In addition, adjustable holding apparatus or covers are the only option to be used with devices that do not have specific matching covers of their own. 
     Adjustability of holding apparatus is usually achieved by using elastic materials or elements capable of biasing the apparatus so that it adjustably fits onto the electronic device. For example, the holding apparatus can be manufactured of a rubberized material capable of elastically wrapping around electronic devices of different sizes. In another example, the holding apparatus can comprise movable parts capable of being elastically pushed against the electronic device by a spring or other elastic element comprised in the holding apparatus. Having the holding apparatus fit elastically onto the electronic device presents several disadvantages. For example, the final position of the electronic device is not mechanically locked and the electronic device can wobble and eventually fall off of the holding apparatus, especially in the event that the holding apparatus and the electronic device are being used in a vibrating setting (e.g. a vehicle in motion) or in the event that an external object inadvertently comes into contact with the electronic device. In addition, the elastic properties of the spring or other elastic element are normally diminished by excessive use of the holding apparatus or simply by time passing. Because of this, adjustable holding apparatus eventually tend to become loose, thus increasing the risk of the device being dropped and damaged. 
     Thus, there remains a need in the art for a holding apparatus that is adjustable to fit onto electronic devices of different sizes, and yet provides a stable, firm and durable grip that minimizes the risk of the electronic device being dropped and damaged. The holding apparatus should also preferably be relatively simple from a constructive point of view, and be able to be quickly and easily mounted and dismounted from the electronic device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention of a holding apparatus for retaining a generally flat-shaped item such as an electronic device overcomes the deficiencies of the known art and the problems that remain unsolved by providing a holding mechanism based on opposing clamping V-shaped surfaces that very stably clamp the generally flat-shaped item. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the invention consists of a holding apparatus for retaining a generally flat-shaped item by at least partially embracing the item, said holding apparatus comprising:
         a first clamping member and a second clamping member, movably spaced apart for clamping and unclamping a generally flat-shaped item placed in between; wherein   said first and second clamping members include respective V-shaped grooves in opposing orientation for clamping the item, so that the item automatically rests on both angled surfaces of the V-shaped groove on each clamping member, and is thus always stably gripped by the clamping members.       

     In a second aspect, the holding apparatus further comprises a retention member for fixing the relative position of the first and second clamping members. 
     In another aspect, the holding apparatus comprises a base member having a first end, a second end, a top surface, an opposing bottom surface and an elongate slot formed through said top surface and said bottom surface and positioned adjacent said first end, wherein the first clamping member is slidably coupled adjacent to said first end and along said top surface of said base member by the retention member, said retention member having a threaded protrusion configured to pass through said elongate slot and engage in a corresponding threaded aperture formed into said first clamping member; and wherein the second clamping member is coupled adjacent to said second end of said base member and along said top surface of said base member. 
     In another aspect, the first clamping member is slidably fitted between side walls protruding from the base member. 
     In another aspect, the first clamping member comprises protruding side walls arranged perpendicularly to the base member. 
     In another aspect, the second clamping member comprises protruding side walls arranged perpendicularly to the base member. 
     In another aspect, the first and second clamping members comprise side walls arranged perpendicularly to the base member, the holding apparatus thus being capable of embracing at least three sides of a four-sided item. 
     In another aspect, the V-shaped grooves are arranged along part of the length of the side walls of the first and second clamping members. 
     In another aspect, the V-shaped grooves are arranged along the entire length of the side walls of the first and second clamping members. 
     In another aspect, the holding apparatus further comprises an additional base member arranged in opposition to the first base member, so that the holding apparatus is capable of embracing all four sides of a four-sided item. 
     In another aspect, the additional base member is coupled to a third clamping member, and is slidably coupled to a fourth clamping member, said third and fourth clamping members having a V-shaped groove in opposing orientation for clamping the generally flat-shaped item, so that the item automatically rests on both angled surfaces of the V-shape groove on each clamping member, and is thus always stably gripped by the third and fourth clamping members. 
