CN216805306U - Retaining device for a vehicle interior - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a holding device for a vehicle interior, such as a tablet computer or a non-electronic article. The holding device (100) comprises a first jaw (102) and a second jaw (104) which are adapted to slide relative to each other. The two jaws (102, 104) are adapted to slide relative to each other according to the size of the article (110) and facilitate gripping of the article (110) between the two jaws (102, 104). The retention device (100) includes a trigger element (106-1, 106-2) operably configured with the first jaw (102) and the second jaw (104) such that when the article (110) is clamped between the two jaws (102, 104), the trigger element (106) locks and limits the sliding of the two jaws (102, 104) relative to each other, thereby securely retaining the article (110).

Description

Retaining device for a vehicle interior

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to the field of retention devices for vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a retention device for effectively and securely retaining and locking an article within a vehicle interior.

Background

The background description includes information that may be helpful in understanding the present invention. This is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

Vehicles are provided with a holding device or mounting device to mount items such as tablet computers, mobile phones, display devices, and non-electronic items in the interior of the vehicle. The function of these retaining devices is to securely retain items in a desired position and angle within the vehicle, depending on the convenience of the occupant.

The prior art retention devices include two jaws for positioning and securing an article therebetween. The two jaws are slidably configured with respect to each other such that one jaw may be extended relative to the other jaw for positioning an article therebetween according to the size of the article, and then the extended jaw is retracted toward the other jaw to secure the article. The jaws secure the article and prevent any accidental fall of the article from the holding device. However, when a vehicle is involved in a collision or due to sudden braking of the vehicle, one of the jaws slides or protrudes upward due to impact and inertia, thereby causing the fixed article to come out of the existing holding device, causing injury to passengers and damaging the article.

Some prior art retaining devices are provided with a locking mechanism that locks the movement of the jaws of the retaining device once the article is secured in the retaining device. These locking mechanisms are provided with an external button that needs to be pressed by the user to trigger the locking mechanism from the outside to lock the jaws. However, the locking mechanism of the prior art retaining device is not effective enough to control and keep the device fixed in the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle. In the event of a frontal collision or sudden braking, the impact force and inertia may push one jaw (the upper jaw) in an upward direction, which overcomes the lock provided by these locking mechanisms, causing the article to be dislodged from the holding device.

Furthermore, in prior art holding devices, the use of a button or external means to trigger the locking mechanism adds steps to the locking or unlocking of the jaws by the locking mechanism, thereby making them inefficient. Furthermore, because these external buttons may be externally accessible, they may be triggered by mistake or accidentally. Such an undesired triggering of the locking mechanism may lead to an undesired unlocking of the jaws, which may lead to an undesired removal or flying off of the article from the holding device, leading to injury of the passenger and damage of the article.

Accordingly, there is a need to overcome the above disadvantages and to provide a holding device for a vehicle that securely holds an article and restricts the article from falling out or flying out of the holding device even at the time of a vehicle collision or during sudden braking, but facilitates the user to efficiently remove the article from the holding device even when the jaws of the holding device are locked. Further, there is a need to provide a locking mechanism for a holding device that does not require an external button or device to lock the jaws, which automatically triggers the locking mechanism and locks the jaws of the holding device when an article is placed between the jaws.

Purpose of the utility model

Some of the objects of the present disclosure are listed below and are met by at least one embodiment herein.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a holding device for holding and clamping electronic devices such as those including mobile phones, tablet computers, and display devices, and non-electronic articles including display panels, mirrors, and the like, in the vehicle interior.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a retention device for a vehicle interior that limits undesirable dislodgement or ejection of an item from the retention device in the event of a collision or sudden braking.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a retention device for a vehicle interior that limits undesirable dislodgement or ejection of an item from a receptacle in the event of a collision or sudden braking, but promotes efficient removal of the item from the retention device by a user even when the jaws of the retention device are locked.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a locking mechanism for a holding device that does not require an external button or device for locking the jaws of the holding device.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a locking mechanism for a retention device that automatically triggers the locking mechanism and locks the jaws of the retention device when an article is positioned and clamped between the jaws.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a retaining device that limits external access to a trigger element of a locking mechanism when an article is clamped in the retaining device, thereby limiting accidental unlocking of the retaining device.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The present disclosure relates to the field of retaining devices for vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a retention device for efficiently and securely retaining and locking an item within a vehicle interior.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a retention device for retaining and gripping an article within a vehicle interior. The article may be selected from electronic devices including cell phones, tablets, and display devices, and non-electronic articles including display panels, mirrors, but is not limited to such articles. The holding device comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, which is configured slidably with the first jaw. In an embodiment, one of the first and second jaws is slidable relative to the other fixed jaw. In further embodiments, both jaws may slide relative to each other. The retaining device is adapted to be movably coupled to a predefined position on an interior trim panel of the vehicle interior and at a predefined angle with respect to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle interior. The interior trim panel may be selected from a dashboard, door panel, center console, seat back panel, and the like. The first and second jaws are adapted to slide relative to each other according to a size of the article and facilitate gripping of the article between the first and second jaws. The retention device includes a locking mechanism having a trigger member operably configured with the first jaw and the second jaw such that when an article is positioned and clamped between the first jaw and the second jaw, the trigger member locks and limits the sliding of the first jaw and the second jaw relative to each other to securely retain the article.

