Device mounting system for a vehicle
A mobile device mounting system includes two jaws. The first jaw is generally fixed in position to a wheeled vehicle. The second jaw is pivotably connected to the first jaw via a hinge. The second jaw can be positioned into a closed or open position relative to the first jaw. A biasing element is used to move the second jaw towards the closed position. A support element spans the first and second jaws and may be used to support the mobile device when the mobile device is placed in the mounting system.
1. A device support apparatus configured for attaching to a vehicle comprising:
a first jaw;
a hinge connected to the first jaw;
a second jaw pivotably connected to the first jaw via the hinge,
wherein the second jaw is positionable relative to the first jaw into a closed position and an open position, in the open position the first jaw and second jaw are separated and form a mouth;
a biasing element for biasing the second jaw towards the closed position; and
a support element spanning between the first jaw and the second jaw within the mouth.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the biasing element comprises a torsion spring.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the torsion spring is disposed proximate the hinge.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the support element comprises a flexible material.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first jaw at least partially defines a first groove and wherein the second jaw at least partially defines a second groove, wherein the first groove is disposed on the first jaw so as to face the second groove.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the support element is substantially aligned with the first groove and the second groove when the second jaw is in the open position.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the support element is taut when the second jaw is in the open position.
8. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the second jaw at least partially defines a gap that bisects the second groove, and wherein the support element is connected to the second jaw on two sides of the gap.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the support element comprises the biasing element.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the support element further comprises a plurality of rigid elements and a hinge pivotably connecting the plurality of rigid elements.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the biasing element comprises an elastic element.
12. A method of accessing a support system comprising a first jaw and a second jaw pivotably connected to the first jaw, the method comprising:
grasping the second jaw;
pulling the second jaw away from the first jaw thus forming a mouth therebetween;
exposing a support element spanning between the first jaw and the second jaw within the mouth;
disposing a mobile device on the support element; and
releasing the second jaw,
wherein releasing the second jaw causes the second jaw to pivot towards the first jaw.
13. The method of claim 12 , further comprising providing the support system.
14. The method of claim 12 , wherein releasing the second jaw aligns an edge of the mobile device with a groove defined by at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw so as to sit the edge in the groove.