     In another aspect, the fourth clamping member is slidably coupled to the second clamping member, and the third clamping member is slidably coupled to the first clamping member, thus allowing for bi-dimensional adjustment of the holding apparatus onto the item. 
     In another aspect, the holding apparatus further comprises opposing V-shaped grooves parallel to the base members, so that the holding apparatus is capable of clamping all four sides of a four-sided item by means of V-shaped grooves. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the invention consists of a holding apparatus for retaining a generally flat-shaped, four-sided item by at least partially embracing the item, said holding apparatus comprising:
         a frame for embracing a generally flat-shaped, four sided item, said frame providing at least a first pair of opposing V-shaped clamping surfaces and a second pair of opposing V-shaped clamping surfaces, said second pair being perpendicular to the first pair so that said at least four opposing V-shaped clamping surfaces provide four-side clamping of a generally flat-shaped, four-sided item arranged inside the frame.       

     In a second aspect, the frame is quadrangular in shape and formed by four length-adjustable side portions. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, the invention consists of a holding apparatus for retaining a generally flat-shaped item by at least partially embracing the item, said holding apparatus comprising at least two opposing clamping V-shaped surfaces, spaced apart for clamping at least two side areas of generally flat-shaped item arranged in between the V-shaped surfaces. 
     In a second aspect, the relative position between the V-shaped surfaces is adjustable. 
     In another aspect, a V-shaped surface is integrally formed in a part of the holding apparatus. 
     In another aspect, a V-shaped surface is created when assembling different parts of the apparatus. 
     These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. The invention will now be described, by way of example and without limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  presents a perspective exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a holding apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  presents a perspective view of the holding apparatus of  FIG. 1 , shown assembled; 
         FIG. 3  presents a further perspective view of the holding apparatus of  FIG. 1 , shown while being used for holding a smartphone device; 
         FIG. 4  presents a perspective exploded view of a second exemplary embodiment of a holding apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  presents a perspective view of the holding apparatus of  FIG. 4 , shown assembled; 
         FIG. 6  presents a further perspective view of the holding apparatus of  FIG. 4 , shown while being used for holding a smartphone device. 
     
    
    
     In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding elements throughout the different views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. In other implementations, well-known features and methods have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “back”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments that may be disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     The illustration of  FIG. 1  presents a perspective exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a holding apparatus in accordance with the present invention. The holding apparatus  100  includes a first clamping member  110  and a second clamping member  120 , movably spaced apart for clamping and unclamping a generally flat-shaped item placed in between, not shown in the figure. As can be observed, the first and second clamping members  110 ,  120  include respective V-shaped grooves  130 ,  140  or, in other words, inward V-shaped surfaces, where the V-shaped grooves  130 ,  140  are arranged in opposing orientation for clamping the item. Each V-shaped groove  130 ,  140  comprises two angled surfaces  132 ,  134 ,  142 ,  144  meeting at intersecting edge  136 ,  146 . 
     In the present embodiment, the first and second clamping members  110 ,  120  are movably spaced apart by having their lower positions—in the position of  FIG. 1-slidable  relative to one another. Alternative embodiments are however contemplated for having the first and second clamping members movable relative to one another so to be able to vary the distance between the V-shaped grooves. 
