U.S. patent application number 11/180589 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-19 for ball mounted mounting device.
Invention is credited to David R. Dobbins.
Application Number | 20060011795 11/180589 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35907920 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060011795 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dobbins; David R. |
January 19, 2006 |
Ball mounted mounting device
Abstract
An adaptable mounting apparatus for hand-held electronic
device(s) includes at least one mounting fixture connected by a
positionable support arm; wherein the support arm is capable of
clamping or locking either end to a spherical ball-mounting fixture
and the support arm is in a non-axial alignment between the
mounting fixtures.
Inventors: |
Dobbins; David R.; (North
Augusta, SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
35907920 |
Appl. No.: |
11/180589 |
Filed: |
July 14, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60587546 |
Jul 14, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/276.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 13/00 20130101;
F16M 2200/022 20130101; F16M 2200/065 20130101; B60R 2011/0056
20130101; F16C 11/106 20130101; B60R 2011/0089 20130101; F16M
11/2035 20130101; F16M 2200/044 20130101; F16M 11/10 20130101; F16M
11/2078 20130101; B60R 11/02 20130101; F16M 2200/02 20130101; F16M
11/2057 20130101; F16M 13/02 20130101; F16M 2200/024 20130101; B60R
11/00 20130101; B60R 2011/0068 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/276.1 |
International
Class: |
E04G 3/00 20060101
E04G003/00 |
Claims
1. An adaptable mounting apparatus for hand-held electronics
comprising: at least one mounting fixture connected by a
positionable support arm; wherein the support arm is capable of
clamping or locking either end to a spherical ball-mounting fixture
and the support arm is in a non-axial alignment between the
mounting fixtures.
2. The adaptable mounting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the ball mounting fixture is in a non-axial alignment at one or
both ends to further enhance positionability.
3. The adaptable mounting apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a cam-over-center, locking mechanism having mating face
capable of engaging a spherical mounting surface.
4. The adaptable mounting apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a spherical shaped clamp at one end that also grips the
arm body along a hexagonal surface, with at least one of the
clamping members having an internal contour to allow
half-positioning on the six sides.
5. The adaptable mounting apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a rubber pad secured within a clearance allowance in the
gripping area of each support arm clamp, wherein said rubber pad is
a vibration buffer between the mounting fixture ball and the mating
support arm clamping surfaces.
6. The adaptable mounting apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a suction mount at one or both ends of the support
arm.
7. The adaptable mounting apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a friction mount at one or both ends of the support
arm.
8. The adaptable mounting apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a multi-conforming mount at one or both ends of the
support arm to work in cooperation with a bolt-on flange.
9. The adaptable mounting apparatus according to claim 6, wherein
said suction mount further comprises: a housing including a
spherical clamping surface; a flange sleeve capable of sliding over
a cylindrical surface of the housing; a cam capable of operating
against the flange and rotating around the axis of the cylindrical
portion of the flange and housing; and a suction cup which has an
integral center shaft and cross mounting hole which nests in a
recess in the bottom of the housing and is retained by an assembly
pin.
10. The adaptable mounting apparatus according to claim 7, wherein
said friction mount further comprises: a housing including a
spherical clamping surface; an upper mounting flange with a conical
surface and having an anchoring boss with a cross hole for an
assembly pin, wherein the anchoring boss mates with a recess in the
housing and is retained in place by an assembly pin; a lower
mounting flange being provided with a conical surface opposing the
upper mounting flange; a friction ring of elastic material riding
between the upper and lower mounting flanges and capable of being
expanded as the flanges are drawn together; and a bolt retained by
lower mounting flange and threads into the upper mounting flange to
expand the friction ring, wherein the friction mount is capable of
mounting in a cup-holder recess commonly found in vehicles, and is
fixed by frictional pressure radially exerted against the inside
walls of the pocket.
11. The adaptable mounting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
the multi-conforming mount further comprises: a bolt-on ball
mounting fixture, a bendable contour sheet with forming memory and
retention holes; and one or more retention screws for attaching the
contour sheet to the ball mounting fixture.
12. A method of adaptably mounting a hand-held electronics device,
comprising mounting said hand-held electronics device within the
adjustable jaws of the mounting apparatus of claim 1.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an adaptable mounting
apparatus for hand-held electronics, and more particularly to an
adaptable mounting apparatus including mounting fixtures connected
by a positionable support arm. The support arm, may be arranged to
clamp or lock by either end to a variety of mounting fixtures,
e.g., including a spherical ball-mounting fixture.