In one aspect, the second jaw may include a plurality (i.e., more than one) of slots positioned at predefined locations along a length of the second jaw, and the trigger element may include an engagement member adapted to engage the plurality of slots of the second jaw to lock and limit sliding of the first and second jaws relative to each other. The trigger element may include a lever coupled with the engagement member, and the trigger element may be pivotally coupled with any one or combination of the first and second jaws such that positioning and gripping of the article between the first and second jaws urges the lever, enabling pivotal movement of the engagement member toward the second jaw, and facilitating engagement of the engagement member with at least one of the plurality of slots of the second jaw, thereby locking and limiting sliding of the first and second jaws relative to each other and securely holding the article.

In an aspect, the trigger element may be configured such that movement of the first jaw in a direction away from the second jaw disengages the engagement element from the plurality of slots upon application of a predetermined force to any one or combination of the first jaw and the second jaw.

In an aspect, the first jaw may include a first member extending from an end of the first jaw, and the second jaw may include a second member extending from an end of the second jaw. The article may be held and gripped between the first member and the second member.

In one aspect, the retaining device may include a slide assembly operably configured between the first jaw and the second jaw. The slide assembly may facilitate sliding of the second jaw relative to the first jaw to separate the second member from the first member by a predefined distance. The predetermined distance between the first member and the second member may be adjusted according to the size of the item to be held in the holding device. When the article is positioned in the holding device, the trigger element may lock and limit the sliding of the first jaw and the second jaw relative to each other, thereby securely holding the article.

In an aspect, the retention device may include cushioning elements coupled to the first and second members and adapted to be at least partially compressed to facilitate removal of the article from the retention device even when the first and second jaws are locked.

In an aspect, the retaining device may include a torsion spring configured with the trigger element to limit engagement of the engagement element with the plurality of slots when the item is not gripped by the retaining device.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. These figures are for illustration only and thus are not limiting of the present disclosure.

In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference numerals. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label, regardless of the second reference label.

Fig. 1A shows an exemplary view of the proposed holding device according to an embodiment of the utility model.

Fig. 1B shows an exemplary view of the proposed holding device according to an embodiment of the utility model in an unlocked position.

Fig. 1C shows an exemplary view of the proposed holding device according to an embodiment of the utility model, when the holding device holds an article in the locked position.

Fig. 1D shows the locking or engagement of the engagement member (hook) of the trigger element according to an embodiment of the utility model with the groove of the second jaw in the proposed holding device.

Fig. 2A shows an exemplary view of the proposed holding device with a damping element according to an embodiment of the utility model.

Fig. 2B shows an exemplary view of the proposed holding device holding a tablet according to an embodiment of the utility model.

Fig. 3 shows an exemplary view of the triggering element of the proposed retaining device according to an embodiment of the utility model.

Fig. 4 shows an exemplary view of a damping element of the proposed retaining device according to an embodiment of the utility model.

Fig. 5A and 5B show exemplary views of a proposed retaining device configured to be in a vehicle interior according to an embodiment of the utility model.

Fig. 6A-6C show exemplary views of a second embodiment of the proposed holding device according to an embodiment of the utility model, wherein both jaws are slidable.

Detailed Description

The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The details of the various embodiments are set forth in order to provide a clear understanding of the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

The present disclosure relates to the field of retaining devices for vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a retention device for efficiently and securely retaining and locking an item within a vehicle interior.