     The illustration of  FIG. 2  shows the first and second clamping members  110 ,  120  having been assembled so that the first clamping member  110  has slidden into the second clamping member  120 . The holding apparatus  100  of the present embodiment has acquired a U-shape arrangement inside which a generally flat-shaped item can be clamped by the V-shaped grooves  130 ,  140  on the sides of the U. The illustration of  FIG. 3 , for instance, shows a smartphone  500  being held inside the holding apparatus  100 , by having the side V-shaped grooves  130 ,  140  clamp the sides of the smartphone  500 . Having the smartphone  500  embraced by two V-shaped grooves  130 ,  140  means that the sides of the smartphone rest on the angled surfaces  132 ,  134 ,  142 ,  144  of the V-shaped grooves  130 ,  140 . In the event that the smartphone  500  shifts or vibrates, causing the sides of the smartphone to slightly move with respect to the holding apparatus  100 , the sides of the smartphone  500  will simply slightly move along the angled surfaces  132 ,  134 ,  142 ,  144  maintaining their contact with the angled surfaces, and the smartphone  500  thus automatically continues to rest on both angled surfaces  132 ,  134 ,  142 ,  144  of each V-shaped groove  130 ,  140 . Therefore, having a V-shaped clamp allows for permanent optimum clamping of the smartphone  500 , regardless of it moving due to vibration or contact with an external object (such as a finger touching the phone screen). The smartphone  500  is securely gripped and prevented from falling. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 3 , the holding apparatus  100  can comprise a retention member  150  for fixing the relative position of the first and second clamping members  110 ,  120 . Being able to fix the relative position of the first and second clamping members  110 ,  120  by a retention member  150  provides a tight and durable gripping of the smartphone  500 . 
     As shown especially in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the holding apparatus  100  of the present embodiment comprises a base member  160  having a first end  170 , a second end  174 , a top surface  180 , an opposing bottom surface  184  and an elongate slot  190 . The elongate slot  190  is formed through the top surface  180  and the bottom surface  184  and positioned adjacent to the first end  170 . The first clamping member  110  is slidably coupled adjacent to the first end  170  and along the top surface  180  of the base member  160  by the retention member  150 . Specifically, the retention member  150  includes a threaded protrusion  154  configured to pass through said elongate slot  190  and engage in a corresponding threaded aperture  200  formed into the first clamping member  110 . In turn, the second clamping member  120  is coupled adjacent to the second end  174  of the base member  160  and along the top surface  180  of the base member  160 . Such a slidable arrangement of the first and second clamping members  110 ,  120  provides a sleek, integrated mechanical solution for clamping the smartphone  500 . 
     In addition, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first clamping member  110  is slidably fitted between side walls  210  protruding from the base member  160 . Side walls  210  provide guidance to the sliding of the first clamping member  110  and thus contribute to the robust feel of the holding apparatus  100  of the invention. 
     As also shown in the figures, the first clamping member  110  can comprise protruding side walls  220  arranged perpendicularly to the base member  160 , providing a side embrace of one side of the smartphone  500 . Similarly, the second clamping member  120  can comprise protruding side walls  230  arranged perpendicularly to the base member  160 , providing a side embrace of the other side of the smartphone  500 . In the embodiment shown, in fact, both clamping members  110 ,  120  are provided with protruding side walls; such an arrangement contributes to securely retaining the smartphone  500 . More generally speaking, having both clamping members  110 ,  120  comprise side walls arranged perpendicularly to the base member  160  allows the holding apparatus  100  to be capable of embracing at least three sides of a four-sided item such as the smartphone  500  shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the V-shaped grooves  130 ,  140  are arranged along part of the length of the side walls  220 ,  230  of the first and second clamping members  110 ,  120 . Such an arrangement can allow, for instance, the remaining length of the side walls  220 ,  230  to be used for other purposes such as providing input/output hardware ports to/from the smartphone  500 . Alternatively, the invention contemplates that the V-shaped grooves can be arranged along the entire length of the side walls of the first and second clamping members. 
     The illustrations of  FIGS. 4 and 5  show two perspective views of a holding apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention. Holding apparatus  300  of the present embodiment is similar to the previous embodiment in that it also comprises a first clamping member  310  and a second clamping member  320 , each provided with a respective V-shaped groove  330 ,  340 , the second clamping member  320  being coupled to a base member  360 . The present embodiment further comprises an additional base member  370  arranged in opposition to base member  360 , so that the holding apparatus  300  is capable of embracing all four sides of a four-sided item. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 6 , in which the holding apparatus  300  is embracing a smartphone  500 , the first and second clamping members  310 ,  320  embrace the left and right sides of the smartphone  500 , while the base members  360 ,  370  embrace the top and bottom sides of the smartphone  500 . Thus, the entire perimeter of the smartphone is gripped, further contributing to safely retain the smartphone. 