[0003] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0004] It is often desirable to provide a mount for a hand held
electronics so that they can be placed in comfortable and
advantageous position. A variety of devices have been developed to
provide supports for hand held electronics and other similar sized
objects and they are often difficult to position or difficult to
control. Some of these devices are mechanically complex and
expensive.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,493,344 describes a mechanical plug device
which is used to seal the end of a piper conduit. The device uses a
seal which is placed between the pair of plate members which are
tightened through a screw in order to perform a tight seal.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,666,420 describes a suction cup device used
for moving glass windows or the like.
[0007] While these two devices have relevance to their own fields
of interest, they are not commonly used in support devices for hand
held electronics. Thus, the prior devices all have the shortcomings
of not being easily adjustable and being mechanically complex.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention overcomes the shortcomings associated
with the background art and achieves other advantages not realized
by the background art.
[0009] A first object of the present invention is to provide a
support arm with a non-axial alignment between the mounting
fixtures. In other words, to offset the body of the arm in such a
way that a rotation around the connector means at one or both ends
can be positioned substantially beyond 90 degrees.
[0010] A second object of the present invention is to provide a
non-axial alignment of the ball "mounting fixture" at one or both
ends to further enhance positionability. This approach to
adaptability is readily apparent in a mechanics wrench set wherein
a curved handled wrench is more adaptable to reaching a confined
bolt head than a straight wrench.
[0011] A third object of the present invention incorporates a
cam-over-center, locking mechanism that works like vise-grip
pliers. This arrangement differs from other well-known
cam-over-center locking apparatus in that it clamps on a spherical
surface with a substantially mating face.
[0012] A fourth object of the present invention includes a
sphere-gripping clamp at one end that also grips the arm body along
a hexagonal surface, e.g., the actual surface can be any number of
sides, with at least one of the clamping members having an internal
contour to allow half-positioning on the six sides (in the
exemplary hexagonal surface). In other words, internal contour will
allow the sphere-gripping clamp to index to twelve positions on six
surfaces of the arm. This approach to indexing is readily apparent
in a mechanics wrench set wherein a twelve point socket or wrench
will allow access to a hexagonal bold head from twice as many
radial positions. Prior designs provide for a degree of vibration
isolation between the two mounting fixtures. In one arrangement a
known product incorporates rubber balls molded onto a rigid
mounting fixture. However, this method is expensive to produce and
replace.
[0013] A fifth object of the present invention includes a clearance
allowance in the gripping area of each support arm clamp to
accommodate a rubber pad as a vibration buffer between the mounting
fixture ball and the mating support arm clamping surfaces. These
rubber pads are easily replaced when worn or decayed,
(unserviceable). The basic configuration of the present invention
is comprised of the described "support arm" and two "ball
mounting-fixtures," which position a bolt-on flange, as part of
each mounting fixture, at either end of the support arm.
[0014] A sixth object of the present invention is to provide a
"suction mount", at one or both ends of the support arm, to replace
the bolt-on flange.
[0015] A seventh objective is to provide "friction mount," at one
or both ends of the support arm, to replace the bolt-on flange.
[0016] An eighth objective is to provide a "multi-conforming mount"
at one or both ends of the support arm, to work in cooperation with
the bolt-on flange.
[0017] One or more of these and other objects are accomplished by a
device as shown or described in the accompanying drawings.
[0018] One or more of these and other objects are further
accomplished by a method of holding and mounting a device.
[0019] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter.
However, it should be understood that the detailed description and
specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the
invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various
changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from
this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given hereinafter and the accompanying
drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are
not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
[0021] FIG. 1 is side, perspective view of a mounting device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is side, perspective view of a mounting device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 3 is side, perspective view of a mounting device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 4 is side, perspective view of a mounting device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 5 is side, perspective view of a mounting device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 6 is side, perspective view of a mounting device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 7 is side, perspective view of a mounting device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 8 is side, perspective view of a mounting device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 9 is side, perspective view of a mounting device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 10 is side, perspective view of a mounting device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 11 is side, perspective view of a mounting device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 12 is side, perspective view of a mounting device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 13 is side, perspective view of a mounting device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 14 is side, sectional view of a mounting device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 15 is side, sectional view of a mounting device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 16 is side, perspective view of a mounting device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 17 is side, perspective view of a mounting device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 18 is an enlarged side, perspective view of a portion
of the mounting device shown in FIG. 17;
[0039] FIG. 19 is side, perspective view of a mounting device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 20 is a partial, sectional view of a suction mount for
a mounting device according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0041] FIG. 21 is an exploded, perspective view of a suction mount
for a mounting device according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 22 is an exploded, partial sectional view of a suction
mount for a mounting device according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0043] FIG. 23 is an exploded, perspective view of a friction mount
for a mounting device according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0044] FIG. 24 is side, perspective view of a mounting device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 25 is bottom, perspective view of a mounting device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 26 is side, perspective view of a mounting device
according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0047] FIG. 27 is side, perspective view of a mounting device
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0048] The present invention will hereinafter be described with
reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the mounting device
for the present invention is shown as 10 in FIG. 1.
