WO2017118838A1

WO2017118838A1 - Holder for portable electronic device

Info

Publication number: WO2017118838A1
Application number: PCT/GB2016/054080
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pejman Tajvand
Original assignee: Pejman Tajvand
Priority date: 2016-01-04
Filing date: 2016-12-28
Publication date: 2017-07-13
Also published as: GB2545936A; GB2545936B; GB201600089D0

Abstract

The holder (10) has a main assembly (14) including four body sections (20, 22, 24, 26) interconnected by means of four links (28, 30, 32, 34) to enable the body sections to move relative to each other in a common plane. At least some of the body sections carry an abutment member (48, 64) for engagement with side edge regions of a portable electronic device (12). Two links are pivotally connected with each body section and the ends of the links connected with any one body section are drivingly engaged. The holder (10) may also include a mounting attachment (16) releasably connectable to the main assembly to suspend the main assembly from a support. The mounting attachment may have a suction cup (18) or may be a suspension arm adapted to be clamped at one end between an electrical socket and a plug.

Description

HOLDER FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a holder for use with a portable electronic device, such as a mobile phone or tablet. Background to the Invention

A range of portable electronic devices have been developed which incorporate a screen for display purposes. These include smart mobile phones, tablet computers, portable games consuls and the like. These devices can be used for a variety of activities, some of which involve viewing images on the screen without the need to make constant inputs to the device. Such activities might include watching movies, videos, or downloaded TV programmes and the like, filming video footage or taking so called "selfie" pictures. Portable electronic devices are generally designed to be handheld but when a user is predominantly watching images on the screen it is convenient to be able place the device in a suitable orientation where the screen can be comfortably viewed without it having to be held.

Holders have been developed which can hold electronic devices for hands free use. However, portable electronic devices come in different sizes and have a rectangular screen that can be viewed in either portrait or landscape mode and the Icnown holders tend to be complex in design and operation in order to be able to hold devices of different sizes and in different orientations.

There is a need then for an alternative holder that can automatically adjust to accommodate electronic devices in a range of sizes and which can hold a device in either portrait or landscape orientation.

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a holder for a portable electronic device, the holder comprising a main assembly including a first body section, a second body section in line with the first body section along a first axis, the first and second body sections being reciprocally movable relative to one another along said first axis; third and fourth body sections spaced apart one either side of said first and second body sections and said first axis, said third and fourth body sections being movable relative to one another in a direction perpendicular to said first axis; at least some of the body sections carrying an abutment member for engagement with a side edge region of a portable electronic device; said body sections being interconnected by a link arrangement comprising a first link pivotally connected at a first end with said first body section and pivotally connected at a second end with said third body section, a second link pivotally connected at a first end with said first body section and pivotally connected at a second end with said fourth body section, a third link pivotally connected at a first end with said second body section and pivotally connected at a second end with said third body section, and a fourth link pivotally connected at a first end with said second body section and pivotally connected at a second end with said fourth body section, and a coupling arrangement for a drivingly engaging each pair of said links pivotally connected to the same body section. In an embodiment, a least one first abutment member is provided in fixed relation to the first body section, at least one second abutment member is provided in fixed relation to the third body section, and at least one further second abutment member is provided in fixed relation to the fourth body section, the abutment members having portions occupying a common plane for engagement with side edge regions of a portable electronic device.

In an alternative embodiment at least one first abutment member is provided in fixed relation to the first body section and at least one second abutment member is provided in fixed relation to the second body section, the abutment members having portions occupying a common plane for engagement with side edge regions of a portable electronic device.

The coupling arrangement may comprise each link carrying an arcuate array of gear teeth at either end, the teeth at the ends of respective links pivotally connected to the same body section being engaged to drivingly couple said links.

The main assembly may have a resilient arrangement for biasing said first and second body sections towards each other along the first axis. The resilient arrangement may be configured to bias the main assembly towards an initial configuration. In the initial configuration, the first and second body sections may be in abutment and/or the third and fourth body sections may be at a maximum lateral spacing from one another. The main assembly may be configured such that the first and second body sections are movable from the initial configuration in a direction away from one another along the first axis against the bias force, said movement causing the first and second links to pivot relative to the first body section and the third and fourth links to pivot relative to the second body section and causing the third and fourth body sections to move laterally closer to one another.

In an embodiment, the resilient arrangement comprises a first resilient member operative between the first body section and each of the first and second links to bias each the first and second links for rotational movement about their respective pivotal connections with the first body section and a second resilient member operative between the second body section and each of the third and fourth links to bias each of the third and fourth links for rotational movement about their respective pivotal connections with the second body section. Each of the first and second resilient members may be a spring. The spring may be a spring shaped from a length of flat spring material.

The holder may comprise a mounting attachment for suspending the main assembly from a support, the mounting attachment being attached to one of the first body section and the second body section.

In an embodiment, the holder comprises a mounting attachment for suspending the main assembly from a support, the mounting attachment being releasably attachable to either one of the first body section and the second body section. Each of the first and second body sections may have a first corresponding formation and the mounting attachment may have a second corresponding formation, the first and second corresponding formations being engageable to mount the mounting attachment to a respective one of the first and second body sections. One of the first and second corresponding formations may be a sprung clip and the other of the first and second corresponding formations may be an aperture into which the clip is releasably receivable. The sprung clip may comprise an annular wall and a head on a free end of the wall, the head having a greater outer diameter than the wall so as to define a radial lip between the head and the wall, The head and at least part of the wall may be divided into resilient segments by means of a plurality of axial slits spaced circumferentially about the clip so that the segments can be compressed radially inwardly from a resiliently biased configuration. The second formation may comprise a stepped bore, the bore having a narrower diameter portion in which the annular wall is a close sliding fit and a wider diameter portion in which the head of the clip can be received when the clip is in its resiliently biased configuration, the clip being radially compressible from its resiliently biased configuration to allow the head to pass through the narrower diameter portion of the bore. The mounting attachment may have a suction cap for attachment to a surface.