     In this second embodiment, the additional base member  370  is coupled to a third clamping member  380 , and is slidably coupled to a fourth clamping member  390 , said third and fourth clamping members  380 ,  390  each having a V-shaped groove  400 ,  410  in opposing orientation for clamping the smartphone  500  or other generally flat-shaped item. Again, the item can automatically rest on both angled surfaces of the V-shape groove  400 ,  410  on each clamping member  380 ,  390 , and is thus always stably gripped by the third and fourth clamping members  380 ,  390 . The V-shaped grooves corresponding to each side of the holding apparatus  300  may be flush or not flush. For instance, the V-shaped grooves  330 ,  400  of the first and third clamping members  310 ,  380  may be flush relative to one another, i.e. on the same plane, in order to correctly grip items having a relatively simple outer side surface as the smartphone  500  shown in the figure; alternatively, the V-shaped grooves  330 ,  400  of the first and third clamping members  310 ,  380  may not be flush or leveled, allowing for a more specific gripping of irregularly shaped items. Similarly, the V-shaped grooves  340 ,  410  of the second and fourth clamping members  320 ,  390  may be flush relative to one another, or may not be flush. 
     In addition, the fourth clamping member  390  is slidably coupled to the second clamping member  320 , and the third clamping member  380  is slidably coupled to the first clamping member  310 , thus allowing for bi-dimensional adjustment of the holding apparatus  300  onto the smartphone. A person skilled in the art will understand a bi-dimensional adjustment to be an adjustment in both a vertical direction and a horizontal direction according to the position of the holding apparatus  300  in  FIGS. 4 through 6 . 
     Preferably, as shown in the figure, the holding apparatus  300  further comprises opposing V-shaped grooves  420 ,  430  arranged in a transversal direction that is parallel to the base members  360 ,  370 , so that the holding apparatus  300  is capable of clamping all four sides of a four-sided item by means of V-shaped grooves  330 ,  340 ,  400 ,  410 ,  420 ,  430 . V-shaped clamping of all four sides of a four-sided item, such as smartphone  500  shown in  FIG. 6 , provides a stable three-dimensional grip in of the smartphone  500 , i.e., a secure and robust grip in all three axis of the smartphone  500  (a person skilled in the art will understand that any three dimensional object is formed along three axes). 
     Thus, it is also an object of the present invention to define a holding apparatus for embracing a generally flat-shaped, four-sided item, said holding apparatus comprising a frame for embracing the generally flat-shaped, four sided item, said frame providing at least a first pair of opposing V-shaped clamping surfaces and a second pair of opposing V-shaped clamping surfaces, said second pair being perpendicular to the first pair so that the at least four opposing V-shaped clamping surfaces provide four-side clamping of a generally flat-shaped, four-sided item arranged inside the frame. For instance, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4 through 6 , the frame is formed by the clamping members  310 ,  320 ,  380 ,  390 , including the base members  360 ,  370  comprised in the second and third clamping members  320 ,  380 . This frame comprises two first pairs of opposing V-shaped surfaces  330 ,  340 ;  400 ,  410  arranged in a first direction, i.e. a vertical direction. This frame further comprises a second pair of opposing V-shaped surfaces  420 ,  430  arranged in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, so that the V-shaped surfaces  330 ,  340 ,  400 ,  410 ,  420 ,  430  provide four-side clamping of a generally flat-shaped, four-sided item arranged inside the frame, such as the smartphone  500  shown in  FIG. 6 . It should be noted that, due to the illustrations of  FIGS. 4 through 6  being perspective views, some of the V-shaped surfaces are hidden. Specifically, the top V-shaped groove  430  and the right-side V-shaped grooves  330 ,  400  are hidden. However, a person skilled in the art understands their inward arrangement, so that they oppose the corresponding V-shaped grooves  420 ,  340 ,  410  at the bottom and left side of the frame. Notwithstanding, one of the hidden V-shaped grooves  330  has been schematically sketched for further understanding. 