[0049] As seen in FIG. 1, a basic support arm 14 and bolt-on
mounting fixture assembly 12 with an axis drawn between the ball
pivot and contact surface of each fixture is shown. One of skill in
the art will appreciate that the intended offset of the Support Arm
Assembly in the exemplary embodiment shown is above the axis, i.e.,
although offsets may be in alternative positions with respect to
the axis. This arrangement is both pivotable, in relation to the
Mounting Fixtures, around the center of each spherical contact
surface, and rotatable around the sphere-to-sphere axis. By
avoiding a mechanism with the bulk of the arm body between, or
axially aligned with the ball pivot points, a greater combination
of mounting angles may be accommodated over the previous attempts
of the background art. Thus, the body of the arm is offset so that
the rotation around the connector means one or both ends can be
positioned substantially beyond 90.degree..
[0050] FIG. 2 shows the same arrangement as FIG. 1 except that the
left hand mounting fixture has been rotated so that the mounting
surface is directed to the left rather than being directed
downwardly. This can be accomplished by merely rotating the ball of
the mounting fixture. Note also that the neck portion between the
mounting surface and the ball causes the mounting surface to be
angled more upwardly rather than downwardly as in FIG. 1.
[0051] FIGS. 3-7 show a series of perspective views of a similar
apparatus where the assembly has been arranged by manipulating the
balls of each mounting fixture so that the mounting surfaces on
both ends are in the same plane but laterally offset. This kind of
arrangement would allow the electronic device which is being held
for mounting on a desk surface with the electronic device being
placed at the same height as the desk surface but toward the user
and could also be used in other similar situations where it is
easier to have the electronic device mounted at the same height but
being laterally offset. In FIG. 7, the use of space that crosses
the axis between the spheres of rotation is shown in greater
detail.
[0052] Basic Support Arms with bolt-on Mounting Fixtures are shown
in FIGS. 8 and 9. The Mounting Fixtures shown have a spherical
clamping surface and support post aligned with an axis
perpendicular to the base of the fixture. Thus, in this
arrangement, the neck portion between the wall and the mounting
surface does not cause angular displacement. In FIG. 9, the ball
has been mounted so that the mounting surface is to the left of the
clamping cap that holds the ball and thus this allows for further
variation in mounting.
[0053] FIGS. 10-13 show the same mounting assembly as in FIGS. 1
and 2 with the neck portion having an angular displacement. Each of
these figures show differing arrangements of the mounting fixtures
so as to allow the electronic device to be mounted in different
positions. As compared with the arrangements of FIGS. 8 and 9, a
larger number of positions are possible because of the angular
displacement of the neck.
[0054] FIGS. 14 and 15 are side sectional views of the present
invention showing the internal workings of the support arm
assembly. The assembly includes a support arm 20 which forms the
main support for the device. An adjusting bolt 22 is threaded into
a tubular portion of the support arm and operates against the lock
to tighten or loosen the grip of the jaws on the ball of the left
hand mounting fixture.
[0055] Cap 24 is formed from two halves that are bolted together to
form a clamp on the bolt portion of the right hand mounting
fixture. The upper portion of the caps also extend around the
adjusting bolt 22 and lock it into position.
[0056] Lock 26 is a rigid member that connects with latch 30 on pin
(d) and slides in a guide channel in the support arm to operate
against the adjusting bolt. The arrangement of the lock causes the
latch to be forced toward the left hand mounting fixture when the
adjusting bolt is screwed inwardly so that the grip on the ball is
tightened. The lock is also arranged so when the center of pivot
pin (d) passes through the center line between the contact point of
the adjusting bolt and the latch pivot pin, (a), the mid-surface of
the lock contacts an internal surface of the latch to create a stop
in the locked position. When the latch is pulled away from the
spring pin (d) again passes through the center line to a free and
unlocked condition causing an cam-over-center locking
arrangement.
[0057] Spring 28 is a tension spring connecting the support arm at
pin (e) and the jaw at pin (b) to cause an opening action by
pivoting around pin (c). The spring opposes the latch in lock
operating against the adjusting bolt.