The mounting attachment may comprise a suspension arm having a first end mountable to the main assembly and a second end having a mounting plate for location between an electrical power socket and a plug inserted into the socket. The mounting plate may have one or more openings through which pins of a plug can pass to engage in corresponding apertures a socket. The one or more openings in the mounting plate may be configured to enable the arm to be used with a range of plugs and sockets having differing pin and aperture configurations. Alternatively, the mounting plate may have an opening configured to engage about an outer surface of part of an electrical plug. The main assembly may be able to pivot relative the mounting attachment when suspended, The main assembly may pivot about an axis with extends generally perpendicular to a plane in which the body sections move.

The holder may comprise a main assembly and two or more differently configured mounting attachments. The at least one first abutment member may be spaced in the direction of the first axis from the pivotal connections between the first and second links and the first body section. The holder may have two first abutment members in fixed relation to the first body section, the two first abutment members being laterally spaced apart one either side of the first axis. The lateral spacing between the first abutment members may be less than the lateral spacing between the second abutment members when the holder is in its initial configuration.

The first body section may have a support arrangement for standing the first body section on a horizontal surface with the second body section located above the first body section. The support arrangement may be configured so that the first and second body sections of the main assembly are reclined from the vertical when stood on a horizontal surface.

The body sections may all be movable relative to one another in a common plane. The links may all be located in and movable relive to one another in a common plane.

The main assembly may be configured such that moving the first and second body sections away from one another in the direction of the first axis from their relative positions in the initial configuration causes the second abutment members to be moved laterally closer to one another and to be moved longitudinally away from the first abutment members in the direction of the first axis.

The main assembly may be configured such that the second abutment members are equi-spaced laterally from the first axis and equi-spaced longitudinally from the first abutment members in the direction of the first axis at all times. Each of the body sections may comprise a pair of plates arranged in parallel spaced relation, end regions of links pivotally connected with each respective body section being received between the plates of said respective body section.

The third and fourth body sections may be movable relative to the first body section in the direction of the first axis. In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a holder for a portable electronic device, the holder comprising a main assembly including a first body section, a second body section located above the first body section, the first and second body sections being reciprocally movable relative to one another in a first direction; third and fourth body sections spaced laterally apart one either side of said first and second body sections, said third and fourth body sections being aligned with one another in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction; the first body section carrying at least one first abutment member and each of the third and fourth body sections carrying at least one second abutment member, the first and second abutment members each having portions occupying a common plane for engagement with side edge regions of a portable electronic device; said body sections being interconnected by a link arrangement comprising a first link pivotally connected at a first end with said first body section and pivotally connected at a second end with said third body section, a second link pivotally connected at a first end with said first body section and pivotally connected at a second end with said fourth body section, a third link pivotally connected at a first end with said second body section and pivotally connected at a second end with said third body section, and a fourth link pivotally connected at a first end with said second body section and pivotally connected at a second end with said fourth body section, each link having an array of gear teeth at either end, the teeth at the first ends of the first and second links pivotally connected with the first body section being engaged, the teeth at the first ends of the third and fourth links pivotally connected with the second body section being engaged, the teeth at the second ends of the first and third links pivotally connected with the third body section being engaged, and the teeth at the second ends of the second and fourth links pivotally connected with the fourth body section being engaged; the main assembly having a resilient arrangement for biasing the first and second body sections towards each other along the first axis to an initial configuration.

The third and fourth body sections may be movable relative to the first body section in the first direction. A holder in accordance with either of the first and second aspects of the invention bay be adapted to hold a smart phone in either portrait or landscape configuration.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a perspective view from the front of a main assembly forming part of a holder for a portable electronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view from the rear of the main assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an exploded, perspective view of the main assembly of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of part of the main assembly of Figure 3 but on an enlarged scale;

Figure 5 is a composite, exploded perspective view of a holder according to an aspect of the invention including the main assembly of Figures 1 to 4 together with two alternative mounting attachments;

Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views from the rear and front respectively of the holder of Figure 5 showing the holder in use to hold a mobile phone in a portrait orientation using a first of the mounting attachments in Figure 5; Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views similar to those of Figures 6 and 7 but showing the holder in use to hold a mobile phone in a landscape orientation.

Figures 10 and 11 are perspective views from the rear and front respectively of the main assembly of Figures 1 to 4 illustrating use of the main assembly as a stand to support a portable electronic device on a horizontal surface without use of a mounting attachment;

Figures 12 and 13 are views similar to those of Figures 10 and 11 illustrating an alternative mode of use of the main assembly as a stand to support a portable electronic device on a horizontal surface without use of a mounting attachment

Figures 14 and 15 are perspective views illustrating use of the holder to suspend the main assembly from an electrical power socket in portrait mode using a second of the mounting attachments shown in Figure 5;

Figures 16 and 17 are views similar to those of Figures 14 and 15 but illustrating use of the mounting attachment to suspend the main assembly from an electrical power socket in landscape mode; Figures 18 and 19 are views similar to those of Figures 16 and 17 but illustrating use of a modified mounting attachment to suspend the main assembly from an electrical power socket in landscape mode; and,

Figure 20 is a perspective view illustrating the main assembly of Figures 1 to 4 mounted to a camera tripod and supporting a mobile phone in landscape mode.

For the avoidance of doubt, relative directional terms such as "upper", "upward", "upwardly", "lower", "downward", "downwardly", "vertical", and "horizontal" when used in relation to the holder and/or its component parts in the following description and claims relate to the holder and/or its component parts when the holder is oriented in an upright position as shown in Figures 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings and should be construed accordingly. It will be appreciated though that the holder could, nevertheless, be used in other orientations.

An embodiment of a holder 10 for a portable electronic device 12 is shown in the accompanying drawings. The holder 10 is particularly intended for holding a portable electronic device 12 having a screen so that the screen can be viewed in either a portrait or landscape orientation. The holder 10 as shown in the accompanying drawings is configured and dimensioned especially to hold a smart type mobile phone 12 falling within the typical range of sizes commonly in use today, though the holder 10 may also be used to mount a small tablet computer. However, it will be appreciated that the dimensions of the holder 10 can be scaled up or down to hold devices 12 of different sizes. For example, a larger version of the holder 10 could be produced to hold larger tablet computers and the like. In the following description, the device 12 will be referred to as a mobile phone but it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed holder which can be adapted for use with other types of portable electronic device, including but not limited to: tablet computers, portable games consuls and the like.