     The frame of the present embodiment is quadrangular in shape and formed by four length-adjustable side portions, to provide an adjustable gripping of a four-sided electronic device or other item such as a framed picture. 
     Thus, as explained, the advantageous V-shaped groove clamps can be implemented on more than one axis of the apparatus. In other words, it is an object of the invention to provide a holding apparatus  100 ,  300  for embracing a generally flat-shaped item such as the smartphone  500  shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6 , where said holding apparatus  100 ,  300  comprising at least two opposing clamping V-shaped surfaces  130 ,  140 ;  330 ,  340 ;  400 ,  410 ;  420 ,  430 , spaced apart for clamping at least two side areas of the item when the item is arranged in between the V-shaped surfaces. For instance, the holding apparatus  100  of  FIG. 3 , shown alone in  FIG. 1 , includes two opposing clamping V-shaped surfaces  130 ,  140  for gripping the sides of the item. The holding apparatus  100  of  FIG. 6 , shown along in  FIG. 4 , instead comprises six opposing clamping V-shaped surfaces  330 ,  340 ;  400 ,  410 ;  420 ,  430  that allow to grip the four sides of the item. It should be noted that different numbers of opposing surfaces are also contemplated by the invention. Preferably, the relative position between the V-shaped surfaces  130 ,  140 ;  330 ,  340 ;  400 ,  410 ;  420 ,  430  is adjustable so that the item can easily be inserted or removed from within the holding apparatus  100 ,  300 , or to allow the holding apparatus  100 ,  300  to adjust to items having a different size. 
     The invention contemplates that the V-shaped grooves are either symmetrical or asymmetrical. A V-shaped groove is symmetrical when the angled surfaces forming the V-shape are symmetrical, i.e. have the same length and width. A V-shaped groove is asymmetrical when the angled surfaces have a different length and/or width. In other words, any specific V-shape is contemplated. For instance, the V-shaped grooves  130 ,  140  shown in  FIG. 1  are asymmetrical. Varying the shape of the V-shaped grooves allows controlling the position of the item along the depth axis of the holding apparatus. This variation will allow improved viewing angles and accessibility of a screen and/or controls comprised in the item being held by the apparatus. Additionally, this may improve placement of the item in relation to auxiliary attachments, such as lenses or screen filters. 
     The invention further contemplates that the V-shaped surfaces can be integrally formed on one part or, alternatively, can be created when two parts slidably engage. For instance, the V-shaped surface  430  shown in  FIG. 4  is integrally formed in the fourth clamping member  390 . The V-shaped surface  420 , however, is formed when an angled surface  420   a  of the first clamping member  310  and an angled surface  420   b  of the second clamping member  320  slidably align as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     The unique V shape allows the electronic device being held to be always statically centered in the groove when the holding apparatus is engaged around the electronic device. Additionally, the V-shaped groove allows application of the device for usage in holding electronic devices of significant thickness. The groove in its configuration also causes the device being held to be self-centering, which reduces the amount of adjustment required by the user. This reduction of actions required by the user is preferred, as the intended use of this device is for holding apparatus that are frequently engaged and disengaged from the holding apparatus in typical daily usage. 
     While the description has been focused on application towards devices such as cameras, phones, navigation devices, media devices for video and/or audio, gaming devices, electronic devices for displaying text only, or even a second holding apparatus, the proposed design is also effective for non-electronic devices such as for holding a card or photograph.