Abstract:
An electronic support and carrying device for use on a bicycle or motorcycle in which the electronic device is jam secured in a convenient position for carrying and accessing by a cam-type securing arrangement operable with a single hand.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention relates to supports and holders for portable electronic devices such as wireless/cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDA&#39;s), walkie-talkies, electronic organizers, and the like, and more particularly to a holder for securing such devices to the handlebars or frame of a two or three-wheeled vehicle such as a bicycle or motorcycle.  
           [0002]    In recent years, there has been a rapid proliferation in the availability and use of personal or mobile electronic devices, particularly wireless/cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDA&#39;s), electronic organizers, two-way radios, global positioning system (GPS) devices and the like. Such devices are generally compact in size and are slim and light enough to be carried easily in a coat pocket or handbag, and are usually sold with a either a leather or vinyl carrying case or cover. However, such covers often do not include a suitable means for securing the device to a holding surface, and as a result a large number of holders, particularly for holding cell phones, have been developed and are known in the prior art. For example, holders for affixing a cellular phone either looped or clipped to the belt of the user (for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,704 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,100), or mounted in an automobile (for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,745,565, U.S. Des. Pat. No. 328,078, U.S. Des. Pat. No. 402,666) are well known. Other more specialized holders, such as for securing a telephone to a hospital bed (U.S. Pat. No. 4,998,277), for activating a fan in the holder when the air temperature reaches a predetermined level, having a suction cup mounting arrangement (U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,950), and securing the phone to a laptop computer (U.S. Des. Pat. No. 426,235), are also known. Although each of these known storage or holding devices may be satisfactory for their specific purposes, none of such holders resembles the holder of the present invention, which is made preferably for cycles of various sorts, such as a mountain or road bike, but which can also be attached to other types of vehicles or surfaces, and which in general incorporates a cam lock arrangement.  
           [0003]    The present inventor is also aware of several holders particularly designed to secure a wireless phone or other portable electronic device to a bicycle or motorcycle. U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,509 issued to R. LaPorte et al. on Jun. 13, 1995 discloses a combination personal radio or cassette player and water bottle holding device for use on a stationary exercise bicycle. The LaPorte et al. holder, however, does not contain any means for actually securing or locking such equipment to the holder, and thus would not be very practical for use on a mountain bike or motorcycle because such equipment could easily pop out of the holder. U.S. Pat. No. 4,981,243 issued to A. J. Rogowski on Jan. 1, 1991 discloses a device for carrying a Walkman-type radio or cassette player on a bicycle. The cassette player is secured in a frame-like structure, which structure is then removably secured by hook-and-loop type fasteners to a platform affixed to the handlebars. U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,040 issued to R.R. Ward on Apr. 27, 1999 discloses a device for mounting a cellular telephone to a motorcycle gas tank. However, such holder is basically a rectangular closure or pocket into which a phone is placed and zipped, and is affixed to the gas tank by magnets. Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,707 issued to J. Bowes, Jr. on Jul. 25, 2000 discloses a protective casing for holding a telephone which is designed to be fitted into a water bottle holder frame on a bicycle or other apparatus. While numerous other devices are known for securing equipment to the handlebar area of a bicycle or motorcycle, including a rifle (U.S. Pat. No. 553,614), flashlight (U.S. Pat. No. 4,170,337), helmet (U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,825), and sports equipment (U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,874), none of such devices teaches a holding device having the benefits and advantages of the present inventor&#39;s device. Using the present holder, a mobile phone, PDA, or other personal electronic device may be quickly and easily secured to the handlebars of a bicycle, motorcycle, or virtually any surface where it is desired that such device be secured. In fact, the present holder allows an electronic device to be quickly and easily locked and unlocked using one hand, simply by turning the locking knob. Furthermore, the design of the locking or holding arrangement is such that even severe bumps and shocks derived from the road surface do not tend to loosen or release the device from the holder, thereby preventing possible loss along the road while at the same time leaving the device readily accessible to the rider or user. The dimensions and features of the inventor&#39;s holder also result in a more attractive and distinctive holder than other known holders.  
         OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    It is an object of the invention to provide a holder for an electronic device such as a cellular telephone, electronic organizer, two-way radio and the like.  
           [0005]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a holder for releasably securing an electronic device to the handlebars or frame of a bicycle or motorcycle.  
           [0006]    It is a still further object of the invention to provide a holder wherein both the height and pitch of the holder are easily adjustable.  
           [0007]    It is a still further object of the invention to provide a holder wherein the electronic device is held securely to the holder by a cam-type locking system.  
           [0008]    It is a still further object of the invention to provide a holder having protective ribs which encircle the electronic device and protect it from damage both from impact with other objects while in the holder and from slipping out of the holder.  
           [0009]    It is a still further object of the invention to provide a holder having a cam-type locking arrangement which is resistant to shocks and vibrations and wherein the device clamped within is still easily released when it is desired to be used.  
           [0010]    It is a still further object of the invention to provide a holder for use on cycles and the like that is both attractive and readily adjustable.  
           [0011]    It is a still further object of the invention to provide a holder which can be used to secure the electronic device to virtually any surface.  
           [0012]    Still other objects and advantages of the invention will become clear upon review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended drawings.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0013]    The present invention provides a simple and effective holder for portable electronic devices such as wireless or cellular telephones, pagers, PDA devices, portable cd players, a Walkman, or other similar portable electronic devices. In the preferred embodiment, the holding device is designed to detachably lock or secure a wireless telephone to the handlebars of a vehicle such as a mountain bike, road bike or motorcycle. The holder consists essentially of a base preferably bevelled on its upper surface to receive a cell-type telephone. The locking means consists of a pair of rubber-coated stops or pins spaced along one side of the base and a spring-loaded eccentric cam-type lock affixed to the opposite side, which together provide a three-point locking system. A pair of semicircular ribs or arms extend over the front of the base, in effect creating a protective cage within which the phone is housed. To use the holder, the phone is inserted into the holder along the upper portion of the base until it contacts a plastic stop disposed along the lower end. The cam lock knob is then turned, thereby causing the phone to be locked between the rubber-coated pins and the rubber or polymeric material surfaced cam lock. The cam lock preferably operates in opposition to a flexible or spring loaded stop to facilitate secure grasping of the electronic unit. The holder will normally be affixed to the handlebars of a bicycle or motorcycle by an adjustable support arm or preferably a pair of support arms attached to a bracket or brackets secured to the bottom of the base. Both the height and pitch of the holder can be adjusted using a swivel locking mechanism provided associated with the adjustable support arms. The exact dimensions of the holder may be easily altered or, alternatively, made adjustable to provide holders in an unlimited number of different sizes and shapes, thereby allowing the holder to be used with virtually any style or shape of phone or other portable electronic device.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the holder of the invention mounted in one preferred orientation upon the handlebars of a bicycle.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the holder in a second preferred orientation upon the handlebars of a bicycle.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the holder.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the eccentric cam locking mechanism of the holder of the invention.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 5 is a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of the holder of the invention having a double pivoting arrangement.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 6 is a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of the holder of the invention having an alternative style cam knob and showing a cell phone clamped in the holder.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 7 is a front elevation of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 6, shown in FIG. 7 mounted upon the handlebars of a bicycle.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 8 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of the invention having a single instead of a double pivoted mounting.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 9 is a side elevation of the single pivot mounting shown in FIG. 8 showing how the clamp portion may fold partially into an opening in the bottom of the holder to save room in storage or shipping.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 10 is a top view of the holder being used to hold or secure a cellular phone.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 11 is a top view of the holder as shown in FIG. 10 but with the locking knob removed and with the cam of the lock in an unlocked position.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 12 is a top view of the holder similar to FIG. 11 with the cam of the lock in a locked position.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 13 is a top or plan view of an alternative embodiment of the invention dimensioned for holding a personal digital assistant (PDA).  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 14 is a top or plan view of another alternative embodiment of the invention dimensioned for holding a GPS receiver.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 15 is a top or plan view of an alternative adjustable embodiment of the invention for holding or securing variable size electronic devices of various types.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 16 is a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the holder is secured directly to a support surface by screws.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 17 is a side elevation wherein the holder is adhesively secured to a support surface.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0031]    The following detailed description is of the best mode or modes of the invention presently contemplated. Such description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but to be an example of the invention presented solely for illustration thereof, and by reference to which in connection with the following description and the accompanying drawings one skilled in the art may be advised of the advantages and construction of the invention.  
