Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a holder for retaining an electronic device. More particularly the present disclosure relates to a holder adapted to couple with a rear side of a vehicular seat such as a backrest, a headrest, a head support, and a head support mounting of the vehicular seat.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The information in this section merely provides background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s) for the present disclosure.

[0003] Passengers typically use electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and the like to watch content during travel. While using such electronic devices, it is also observed that the passengers must watch their electronic devices by extending their hands. This may lead to experiencing pain in their hand as they hold the mobile for a prolonged duration.

[0004] Several solutions have been proposed to overcome the abovementioned problem. For example, some existing solutions include holders for mounting electronic devices to a rear portion of the backrest of the seat, but the passing of the other passengers gets obstructed. Another proposed solution includes a pouch to accommodate the electronic device, especially mobile phones. However, the drawback of this solution is the pouch can only be used for storage and not for watching content or accessing the electronic device.

[0005] Accordingly, a holder for holding an electronic device is desired that is not an obstruction to fellow passengers and is ergonomically well suited to the user for watching or accessing the content from the electronic device.

[0006] The drawbacks/difficulties/disadvantages/limitations of the conventional techniques explained in the background section are just for exemplary purposes and the disclosure would never limit its scope only such limitations. A person skilled in the art would understand that this disclosure and below mentioned description may also solve other problems or overcome the other drawbacks/disadvantages of the conventional arts which are not explicitly captured above.

SUMMARY

[0007] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

[0008] The present disclosure relates to a holder for removably retaining an electronic device. The holder includes a housing adapted to be removably secured to an external structure, a first arm pivotally coupled to the housing and adapted to pivot between an extended position and a collapsed position, a second arm pivotally coupled to the housing and adapted to pivot between an extended position and a collapsed position, and a third arm slidably coupled to the housing and adapted to move between a retracted position and an extended position. The first arm and the second arm are actuated in the extended position to removably retain the electronic device in a first orientation relative to the housing. The first arm and the third arm are actuated in the extended position to removably retain the electronic device in a second orientation relative to the housing.

[0009] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a seat assembly that includes a frame for supporting the seat assembly on a floor, and a backrest coupled with the frame. The backrest includes a first surface to facilitate a resting of a back of a user and a second surface disposed opposite to the first surface. The second surface of the backrest includes a holder for removably retaining an electronic device. The holder includes a housing adapted to be removably secured to an external structure, a first arm pivotally coupled to the housing and adapted to pivot between an extended position and a collapsed position, a second arm pivotally coupled to the housing and adapted to pivot between an extended position and a collapsed position, and a third arm slidably coupled to the housing and adapted to move between a retracted position and an extended position. The first arm and the second arm are actuated in the extended position to removably retain the electronic device in a first orientation relative to the housing. The first arm and the third arm are actuated in the extended position to removably retain the electronic device in a second orientation relative to the housing.

[0010] The holder adapted to be coupled with the seat assembly is now explained. The holder facilitates the positioning of the electronic device in different orientations such as a portrait mode, a landscape mode, and different angles to enable different tilting angles for the electronic device. In addition, the holder may collapse after use to prevent any obstructions to fellow passengers while passing or switching seats. In this manner, the user may enjoy the content and may access their electronic device while traveling or while sitting.

[0011] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 illustrates a holder adapted to be coupled with a seat assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2 illustrates an assembled view of the holder with the electronic device retained in a first orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the holder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 4 illustrates the side perspective view of the holder retaining the electronic device in a first orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 5a and 5b illustrate the holder adapted to retain the electronic device in a second orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a housing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0019] Figure 7 illustrates a third arm of the holder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale.

[0021] Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0022] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.

[0023] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0024] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more…” or “one or more elements is required.”

[0025] Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

[0026] Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

[0027] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

[0028] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Referring to Figure 1 a holder 100 adapted to be coupled with a seat assembly 200 is shown. As shown, the seat assembly 200 may be the seat assembly for an aircraft, a bus, a vehicle such as an automobile, or any other resting seat of an airport, a bus stand, or any other seating arrangement. In addition, the seat assembly 200 includes a frame 202 for supporting the seat assembly 200 on a floor of the vehicle, the aircraft, and the bus. In addition, the seat assembly 200 includes a backrest 204 coupled with the frame 202. The backrest 204 includes a first surface 206 to facilitate a resting of a back of a user and a second surface 208 disposed opposite to the first surface 206.