According to one aspect, the present disclosure sets forth a retention device for retaining and gripping an article within a vehicle interior. The holding device may comprise a first jaw and a second jaw, which may be configured to be slidable relative to each other, such that in an embodiment one of the first and second jaws is slidable relative to the other jaw, and the other jaw is adapted to be fixed. In further embodiments, both jaws may slide relative to each other. The retaining device is adapted to be movably coupled to a predefined position on an interior trim panel of the vehicle interior and at a predefined angle with respect to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle interior. The interior trim panel may be selected from, but is not limited to, a dashboard, door panel, center console, seat back panel. The first and second jaws are adjustable (adapted) to slide relative to each other according to the size of the article and facilitate gripping of the article between the first and second jaws.

In an embodiment, the retaining device may include a locking mechanism having a trigger element operably configured with the first and second jaws such that when an article is positioned and clamped between the first and second jaws, the trigger element may lock and limit the sliding of the first and second jaws relative to each other to securely retain the article.

In an embodiment, the second jaw may include a plurality of slots positioned at predefined locations along a length of the second jaw. Further, the trigger element may comprise a lever coupled with the engagement member, wherein the engagement member may be adapted to engage with the plurality of grooves of the second jaw to lock and limit the sliding of the first and second jaws relative to each other.

In an embodiment, the trigger element may be pivotally coupled to any one or combination of the first and second jaws such that positioning and gripping of an article between the first and second jaws urges the lever to effect pivotal movement of the engagement member toward the second jaw and to facilitate engagement of the engagement member with at least one of the plurality of slots of the second jaw.

In an embodiment, the trigger element may be configured such that movement of the first jaw in a direction away from the second jaw disengages the engagement member from the plurality of slots upon application of a predetermined force to any one or combination of the first jaw and the second jaw.

In an embodiment, the first jaw may comprise a first member extending from an end of the first jaw and the second jaw may comprise a second member extending from an end of the second jaw, and wherein the article may be held and gripped between the first member and the second member.

In an embodiment, the retaining device may include a slide assembly operably configured between the first jaw and the second jaw. The slide assembly may facilitate sliding of the second jaw relative to the first jaw to separate the second member from the first member by a predefined distance depending on a size of the article.

In an embodiment, the retaining device may include a cushioning element coupled to the first member and the second member. The cushioning element is adapted to be at least partially compressed so as to remove the article from the retention device even when the first jaw and the second jaw are locked. In an exemplary embodiment, the cushioning element may be an ethylene-propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, but is not limited to the like.

In an embodiment, the retaining device may comprise a torsion spring configured (together with the trigger element) to limit engagement of the engagement member with the plurality of slots when the article is not gripped by the retaining device.

In one embodiment, the article may be selected from electronic devices including cell phones, tablet computers, and display devices, and non-electronic articles including display panels, mirrors, but is not limited to such articles.

As shown in fig. 1A to 1C, the proposed holding device 100 for holding and clamping an article 110 in a vehicle interior is disclosed. The holding device 100 may comprise a first jaw 102 (also referred to herein as an upper jaw) and a second jaw 104 (also referred to herein as a lower jaw), which may be configured to be slidable relative to each other, such that in an embodiment one of the first and second jaws 102, 104 is slidable relative to the other jaw, and the other jaw is adapted to be fixed to a predefined position on an interior trim panel of a vehicle interior and at a predefined angle relative to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle interior. The first and second jaws 102, 104 may be adapted to slide relative to each other according to a size of the article 110 and facilitate gripping of the article 110 between the first and second jaws 102, 104. The first jaw 102 may include a first member 102-1 extending from an end of the first jaw 102, and the second jaw 104 may include a second member 104-1 extending from an end of the second jaw 104. The article 110 may be held and clamped between the first member 102-1 and the second member 104-1. In an embodiment, the second jaw 104 may be fixed to the interior of the vehicle, while the first jaw 102 may be configured to slide along the second jaw 104. In further embodiments, the first jaw 102 may be fixed to the vehicle interior, while the second jaw 104 may be configured to slide along the first jaw 102. In further embodiments, both of the jaws 102, 104 may be slidable relative to each other depending on the size of the article 110 to facilitate gripping of the article 110 between the first and second jaws 102, 104.

