Abstract:
An apparatus for holding an electronic device is described which includes first and second brackets slidably joined together with one another and moveable to expand away from, and contract toward, one another along an operating path. The apparatus further includes first and second braces provided on the first and second brackets, respectively, and spaced apart from one another along the operating path and a biasing element biasing the first and second brackets toward one another. The first and second braces are configured to grasp an electronic device therebetween. The apparatus is part of a retaining unit also described which includes the mounting apparatus, a pivoting member, a swiveling member, and a base unit.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a mounting apparatus for an electronic device. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to a mounting apparatus for an electronic device for use at a desk or in a vehicle which, among other things, allows easy access to buttons on the electronic device, allows the device to be placed in a number of positions, and allows the device to be placed within, and removed from, a mounted position with one hand. 
   Portable electronic devices are being used more and more frequently in vehicles. For example, personal digital assistants (PDAs) are currently used in vehicles and elsewhere. PDAs are used to receive and store information considered to be important to a user. In one known application, PDAs are utilized to store telephone numbers, notes, and addresses, which can be easily accessed and updated, if need be, by a user. Some PDAs are capable of sending and receiving electronic mail messages. Such uses have caused PDAs to become an invaluable resource for their users among other places, at work, in a vehicle, and at home. 
   In another example, global positioning satellite devices are currently being used in vehicles and elsewhere. These devices are used for navigational purposes and are either permanently installed in a vehicle, or mounted so as to be portable. Further, these devices have a screen which visibly communicates information to the user. The portable device is advantageous in that it can be taken from the vehicle and used outside of the vehicle, thus adding value to the device. 
   The mounting of PDAs, GPS devices, and other electronic devices within vehicles or at desks does, however, present a number of disadvantages. First, it is more difficult to mount a portable device in a location within the vehicle or at a desk that allows its screen to be easily viewed. Devices that are permanently installed in a vehicle can be mounted within the dashboard of the vehicle, easily within sight of the vehicle driver or passenger. Portable devices must, however, be mounted somewhere within the interior of the vehicle, such as on top of the dashboard. This mounting position presents the challenge of mounting the device in an orientation and position that can be seen and accessed. 
   Viewing of the screen and entry of data into a portable electronic device can be hampered if the angle of the viewing screen is fixed relative to the surface on which the device is mounted, or if the mounting device hampers access to data entry buttons on the device. Second, these electronic devices are often under-utilized if they are only viewable by the driver of the vehicle, but not passengers riding therein. In the case of the GPS device, a passenger in the vehicle is often acting as a navigator. In such situations, it is advantageous for the passenger to be able to view and/or remove the GPS or other device. 
   It would also be advantageous to be able to place the electronic device into a mounted position using only one hand. Similarly, it would be advantageous to remove the electronic device from a mounted position using only one hand. Therefore, a mounting apparatus is needed that can be used to mount a portable electronic device within a vehicle, at a desk or elsewhere so that the device can be easily viewed and adjusted. Further, a mounting apparatus is needed that allows an electronic device to be mounted within a vehicle so that it is viewable by either the driver or the passenger riding therein. Still further, a mounting apparatus is needed that allows an electronic device to be mounted within, utilized, and removed from, a mounted position using only one hand. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In one embodiment of the present invention an apparatus for holding an electronic device is provided. The apparatus comprises first and second brackets slidably joined together with one another and moveable to expand away from, and contract toward, one another along an operating path. First and second braces provided on the first and second brackets, respectively, and spaced apart from one another along the operating path. A biasing element biasing the first and second brackets toward one another. The first and second braces are configured to grasp an electronic device therebetween. 
