Holding device for holding a portable object, and method of manufacturing same

A holding device for holding a portable object, the holding device comprising:

• a support platform;
• a first arm coupled to the support platform;
• a second arm coupled to the support platform;
• a biasing member located between the first and second arms;
• a locking mechanism capable of maintaining the first arm and the second arm in any one of a plurality of discrete positions with respect to each other;
• and
• a release button adjacent to the support platform, the release button capable of releasing the locking mechanism,
• wherein:
• the biasing member is capable of urging at least a portion of the first arm and at least a portion of the second arm toward each other;
• the first arm further comprises a first plurality of teeth;
• the second arm further comprises a second plurality of teeth;
• and
• the first plurality of teeth interacts with the second plurality of teeth such that a movement of one of the first and second arms causes a movement in the other of the first and second arms.

A holding device for holding a portable object, the holding device comprising:

• a support platform having an upper surface for supporting the portable object and a lower surface substantially opposite the upper surface, the upper surface having a release button thereon;
• a first lever coupled to the support platform;
• a second lever coupled to the support platform;
• a first grip coupled to a first portion of the first lever;
• a second grip coupled to a first portion of the second lever;
• a first handle coupled to a second portion of the first lever;
• a second handle coupled to a second portion of the second lever;
• a spring coupled between second portions of the first and second levers;
• and
• a locking mechanism capable of maintaining the first lever and the second lever in any one of a plurality of discrete positions with respect to each other,
• wherein:
• the spring is capable of urging the first grip and the second grip toward each other;
• the release button is capable of being activated by the application of a force to the portable object when the portable object is supported by the upper surface and located between the first and second grips;
• the release button is capable of releasing the locking mechanism;
• the first arm comprises a first axis of rotation located between the first and second portions of the first arm;
• the second arm comprises a second axis of rotation located between the first and second portions of the second arm;
• the first arm axis and the second arm axis are substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the support platform;
• the first arm is capable of rotating about the first arm axis:
• and
• the second arm is capable of rotating about the second arm axis.

A holding device for holding a portable object, the holding device comprising:

• a support platform having an upper surface for supporting the portable object and a lower surface substantially opposite the upper surface, the upper surface having a release button thereon;
• a first lever coupled to the support platform;
• a second lever coupled to the support platform;
• a first grip coupled to a first portion of the first lever;
• a second grip coupled to a first portion of the second lever;
• a first handle coupled to a second portion of the first lever;
• a second handle coupled to a second portion of the second lever;
• a spring coupled between second portions of the first and second levers;
• and
• a locking mechanism capable of maintaining the first lever and the second lever in any one of a plurality of discrete positions with respect to each other,
• wherein:
• the spring is capable of urging the first grip and the second grip toward each other;
• the release button is capable of being activated by the application of a force to the portable object when the portable object is supported by the upper surface and located between the first and second grips;
• the release button is capable of releasing the locking mechanism;
• the locking mechanism comprises;
• a ratchet;
• and
• a pawl capable of engaging the ratchet;
• the ratchet is integral with one of the first and second arms;
• the ratchet comprises a plurality of teeth and a plurality of indentations;
• the pawl is capable of engaging at least one of the plurality of indentations;
• the first arm and the second arm are held in a fixed position with respect to each other when the pawl is engaged with one of the plurality of indentations;
• the first arm further comprises a first plurality of teeth at the second portion of the first arm;
• the second arm further comprises a second plurality of teeth at the second portion of the second arm;
• and
• the first plurality of teeth interacts with the second plurality of teeth such that a movement of one of the first and second arms causes a movement in the other of the first and second arms.

A method of manufacturing a holding device for a portable object, the method comprising:

• providing a support platform having a first arm and a second arm coupled thereto;
• providing a biasing member capable of urging at least a portion of the first arm and at least a portion of the second arm toward each other, the biasing member located between the first arm and the second arm;
• providing a locking mechanism capable of maintaining the first arm and the second arm in any one of a plurality of discrete positions with respect to each other;
• providing a release button adjacent to the support platform, the release button capable of releasing the locking mechanism;
• providing the first arm to be rotatable about a first arm axis;
• and
• providing the second arm to be rotatable about a second arm axis,
• wherein:
• the first arm axis and the second arm axis are substantially perpendicular to the support platform.