[0031] Further, the second surface 208 of the backrest 204 may include the holder 100 for removably retaining an electronic device with the second surface 208 of the backrest 204 of the seat assembly 200. The electronic device may include but is not limited to a mobile, a cell, a smartphone, a tablet, a screen, or any other device known in the art.

[0032] Referring to Figure 2 to Figure 5b the holder 100 for removably retaining the electronic device is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure Specifically, Figure 2, illustrates an assembled view of the holder 100 with the electronic device retained in a first orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3, illustrates an exploded view of the holder 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4, illustrates the side view of the holder 100 retaining the electronic device in a first orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5a, illustrates the holder 100 adapted to retain the electronic device in a second orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5b, illustrates the holder 100 adapted to retain the electronic device in the first orientation and the second orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, to Figure 4, the holder 100 includes a housing 102 adapted to be removably secured to an external structure. In an embodiment, an external structure may include but is not limited to the seat assembly 200 for a vehicle or the seat assembly 200 for an aircraft, bus, vehicle such as an automobile, or any other resting seat of an airport, bus stand, or any other seating arrangement. In another embodiment, the external structure may include but is not limited to a cabinet door, a designated workspace, a wall space, apportion near or at the side of a couch, a lounging spot, or near or adjacent to a bedside table. In another embodiment, the external structure may be the holder 100 adapted to mount on a mounting place such as but not limited to a seat of a vehicle, a seat of an airplane, a portion of a chair, a backrest of a chair, a dashboard of a vehicle, an interior of the vehicle and a place of user choice and convenience.

[0034] As shown, the holder 100 includes a first arm 101 pivotally coupled to the housing 102 and adapted to pivot between an extended position and a collapsed position, and a second arm 104 pivotally coupled to the housing 102 and adapted to pivot between an extended position and a collapsed position. In addition, the holder 100 includes a third arm 106 slidably coupled to the housing 102 and adapted to move between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0035] Referring to Figure 6, a perspective view of the housing 102 is shown. The housing 102 includes a first face 110 (shown in Figure 4 and Figure 6) to facilitate securing of the housing 102 to the external structure, the first face 110 to facilitate securing of the housing 102 to the external structure, and a pair of sidewalls 112 extending outwardly from the first face 110. In addition, the housing 102 includes a top portion 114 extending between the pair of sidewalls 112 and extending outwardly from the first face 110 defining a roof and an enclosure of the housing 102.

[0036] Further, the housing 102 includes a base portion 116 disposed parallel and spaced apart from the top portion 114 and extending between the pair of sidewalls 112. Furthermore, the base portion 116 of the housing 102 includes an access opening 130 defining a cut-out portion along the base portion 116. The access opening 130 facilitates the extension and retraction of the third arm 106 from the housing 102. As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 6, a portion of the housing 102 disposed opposite to the first face 110 defines an access opening 131 to facilitate accessing of the housing 102. The access opening 131 defines an open portion of the housing 102 and may be used for installation of the housing 102 to the external structure for fastening or riveting. In addition, a portion extending between the access opening 131 and the first face 110 of the housing 102 defines a cavity or a space to facilitate the positioning of the second arm 104 and the third arm 106 within the housing 102.

[0037] In an embodiment, the housing 102 may be made of a polymeric material via one or more manufacturing processes such as but not limited to an injection moulding, a 3-D printing, an extrusion process such as a cold extrusion, or a hot extrusion, die casting or any another manufacturing process. In an embodiment, the housing 102 may be made of an aluminium, a plastic, a granular plastic, a steel, or any other material known in the art.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2 to Figure 5b, the first arm 101 is adapted to couple with the top portion 114 of the housing 102. As shown, the first arm 101 defines an angular shape configuration to facilitate the holding of the electronic device between the first arm 101 and the second arm 104. In addition, the first arm 101 includes at least one spring 117 coupled with the first arm 101 and at least one of the pair of sidewalls 112 of the housing 102 to facilitate the movement of the first arm 101 in the collapsed position and the extended position to facilitate the positioning of the electronic device.

[0039] Further, the second arm 104 includes a first surface 120 adapted to face towards the housing 102 when the second arm 104 is disposed in the collapsed position. In addition, the first surface 120 of the second arm 104 includes a plurality of slots 122 defined along the first surface 120. In an example, the plurality of slots 122 may be flexible slots to facilitate the expansion of the slots 122 when the second arm 104 is disposed in an extended position.