   In another embodiment of the present invention, a retaining unit comprising a mounting apparatus is provided that comprises a pivoting member pivotably attached to the mounting apparatus. A swiveling member is rotatably coupled to the pivoting member, and a base unit is pivotably coupled to the swiveling member. The mounting apparatus comprises first and second brackets slidably joined with one another and moveable to expand away from, and contract toward, one another along an operating path. First and second braces are provided on the first and second brackets, respectively, and spaced apart from one another along the operating path. A biasing element biasing the first and second brackets toward one another. The first and second braces are configured to grasp an electronic device therebetween. 
   In still another embodiment of the present invention, a holder for a portable device is provided. The holder comprises a base having a front surface defining a retention area configured to receive a device. An arm is movably attached to the base and gripping members are provided on the base and the arm. The arm moves along an axis of motion relative to the base, the axis of motion extending through the retention area. The gripping members are spaced apart from one another along the axis of motion to define borders of the retention area. The retention area has an open front face to facilitate insertion of the portable device. The gripping members are smaller than the portable device and positioned to permit edges of the portable device to be held while inserting and removing the portable device. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The objects and features of the invention noted above are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings which form a part of the specification and which are to be read in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals denote like elements in the various views. The objects and features of the invention noted above are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like elements. In the accompanying drawings which form a part of the specification and which are to be read in conjunction therewith and in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in the various views. 
       FIG. 1  is an elevation view of the mounting apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, including an electronic device being held by the mounting apparatus. 
       FIG. 2  is a frontal exploded view of the mounting apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a rearward exploded view of the mounting apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  is a top view of the fixed bracket of the mounting apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the fixed bracket of the mounting apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 6  is a top view of the moving bracket of the mounting apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the moving bracket of the mounting apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 8  is a view illustrating one embodiment of the support utilized in the mounting apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of a retaining unit which utilizes the mounting apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1  is an elevation view of a mounting apparatus  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1  further includes an electronic device  12 , for example, a personal digital assistant (PDA), that is being held by mounting apparatus  10 . In the embodiment shown and as further described below, mounting apparatus  10  includes two fixed supports  14  and one spring loaded moving support  15 . Supports  14  and  15  are sometime referred to as braces, or gripping members. As is also further described below, mounting apparatus  10  conforms and grips a wide variety of sizes and shapes of PDAs  12 , radios, global positioning system (GPS) devices, and other electronic devices. The mounting apparatus  10  may be attached to an automotive windshield, an office window or other smooth surface with a suction cup or to a dashboard, desk, or tabletop with an adhesive mounted puck or floating bean bag through attachment unit  16 . Mounting apparatus  10  affords adjustment through pivoting and rotating members of attachment unit  16 . The pivotal and rotational axis of attachment unit  16  are shown as axes of motion D, E, and F, which are described in detail below with respect to  FIG. 9 . The mounting apparatus  10  may be adjusted with respect to attachment unit  16  through actuation of lever  18 . For example, actuation of lever  18  in one direction allows the mounting apparatus  10  to be rotated and/or pivoted. Actuation of lever  18  in another direction locks mounting apparatus  10  in one position. 
   Mounting apparatus  10  provides a large grip range and retention area without any adapters or extra parts. Optionally, supports  14  and  15  may be elastomer covered and may have different shapes. Supports  14  and  15 , at least in part, allow one hand installation and removal of PDA  12 , or another device. 
     FIG. 2  is an exploded view of mounting apparatus  10 . The mounting apparatus  10  includes a fixed bracket  20 , or base, that is generally rectangular in shape and oriented to extend in the direction of axis  21 . A moving bracket  22 , or arm, is slidably mounted to the fixed bracket  20  and movable along path A relative to fixed bracket  20 . A spring  24  is housed within and between the fixed bracket  20  and moving bracket  22 . It is understood that spring  24  may be substituted with other retention devices, for example, elastic, magnets, or other mechanisms which provide biasing force to brackets  20  and  22 . Spring  24  biases moving bracket  22  and fixed bracket  20  toward one another along path A. Mounting apparatus  10  further includes a plurality of fastening devices  26  which are utilized to fasten supports  14  and  15  to fixed bracket  20  and moving bracket  22 . While path A is shown as a straight line, other embodiments are contemplated, for example, path A may be arc-shaped in the plane of surfaces  34  and  23 . Similarly, path A may be linear or arce shaped in a plane that is different than the plane defined by surfaces  23  and  34 . 