In an embodiment, the holding device 100 may include a locking mechanism having a trigger member 106 operably configured with the first and second jaws 102, 104 such that when the article 110 is positioned and clamped between the first and second jaws 102, 104, the trigger member 106 locks and limits the sliding of the first and second jaws 102, 104, and once the article 110 is positioned/secured between the jaws, the locking mechanism limits the movement or ejection of the positioned article 110 from the holding device 100.

In an exemplary embodiment, the article 110 may be selected from electronic devices including cell phones, tablet computers, and display devices, and non-electronic articles 110 including display panels, mirrors, but not limited to the like.

In an embodiment, the second jaw 104 may include a plurality of slots 108 (also referred to herein as slots 108) positioned at predefined locations along the length of the second jaw 104. The trigger element 106 may include an engagement member 106-2 (also referred to herein as a hook) that may be adapted to engage with the slot 108 of the second jaw 104 to lock and limit the sliding of the first and second jaws 102, 104 relative to each other. The trigger element 106 may include a lever 106-1 coupled with the engagement member 106-2, and the trigger element 106 may be pivotally coupled to any one or combination of the first and second jaws 102, 104 such that positioning and clamping of the article 110 between the first and second jaws 102, 104 may push the lever 106-1, enable pivotal movement of the engagement member 106-2 toward the second jaw 104, and facilitate engagement of the engagement member 106-2 with the at least one slot 108 of the second jaw 104, thereby locking and limiting sliding of the first and second jaws 102, 104 relative to each other, and securely holding the article 110. In a preferred embodiment, the trigger element 106 may be pivotally coupled to the first jaw 102.

In an embodiment, the retention device 100 may include a slide assembly 112 operatively configured with the first jaw 102 and the second jaw 104. The sliding assembly 112 may facilitate sliding the second jaw 104 relative to the first jaw 102 to separate the second member 104-1 from the first member 102-1 by a predefined distance. The predefined distance between first member 102-1 and second member 104-1 may be adjusted depending on the size of article 110 to be held in holding device 100. Upon positioning the article 110 in the holding device 100, the trigger element 106 may be pivotally moved toward the slot 108 of the second jaw 104 and may lock and limit the first jaw 102 and the second jaw 104 from sliding relative to each other, thereby securely holding the article 110.

In an exemplary embodiment, the slide assembly 112 may include a set of rails extending parallel from the second jaw 104 along an axis of the second jaw 104. The first jaw 102 may be configured on the set of rails such that the set of rails is located within the housing of the first jaw 102. The inner surface of the housing of the first jaw 102 may comprise a set of wheels adapted to be slidably configured with a set of rails of the second jaw 104, such that the first jaw 102 may slide along the second jaw 104 when the second jaw 104 is fixed. Further, the second jaw 104 may slide along the first jaw 102 when the first jaw 102 is secured.

In further exemplary embodiments, the slide assembly 112 may include a set of rails extending parallel from the first jaw 102 along an axis of the first jaw 102. The second jaw 104 may be configured on the set of rails such that the set of rails is located within the housing of the second jaw 104. The inner surface of the housing of the second jaw 104 may comprise a set of wheels adapted to be slidably configured with the set of rails of the first jaw 102 such that the first jaw 102 may slide along the second jaw 104 when the second jaw 104 is fixed. Further, the second jaw 104 may slide along the first jaw 102 when the first jaw 102 is stationary, or the jaws 102, 104 may move relative to each other when both jaws 102, 104 are slidable.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the sliding assembly 112 may be a rack and pinion assembly. The second jaw 104 may include a set of racks extending parallel, along the axis of the second jaw 104. The first jaw 102 may be configured on the set of racks such that the set of racks is located within the housing of the first jaw 102. The first jaw 102 may comprise a pinion adapted to be slidably configured on the set of racks of the second jaw 104 such that the first jaw 102 may slide along the second jaw 104 when the second jaw 104 is fixed. Further, the second jaw 104 may slide along the first jaw 102 when the first jaw 102 is fixed.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the slide assembly 112 may include a set gear arrangement (not shown) between the first jaw 102 and the second jaw 104 such that the first jaw 102 and the second jaw 104 move relative to each other when the gear rotates.