[0040] The slots 122 are adapted to collapse in response to the collapse of the second arm 104 within the housing 102. In addition, the second arm 104 includes the at least one spring 118 coupled with the second arm 104 and at least one of the pair of sidewalls 112 of the housing 102 to facilitate the movement of the second arm 104 in the collapsed position and the extended position.

[0041] In an embodiment, the slots 122 may be made of a flexible material like fabric, leather, folded plastic, or any other material known in the art. Further, the each of the plurality of slots 122 is adapted to position the electronic device at a corresponding angle relative to the housing 102 to facilitate the positioning of the electronic device in different angular positions.

[0042] Furthermore, the second arm 104 includes a ledge portion 124 substantially perpendicular to the first surface 120 and is adapted to pivot the second arm 104 in the extended position upon a recipient of a force by the user to retain the electronic device. In addition, the ledge portion 124 of the second arm 104 facilitates the position of the electronic device between the ledge portion 124 of the second arm 104 and the first arm 101 in the first orientation.

[0043] Referring to Figure 7, the third arm 106 of the holder 100 is shown, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5a, 5b and Figure 7, the third arm 106 of the holder 100 includes a platform 132 to facilitate the resting of the electronic device, one or more arms 134 having a first end 136 securely coupled with the platform 132 and a second end 138 slidably coupled with the housing 102. The platform 132 is adapted to extend linearly outwardly upon a recipient of a force by the user and the electronic device is positioned between the platform 132 and the first arm 101 of the housing 102.

[0044] Further, the platform 132 of the third arm 106 includes a ledge portion 142 extending outwardly along a periphery of the platform 132 to facilitate the retaining of the electronic device in an extended position. In an embodiment, the platform 132 of the third arm 106 may include a plurality of slots (not shown) extending along the platform 132. The plurality of slots extending along the platform 132 may facilitate the positioning of the electronic device at a corresponding angle relative to the housing 102 when the electronic device is disposed in the second orientation.

[0045] In addition, the third arm 106 includes one or more springs 150 adapted to couple the third arm 106 with the housing 102 to facilitate the movement of the third arm 106 in the retracted position and the extended position. The third arm 106 may further include one or more guide pads 140 disposed on the one or more arms 134 to guide the movement of the third arm 106 along one or more guideways 152 provided on the housing 102 and adapted to extend in between the top portion 114 and the base portion 116 of the housing 102. In an embodiment, the spring 150 may be used to restrict the movement of the electronic device adapted to extend between the third arm 106 and the first arm 101 of the housing 102.

[0046] The application and working of the holder 100 adapted to be coupled with the seat assembly 200 is now explained. The holder 100 facilitates the positioning of the electronic device between the first arm 101 and the second arm 104 in the first orientation. The first orientation may define the landscape orientation for a smartphone. In addition, the angular tilting of the electronic device may be altered by positioning the electronic device within different slots 122 (as shown in Figure 4) extending on the first surface 120 of the second arm 104.

[0047] Further, the holder 100 also facilitates the positioning of the electronic device in the second orientation while the electronic device is positioned between the third arm 106 and the first arm 101 of the housing 102. The second orientation may define the positioning of the smartphone in the portrait mode. For so doing the first arm 101 and the third arm 106 are actuated in the extended position to removably retain the electronic device in the second orientation relative to the housing 102 (as shown in Figure 5a).

[0048] In another embodiment, the third arm 106 may be pulled downwardly by the user (as shown in Figure 5b), the one or more springs 150 get stretched and the electronic device may be fixed between the first arm 101 of the housing 102 and the platform 132 of the third arm 106. In this manner, the second arm 104 and the third arm 106 are adapted to be actuated (as shown in Figure 5b) to facilitate the positioning of the electronic device in a first orientation (between the first arm 101 and the second arm 104) and in a second orientation (between the first arm 101 and the third arm 106).

[0049] The advantages of the holder 100 adapted to be coupled with the seat assembly 200 are now explained. The holder 100 facilitates the positioning of the electronic device in different orientations such as a portrait mode, a landscape mode, and different angles to enable different tilting angles for the electronic device. In addition, the holder 100 may be collapsed after the use to prevent any obstructions to fellow passengers while passing or switching seats. In this manner, the user may enjoy the content and may access their electronic device while traveling or while sitting.