   More specifically, fixed bracket  20  includes a first end  30 , a second end  32 , a front surface  34 , and a back surface  36 . A channel  38  is formed in front surface  34  and oriented to extend along axis  21 . Channel  38  is configured to receive and guide moving bracket  22  along path A. Moving bracket  22  rests within channel  38  such that a front surface  23  of moving bracket  22  rests flush with front surface  34  of fixed bracket  20 , forming a substantially smooth surface. 
   The fixed bracket  20  further includes a spring insertion channel  40  formed within, and along a center of, channel  38 . Spring insertion channel  40  has walls  41  running lengthwise between first end  30  and second end  32 . Spring insertion channel  40  receives and retains spring  24  in a compressed state. Optionally, the fixed bracket  20  includes a plurality of slots  42  which extend through the fixed bracket  20  between the front and back surfaces  34  and  36  and run lengthwise between first end  30  and second end  32 . A back surface  25  of the moving bracket  22  includes clipping members  44  extending outward from the back surface  25 . Slots  42  receive and engage clipping members  44  of moving bracket  22  in a snap-fit. The clipping members  44  proximate a rear end  27  of the moving bracket  22  are pulled by the spring  24  until abutting a closed end  29  of the slots  42 . The clipping members  44  proximate a middle of the moving bracket  22  may abut against an intermediate brace  31  formed in slots  42 . The clipping members  44  limit a distance to which the moving member  22  is compressed or collapsed onto the fixed bracket  20 . 
   The fixed and moving brackets  20  and  22  include posts  46  and  47  extending outward at a right angle from the front surfaces  34  and  23  respectively. Optionally, the posts  46  and  47  may be tilted at an acute or obtuse angle with respect to one another. The posts  46  are located near second end  32  and provided on opposite sides of the channel  38 . The post  47  is located on the moving bracket  22  along axis  21  and aligned with channel  38  near the first end  30 . The posts  46  and  47  define a retention area therebetween that is open faced and partially exposed on top, bottom and side borders. The posts  46  and  47  are arranged in a staggered pattern to evenly grip opposite sides of an electronic device. The lead end  19  of the moving bracket  22  is slidable in a telescoping manner outward through open ends  49  of the slots  41 . The supports  14  and  15  are received over and held on the posts  46  and  47 , respectively, by adhesive or fastening devices  26 . Optionally, posts  46  and  47  may be any shape, and integral or removable from their respective brackets. Optionally, supports  14  and  15  need not be mounted thereon. 
     FIG. 3  is an exploded rear view of mounting apparatus  10  to better illustrate the clipping members  44  extending from the back surface  25  of moving bracket  22 . Clipping members  44  project through fixed bracket  20  when inserted into slots  42 . A stop  50  is also formed within a channel  52  on the back surface  25  of moving bracket  22 . When the mounting apparatus  10  is assembled, stop  50  engages an end of the spring  24 . When moving bracket  22  is moved in the direction of arrow B, the stop  50  compresses the spring  24 . When moving bracket  22  is released, spring  24  causes the moving bracket  22  to move along channel  38  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) in the direction of arrow C until supports  14  and  15  sandwich or firmly engage a device to be held within mounting apparatus  10 , or until reaching a limit of travel of the moving bracket  22  (when empty). Referring to back surface  36  of fixed bracket  20 , an attachment member  54  protrudes therefrom. Attachment member  54  may be attached to attachment unit  16  ( FIG. 1 ) through a number of attachment methods. 