The holder 10 has a main assembly 14 which can be used independently as a stand for positioning on a generally horizontal surface, such as a table, desktop, shelf, or the like. As illustrated in Figure 5, the holder 10 also includes one or more mounting attachments 16, 17, either of which are releasably connectable to the main assembly 14 in order that the main assembly can be suspended from a support. In the present embodiment, two differing types of mounting attachment are shown by way of example. A first mounting attachment 16 includes a suction cup assembly to enable the holder 10 to be suspended from smooth surface, such as a wall or window or the like using the mounting attachment as illustrated in Figures 6 to 9. A second mounting attachment 17 is in the form of a suspension arm adapted to be secured to an electrical power socket using an electrical plug as illustrated in Figures 14 to 19. However, a range of mounting attachments 16, 17 to enable the main assembly to be suspended in different ways can be provided. The holder 10 may be supplied as a complete kit including a main assembly 14 and one or more mounting attachments 16, 17 or the main assembly 14 and mounting attachments 16, 17 may be supplied separately so that a user has the option to purchase only those mounting attachments which are suitable for their purposes.

The main assembly 14 has four body sections 20, 22, 24, 26 which are movably interconnected by four links or arms 28, 30, 32, 34 to form a clamping arrangement for holding a mobile phone 12. Each of the body sections 20, 22, 24, 26 has a respective front plate 20a, 22a, 24a, 26a and a respective rear plate 20b, 22b, 24b, 26b. The front and rear plates of each body section have a broadly similar outer profile when viewed in front elevation and are spaced apart by a distance to accommodate end regions of respective links 28, 30, 32, 34 between them. In the present embodiment, one or more intermediate plates 20c and 22c, are also located between the front and rear plates of a first body section 20 and second body section 22.

The front and rear plates, and any intermediate plates, of each body section are held together in spaced relation by any suitable means. In the present embodiment, the front and rear plates of each body section are held together by means of a number of inter-engaging formations 36. As can be seen best in Figures 3 and 4, each inter- engaging formation 36 includes first formations 38a, 38b projecting from the inner surface of the rear plate and a corresponding second formation 40 on the inner surface of the front plate. The second formation 40 on the front plate is in the form of an annular wall. The first formations 38a, 38b on the rear plate include a central, circular pin portion 38a which locates in the central bore of the corresponding annular wall 40 on the front plate and an annular sleeve 38b which locates about the outer surface of the annular wall 40. The corresponding first and second formations 38a, 38b, 40 may be a friction fit so as to hold the front and rear plates together when interconnected or they may be bonded or welded together or secured with a snap-fit. The inter-engaging formations 36 hold the front and rear plates of each body section together at a suitable spacing. Certain of the formations 36 also act as pivots for mounting the link arms as will be described later. It will be appreciated that the relative location of the first and second corresponding formations 38a, 38b, 40 on the front and rear plates could be reversed. Indeed, it should be understood that any suitable arrangement attaching the front and rear plates together in parallel spaced relation can be used.

The first body section 20 has an upper region 42 with a generally square profile when viewed in front elevation and an inverted T-shaped region 44 projecting downwardly from a lower edge 46 of the upper region. Two first abutment members 48 are spaced laterally apart along the outer face 50 of the horizontal cross-bar portion 44a of the inverted T-shaped region of the front plate 20a. The first abutment members 48 project forwardly from the front plate and each have a generally square- shaped outer head 52 and a narrower neck 54 connecting the head 52 to the front plate. The necks 54 of the first abutment members are also square in lateral cross- section and are configured to engage a first side edge of a mobile phone 12 whilst the heads 52 extend over the front face of the phone. The necks 54 may taper, becoming narrower in a direction from the outer head 52 to the front plate 20a. At least the necks 54 of the abutment members may be covered or coated in a soft rubber or rubber-like or elastomeric material so as to protect the edges of a phone 12 and to reduce slippage between the phone edge and the abutment member. The first abutment members 48 are configured to engage a shorter side edge

56 of the phone 12 when the phone is to be held in a portrait orientation as shown in Figures 6 and 7 or a longer side edge 58 of the phone when the phone is held in a landscape orientation as shown in Figures 8 and 9. The lateral spacing between the first abutment members 48 is selected to be as wide as reasonably possible so that they can stably support a phone along a longer edge 58 in landscape orientation whilst also being capable of engagement with a short side edge 56 of the phone. The spacing between the first abutment members 48 will be appropriately configured for the range of phone sizes the holder is intended to be used with. Preferably, the first abutment members 48 are spaced apart to allow access to any recharging port or other electrical connections provided in a central region of the short side edge 58 of the phone. Whilst two first abutment members 48 are particularly effective, the number of first abutment members 48 on the first body section 20 can be varied. For example, a single, elongate first abutment member 48 could be used extending along the cross-bar 44a or more than two first abutment members 48 could be used.

A pair of supporting feet 60 project rearwardly from the outer surface 59 of the cross-bar portion 44a of the rear plate 20b of the first body section 20 to enable the main assembly 14 to be stood generally upright on a horizontal surface. The supporting feet 60 are relatively thin, plate-like members having a generally triangular shape when the holder is viewed in elevation from the side. The feet 60 each have a lower, surface engaging edge 62 which is angled upwardly from the horizontal in a direction away from the rear plate so that the main assembly 14 is reclined relative to the vertical when stood on a horizontal surface. This positions a phone 12 held in the main assembly 14 at a suitable angle for viewing its screen. The lower edge 62 may be angled in the range of 10 to 40 degrees to the horizontal, for example. The supporting feet 60 are spaced apart by a suitable distance to provide a stable base for the main assembly 14. In the present case, the supporting feet 60 are spaced by a distance approximately equal to the width of the upright portion 44b of the inverted T- shaped region 44. However, it will be appreciated that the feet can be spaced apart by any suitable distance. Indeed it should be noted that the any suitable supporting arrangement can be adopted to enable the main assembly 14 to be stood generally upright on a horizontal surface. This might involve a single supporting foot of other rearward projection. A pair of phone abutments 63 also project outwardly from the upright portion 44b of the rear plate in spaced relation to the feet to hold a phone in position between the abutments and the feet as shown in Figures 12 and 13.

