FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments of the present invention relates to a mobile device holder and, more specifically, but not exclusively, to an apparatus with multiple in-line opposing surface contact points for removably holding a mobile device between an upward facing surface and a downward facing surface.

Hands free use of mobile devices, for example by drivers of automobiles, is enabled by a device to hold the mobile device within easy reach of the driver and without distracting the driver from looking at the road. In this circumstance, the ideal location for the mobile device holder is on top of the dashboard and frontwards of the driver near the windshield. However, such holding devices also need to be easily removed and reinstalled, since they may be moved when different drivers operate the vehicle or when a different mobile device needs to be positioned.

Existing mobile device holder located frontwards of the driver typically are mounted on the windshield, for example by a suction cup coupling with the windshield. While such devices may easily be removed, if suction is lost the device will fall and could distract the driver, a potentially dangerous situation. The suction seal may be easily compromised, for example by car vibrations, bumps or jolts resulting from uneven roads, pressure applied to the mobile device for example by pushing a button or a touch screen, and the like.

Another common device holder located forward of the driver may rest on top of the dashboard, but typically the top of the dashboard is not flat or smooth. Such a surface is difficult to securely attach a holding device without puncturing or otherwise defacing the dashboard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided an apparatus with multiple opposing in-line surface contact points for holding a mobile device between an upward facing surface and a downward facing surface, comprising: a base element that removably holds a mobile device, a first rod attached to the base and extending in a longitudinal downward direction, a second rod attached to the base and extending in an upward longitudinal direction and in a same longitudinal axis as the first rod, wherein at least one of the first rod and the second rod is length adjustable, the length of the adjustable rods fixedly secured by at least one fastener, and wherein when the first rod is contacting the upward facing surface and the second rod is contacting the downward facing surface, a load is mutually transmitted through compression of the apparatus between the downward facing surface to the upward facing surface.

Optionally, the fastener is an integrally formed element of the base.

Optionally, a distal end of each of the first rod and the second rod is attached with at least one degree of freedom to a corresponding first and second friction pad.

Optionally, the friction pad attachment is chosen from a list of connectors comprising a joint, a ball joint, a hinge, a friction hinge and any other type of connector allowing adjustment of alignment between the friction pad and the connected rod.

Optionally, the first rod and the second rod are attached to the base with a plurality of degrees of freedom.

Optionally, the fastener is chosen from a list of fasteners comprising a positive locking device, a latch lock, a thread and bolt locking mechanism, a friction lock, a collar, a spring activated key and key seat assembly, a fastener, and any other mechanism that adjustably fixes a length of a length adjustable rod.

Optionally, a mechanism to adjust the length of the first rod and the second rod is chosen from a list mechanisms comprising a telescoping mechanism, a track sliding mechanism, a turnbuckle, a scissor mechanism, and any other mechanism for adjusting a length of a rod.

Optionally, the base comprises a longitudinal protrusion extending from a rearward facing side from the base, wherein the first rod and the second rod are attached to the protrusion.

Optionally, a connector with at least one degrees of freedom connecting the base to the protrusion.

Optionally, the upward facing surface is a top of an automobile dashboard, and the downward facing surface is an interior surface of a windshield. Optionally, a plurality of the first rods are attached to the base.

Optionally, a plurality of the second rods are attached to the base.

Optionally, the friction pads comprising a pliable friction surface that may be repeatedly formed to a contour of an opposing surface.

Optionally, at least one image sensor attached to at least one of the first rod and the second rod.

Optionally, a plurality of base elements are attached to the first rod and the second rod.