         [0032]    FIGS.  1 - 4  and  10 - 12  illustrate the preferred embodiment of the holder of the invention specifically designed for holding a cellular phone, while FIGS.  5 - 10  and  13 - 17  show alternative embodiments of the holder for holding other similar devices or with somewhat different arrangements or having alternative surface attachment means.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the holder  10  shown mounted to the handlebars  90  of a cycle in one preferred orientation. Holder  10  is preferably constructed from aircraft aluminum and is black anodized, although other suitable materials and finishes may be used in construction of the holder. Base  20  has a top or upper surface  22 , back or bottom surface  24  (visible in FIG. 3), upper or open end  26 , lower or closed end  28 , first side  30 , second side  32 , and central area  34 . The corners of the base may be angled or curved, although this is not critical to the function of the holding device. Upper surface  22  is bevelled starting at front portion  26 , forming a downwardly sloping area  36 . A slot or second channel  38  is machined in the central area  34 , creating a guideway or channel to provide clearance for a phone clip secured to the back side of the phone so that the phone is seated securely in the holder  10 . Adjacent bevelled area  26  is clip guide  39  which acts as a leadway for the phone clip into slot or second channel  38 . Slot  38  is preferably a thru-slot, but could be only part way through. Although not required, central area  34  may be coated with a cushioning material or have a cushioned insert such as rubber to provide additional shock absorbing characteristics to the holder.  
         [0034]    Extending upwardly along the first side  30  of the upper surface  22  of the base  20  are spaced-apart rods or retaining pins  40  and  42 . Such retaining pins  40  and  42  are preferably either wedged or pressed into corresponding holes in the base  10  or, alternatively, may be threaded and screwed into mating threads in the base. The outer surface of pins  40  and  42  is preferably covered with a rubber, or other resilient, non-slip coating  44 , either in the form of a series of rubber O-rings or a one-piece rubber barrel stretched around the circumference of the pins. As will become evident, such retaining pins act as a stop or surface against which the phone is secured using the cam locking means of the invention. Bar  46 , preferably made from plastic, is secured across the lower end  28  of the upper surface  22  of the base thereby closing off the lower end  28  to prevent the phone from possibly sliding over or bouncing off the lower end when in use. Spaced apart semicircular protective ribs or bars  50  and  52  are attached along the first and second sides  30  and  32  of the upper surface  22  of the base  20 , arching over the central area  34 . When the holder is in use, ribs  50  and  52  create a semi-cage over the phone or electronic device, significantly decreasing the chances of the device becoming damaged in a collision or impact or dislodging from the holder  10 . Such ribs not only serve to protect the supported electronic apparatus from external jars and impacts occasioned by outside agencies, but also protect it from inadvertent semi-external impacts, such as could be occasioned by the hand of the user reaching for the electronic apparatus without close attention and accidentally impacting such device with a force sufficient to knock it from the holder.  