The second body section 22 is located above the first body section 20 along a first longitudinal axis X-X. The first axis X-X extends generally vertically when the main holder assembly 14 is suspended from a vertical surface, The second body section 22 has a square profile when viewed in elevation from the front and is the same size and shape as the square upper region 42 of the first body section 20. The first and second body sections 20, 22 occupy a common plane and are movable relative to one another reciprocally in the direction of the first axis X-X within the common plane.

The third and fourth body sections 24, 26 are located one either side of the first and second body sections 20, 22 and the first axis X-X, The third and fourth body sections are equidistant from the first axis X-X and are aligned along a second, lateral axis Y-Y perpendicular to the first axis X-X. Accordingly, the second axis Y-Y is horizontal when the first axis X-X is vertical. The third and fourth body sections 24, 26 have a rectangular profile when viewed in elevation from the front, with the longer sides aligned parallel to the first axis X-X. The third and fourth body sections 24, 26 are identical in size and shape to one another. The third and fourth body sections occupy the same plane as the first and second body sections and are moveable relative to one another and to the first and second body sections within said plane,

A second abutment member 64 is located centrally on the outer face of the front plate 24a, 26a of each of the third and fourth body sections 24, 26. Each second abutment member 64 projects forwardly from the outer face of its respective front plate 24a, 26a. The second abutment members 64 are identical to one another and to the first abutment members 48, each having an outer head 52 and a narrower neck 54 connecting the head 52 to their respective front plate 24a, 26a. The second abutment members 64 occupy the same plane as the first abutment members 48 and are configured so that their necks 54 engage side edge regions of a mobile phone 12 mounted in the holder whilst their heads 52 extend over the front face of the phone. When a phone 12 is mounted in portrait as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the second abutment members 64 engage opposite longer side edges 58 of the phone. When a phone is mounted in landscape as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the second abutment members 64 both engage the upper, longer, side edge 58 of the phone.

Figures 3 and 4 show in greater detail how the body sections 20, 22, 24, 26 are interconnected by the link arms 28, 30, 32, 34. A first link 28 is pivotally connected at a first end 28a to the upper region 42 of the first body section 20 and at a second end 28b to a lower region of the third body section 24. A second link 30 is pivo tally connected at a first end 30a to the upper region 42 of the first body section 20 and at a second end 30b to a lower region of the fourth body section 24. A third link 32 is pivotally connected at a first end 32a to the second body section 22 and at a second end 32b to an upper region of the third body section 24. A fourth link 34 is pivotally connected at a first end 34a to the second body section 22 and at a second end 34b to an upper region of the fourth body section 24,

Each of the links 28, 30, 32, 34 is a relatively thin, elongate plate like structure having a circular pivot hole 66 close to either end. Each pivot hole 66 locates over a respective formation 36 with a close sliding fit so that the link can pivot about the formation 36, which acts as a pivot pin. The links 28, 30, 32, 34 all pivot relative to the respective body sections they are connected to about axes Z which extend parallel to one another and which are perpendicular to the first axis X-X and to the plane in which the body sections move. In respect of each of the first and second body sections, the axes of rotation Z of the links connected thereto are aligned horizontally whereas for each of the third and fourth body sections the axes of rotation Z of the links connected thereto are aligned vertically.

Each link 28, 30, 32, 34 carries any array of gear teeth 68 at either end. Each array 68 extends arcuately about the centre of the adjacent pivot hole 66, which defines the axis of rotation Z of the link, and rotates together with its respective links about the axis Z. The gear teeth 68 may be formed integrally with the link or may be formed on separate components mounted to the links for movement with the links. In the embodiment shown, the gear teeth have a greater thickness than the main portion of the link between them. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the gear teeth have the same thickness as the link and only extend over a limited arcuate extent. Each array of gear teeth could also be provided in two separate components, one mounted either side of the central ink portion.

Each body section has the ends of two links pivotally connected to it and the arrays of gear teeth 68 at the ends of each pair of links connected to the same body section 20, 22, 24, 26 are engaged. Accordingly, the gear teeth 68 at the first ends 28a, 30a of the first and second links 28, 30 mounted to the first body section 20 are engaged; the gear teeth 68 at the first ends 32a, 34a of the third and fourth links 32, 34 mounted to the second body section 22 are engaged; the gear teeth 68 at the second ends 28b, 32b of the first and third links 28, 32 mounted to the third body section 24 are engaged; and the gear teeth 68 at the second ends 30b, 34b of the second and fourth links 32, 34 mounted to the fourth body section 34 are engaged. The arrays of gear teeth 68 all have the same pitch circle diameter and the same number of teeth so that the ratio of movement between each pair of inter-engaged links is 1 : 1. The arrays of gear teeth 68 remain engaged over the full range of pivotal movement of the links. The array 68 at one end of each link may be offset by one tooth relative to the array 68 at the other end of the same link to ensure that the teeth 68 on the various links can engage correctly when assembled. The spacing between the front and rear plates of the body sections is sufficient to allow the links to pivot freely about their respective projections 36 whilst being maintained in a common plane.

Resilient means is provided to bias the main assembly 14 to an initial rest configuration as shown in Figures 1 and 2, in which the third and fourth body sections 24, 26 are at their widest lateral spacing. In this embodiment, the first and second body sections 20, 22 are in contact with one another in the initial configuration. The resilient means in the present embodiment comprises two flat springs 70, 72.