Optionally, a plurality of extenders to the rods, the extensions adapted to being removably fixedly positioned between a distal end of at least one of the first rod and the second rod and corresponding the friction pad.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided an n apparatus with multiple opposing in-line surface contact points with an image sensor integrally formed between an upward facing surface and a downward facing surface, comprising: at least one image sensor integrally formed within at least one of a first rod and a second rod, wherein at least one of the first rod and the second rod is length adjustable, the first rod extending in a longitudinal downward direction and the second rod extending in an upward longitudinal direction and in a same longitudinal axis as the first rod, the first rod fixedly secured to the second rod, the length of each of the first rod and the second rod fixedly secured by at least one fastener, and wherein when the first rod is contacting the upward facing surface and the second rod is contacting the downward facing surface, a load is mutually transmitted through compression of the apparatus between the downward facing surface to the upward facing surface.

Optionally, the image sensor may be a camera(s), a dash cam, and any other device for capturing video and/or image content, and integrating an audio recording device such as a microphone.

Optionally, the integrally formed image sensor comprises a connector element connecting the image sensor to the rod, the connector element allowing multiple degrees of freedom of orientation between the image sensor and the rod.

Optionally, a distal end of each of the first rod and the second rod is attached with at least one degree of freedom to a corresponding first and second friction pad. Optionally, the friction pad attachment is chosen from a list of connectors comprising a joint, a ball joint, a hinge, a friction hinge and any other type of connector allowing adjustment of alignment between the friction pad and the connected rod.

Optionally, the first rod is attached to the second rod with a plurality of degrees of freedom.

Optionally, the fastener is chosen from a list of fasteners comprising a positive locking device, a latch lock, a thread and bolt locking mechanism, a friction lock, a collar, a spring activated key and key seat assembly, a fastener, and any other mechanism that adjustably fixes a length of a length adjustable rod.

Optionally, a mechanism to adjust the length of the first rod and the second rod is chosen from a list mechanisms comprising a telescoping mechanism, a track sliding mechanism, a turnbuckle, a scissor mechanism, and any other mechanism for adjusting a length of a rod.

Optionally, the upward facing surface is a top of an automobile dashboard, and the downward facing surface is an interior surface of a windshield.

Optionally, the apparatus comprises a plurality of the first rods.

Optionally, the apparatus comprises a plurality of the second rods.

Optionally, the friction pads comprising a pliable friction surface that may be repeatedly formed to a contour of an opposing surface.

Optionally, the image sensor is removably attached to at least one of the first rod and the second rod.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method for manufacturing an apparatus with multiple surface contact points for securing a mobile device between an upward facing surface and a downward facing surface, comprising: forming a base element that removably holds a mobile device, assembling a first rod that is length adjustable and attaching the first rod to the base for a longitudinal downward extension, assembling a second rod that is length adjustable and attaching the second rod to the base for a longitudinal upward extension, and assembling on the first rod and the second rod at least one fastener that adjustably secures the length of the first rod and the second rod. Optionally, the base is assembled from at least one component manufactured by at least one manufacturing process comprising molding, pressing, stamping, assembling, and any other manufacturing process for forming mobile device holder components.

Optionally, the fastener is an integrally formed element of the base.

Optionally, the friction pad is attached to the rod by a connector chosen from a list of connectors comprising a joint, a ball joint, a hinge, a friction hinge and any other type of connector allowing adjustment of alignment between the friction pad and the connected rod.

Optionally, the fastener is chosen from a list of fasteners comprising a positive locking device, a latch lock, a thread and bolt locking mechanism, a friction lock, a collar, a spring activated key and key seat assembly, a fastener, and any other mechanism that adjustably controls a change in length of a length adjustable rod.

Optionally, the base is formed comprising a longitudinal protrusion extending from a rearward facing side from the base, wherein the first rod and the second rod are attached to the protrusion.

Optionally, connecting with at least one degree of freedom the base to the protrusion.

Optionally, a plurality of the first rods is attached to the base.

Optionally, a plurality of the second rods is attached to the base.

Optionally, the friction pads comprise a pliable friction surface that may be repeatedly formed to a contour of an opposing surface.

Optionally, the first rod and the second rod are attached to a corresponding first and second friction pad.