In an embodiment, the retention device 100 may include a torsion spring configured with the trigger element 106 to limit engagement of the engagement member 106-2 with the plurality of slots 108 when the item 110 is not gripped by the retention device 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the torsion spring 114 may be configured at a pivot point where the trigger element 106 is pivotally coupled to the first jaw 102.

In an embodiment, the trigger element 106 and the first and second jaws 102, 104 may be configured such that upon application of a predetermined force to any one or combination of the first and second jaws 102, 104, movement of the first jaw 102 in a direction away from the second jaw 104 disengages the engagement member 106-2 from the plurality of slots 108 to facilitate removal of the article 110 from the retention device 100.

In an embodiment, the retaining device 100 may comprise a seat adapted to be movably coupled to a predefined position inside the vehicle. Further, one of the jaws 102 or 104 may be secured to the vehicle interior by a bracket. The mount may be adapted to pivotally move and rotate about its axis at a predefined location within the vehicle interior. This may facilitate a user in positioning and tilting the holding device 100 at a predefined angle inside the vehicle.

As shown in fig. 1B, an exemplary view of the proposed retaining device 100 in an unlocked position is disclosed. When the article 110 is not secured or positioned between the first jaw 102 and the second jaw 104, the retention device 100 is in the unlocked position and the trigger member 106 is free to pivotally move about the pivot point and not engage the slot 108 of the second jaw 104. In the unlocked position, the first jaw 102 and the second jaw 104 are slidable and may be adapted to slide relative to each other. In the unlocked position, the distance between the first member 102-1 and the second member 104-1 may be adjusted based on the size of the article 110, and the article 110 may be positioned between the first jaw 102 and the second jaw 104. Further, the torsion spring may limit the engagement of the engagement member 106-2 with the slot 108 when the retention device 100 is in the unlocked position.

As shown in fig. 1C, an exemplary view of the proposed retaining device 100 in the locked position is disclosed. FIG. 1D illustrates an enlarged view of FIG. 1C, showing the locking or engagement of the engagement member 106-2 (hook) of the trigger element 106 with the slot 108 of the second jaw 104.

In an embodiment, when the article 110 is positioned and clamped between the first jaw 102 and the second jaw 104, the engagement member 106-2 of the trigger element 106 moves toward the slot 108 of the second jaw 104 and places the holding device 100 in the locked position and limits the sliding of the first jaw 102 and the second jaw 104 relative to each other. Since the article 110 is positioned and clamped between the first and second jaws 102, 104, and the sliding of the two jaws is restricted in the locked position, the holding device 100 can securely hold the article 110, and the held article 110 is restricted from being ejected or flying out of the holding device 100, thereby securely holding the article 110.

The positioning and clamping of the article 110 between the first jaw 102 and the second jaw 104 may push the lever 106-1 to enable pivotal movement of the engagement member 106-2 toward the second jaw 104 and move the trigger element 106 from the unlocked position to the locked position. This facilitates engagement of the engagement member 106-2 with the at least one slot 108 of the second jaw 104, thereby locking and limiting sliding of the first jaw 102 and the second jaw 104 relative to each other.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the proposed retention device 100 does not involve any external button or external means for triggering the locking mechanism, and that the trigger element 106 of the proposed retention device 100 is automatically triggered/activated when positioning the article 110 between the first jaw 102 and the second jaw 104, and therefore the steps involved in locking or unlocking the jaws in the proposed retention device 100 are reduced compared to existing retention devices, thereby making the proposed retention device 100 more efficient and safer compared to existing retention devices. Furthermore, because the user cannot access the trigger element 106 of the proposed retention device 100 once the article 110 is positioned between the jaws, any chance of the retention device 100 accidentally unlocking is eliminated, thereby preventing any undesired removal or dislodging of the article 110 from the retention device 100.

Fig. 2A shows an exemplary view of the proposed holding device according to an embodiment of the utility model.

In an embodiment, retention device 200 may include cushioning elements 202-1, 202-2 (collectively referred to herein as cushioning elements 202) coupled to both first and second components 102-1, 104-1 such that the corresponding cushioning elements face each other. The cushioning element 202 may be adapted to be at least partially compressed such that removal of the article 110 from the retention device is facilitated even if the first jaw 102 and the second jaw 104 are locked. Upon application of a predefined force by a user, the upward or downward movement of the positioned/secured article 110 between the two jaws compresses cushioning element 202 and facilitates removal of article 110 from holding apparatus 200, if desired.

