Apparatus For Holding Electronic Devices

What is this patent about?

’516 is related to the field of mounting systems for portable electronics, specifically focusing on vehicular holders that must secure a device against vibration while ensuring the display remains legible. Traditional mounts often rely on side-clamping mechanisms that fail to address glare or provide a stable viewing angle on a dashboard. The invention seeks to provide a protective, low-profile housing that doubles as a functional stand and sunshade.

The underlying idea behind ’516 is to utilize a clamshell architecture where the protective lid itself acts as both a clamping jaw and a sunshield. By moving the clamping force from the sides of the device to the top and bottom edges, the invention uses the natural geometry of the housing to create a stable, tilted viewing position. This approach leverages a spring-loaded hinge to maintain constant pressure, ensuring the device is wedged securely between the base and the lid.

The claims of ’516 focus on a carrier seat and an upper lid joined at a common coupling side, biased toward a closed position by a resilient element. The independent claims specifically require a positioning element on the base and a maintaining element on the lid, both situated opposite the hinge to trap the electronic device. This configuration forces the device into a specific tilting angle, while an anti-slip layer on the bottom of the carrier seat ensures the entire assembly remains stationary on a vehicle dashboard.

In practice, the invention functions as a protective thin box that transforms into a mount. When the user inserts a smartphone, the top and bottom edges of the phone are gripped by wavy-surfaced friction pads or a rotatable trench base. These textured surfaces allow the user to select from multiple discrete resting points, effectively adjusting the screen's inclination to suit their line of sight. The upper lid extends over the screen, providing a physical barrier against overhead sunlight that typically washes out mobile displays.

This design differs from prior art by prioritizing a low center of mass and integrated glare reduction. Unlike suction-cup or vent-clip mounts that are prone to shaking, this holder sits flat on the dashboard, using its own weight and the downward pressure of the spring-loaded lid to stay grounded. By integrating the clamping mechanism into the protective shell, the invention eliminates the need for complex articulated arms while providing a built-in sun-shielding effect that is absent in standard side-grip holders.