Optionally, the first rod and the second rid are each attached to the base by at least one mechanism chosen from a list of attaching mechanisms comprising a hinge, a joint, adhesive, chemical bond, a heat bond, a collar, and any other mechanical or chemical mechanism of attaching a rod to a base.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary multiple pressure contact point apparatus for holding a mobile device, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a multiple pressure contact point apparatus positioned between a downward facing contact surface and an upward facing contact surface, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a schematic illustration of a multiple pressure contact point apparatus positioned between an upward facing dashboard and a downward facing windshield of an automobile, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a schematic illustration of a multiple pressure contact point apparatus as shown in FIG. 3A, with an integrated image sensor, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3C is a schematic illustration of a multiple pressure contact point apparatus with an integrated image sensor, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3D is a schematic illustration of a multiple pressure contact point apparatus with rod extenders, according to some embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for manufacturing apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a mobile device holder and, more specifically, but not exclusively, to an apparatus with multiple in-line opposing surface contact points for removably holding a mobile device and between an upward facing surface and a downward facing surface.

Mobile device holders in automobiles need to be easily installed and removed, in order to accommodate the preferences of different drivers. The mobile device may be a cellular phone, a tablet, a smart phone, a computerized device, and/or any other mobile device comprising a display screen. The holding device preferably fastens securely, so as to fixate the mobile device. For the person driving an automobile, one of the preferred locations for a mobile device is in front of the driver close to the windshield; however, this area presents challenges to common requirements such as easy installation and/or securely fixating the mobile device in place. The top of the dashboard presents one potential mounting surface; however, the top of the dashboard is often curved and/or textured, such that no satisfactory temporary coupling mechanism exists. The windshield presents a potential fastening surface; however, common glass fastening mechanisms such as suction cups may lose the suction seal in an unstable vehicle environment, causing the holding devices to drop or tremble and potentially distract the driver.

Some embodiments of the present invention recite an apparatus for holding a mobile device between an upward facing surface and a downward facing surface, such as a car dashboard and a car windshield. The holding apparatus comprises a base for holding the mobile device, and at least two rods having an adjustable position in relation to the base. The base may be fixated above the dashboard and in front of the windshield by extending from the base and/or retracting toward the base a downward rod and/or an upward rod. For example, the tips of the downward rod and the upward rod are pushed away from one another, optionally in opposing directions, to securely fixate the base for holding the mobile device. The rods form a structural element that transmits, through compression, a load of the windshield to the dashboard and vice versa.

Opposing pressures applied from end points of the downward rod and the upward rod which are in contact with the dashboard and the windshield hold the base in place. The stability of the apparatus is achieved through multiple points of friction coupling the rods and the dashboard and the windshield.

Some embodiments of the present invention recite an apparatus with multiple inline opposing point couplings for holding a mobile device. The multiple point coupling enhances the stability and reliability of the apparatus relative to existing holders that have a single point of coupling. The multiple point coupling allows positioning the apparatus above the dashboard in a secure manner relative to existing solutions. A base for holding a mobile device may be connected to an upward and a downward extension rod that are opposing and along a common line, with each rod terminating at a contact point with an opposing contact surface. The in-line alignment of the extension rods provides an element of structural sturdiness to the apparatus. Existing dashboard holders generally employ a flexible arm connecting a mobile device holder to a suction device. The flexible arm may be prone to vibrations and/or other movements in response to movements of the car. The present invention, with multiple in-line opposing point couplings, provides a more mechanically stable apparatus less prone to vibrations and other movements.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or an apparatus.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, a schematic illustration of an exemplary multiple in-line opposing pressure contact point apparatus 100 for holding a mobile device by transmitting, through compression, a load of a windshield to a dashboard and vice versa, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Apparatus 100 may be used to hold a mobile phone in a firm and stable manner in front of a driver of an automobile. The multiple points of in-line opposing contact provide mechanical stability for the mobile device, an important attribute for touch screen devices, where physically tapping on the touch screen is easier when the screen is fixed in place so as to provide tactile resistance to the tapping. Further, the rigidness of the multiple in-line opposing contact points of apparatus 100 prevents the device from changing position and orientation as a result of tapping.