A first flat spring 70 is operative to bias the second, outer ends 28b, 30b of the first and second links 28, 30 downwardly relative to the first body section 20 about the pivotal connections of the links to the first body section. The first spring 70 has a central portion 73 which extends horizontally and engages in horizontal slots in opposed projections 74 on the inner surfaces of the front and rear plates 20a, 20b of the first body section 20. The projections 74 are located at a position just above the adjacent first ends 28a, 30a of the first and second links. The spring has short vertical sections 76 which extend upwardly either side of the projections 74 and lateral wing sections 78 which extend laterally outwardly from the upper ends of the vertical sections 76 substantially parallel to the upper edges 80 of the first and second links. At the outer ends of the wing sections 78, the spring has vertically extending legs 82 which project downwardly with curved ends that engage the upper edges 80 of the first and second links respectively. The legs 82 may be angled sharply relative to the lateral wing sections to ensure that the spring applies sufficient force to the links. Each leg may extend at an angle 0 of between 70 to 1 10 degrees to its respective lateral wing section. The second flat spring 72 is identical to the first spring 70 but is mounted to the second body section 22 in an inverted orientation relative to the first spring 70 so as to engage the lower edges 84 of the third and fourth links 32, 34 in a mirror image to the first spring 70. The second spring 72 is operative to bias the second, outer ends 32b, 34b of third and fourth links 32, 34 upwardly relative to the second body section 22 about the pivotal connections of the links to the second body section. The central horizontal section of the second spring 72 engages in horizontal slots in opposed projections 86 on the inner surfaces of the front and rear plates 22a, 22b of the second body section 22. The projections 86 are located below the first ends 32a, 34a of the third and fourth links 32, 34. The first and second springs can be shaped from a length of fiat spring material. The spring material could be a metallic material or a polymeric or composite material. The first and second flat springs 70, 72 are pre-stressed when mounted to bias the first and second body sections 20, 22 towards each other to an initial configuration in which the third and fourth body sections 24, 26 are at their maximum lateral spacing as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In the present embodiment, the first and second body sections 20, 22 abut one another in the initial configuration and contact between them acts as a stop. In the initial configuration as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the third and fourth body sections 24, 26 are aligned opposite one another along the second axis Y-Y, with the centrally located second abutment members 64 aligned approximately with the junction between the first and second body sections 20, 22.

The main assembly 14 can be moved from its initial configuration by separating the first and second body sections 20, 22 along the first axis X-X. This causes the outer ends of the first and second links 28, 30 to pivot upwardly relative to the first body section 20 compressing the first spring 70 and the outer ends of the third and fourth links 32, 34 to pivot downwardly relative to the second body section 22 compressing the second spring 72. As the links pivot, this causes the third and fourth body sections 24, 26 to move laterally closer together along the second axis Y-Y, whilst the second axis moves relative to the first axis X-X. A pair of inhibiting pins or stops 87 extend between the front and rear plates of each of the first and second body sections adjacent to the outside side surfaces of the vertical sections 76 of the respective spring 70, 72, The pins are engaged by the spring to limit movement of the links and to prevent the springs being over-extended. The engaged teeth 68 on the ends of the links drivingly couple the links together. This synchronises and regulates the movement of the links 28, 30, 32, 34 as the body sections move relative to one another, ensuring that the links all pivot by the same amount and remain in sync with one another. This in turn ensures that the movement of body sections 20, 22, 24, 26 is regulated and repeatable and in particular that the third and fourth body sections 24, 26 remain equally spaced from the first axis X-X at all times and that the side edges of the second abutments remain aligned parallel with the first axis X-X. Other arrangements for drivingly coupling the each pair of links pivotally mounted to the same body section other than gear teeth could be used. For example, the ends of the links could be provided with or coated in a high-friction material. The high-friction material on the ends of the links pivotally mounted to the same body section being in engagement so as to prevent one link from slipping relative to the other. The high-friction material could be a soft rubber-like material, for example.

Arrangements for securing a mounting attachment 16, 17 to the main assembly will now be described. Each of the mounting adaptors 16, 17 is releasably attachable to the rear plate of either of the first and second body sections 20, 22 by means of a snap-fit connection. In use, only one mounting adaptor 16, 17 will be attached to the main assembly 14 at a time and will be attached to either the first body section 20 or the second body section 22 depending on the orientation which the phone is to be held. The snap-fit connection is provided by means of a mounting formation 86a, 86b on the main assembly 14 and a corresponding mounting formation 88 on the mounting attachment 16, 17.

As shown in Figure 5, each of the mounting attachments 16, 17 has a mounting portion 102 with a corresponding mounting formation 88. The mounting formation 88 is in the form of a circular resilient clip located on a face of the mounting portion 102. The clip 88 has an annular wall 90. On the axially outer end of the wall is a head 92 which projects radially outwardly beyond the outer circumference of the wall 90 to define a radial lip 94 which faces the mounting portion 102, The outer surface 96 of the head is curved, sloping inwardly (i.e. towards the mounting portion) towards the outer diameter of the head. The head 92 and axial wall 90 are divided into segments 98 by means of axially directed slots 100 equi- spaced circumferentially so that the clip has a castellated configuration. The segments 98 are resiliently flexible, at least to some degree, so that they can be compressed radially inwardly from a resiliently biased configuration.

A first mounting formation 86a on the main assembly 14 is located centrally within the square upper region 42 of the rear plate 20b of the first body 20 and projects outwardly for co-operation with a corresponding formation 88 on a mounting attachment 16, 17 to enable the mounting attachment to be releasably secured to the first body section. A second mounting formation 86b is located centrally on the outer face of the rear plate 22b of the second body section 22, The mounting formations 86a. 86b are the same and each comprises an annular projection having an outer face 108. The projection defines a stepped bore 1 10 having a narrow diameter portion 1 10a adjacent the outer face 108 and a wider diameter portion 110b distal from the outer face 180 and proximal the rear plate 20b, 22b. An inwardly facing radial lip 1 10c extends between the two bores. The narrow diameter portion 110a of the bore is configured to be a close sliding fit about the outer surface of the annular wall 90 of the clip 88 whilst the wider portion 1 10b is configured to receive the head 92 when the clip is in its resiliently biased configuration. The outer diameter of the head 92 is larger than the narrower diameter portion 1 10a of the bore when the clip is in its resiliently biased configuration. However, the clip 88 can be compressed radially inwardly to allow the head 92 to pass through the narrower diameter portion 1 10a of the bore and enter the wider diameter portion 110b.

To secure a mounting attachment 16, 17 to one of the first and second body sections 20, 22, the mounting portion 102 of the attachment is offered up to the respective body section so that the head 92 of the clip 88 enters the narrower diameter portion 1 10a of the bore. The mounting attachment 16, 17 and the body section 20, 22 are pressed together causing the clip 88 to compress radially inwardly so that the head 92 enters further into the bore. This is assisted by the curved outer profile 96 of the head 92. As the mounting attachment 16, 17 and the body section 20, 22 are pressed closer together, the head 92 passes through the narrow diameter portion 110a of the bore and enters the wider diameter portion 110b. At this point, the clip 88 expands radially outwardly so that the lip 94 on the head 92 engages over the lip 1 10c in the bore. This prevents the clip 88 being withdrawn axially from the bore without first compressing the clip, which requires the application of a significant force in order to separate the mounting attachment and the body section in an axial direction of the clip. The formations 86a, 86b and the corresponding clip 88 are dimensioned so that when assembled, the outer face 108 of the annular projection abuts the opposing face of the mounting portion 102. The clip 88 is able to rotate within the bore 110 allowing the main assembly 14 and the mounting attachment 16, 17 to pivot relative to one another. This is advantageous in ensuring the main assembly 14 hangs vertically from the mounting attachment in use. The first body section 20 may be heavier than the second body section 22 to assist in the main assembly 14 hanging vertically in the correct orientation.