         [0035]    Bolted generally near the lower portion  28  on the bottom surface  24  of base  20  is a means for securing the holder to the handlebars  90  or frame of a bicycle or other vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, such means includes swivel mechanisms  62   a  and  62   b  (see FIG. 3) and handlebar engaging brackets  70  and  72  comprised of two-part clamps  84   a  and  84   b  and which brackets are formed by inner and outer semi-circular clamping members  86   a  and  86   b  and  88   a  and  88   b  , respectively. In the preferred embodiment, each bracket  70  and  72  is secured to a separate swivel, labelled  62   a  and  62   b  respectively, by the pair of arms extending between the swivel mechanism support  60  and the bracket  70 . To inner clamping member  88   a  there is secured supporting member  89   a  , which serves as a base or support for structural extensions or arms  64   a  and  64   b  , which pairs of arms support swivel connection  62   a  . Similarly, arms  66   a  and  66   b  extend between swivel  62   b  and supporting member  89   b  of bracket  72 . Locking arms  68   a  and  68   b  allows the swivel mechanism  62   a  and  62   b  to be easily adjusted in the usual manner so that the pitch of the base portion of the holder can be angled as desired by the rider.  
         [0036]    In the preferred embodiment, clamps  84   a  and  84   b  are hinged such that they may be easily opened and placed around the handlebars  90  and secured by screw threaded fastenings, shown as machine bolts  92  and  94 . However, one of ordinary skill in the art will be familiar with other means for attachment of a bracket or clamp to a cylindrical surface, such as a nut and bolt or strap arrangement. In addition, a locking mechanism for adjusting the pitch or angle of the holder swivel connections  62   a  and  62   b  may be provided. This comprises rotatable head member  95  having a threaded shaft threaded into stationary bracket  60  which is securely connected to the bottom or lower surface of the base  20 .  
         [0037]    In mounting the holder  10  on the handle bars of a cycle or the like, the clamps  84   a  and  84   b  are mounted over the handlebars, by removing the threaded securing device or machine bolts  92  and  94  from engagement with inner clamp members  86   a  and  88   a  and pivoting outer clamp members  86   b  and  88   b  upwardly on pivots  102   a  and  102   b  so outer clamp members  86   b  and  88   b  fit or extend over the handlebar. Outer clamp members  86   b  and  88   b  are then resecured to inner clamp members  86   a  and  88   a  by engagement of the threaded fastenings  92  and  94  with a threaded orifice in inner clamp members  86   a  and  88   a  , respectively. Clamping of the two clamp sections  86  and  88  together by rotation of threaded fastening  92  and  94  is made with the brackets  70  and  72  at an angle upon the handlebars such that the supporting rods or arms  64   a  and  64   b  and  66   a  and  66   b  extend out in a direction in which it is desired to position the swivel members  62   a  and  62   b  with respect to handlebars. For example, in FIG. 1, the supporting rods or arms  66   a  and  66   b  extend generally over the front of the handlebar  90 , shown in broken lines, so the holding device  10  is mounted generally in front of the handlebars. In FIG. 2, on the other hand, the brackets  70  and  72  are shown generally underneath the base  20  so that supporting rods  66   a  and  66   b  extend rearwardly and slightly upwardly, placing the electronic apparatus holder  10  just above the handlebars and frame of the cycle.  
         [0038]    In an improved version of the invention of a holder shown in FIG. 5, the bracket member  89  is made in two parts  89  and  89   a  , the section  89  being similar to the section  89  shown in the previous figures while the section or part  89   a  is secured to the section or part  89  by a screw-threaded member having a rotating head or knob  96   a  similar to the knob  68   a  on pivot member  62   a  and  62   b  . As in the previously described construction, rotation of the knob  96   a  serves to draw the bracket member  89   a  tightly against member  89  so the entire unit or assembly becomes substantially rigid. In this embodiment, the clamp members  86  and  88  may be secured to the handlebar  90  in the orientation shown in FIG. 1 and the bracket position  89   a  then rotated to whatever rotational orientation is desired merely by loosening and retightening the knob  96   a  rather than loosening and retightening the clamp sections  86  and  88 . It will be understood in this regard that the abutting surfaces of the swivel members  89  and  89   a  should be preferably somewhat roughened so that their relative rotational positions can be more easily clamped together in abutting position, providing a variety of relative rotational positions.  