As described below, apparatus 100 multiple contact points comprise extendable and retractable rods and a fastening mechanism that fixes the length of the rods. By employing the fastener to fix the length of the rods when the rods, through compression, transmit a load of the dashboard to the windshield and vice versa, the apparatus is held firmly in place and is not susceptible to movement in response to vibrations or movement of the automobile.

As shown in 101, downward rod 101 is optionally attached to a pad such as a friction pad 102, and upward rod 103 is optionally attached to a pad such as a friction pad 104.

Downward rod 101 and upward rod 103 are attached to base 107 by a rod connector, for example by a by a hinge, a joint, a swing hinge, and/or any other connector allowing at least one degree of freedom. Allowing at least one degree of freedom between base 107 and rods 101 and 103 allows apparatus 100 to fold compactly when not in use. The rod connector may comprise a locking mechanism to fixedly hold rods 101 and 103 in an in-line configuration. Optionally, rods 101 and 103 are integrally formed elements of base 107.

Base 107 comprises a mechanism for removably securing a mobile device of varying dimensions, for example a rigid frame with pivotable arms for gripping the mobile device, a backplane with side panels that may be fixedly retracted to grip a mobile device, a magnetic device for magnetic coupling with the mobile device, an X- shaped grip arm with an adjustable knob that can expand or contract the grip arms to securely grip a mobile device, and/or any other mechanism for adjustably gripping mobile devices of varying dimensions. The capability of base 107 to grip mobile devices of varying dimensions may allow a variety of mobile devices to be held by apparatus 100.

Optionally, base 107 comprises a mechanism for securely holding a mobile device of a specific dimension, for example a molded pliable cradle that form fittingly and removably encases a mobile device, a form fitting pliable case with an integrated electrical coupling to the mobile device, and the like. Optionally, base 107 comprises extension 108, a rearward facing extension which is attached to downward rod 101 and upward rod 103. Extension 108 may be an extendable rod with a fastener 110, similar to rods 101 and 103 as described below, and/or any other extendable mechanism that may be attached to base 107 and rods 101 and 103. Extension 108 may comprise a fixed length longitudinal structure that allows base 107 to be a distance from rods 101 and 103. Extension 108 allows positioning apparatus 100 wherein base 107 and the held mobile device may be closer to a user than the in-line opposing rods 101 and 103. For example, in an automobile, a specific geometry of a dashboard and windshield my require apparatus 100 may be positioned close to a front windshield in order to make a secure multipoint contact with the dashboard and windshield, and extension 108 may position base 107 and the held mobile device to be farther from the windshield and closer to a seated user.

Optionally, apparatus 100 comprises a plurality of base 107, for example two base 107, each adapted to holding a mobile device.

Downward rod 101 and upward rod 103 each comprise a longitudinal mechanism with sufficient structural stiffness to transmit through compression a load of a windshield to a dashboard and vice versa. Rods 101 and 103 may be composed of plastic, metal, and/or any other material with the appropriate tensile strength, and may be a structure with a longitudinal cross-sectional shape of a square, a circle, an oval, and/or any other shape that provides the appropriate tensile strength. Rods 101 and 103 may have multiple longitudinal sides, for example three sides, four sides, eight sides, and the like. Rods 101 and 103 may comprise a cavity along a longitudinal axis for the entirety or any part of the longitudinal length.

Downward rod 101 and upward rod 103 each comprise a length adjustable mechanism, for example a rod with a fixed length that slides in relation to docking ring, a telescoping mechanism, track sliding mechanism, a turnbuckle, a scissor mechanism, an extension mechanism, and/or any other mechanism to allow adjusting a length of a rod.