A mounting attachment 16, 17 can be separated from the main assembly 14 by pulling the mounting attachment 16, 17 away from the body section 20, 22 in an axial direction of the clip 88 with sufficient force to compress the clip and pull it out through the bore 1 10. The lips 94, 1 10c may be profiled to cause the clip 88 to compress when the mounting attachment 16, 17 is pulled away from the body section with sufficient force.

It will be appreciated that in a reversed configuration, a formation 86 in the form of a stepped bore can be provided on each of the mounting attachments 102 and a spring clip 88 on each of the first and second body sections 20, 22. It will also be appreciated that other snap-fit connectors could be used to secure a mounting attachment to the main assembly 14.

Use of the holder 10 to mount a phone 12 will now be described. Figures 6 and 7 illustrate use of the holder 10 in portrait mode to hold a mobile phone in portrait configuration whilst suspended from surface using the first mounting attachment 16. The surface will often be a vertical or generally upright surface such as a wall, window or the like. The mounting attachment 16 is attached to the second body section 22 by means of the second mounting formation 86b as described above. The holder 10 is then secured to a vertical surface using suction cup 18 so that the main assembly 14 hangs vertically, with the first body section 20 below the second body section 22. In this arrangement, the second body section 22 is fixed relative to the surface on which the holder 10 is mounted and the springs 70, 72 hold the main assembly in its initial configuration.

To insert a phone in the holder 10, the lower short edge 56 of the phone is engaged on the neck regions 54 of the first abutment members 48. The phone is tilted back so that the longer side edges 58 are aligned between the neck regions 54 of the second abutment members 64. The user allows the first abutment members 48 to gradually take the weight of the phone, which is sufficient to overcome the bias of the springs 70, 72 so that the first body section 20 is moved downwardly away from the second body section 22. This movement causes the first and second links 28, 30 to pivot upwardly relative to the first body section 20 and the third and fourth links 32, 34 to pivot downwardly relative to the second body section 22 so that third and fourth body sections 24, 26 move laterally closer together until the neck regions 54 of the second abutment members 64 engage with opposite longer sides 58 of the phone. The user can now release the phone 12 which is securely held between the abutment members 48, 64. The holder 10 is configured so that the weight of the phone is sufficient to overcome the bias of the springs 70, 72 and automatically clamp the second abutment members 64 securely on the opposite sides of the phone.

To release the phone 12, the user takes hold of the phone lifting it upwardly so that its weight is removed from the first abutment members 48. This allows the springs 70, 72 to bias the main assembly back towards the initial configuration, raising the first body section 20 towards the second 22 and causing the third and fourth body sections 24, 26 to move laterally part. Once the second abutment members 64 have moved apart sufficiently, the user can tilt the phone forwardly between them and lift it fully off the first abutment members 48. With the phone removed, the springs 70, 72 bias the main assembly fully back to the initial configuration.

It will be appreciated that the above-described sequence can be varied. For example, a phone can be inserted in the main assembly 14 before the main assembly is secured to a surface using suction cup 18.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate use of the holder 10 in landscape mode to hold a mobile phone 12 in landscape configuration whilst suspended from a surface using the first mounting attachment 16. The surface will often be a vertical or generally upright surface such as a wall or window or the like. The mounting attachment 16 is attached to the first body section 20 by means of the first mounting formation 86a as described above. The holder 10 is then secured to a surface using suction cup 18 so that the main assembly 14 hangs vertically with the first body section 20 below the second body section 22. In this arrangement, the first body section 22 is fixed relative to the surface on which the holder 10 is mounted and the springs 70, 72 hold the main assembly 14 in its initial configuration.

In order to mount a phone 12 to the holder, the user engages an upper, long side edge 58 of the phone under neck regions 54 of the second abutment members 64 and applies a force to lift the second abutment members 64. Due to the link arrangement, this causes the second body section 22 to be lifted away from the first body section and compresses the springs 70, 72. The user lifts the second abutment members 64 sufficiently until the lower edge 58 of the phone can be tilted inwardly over the heads 52 of the first abutment members 48. The user then lowers the phone 12 so that the lower edge 58 of the phone 12 engages with the neck regions 54 of the first abutment members 48. As the phone is lowered, the bias force of the springs 70, 72 attempts to move the main assembly back to its initial configuration causing the third and fourth body sections 24, 26 to move downwardly with respect to the first body section, clamping the phone between the first and second abutment members 48, 64. The holder 10 is configured so that the force of the springs 70, 72 is sufficient to securely clamp a phone 12 in the landscape orientation between the abutment members 48, 64. To remove the phone 12 from the holder, the above sequence is reversed. Again, it will be appreciated that the above-described sequence can be varied. For example, a phone 12 can be inserted in the main assembly 14 before the main assembly is secured to a surface using suction cup 18.

Whilst the mounting attachment 16 will generally be used to secure the main assembly to a vertical surface, it could be used to secure the main assembly 14 to surfaces which are not vertical if desired. However, when used in portrait mode at least, the main assembly 14 must be held in a suitable orientation such that the weight of the phone acting on the first body section 20 causes it to separate from the second body section 22 with sufficient force to ensure that the second abutment members 64 engage the sides of the phone and hold it securely.