         [0039]    It will be noted that the orientation of the support arms  64   a  and  64   b  in FIG. 1, the pivot is mounted forwardly of the handlebar  90  with the bracket sections  89   a  and  89   b  positioned on top of the handlebar  90  and inner and outer clamping sections  86  and  88 , while in FIG. 2 the bracket section  89  is mounted below the handlebar  80  and clamping members  86  and  88 . This change may be obtained by merely reversing the clamping sections  86  and  88  on the handlebars if there are two pairs of orifices in the bracket sections  89  for positioning of the supporting arms or rods  66   a  and  66   b  as shown in FIG. 5 in broken lines.  
         [0040]    As shown in the various FIGS., the locking mechanism  100  of the holder  10  is affixed to the base  20  generally centrally along the second side  32 , a portion of which side  32  preferably extends outwardly to accommodate the locking mechanism  100 . A rectangular aperture  102  is cut or machined in the base  20 , into which plate  104  is fitted. See in particular FIGS. 1 and 4. Plate  104  is slightly narrower than aperture  102  and is held or movably secured to the base  20  by a pair of stainless steel rods  106  and  108  which extend through matching openings or orifices  110  and  112  in the outer side wall  114  of aperture  102  and matching openings or orifices  116  and  118  in plate  104 . Such rods  106  and  108  are press fitted into or soldered to the base  20 . Coiled springs  120  and  122  are fitted over rods  106  and  108  respectively and positioned between plate  104  outer side wall  114  such that plate  104  can be moved laterally with respect to holder  20  but is generally tensioned or pushed against the inner side wall  124  of the aperture  102 . See FIGS. 1, 4,  11 ,  12  and  15 . The springs  120  and  122  will allow the locking mechanism  100  to “flex” slightly, preventing damage to the electronic equipment during locking, while at the same time keeping constant lateral tension on the locked device so that it cannot slip out of the lock absent an unusually forceful jolt or blow. The springs also provide nearly constant pressure upon the locked device so that slight rotation of the locking cam will not tend to dislodge the electronic device. The spring tension arrangement also provides sufficient tension play so that the cam member  130  as shown in FIGS. 1, 4,  11 , and  12  can be essentially centered in locked position, preventing the cam from having an off-center force applied to it in a tightened position, which further prevents any tendency to back off or become loose upon jiggling, vibration, or the like of the holder. This is particularly important if the turning of the cam lock is to be kept reasonably free, allowing it to be used not only by those with powerful grips, but also those with lesser strength in their hands.  
         [0041]    Extending vertically through the center of plate  104  is a further hole or orifice  130  for housing rod or key portion  132 , which is fitted into hole  130  and is secured on its lower end by C-clip  134 . Shaft  136  is secured to the upper end of rod  132  such that the shaft  136  is off-center, or eccentric, with respect to the rod  132 . Knob  140  is attached to the upper end of shaft  136  by shaft engaging portion  142 . Knob  140 , shaft  136 , and rod  132  may be either machined from a single piece of material or machined separately and secured together in any usual or conventional manner. An aluminum sleeve  144  fits over the eccentric shaft  136 , with such sleeve being covered with rubber O-rings or a rubber coating, designated generally as  148 . The aluminum or other metal sleeve  144  is shown interiorly of the rubber coating  148 .  