Optionally, downward rod 101 and/or upward rod 103 comprises more than one rod, for example two downward rods 101 and three upward rods 103. The plurality of rods 101 and 103 may provide additional lateral stability over a single downward rod 101 and a single upward rod 103, for example to prevent apparatus 100 from being laterally dislodged and/or tilted by lateral motion of a vehicle 150.

As shown in 110, a rod fastener 110 may be adjusted to prevent changing the length of downward rod 101 and/or upward rod 103. For example when apparatus 100 is placed in compression between an upward facing surface and a downward facing surface, rod fastener 100 may be adjusted to fix the length of rods 101 and 103, thereby maintaining the compression and fixing apparatus 100 in place. Optionally, rod fastener 110 may fix the length of rods 101 and 103 by a clamp, a latch, a thread and bolt locking mechanism, a friction lock, a collar, a spring activated key and keyseat assembly, and/or any other type of mechanism that fixedly and adjustably sets the length of rod 101 and/or 103. Optionally, rod fastener 110 may be assembled as a component of rod 101 and/or rod 103. Optionally, rod fastener 110 comprises two separate fasteners, one fastener for downward rod 101 and another upward fastener 103. Optionally, rod fastener 110 is adjusted such that distal ends of rods 101 and 103 are fixed in a desired distance from one another.

Optionally, rod fastener 110 is integrally formed as part of base 107, for example when forming a base 107 in an injection mold, adding to the mold a tube for inserting rod 101, further comprising an internally threaded socket on a lateral side of the tube, and a corresponding male screw which is rotationally inserted into the socket. As a result of the rotation, the screw distal end protrudes into the tube, and frictional contact between a protruding distal end of the screw and rod 101 thereby prevents changing a length of rod 101 protruding from the tube. A similar mechanism may be formed for rod 103. Optionally, the tubes for rods 101 and 103 are in-line along an axis. In another embodiment, rod fastener 110 may comprise a latch that tightens a collar within the tube described above, and when closed the latch fixes the length of rod 101 protruding from the tube by frictional contact between the collar and rod 101. A similar mechanism may be formed for rod 103.

Optionally, friction pad 102 is fastened to downward rod 101 and friction pad 104 is fastened to upward rod 103. Friction pads 102 and 104 may comprise a surface contact material formed from a plastic, a rubber, a nano-technology composite, silicone, and/or any other material with a static friction coefficient sufficiently strong to resist acceleration and vibration forces found in a moving automobile. Friction pads 102 and 104 may be made by molding, stamping, pressing and the like. Optionally, friction pad 102 is fastened to downward rod 101 by pad fastener 120 and friction pad 104 is fastened to upward rod 103 with pad fastener 121. Pad fasteners 120 and 121 allow at least one degree of freedom to allow friction pads 102 and/or 104 to align with a plane of an opposing surface, thereby increasing the contact area with the opposing surface, which increases the frictional forces holding friction pad 102 and/or 104 in place. Optionally pad fasteners 120 and 121 may each be a hinge, a ball joint, a friction hinge, and/or any other type of fastener that provides at least one degree of freedom.

Optionally, pad fasteners 120 and 121 resist a change in orientation between friction pads 102 and 103 and corresponding rods 101 and 102, such that a force, for example pressure applied by a hand, is required to adjust the orientation.

Optionally, base 107 is connected to rods 101 and 103, and/or protrusion 108, with multiple degrees of freedom. Optionally extension 108 is connected to rods 101 and 103 with multiple degrees of freedom. The multiple degrees of freedom allow a user to adjust the viewing orientation of a mobile device display in base 107 without changing the location of apparatus 100. Since many display devices only display properly within a narrow field of viewing angles, both horizontally and vertically, multiple degrees of freedom may allow adjusting the orientation of a display device for optimal viewing by a user.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2, a schematic illustration of apparatus 100 positioned between downward surface 105 and upward surface 106, according to some embodiments of the current invention. Friction pad 102 is positioned in contact with upward surface 106, and friction pad 104 is positioned in contact with downward surface 105. Rods 101 and 103 may be manually extended and/or retracted to place friction pads 102 and 104 in pressured contact with upward surface 106 and downward surface 105 and rod fastener 110 may be adjusted to fix the length of downward rod 101 and upward rod 103 such that the pressured contact is maintained, as described above.