The main assembly 14 can also be used as a stand on a horizontal surface in landscape mode to hold a phone 12 in a landscape configuration as illustrated in Figures 10 and 11. The phone 12 is secured in the main assembly 14 substantially in the manner described above in the landscape mode of use with reference to Figures 8 and 9. However, instead of suspending the main assembly 14 surface using a mounting attachment 16, the main assembly 14 is stood up on a horizontal surface on the lower edge of the horizontal cross-bar 44a and the rearwardly projecting supporting feet 60. In this arrangement, the first body section 20 is effectively fixed relative to the horizontal surface on which the main assembly is stood. The user may insert the phone in the holder 10 whilst holding the first body section 20 on the horizontal surface or may hold the first body section in their hand whilst inserting the phone 12 and then stand the first body section 20 on the horizontal surface. Figures 12 and 13 illustrate an alternate way of using the main assembly to support a phone 12 on a surface. The main assembly 14 is laid flat with the abutment members 48, 64 on a surface and the rear plates 20b uppermost. In this position, a phone 12 can be wedged between the phone abutments 63 and the feet 60 to support the phone at a suitable angle for viewing.

Instead of suspending the main assembly 14 from a surface using the suction cup 18 of the first mounting attachment 16, the main assembly 14 can be suspended from an electrical power socket using the second mounting attachment 17 as illustrated in Figures 14 to 17. The second mounting attachment 17 comprises an elongate suspension arm 104 having a mounting portion 102 with a corresponding mounting clip 88 at one end which can be secured to one of the first and second mounting portions 86a, 86b on the main assembly 14 as described above. At the other end of the arm 104 is a mounting plate 112 which is configured to be clamped between a face of an electrical power socket 114 and an electrical plug 1 16 inserted into the socket. The plate 112 is relatively thin and has one or more openings 118 through which the pins of an electrical plug can be inserted for engagement in corresponding holes in the power socket so that the plate 112 is securely held between the opposed faces of the plug 1 16 and socket 118. As different plug and socket configurations are adopted in various countries and/or geographical regions, the one or more openings 1 18 are advantageously configured so that the mounting attachment 17 can be used with as wide a range of standard plug and socket configurations as possible. This provides a "universal" type attachment that can be used in a number of different countries. However, a range of second mounting attachments 17 can be provided adapted for use with different standard electrical plug and socket configurations.

Typically the mounting attachment 17 will be used to secure the main assembly to a vertically oriented power socket which may be mounted in a wall. Depending on which of the openings 118 in the mounting plate 112 are used, the arm 104 may project from the power socket 114 at any one of a range of different angles. However, the main assembly 14 will always hang with the first body section 20 extending vertically below the second body section 22 due to the ability of the clip 88 to rotate in the corresponding formation 86a, 86b. The holder 10 can be used in either portrait or landscape modes by connecting the second mounting attachment 17 to either the first or the second body section as illustrated in the Figures. The second mounting attachment 17 can be used to conveniently hold a phone 12 whilst it is being charged. However, the second mounting attachment 17 can also be used to hold a phone for viewing the screen if a power socket is conveniently located,

In a further alternative embodiment illustrated in Figure 18 and 19, rather than having openings 1 18 through which the pins of a plug project, the plate 112 may have a larger opening 120 which is configured to be a close fit around the body of a plug 116. The opening 120 is advantageously be configured so that the plug 1 16 can be received in different orientations such that the arm 104 can be fixed to extend from the plug vertically or horizontally or at other angles.

The springs 70, 72 are calibrated so as return the main assembly 14 to the initial configuration in which the first and second body sections 20, 22 abut one another except when a phone 12 is mounted in the main assembly holder or a force is otherwise applied to separate the first and second body sections against the bias force of the springs. The springs 70, 72 are also calibrated so that: a) when the holder is being used in portrait mode suspended via a mounting attachment 16, 17 secured to the second body section 22, the weight of the phone 12 acting on the first abutment members 48 will move the first body section 20 downwardly against the bias of the springs 70, 72 with sufficient force that the second abutment members 64 grip opposing side edges of the phone 12 and hold the phone securely, and b) when the holder is used in landscape mode, the springs apply a sufficient force to clamp the phone securely between the first and second abutments members.

Whilst in the present embodiment the springs 70, 72 bias the main assembly 14 to an initial position in which the first and second body sections 20, 22 abut one another, this is not essential. Abutment of the first and second body sections 20, 22 provides a convenient means of establishing an initial or rest position of the main assembly 14 but it may be sufficient for the springs 70, 72 to bias the first and second body sections 20, 22 towards each other but without them coming into abutment. All that is required is that the springs bias the main assembly 14 to an initial position in which the second abutment members 64 are spaced apart laterally by a sufficient distance so that when used in portrait mode a phone can be inserted into the holder between the second abutment members 64, provided that conditions a) and b) set out above are also met.

The main assembly 14 may also be adapted to be mounted to a selfie stick or to a cameral stand, such as a tri-pod 121 as illustrated in Figure 20. Selfie sticks and camera stands typically have a standard screw attachment having an external male thread which is received in suitable attachment having a female thread on a phone or camera. To allow the main assembly 14 to be mounted to a selfie stick or camera stand, a mounting attachment 122 with a suitable female thread is attached to the lower crossbar portion 44a of the first body section. The screw mounting component 122 is located between the front and rear plates 20a, 20b in the cross-bar portion 44a and could be incorporated in an intermediate place 20c. The screw mounting component 122 has a central bore 124 which may have an internal thread suitable for receiving a standard screw mount on a selfie stick or camera stand. Alternatively, a captive nut having a suitable thread can be mounted in the bore, The thread may be ¼ inch, 20 thread per inch UNC for example.

The components of the holder 10 can be made from any suitable materials. However, in an embodiment the front and rear plates 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b 26a, 26b and any central plates 20c, 22c of the various body sections and the links 28, 30, 32, 34 are made from polymeric materials, which may be moulded or otherwise shaped.

The above embodiment is described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, it will be appreciated that the shapes of the various body sections 20, 22, 24, 26 can be varied from those shown and that the body sections need not be made up of opposed front and rear plates. Indeed, the basic configuration of body sections carrying phone engaging abutments interconnected by geared or otherwise drivingly engaged links can be effected in numerous ways without departing from the scope of the invention. In one possible alternative configuration, the first body section 22 may have only the lower cross-bar portion 44a and the first and second links 28, 30 are longer than the third and fourth links. In a further possible alternative configuration, no second abutment members 64 are provided on the third and fourth body sections 24, 26 portions but rather at least one second abutment member 64 is provided on the second body section 22. This configuration is less versatile as a phone or other device 12 could only be held in a landscape orientation but it still has advantages over the known holders.

