Quick Draw Cradle.pdf

US007571522B2 patent describes a universal cradle apparatus for securely cradling hand-held or personal devices. The apparatus features a pair of substantially rigid jaw structures with a base plate and a planar mounting surface. A spring-return clamping mechanism, formed by a telescoping male linear drive shaft and a mating female linear drive channel, allows for easy and secure cradling of devices. The jaw structures are adjustable on the drive shaft and drive channel, and one member of the clamping mechanism can be relatively stationary, formed with a rigid base plate for securing to an external mounting surface.

Key aspects of the invention include:

A spring-return clamping mechanism for easy and secure cradling of devices
Adjustable jaw structures on the drive shaft and drive channel
A relatively stationary member of the clamping mechanism with a rigid base plate for securing to an external mounting surface
A universal design for cradling various hand-held or personal devices

The patent cites several prior art references, including US patents 2,319,377, 2,733,492, and 6,647,248, and is related to US patent application Ser. No. 10/636,058 and co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 11/136,797. The patent has 20 claims and 3 drawing sheets.