Optionally, friction pads 102 and/or 104 are formed from a pliable material, and when pressed against an opposing surface may repeatedly be formed to the contour of the opposing surface. For example, by pressing friction pad 102 onto upward surface 106, friction pad 102 is molded to the contour of the area of contact with upward surface 106. The pliable material may be a type of clay, a granular material, a visco- elastic liquid silicon, and/or any other material that may elastically be formed to a contour of an opposing surface. Optionally, friction pads 102 and/or 104 comprise a pliable friction surface material covering the pliable material, for example silicone, rubber, and the like.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3A, a schematic illustration of apparatus 100 positioned between upward facing dashboard 136 and downward facing windshield 135 of automobile 150, according to some embodiments of the current invention.

As shown in automobile 150, apparatus 100 is positioned on top of the dashboard 136 and in front of the forward windshield 135.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3B, a schematic illustration of apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. 3 A, with, one or more optional mounted image sensors 160, according to some embodiments of the current invention.

Optionally, image sensor 160 may be a camera(s), a dash cam, and any other device for capturing video and/or image content, and optionally integrating an audio recording device such as a microphone. Image sensor 160 is mounted on rod 101 and/or rod 103 by connector 161. Connector 161 allows at least one degree of freedom between image sensor 160 and rod 101 and/or 103, and may be for example a hinge, a joint, a swing hinge, and/or any other connector allowing at least one degree of freedom.

Optionally, image sensor 160 may be tilted and/or rotated relative to apparatus

100 by adjusting lever 161 in order to adjust imaging angle 164. Imaging angle 164 comprises the field of view that may be recorded by image sensor 160. As shown in FIG. 3B, image sensor 160 may be oriented with image angle 164 towards windshield 135. Optionally, image sensor 160 may be oriented with image angle 164 towards the passenger compartment of automobile 150, for example to record the driver and/or passengers.

Optionally, image sensor 160 is integrally formed as part of rod 103 and/or rod 101. For example when assembling apparatus 100, image sensor 160 may be located within rod 101 and/or 103 with an opening in rod 101 and/or 103 to allow optical access to the imaging angle 164. Image sensor may be attached to rod 103 and/or rod 101 by a bolt, a screw, adhesive, and/or any other attaching method. Optionally image sensor 160 comprises cable 163, which supplies image sensor 160 with electrical power. Cable 163 may be a universal serial bus (USB) cable, a 12 volt automobile cigarette lighter cable, and/or any other type of power cable for providing power to a image sensor. Optionally cable 163 comprises a splitter, comprising a plurality of power cable connections to provide power to a plurality of devices, for example connections to supply power to image sensor 160 and/or a mobile device held in base 107.

Optionally, image sensor 160 comprises a wireless communication interface, for example Bluetooth, wireless local area network (WLAN), and/or any other wireless networking protocol, whereby the recorded video may be transferred to a mobile device, for example the mobile device held in apparatus 100, a multimedia device integrated into automobile 150, and/or any other device with a corresponding wireless communication interface.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3C, a schematic illustration of a multiple pressure contact point apparatus 180 with an integrated image sensor, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Apparatus 180 is identical to apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. 3B, with the exception that it does not comprise base 107.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3D, a schematic illustration of a multiple pressure contact point apparatus 100 with a removable rod extender, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Optionally, as shown in 171, apparatus 100 comprises at least one rod extender that is formed to fit between the distal end of at least one of lower rod 103 and upper rod 101, and corresponding friction pad friction pad 102 and 104.