     FIG. 4  is a top view of fixed bracket  20  to better illustrate channel  38  and spring insertion channel  40  which are formed in front surface  34  and which extend from end wall  51  near second end  30  and open ends  49  to closed end  27  near first end  30 . The slots  42  are formed within and extend through fixed bracket  20  and receive clipping members  44  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). The slots  42  are substantially longer than clipping members  44  of moving bracket  20  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) which allows the moving bracket  22  to move once inserted into channel  38  of fixed bracket  20 . Posts  46  extending from front surface  34  of fixed bracket  20  are also illustrated. Holes  60  extend through posts  46 . Fastening members  26  are inserted through holes  60  from back surface  36 , through posts  46 , and into supports  14  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
   In one embodiment, second end  32  of fixed bracket  20  is formed with an indented area  62  between posts  46 . Indented area  62  provides simple access to actuation lever  18  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) to allow either movement or “locking” of mounting apparatus  10 . 
     FIG. 5  is a bottom view of fixed bracket  20  of mounting apparatus  10  to show attachment member  54  which is formed on, and protrudes from back surface  36 . Attachment member  54  includes a plurality of teeth  66  formed on an end thereof. Teeth  66  are utilized to mate with matching teeth found on devices (not shown) which are to be attached to fixed bracket  20 , to help prevent rotation. By loosening the linkage between attachment member  54  and the device attached to fixed bracket  20 , teeth  66  disengage, and fixed bracket  20  can be rotated along axis  21  which extends through attachment member  54 . 
     FIG. 6  illustrates the moving bracket  22  in more detail. Moving bracket  22  includes an rear end  27 , a lead end  19 , a front surface  23 , and a back  25 . As has been described above, rear end  27  of moving bracket  22  engages fixed bracket  20  (shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). In one embodiment, rear end  27  is formed with an indented area  78  which aligns with indented area  62  of fixed bracket  20  when mounting apparatus is not holding a PDA  12  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) or similar device. Post  47  also includes a hole  60  for insertion of a fastening device  26  as described above with respect to fixed bracket  20 . Post  47  is substantially round, however, and as best illustrated in  FIG. 6 , one embodiment of post  47  includes a flat surface  80 . Flat surface  80 , along with a similarly shaped area in supports  15  (shown in  FIG. 8 ), provide a keying arrangement which helps to prevent rotation of support  15 . In certain applications, the single support  15  mounted on moving bracket  22  will engage the PDA along a side which includes a greater number of switches and data card slots so as to prevent inference to the access of the switches and data card slots. 
     FIG. 7  is a bottom view of moving bracket  22  of mounting apparatus  10 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , clipping members  44  also include protrusions  90  which provide for the above described snap fit into slots  42  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) of fixed bracket  20 . Back surface  25  of moving bracket  22  also includes channel  52  formed by substantially parallel walls  94 . When mounting apparatus  10  is assembled, walls  94  are positioned adjacent to walls  41  of spring insertion channel  40  thereby surrounding spring  24  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) on all four sides. In addition to providing a surface to engage an end of spring  24 , stop  50  at least partially limits a travel of moving bracket  22  with respect to fixed bracket  20 . As moving bracket  22  slides into fixed bracket  20 , based on a pressure applied by spring  24 , stop  50  will engage an end of spring insertion channel  40  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) causing the spring  24  induced motion of moving bracket  22  to stop, at least when a PDA is not installed. It is also contemplated that a mounting apparatus  10  may employ more than one moving bracket  22 , based on alternate configurations of the fixed bracket  20  (e.g. fixed bracket has multiple channels  38  for mounting of moving brackets  22 . 