The trigger element 106 and the first and second jaws 102, 104 may be configured such that once the article 110 is held and clamped in the holding device, the holding device 200 locks the article 110 between the jaws, and the cushioning element 202 may facilitate movement of the secured article 110 in an upward or downward direction when desired upon application of a predefined force by a user. This proposed configuration of the trigger element 106 and the bumper element 202 in the retention device 200 may limit undesirable dislodgement or ejection of the article 110 from the retention device 200 in the event of a crash or sudden braking, but may promote efficient removal of the article 110 from the retention device 200 by a user even when the jaws 102, 104 of the retention device 200 are locked.

Fig. 2B shows an exemplary view of the proposed holding device 100, 200 holding a tablet computer 110 according to an embodiment of the utility model. As shown in fig. 1A-1C, and 2A-2B, in an embodiment, the first member 102-1 and the second member 104-1 can have curved profiles at their edges to further facilitate limiting undesired ejection of the article 110 from the jaws of the retention device.

Fig. 3 shows an exemplary view of the triggering element 106 of the proposed retaining device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The trigger element 106 may include a hook-like engagement member 106-2 that forms a predetermined angle with the lever 106-1. The shape and size of the hook-like engagement member 106-2 may be based on the depth and width of the slot 108 of the second jaw 104, such that the engagement member 106-2 may engage and lock in the slot 108 and limit the upward sliding of the first jaw 102 until a user applies a predetermined upward force to the first jaw 102.

Fig. 4 shows an exemplary view of a damping element of the proposed retaining device according to an embodiment of the utility model. Cushioning element 202 may include cutout sections 404 between bodies 402 of cushioning element 202 such that application of a predefined force on cushioning element 202 may compress the cushioning element. This configuration of the cushioning element 202 may facilitate at least partial compression of the positioned/secured article 110 as it moves in an upward or downward direction between the two jaws 102, 104 when a user applies a predefined force to the secured article 110, such that removal of the article 110 from the retaining device is facilitated even when the first and second jaws 102, 104 are locked.

Fig. 5A and 5B show exemplary views of the proposed retaining device configured in a vehicle interior according to an embodiment of the utility model.

As shown, in an embodiment, the holding device 100 may be adapted to be movably coupled to a predefined position on or in an interior trim panel 500 of a vehicle interior, such as on a track 502 of a dashboard interior trim panel 500 of the vehicle interior, and at a predefined angle with respect to a longitudinal direction a of the vehicle interior. The second jaw 102 may slide relative to the first jaw 104 depending on the size of the article 110 to be received and facilitate gripping the article 110 between the first jaw 102 and the second jaw 104 to securely hold the article 110 and limit the ejection or flying of the article 110. In an exemplary embodiment, interior panel 500 may be selected from, but is not limited to, an instrument panel, a door panel, a center console, a seat back panel, and the like.

Fig. 6A shows a second embodiment of the proposed holding device 600, wherein both the first jaw 102 and the second jaw 104 are slidable. Fig. 6B and 6C show a top view and an exploded view, respectively, of the retention device 600 shown in fig. 6A.

As shown, the proposed second embodiment of the holding device 600 may comprise a third jaw 602 having a first set of rails 604 (also referred to herein as first guiding means 604) on two opposite sides along the length of the third jaw 602. The third jaw 602 may be movably coupled at a predetermined position on an interior trim panel of the vehicle interior and at a predefined angle relative to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle interior. The third jaw 602 may be configured to facilitate slidable coupling of the second jaw 104 within the first set of rails 604. Further, the second jaw 104 may include a second set of rails 606 (also referred to herein as second guide means 606) on two opposing sides along the length of the second jaw 104. The second jaw 104 may be adapted to be slidably configured with the first jaw 102 within the second set of tracks 606 such that both the first and second jaws 102, 102 may slide according to the size of the article 110 to be accommodated and facilitate gripping of the article 110 between the first and second members 102-1, 104-1 of the jaws to securely hold the article 110 and limit the ejection or flying out of the article 110.

While the foregoing is directed to various embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the utility model may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the utility model is defined by the appended claims. The utility model is not limited to the embodiments, variations or examples described, including for the purpose of enabling those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the utility model in connection with the information and knowledge available to those of ordinary skill in the art.