Optionally, extender 171 may be positioned between at least one of upper rod

101 and lower rod 103 and corresponding pad fastener 120 and 121. Optionally, extender 171 is formed to be manually and fixedly inserted and/or removed at a distal end of at least one of upper rod 101 and lower rod 103.

Optionally, as shown in 172, extender 172 may comprise an angular

displacement relative to an longitudinal axis of upper rod 101 and/or lower rod 103.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4, a flow chart of exemplary process 400 for manufacturing apparatus 100, according to some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in 401, base 107 is assembled from at least one component. The at least one component made be manufactured for example by molding, stamping, casting, stamping, and any other manufacturing process to manufacture a device for removably securing a mobile device.

Optionally, base 107 comprises a protrusion 108, which may be a rod, an extension bar, and/or any other structure that connects base 107 to rod 101 and/or 103 from a distance. Protrusion 108 may extend from a rearward facing side of base 107, and may be connected to base 107 allowing at least one degree of freedom, as described above.

As shown in 402, downward rod 101 and upward rod 103 are assembled. Rods

101 and 103 are adapted to allow adjusting a length. Rods 101 and 103 are assembled to comprise at least one fastener 110 that adjustably secures the length of rods 101 and/or 103, as described above.

Optionally, fastener 110 is a mechanical device, for example a latch, a thread and bolt lock, a friction lock, a collar, a clamp, a thread and bold locking mechanism, a friction lock, a collar, a spring activated key and key seat assembly and/or any other type of mechanism that adjustably fixes a length of rods, for example rods 101 and/or 103, as described above.

Optionally fastener 110 is an integral element of base 107, for example as described above.

As shown in 403, optionally friction pads 102 and 104 are attached to corresponding rods 101 and 103. Optionally, friction pads 102 and 104 are attached by a connector that provides at least one degree of freedom, for example a joint, a ball joint, a hinge, a friction hinge, and the like, as described above.

Optionally, friction pads 102 and/or 104 are assembled comprising a contact area made of a pliant material which when forcibly pressed against an opposing surface is formed to contour the opposing surface, as described above.

As shown in 404, rods 101 and 103 are attached to base 107 in-line along the same longitudinal axis. Upward rod 103 is attached to base 107 allowing an upward extension. Optionally, upward rod 103 may be attached to base 107 with any connector that allows at least one degree of freedom, for example a rod hinge as described above. Optionally upward rod 103 is an integrally formed element of base 107. Downward rod 101 is attached to base 107 allowing a downward extension. Optionally downward rod 101 may be attached to base 107 with any connector that allows at least one degree of freedom, for example a rod hinge as described above. Optionally downward rod 101 is an integrally formed element of base 107.

Optionally, base 107 comprises at least one receiving tube into which rod 101 and/or rod 103 may be inserted, and fastener 110 is an integrally formed element of base 107 and may be adjusted to set the protruding length of rods 101 and/or 103 from the shaft, as described above. The receiving shaft may be an integrally formed element of base 107 and/or may be attached to base 107 by a connector allowing at least one degree of freedom.

Optionally, downward rod 101 comprises a plurality of rods, for example two or three rods extending laterally below base 107. Optionally, upward rod 103 comprises a plurality of rods, for example two or three rods extending laterally above base 107.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant fasteners will be developed and the scope of the term fasteners is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

As used herein the term "about" refers to ± 10 %.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", "having" and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to". This term encompasses the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of".

The phrase "consisting essentially of" means that the composition or method may include additional ingredients and/or steps, but only if the additional ingredients and/or steps do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition or method. As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance or illustration". Any embodiment described as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and/or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.

The word "optionally" is used herein to mean "is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments". Any particular embodiment of the invention may include a plurality of "optional" features unless such features conflict.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases "ranging/ranges between" a first indicate number and a second indicate number and "ranging/ranges from" a first indicate number "to" a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.