[0050] While specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.
, Claims:1. A holder (100) for removably retaining an electronic device, the holder (100) comprising:
a housing (102) adapted to be removably secured to an external structure;
a first arm (101) pivotally coupled to the housing (102) and adapted to pivot between an extended position and a collapsed position;
a second arm (104) pivotally coupled to the housing (102) and adapted to pivot between an extended position and a collapsed position; and
a third arm (106) slidably coupled to the housing (102) and adapted to move between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein,
the first arm (101) and the second arm (104) are actuated in the extended position to removably retain the electronic device in a first orientation relative to the housing (102), and
the first arm (101) and the third arm (106) are actuated in the extended position to removably retain the electronic device in a second orientation relative to the housing (102).

2. The holder (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second arm (104) includes a first surface (120) defining a plurality of slots (122), wherein each of the plurality of slots (122) is adapted to position the electronic device at a corresponding angle relative to the housing (102) when the electronic device is disposed in the first orientation.

3. The holder (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (102) comprises:
a first face (110) to facilitate securing of the housing (102) to the external structure;
a pair of sidewalls (112) extending outwardly from the first face (110);
a top portion (114) extending between the pair of sidewalls (112) and extending outwardly from the first face (110); and
a base portion (116) disposed parallel and spaced apart from the top portion (114) and extending between the pair of sidewalls (112), wherein the base portion (116) includes an access opening (130) to facilitate extension and retraction of the third arm (106) from the housing (102).

4. The holder (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the external structure is the holder (100) mounting place such as but not limited to a seat of a vehicle, a seat of an airplane, a portion of a chair, a backrest of a chair, a dashboard of a vehicle, interior of the vehicle and a place of user choice and convenience.

5. The holder (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first arm (101) includes at least one spring (117) coupled with the first arm (101) and at least one of the sidewalls (112) of the housing (102) to facilitate the movement of the first arm (101) in a collapsed position and an extended position.

6. The holder (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second arm (104) includes the at least one spring (118) coupled with the second arm (104) and at least one of the sidewalls (112) of the housing (102) to facilitate the movement of the second arm (104) in the collapsed position and the extended position.

7. The holder (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second arm (104) includes a ledge portion (124) substantially perpendicular to the first surface (120) and adapted to pivot the second arm (104) in the extended position upon a recipient of a force by the user to retain the electronic device.

8. The holder (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the third arm (106) comprising:
a platform (132) to facilitate the resting of the electronic device;
one or more arms (134) having a first end (136) securely coupled with the platform (132) and a second end (138) slidably coupled with the housing (102); and
one or more guide pads (140) disposed on the one or more arms (134) to guide the movement of the third arm (106) along the one or more guideways (152) provided on the housing (102) and adapted to extend in between the top portion (114) and the base portion (116) of the housing 102;
wherein the platform (132) is adapted to extend linearly outwardly upon a recipient of a force by the user and the electronic device is positioned between the platform (132) and the first arm (101) of the housing (102).

9. The holder (100) as claimed in claim 8 wherein the platform (132) comprises
a ledge portion (142) extending outwardly along a periphery of the platform (132) to facilitate the retaining of the electronic device in an extended position.

10. The holder (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the third arm (106) includes one or more springs (150) to couple the platform (132) with the housing (102) to facilitate the movement of the third arm (106) in the retracted position and the extended position.

11. A seat assembly (200) comprising:
a frame (202) for supporting the seat assembly (200) on a floor; and
a backrest (204) coupled with the frame (202), the backrest (204) includes a first surface (206) to facilitate a resting of a back of a user and a second surface (208) disposed opposite to the first surface (206), wherein the second surface (208) of the backrest (204) comprising:
a holder (100) for removably retaining an electronic device, the holder (100) comprising:
a housing (102) adapted to be removably secured to an external structure;
a first arm (101) pivotally coupled to the housing (102) and adapted to pivot between an extended position and a collapsed position;
a second arm (104) pivotally coupled to the housing (102) and adapted to pivot between an extended position and a collapsed position; and
a third arm (106) slidably coupled to the housing (102) and adapted to move between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein,
the first arm (101) and the second arm (104) are actuated in the extended position to removably retain the electronic device in a first orientation relative to the housing (102), and
the first arm (101) and the third arm (106) are actuated in the extended position to removably retain the electronic device in a second orientation relative to the housing (102).