     FIG. 8  illustrates the embodiment of supports  14  and  15  utilized in mounting apparatus  10 . The support  14  is formed with an orifice  100  which mates with posts  46  in a snug fit arrangement. Optionally, the orifice  100  may be formed with a keying arrangement therein which helps prevent rotation of support  14  on post  46 . Optionally, the supports  14  may utilize a thermoplastic polymer which grips an inserted PDA or other device firmly, while absorbing unwanted shock and vibration. Optionally, one or more of supports  14  incorporate an off-centered (eccentric) mounting hole to allow an even greater grip range. The eccentric support is spring loaded which allows a lift, turn, and snap back adjustment. The above descriptions and embodiments of support  14  are also applicable to support  15  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
   In the exemplary embodiment, two supports  14  and one support  15  are utilized, two supports  14  extending from front  34  of fixed bracket  20  substantially near second end  32  and one support  15  extending from front surface  23  of moving bracket  22  substantially near lead end  19 . Spring  24 , in conjunction with supports  14 , fixed bracket,  20  and moving bracket  22 , cause a device (e.g. PDA) to be retained by mounting apparatus  10 . In the exemplary embodiment, utilization of two supports  14  and one support  15  provide three gripping points which allows for the gripping of unusually shaped objects. Supports  14  and  15  are circular, which therefore provides a single point of contact between each support and PDA  12  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), which is tangential to a perimeter of supports  14 . Other shapes for supports  14  and  15  are also contemplated. 
     FIG. 9  is a side view of a retaining unit  120  which utilizes mounting apparatus  10 . Retaining unit  120  includes mounting apparatus  10 , a pivoting member  122 , a swiveling member  124 , and a suction unit  126 . Pivoting member  122  is attached to mounting apparatus  10  at attachment member  54  (also shown in  FIG. 5  and is movable around an axis of motion D. Although not shown, pivoting member  122  may be formed with teeth (not shown) which mate with teeth  66  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) of attachment member  54  to help to prevent rotation mounting apparatus  10  with respect to pivoting member  122 . A fastener  128  (e.g. screw and nut) is utilized to tighten pivoting member  122  to attachment member  54  to ensure the aforementioned teeth mesh to help prevent the rotation. 
   Pivoting member  122  and swiveling member  124  are attached to one another with a screw  130 . When screw  130  is loosened, pivoting member  122  and swiveling member  124  are rotatably coupled to one another about the axis of motion E. However, when screw  130  is tightened, teeth (not shown) which are formed on both pivoting member  122  and swiveling member  124  engage one another in a fashion similar to that described above with respect to pivoting member  122  and attachment member  54 . 
   Swiveling member  124  and suction unit  126  are also attached to one another in a fashion similar to that described above with respect to pivoting member  122  and attachment member  54 . Further, swiveling member  124  and suction unit  126  may pivot with respect to one another about an axis of motion F, and are attached to one another with fastener  132 . Suction unit  126  is any type of unit that utilizes a suction cup  134  to attach itself to a surface (i.e. windshield, dashboard, desk, table). Although not shown in the Figures, suction unit  126  may be replaced by other units that provide attachment to a surface, for example, a weighted unit or an adhesive backed device which does not utilize a suction cup. Such weighted units, adhesive backed units and suction devices are collectively referred to as base units. 
   While mounting apparatus  10  is shown as being a part of retaining unit  120 , it is contemplated that mounting apparatus  10  is a holder that can be utilized with any number of pivoting and rotating members that provide for attachment to attachment member  54 . The pivoting and rotating members allow nearly unlimited adjustability of mounting apparatus  10  when utilized with a suction unit with a suction cup (e.g. for windshield attachment), a weighted unit (e.g. for dashboard attachment), or an adhesive backed device. Optionally retaining could incorporate components which also provide for an up and down translation of mounting apparatus  10 . Mounting apparatus  10 , together with pivoting and rotating members and one of the suction unit, adhesive backed device, and weighted unit provide a retaining unit for PDAs or other similarly sized devices that allows both easy access to the device and easy one-handed insertion and removal of a PDA from the mounting apparatus. 
   Optionally, the spring  24  may be replaced with a clamping element. Optionally, the spring  24  may be provided in front, behind, above or below the fixed and moving brackets  20  and  22 . 
   While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.