         [0042]    [0042]FIGS. 6, 10,  11 , and  12  show a wireless or cellular phone  200  housed or situated in central area  34  in base  20  in a locked and unlocked position, respectively, and with the holder situated as shown in FIG. 1, while in FIG. 6 phone  200  is shown below knob  140  and ribs  50  and  52 . In FIG. 11, knob  140  (not shown) is turned so that the phone is unlocked in the holder, i.e., the eccentric shaft  136  is not biased against the phone  200 . As the knob is turned, either clockwise or counterclockwise, to the locked position shown in FIG. 12, shaft  136  is turned so that it juts or presses against the phone  200 . This in turn presses the phone  200  tightly against retaining pins  40  and  42  along the first side  30  of the front  22  of base  20 , thereby securing the phone in the holder. Movable plate  104  and springs  120  and  122  upon which shaft  136  is mounted allow a little “give” in the lateral or inward force applied against the phone  200  by the eccentric shaft  136 , thereby preventing the shaft from cracking or crushing the phone while turning the knob  140 . In addition, once the phone  200  is locked in place, the springs  120  and  122  exert a constant inward or lateral force, thereby maintaining a constant pressure on the shaft  136  on the phone  200  to prevent it from coming loose. The phone  200  Will be held against the rubber rings or covers on the retaining pins  40  and  42  and shaft  136 , providing additional cushioning or shock absorbing capability as the cycle travels over bumpy or rough terrain. In addition, bar  46  and ribs  50  and  52  in combination With the retaining pins  40  and  42 , shaft  136  and the central channel  34  machined into the base essentially create a protective cage over and around the phone  200 .  
         [0043]    When securing an electronic device in the holder  10 , it may either be placed directly in the holder without any cover over such device, or alternatively first placed in a protective cover and then fitted into the holder. Most electronic devices are sold With a flexible, thin Vinyl or leather cover to help prevent such devices from being scratched or accumulating dirt. Alternatively, such device may be placed in a sealable plastic bag or the like if the holder is attached, for example, on a mountain bike or dirt bike which might be used in the rain or in an area where mud or large amounts of some other residue could contact such device.  
         [0044]    The use of a simple eccentric cam-type lock in the invention allows for electronic equipment such as a wireless phone to be simply and easily locked into the holder. The cam lock converts the rotary motion of turning the locking knob into longitudinal motion exerting an inward force against the device. The device can also be quickly unlocked simply by turning the knob  140  another half-revolution or less, thereby moving the eccentric shaft so that it is generally in the unlocked position shown in FIG. 11. Such locking and unlocking can be easily accomplished using one hand so that the phone can be quickly accessed even while the bicycle or motorcycle is moving, although for reasons of safety it is preferably that the rider come to a complete stop first.  
         [0045]    As is illustrated in the various figures, the holder  10  may be positioned in a wide variety of orientations on handlebars  90 . While the most common orientation may be with the holder positioned above the frame of the bicycle as shown in FIG. 2, the holder can also situated on the handlebars  90  so that it extends over the front of such handlebars and is essentially over the front wheel of the vehicle as shown in FIG. 1. Of course, there are virtually an infinite number of orientations between those shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 in which the holder can be positioned, since both the angle at which the brackets  70  and  72  are attached to the handlebars as well as the pitch of base in relation to the swivel mechanism  60  can be set depending upon the desires of the rider.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 6 is a side elevation of a holder in accordance with the invention in which the knob  140 , designated as  140   a  , takes or assumes a cylindrical shape rather than a wheel or dish configuration and may itself have a rubberized surface for better grasp by the fingers of the user. Otherwise, the holder shown in FIG. 6 is essentially identical to that shown in FIG. 2, except that a cell phone is shown clamped in the holder. FIG. 7, which is a front elevation of the holder of the invention clamped to the handlebar  90  of a bicycle in a substantially horizontal configuration, shows the same cylindrical configured cam activation knob as shown in FIG. 6, but does not show an actual cell phone clamped in the holder as is shown in FIG. 6.