Claims

1. A holder for a portable electronic device, the holder comprising a main assembly including a first body section, a second body section in line with the first body section along a first axis, the first and second body sections being reciprocally movable relative to one another along said first axis; third and fourth body sections spaced apart one either side of said first and second body sections and said first axis, said third and fourth body sections being movable relative to one another in a direction perpendicular to said first axis; at least some of the body sections carrying an abutment member for engagement with side edge regions of a portable electronic device; said body sections being interconnected by a link arrangement comprising a first link pivotally connected at a first end with said first body section and pivotally connected at a second end with said third body section, a second link pivotally connected at a first end with said first body section and pivotally connected at a second end with said fourth body section, a third link pivotally connected at a first end with said second body section and pivotally connected at a second end with said third body section, and a fourth link pivotally connected at a first end with said second body section and pivotally connected at a second end with said fourth body section, and a coupling arrangement for a drivingly engaging each pair of said links pivotally connected to the same body section.

2. A holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one first abutment member is provided in fixed relation to the first body section, at least one second abutment member is provided in fixed relation to the third body section, and at least one further second abutment member is provided in fixed relation to the fourth body section, the abutment members having portions occupying a common plane for engagement with side edge regions of a portable electronic device.

3. A holder as claimed in claim 1 , wherein at least one first abutment member is provided in fixed relation to the first body section and at least one second abutment member is provided in fixed relation to the second body section, the abutment members having portions occupying a common plane for engagement with side edge regions of a portable electronic device.

A holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the coupling arrangement comprises each link carrying an arcuate array of gear teeth at either end, the teeth at the ends of respective links pivotally connected to the same body section being engaged to drivingly couple said links.

A holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the main assembly having a resilient arrangement for biasing the first and second body sections towards each other along the first axis.

A holder as claimed in claim 5, wherein the resilient arrangement is configured to bias the main assembly towards an initial configuration in which the first and second body sections are in abutment and the third and fourth body sections are at a maximum lateral spacing from one another.

A holder as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the main assembly is configured such that the first and second body sections are movable in a direction away from one another along first axis against the bias force, said movement causing the first and second links to pivot relative to the first body section and the third and fourth links to pivot relative to the second body section causing the third and fourth body sections to move laterally closer to one another.

A holder as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the resilient arrangement comprises a first resilient member operative between the first body section and each of the first and second links to bias each the first and second links for rotational movement about their respective pivotal connections with the first body section and a second resilient member operative between the second body section and each of the third and fourth links to bias each of the third and fourth links for rotational movement about their respective pivotal connections with the second body section.

A holder as claimed in claim 8, wherein each of the first and second resilient members comprises a spring made from a flat spring material.

A holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder comprises a mounting attachment for suspending the main assembly from a support, the mounting attachment being attached to one of the first body section and the second body section.

A holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the holder comprises a mounting attachment for suspending the main assembly from a support, the mounting attachment being releasably attachable to either one of the first body section and the second body section.

A holder as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the mounting attachment comprises a suction cap for suspending the main assembly from a surface,

A holder as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 , wherein the mounting attachment comprises a suspension arm having a first end mountable to the main assembly and a second end having a mounting plate for location between an electrical power socket and a plug inserted into the socket.

A holder as claimed in claim 13, wherein the mounting plate has one or more openings through which pins of a plug can pass to engage in corresponding apertures a socket.

A holder as claimed in claim 14, wherein the one or more openings in the mounting plate are configured to enable the arm to be used with a range of plugs and sockets having differing pin and aperture configurations.

A holder as claimed in claim 13, wherein the mounting plate has an opening configured to engage about an outer surface of part of an electrical plug.

A holder as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the main assembly is able to pivot relative the mounting attachment.

A holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first abutment member is spaced in the direction of the first axis from the respective pivotal connections between the first and second links and the first body section.

19. A holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein there are two first abutment members in fixed relation to the first body section, the two first abutment members being laterally spaced apart one either side of the first axis.

20. A holder as claimed in claim 19 when dependent on claim 6, wherein the lateral spacing between the first abutment members is less than the lateral spacing between the second abutment members when the holder is in its initial configuration.

21. A holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first body section includes a support arrangement for standing the first body section on a horizontal surface with the second body section located above the first body section,

22. A holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body sections are all movable relative to one another in a common plane.

23. A holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the links are all located in and movable relive to one another in a common plane.

24. A holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each body section comprises a pair of plates arranged in parallel spaced relation, end regions of links pivotally connected with each respective body section being received between the plates of said respective body section.

25. A holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third and fourth body sections are movable relative to the first body section in the direction of the first axis.

26. A holder for a portable electronic device, the holder comprising a main assembly including a first body section, a second body section located above the first body section, the first and second body sections being reciprocally movable relative to one another in a first direction; third and fourth body sections spaced laterally apart one either side of said first and second body sections, said third and fourth body sections being aligned with one another in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction; the first body section carrying at least one first abutment member and each of the third and fourth body sections carrying at least one second abutment member, the first and second abutment members having portions occupying a common plane for engagement with side edge regions of a portable electronic device; said body sections being interconnected by a link arrangement comprising a first link pivotally connected at a first end with said first body section and pivotally connected at a second end with the third body section, a second link pivotally connected at a first end with said first body section and pivotally connected at a second end with the fourth body section, a third link pivotally connected at a first end with said second body section and pivotally connected at a second end with the third body section, and a fourth link pivotally connected at a first end with said second body section and pivotally connected at a second end with said fourth body section, each link having an array of gear teeth at either end, the teeth at the first ends of the first and second links pivotally connected with the first body section being engaged, the teeth at the first ends of the third and fourth links pivotally connected with the second body section being engaged, the teeth at the second ends of the first and third links pivotally connected with the third body section being engaged and the links at the second ends of the second and fourth links pivotally connected with the fourth body section being engaged; the main assembly having a resilient arrangement for biasing the first and second body sections towards each other along the first axis to an initial configuration.

A holder as claimed in claim 26, wherein the third and fourth body sections are movable relative to the first body section in the first direction.

A holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder is adapted to hold a smart phone in either portrait or landscape configuration.