THE ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The proposed utility model provides a holding device for holding and clamping articles in the vehicle interior, such as electronic devices including mobile phones, tablet computers and display devices, and non-electronic articles including display panels, mirrors, etc.

The proposed utility model provides a retaining device for a vehicle interior that limits the undesired escape or ejection of an article from the retaining device in the event of a collision or sudden braking.

The present invention provides a retaining device for a vehicle interior that limits unwanted dislodging or ejection of an article from the retaining device in the event of a collision or sudden braking, but promotes efficient removal of the article from the retaining device by a user even when the jaws of the retaining device are locked.

The proposed utility model provides a locking mechanism for a holding device that does not require an external button or device for locking the jaws of the holding device.

The proposed utility model provides a locking mechanism for a retaining device that automatically triggers the locking mechanism and locks the jaws of the retaining device when an article is positioned and clamped between the jaws.

The proposed utility model provides a retaining device which limits external contact to the trigger element of the locking mechanism when an article is clamped in the retaining device, thereby limiting accidental unlocking of the retaining device.

Claims (10)

1. A retaining device (100) for a vehicle interior, the retaining device (100) comprising:

a first jaw (102);

a second jaw (104), the second jaw (104) being slidably configured with the first jaw (102) such that one of the first jaw (102) and the second jaw (104) is slidable relative to the other jaw, wherein the first jaw (102) and the second jaw (104) are adapted to hold and clamp an article (110) therebetween; and

a trigger element (106) operably configured with the first jaw (102) and the second jaw (104), wherein the trigger element (106) locks and limits sliding of the first jaw (102) and the second jaw (104) relative to each other when the article (110) is positioned and clamped between the first jaw (102) and the second jaw (104).

2. The holding device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the second jaw (104) comprises a plurality of slots (108) positioned at predefined locations along a length of the second jaw (104), and wherein

Wherein the trigger element (106) comprises a lever (106-1); and an engagement member (106-2) coupled with the lever (106-1), wherein the engagement member (106-2) is adapted to engage with the plurality of slots (108) of the second jaw (104) to lock and limit sliding of the first jaw (102) and the second jaw (104) relative to each other.

3. The holding device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the trigger element (106) is pivotally coupled to any one or a combination of the first jaw (102) and the second jaw (104) such that positioning and gripping of the article (110) between the first jaw (102) and the second jaw (104) pushes the lever (106-1), enabling pivotal movement of the engagement member (106-2) towards the second jaw (104) and facilitating engagement of the engagement member (106-2) with at least one of the plurality of slots (108) of the second jaw (104).

4. The holding device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the trigger element (106) is configured to: upon application of a predetermined force to any one or combination of the first jaw (102) and the second jaw (104), movement of the first jaw (102) in a direction away from the second jaw (104) disengages the engagement member (106-2) from the plurality of slots (108).

5. The holding device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first jaw (102) comprises a first member (102-1) extending from one end of the first jaw (102), the second jaw (104) comprises a second member (104-1) extending from one end of the second jaw (104), and wherein the article (110) is held and clamped between the first member (102-1) and the second member (104-1).

6. The holding device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the holding device (100) comprises a sliding assembly (112), the sliding assembly (112) being operatively configured between the first jaw (102) and the second jaw (104), and wherein the sliding assembly (112) facilitates sliding of the second jaw (104) relative to the first jaw (102) to separate the second member (104-1) from the first member (102-1) by a predefined distance depending on a size of the article (110).

7. The retention device (100) of claim 5, wherein the retention device (100) includes a cushioning element (202) coupled with the first member (102-1) and the second member (104-1), and wherein the cushioning element (202) is ethylene-propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, the cushioning element (202) adapted to at least partially compress to facilitate removal of the article (110) from the retention device (100) when the first jaw (102) and the second jaw (104) are locked.

8. The holding device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the holding device (100) comprises a torsion spring (114), the torsion spring (114) and the trigger element (106) being configured to limit the engagement of the engagement member (106-2) with the plurality of slots (108) when the article (110) is not clamped in the holding device (100).

9. The holding device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the article (110) is selected from the group consisting of electronic devices including mobile phones, tablets and display devices, and non-electronic articles.

10. The retaining device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the retaining device (100) is adapted to be movably coupled to a predefined position on an interior trim panel of the vehicle interior and at a predefined angle with respect to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle interior.

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