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 8 shows the alternative use of a single support arm arrangement on the bottom of the holder. A bracket  60   b  is attached to the bottom of the holder. Between the bracket  60   b  and a rotatable clamp  95  is a rotatable or adjustable swivel section  62   c  . Support arms  64   a  (not shown in FIG. 8) and  64   b  extend from swivel section  62   c  to a central connecting section  89   a  between two handlebar clamps  84   c  and  84   d  with the same general construction as handlebar clamps  70  shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 and  5  through  7 . One clamp instead of two could be used, but the use of two clamps close together as shown provides a more balanced structure. The bracket  60   b  is mounted eccentrically upon the bottom of the holder, but since it is secured integrally to the bottom of the holder, the eccentric positioning is not detrimental, particularly with the two clamping members  84   c  and  84   d  . An extra wide cutout or opening  38   a  in the bottom of the holder is provided to accommodate the wider clamping arrangement, allowing the clamps  84   c  and  84   d  to be swiveled partially through the opening  38   a  as shown in FIG. 9 when the holder is being shipped or stored in order to take up less space and to allow a smaller overall package. The handle  68   a  is made shorter in the arrangement shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 in order to allow it to be partially rotated more easily. It may be desirable in many cases to use a short cylindrical extension (not shown) to turn or rotate the handel more easily. Such cylindrical extension can be removed and reapplied as necessary to provide more clearance for turning.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 13 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the base  320  of the holder  310 , rather than being shaped to hold a wireless telephone, is shaped to hold a device such as the currently popular Palm Pilot®. Generally, such devices are slightly wider and shorter than a typical wireless telephone, although obviously there are a wide variety of such devices each having different dimensions. Regardless of the device being held, the holder  310  is designed to hold such device in the same manner as is illustrated above, i.e. the eccentric cam lock is turned to quickly and simply lock the device on the base between the rods or retaining pins  40  and  42  and eccentric shaft  130 . To further illustrate, FIG. 14 shows the holder  410  configured to hold a two-way global positioning (GPS) device.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 15 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the device wherein the width of the base  620  can be adjusted depending upon the nature or dimensions of the device to be held. FIG. 15 shows such base  620  in a slightly expanded position. Base  620  consists of two halves, labelled  620   a  and  620   b  , both approximately the same size, which are slidably connected by arms or slide rods  682  and  684 . Such arms or rods may be locked in several positions, depending upon the desired width of the base, by engaging notches  686  on arms  682  and  684  into matching grooves  88  in arm guides  690 . In addition, ribs  650   a  ,  650   b  ,  652   a  , and  652   b  are also made from individual pieces which are slidably engaged such that, for example, rod  650   a  engages rod  650   b  in a manner such that it fits inside rod  650   b  . Similarly, rod  652   a  slidably engages rod  652   b  . As will be understood, in order to facilitate such adjustment, it is desirable for such ribs to be rectangular rather than arcuate in order to facilitate such adjustment.  
         [0050]    While the electronic equipment holding device of the present invention is illustrated in the preferred embodiment as having a pair of handlebar engaging brackets ( 70  and  72 ) and corresponding swivel  60 , other versions, such as shown in FIG. 13, having only one bracket are also contemplated. In FIGS. 8 and 9, for example, as explained above bracket  770  swivel mechanism  760  are centrally located upon or attached to the bottom side of base  720 . In addition, while it is believed that the construction shown in the preferred embodiment results in a sturdy and attractive holding device, other holder designs having generally the same inventive properties are also contemplated. For example, while the holding device is illustrated as being engagable to the handlebars of a bicycle or other cylindrical surface using the brackets  70  and  72 , other attachment means may be used to secure the holder to different types of surfaces. For example, rather than being attached to a cylindrical surface, the holder could be attached directly to a horizontal or vertical surface, such as the dashboard of an automobile, a laptop computer, or an other desired location. FIG. 16 shows a holder  810  having bolts  860   a  and  860   b  extending from bottom surface of the holder, which allow the holder  810  to be secured to planar surface  866  by nuts  862   a  and  862   b  . In addition, FIG. 17 shows the holder  910  having an adhesive pad  960  attached to the bottom surface of the holder, which allows the holder  910  to be adhesively attached rather than bolted to a planar surface. Despite such various securing means, in each of such contemplated embodiments the device will continue to utilize the eccentric cam lock mechanism, which allows an electronic device attached to the holder to be quickly and simply placed into the holder and locked, and then subsequently removed from the holder.  
         [0051]    While the present invention has been described at some length and with some particularity with respect to the several described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular embodiment, but it is to be construed with references to the appended claims so as to provide the broadest possible interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and, therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the invention.