[0058] Latch 30 provides an operating surface for the operator to
lock and unlock the support arm assembly in regard to the left hand
mounting fixture. The latch is retained within the recess in jaw 32
and pivots on pin (a) to operate the lock against the adjusting
bolt. The latch provides an internal guide channel and stop surface
for the lock toward the assembly in the locked position when the
latch is closed.
[0059] Jaw 32 has a substantially spherical surface to form one
side of the grip on the ball of the left hand mounting fixture. The
jaw is retained in the recess within the support arm and pivots
around pin (c). The jaw is pulled into an open position by the
spring at pin (b) and is forced against the spring tension into a
closed position by the cam-over-center relationship between the
latch lock and adjusting bolt.
[0060] The other side of the grip on the ball of the left hand
mounting fixture is provided by the support arm which has a
similarly shaped spherical surface at the left hand end. The
support arm also has a recess to retain the jaw 32, a recess to
retain tension spring 28, an inner channel to guide lock 26 and a
tubular portion threaded on the inside to retain the adjusting bolt
22.
[0061] As described above, the mounting fixture has a spherical
surface which matches a surface on the support arm assembly by
which is gripped. The neck which connects the ball with the
mounting surface may be angled with respect to the mounting surface
so as to provide an angular offset. The neck portion may also have
a built in loophole for connecting a lanyard. This lanyard connects
to the mounted electronic device as a safety from loss by
inadvertent release of the Support Arm. This Mounting Fixture also
has recesses and through holes in the mounting face to accommodate
a variety of mounting arrangements to include a standard camera
mounting screw, U-bolt clamps, a plumbing floor flange, and a
conforming mounting plate for variable surfaces.
[0062] FIG. 15 shows the Support Arm assembly in the unlocked
position. The Lock pivots at Pin (d) outside of the line between
the Contact Point, of the Lock and Adjusting Bolt, and the Latch
pivots at Pin (a). When the center of Pin (d) passes outside of
this line, away from the Spring, the device is unlocked. When the
center of Pin (d) passes inside of this line, toward the spring,
the device is locking. The device becomes locked when it is closed
on the spherical surface of the left hand Mounting Fixture with
enough force against the Latch to move Pin (d) past the centerline
toward the Spring while retaining enough force to keep Pin (d) in
that position, cam-over-center.
[0063] Shown in FIG. 16 is a Support Arm Assembly with a partially
disassembled Mounting Fixture clamp including two opposing Caps 24,
a left hand Mounting Fixture with a spherical clamping surface, two
Grip Pads 36, and the necessary nuts and bolts for assembly
(unnumbered). The adjusting bolt 22 has a shaft having a hexagonal
shape. The sides of the hexagonal shaft interact with contours 30
on the inside of the clamp 34 and this clamp is extension of cap 24
which holds the ball on the mounting fixture. The contours of the
clamp are twice the number of the corners of the hexagonal shaft so
that it is possible to clamp the shaft in twelve positions. As seen
in FIG. 18, the corners of the hexagon may be placed in the valleys
of any of the contours. Since the distance between the contours is
only half of the distance between the corners of the hexagon,
twelve positions of the shaft are possible. Thus, by having twelve
clamping positions rather than six, better control of the grip of
the support arm assembly on the ball of the mounting fixture is
possible. This arrangement is similar to a twelve point socket in a
wrench set which allows the wrench to access a hexagonal bolt in
twice as many positions.
[0064] FIG. 17 shows in phantom the twelve different positions
through which the hexagonal shaft can be moved.
[0065] It is desirable to provide a degree of vibration isolation
between the two mounting fixtures. Previously, it was known to
incorporate rubber balls mounted onto a rigid mounting fixture.
This procedure is expensive for production and replacement. The
present invention utilizes grip pad 36 as a vibration buffer
between the ball of the mounting fixtures and the support arm clamp
surfaces. These pads can be easily replaced, thus avoiding
expensive replacement. FIG. 19 shows the arrangement of such grip
pads which may be made up of rubber, cork, a positive grip mesh or
other materials which would produce the desired
characteristics.
[0066] The mounting fixtures may include a suction mount at either
or both ends to either hold an electronic device to the mounting
device or hold the mounting device to a fixed surface. Such a
suction mount may be used in place of the bolt-on flange. The
"suction mount" is made up of five basic components in a preferred
embodiment, e.g., more or less components may be incorporated into
alternative embodiments: a housing, which includes a spherical
clamping surface; a flange sleeve, which slides over a cylindrical
surface of the housing; a cam, which operates against the flange
and rotates around the axis of the cylindrical portion of the
flange and housing; a suction cup which has an integral center
shaft and cross mounting hole, which nests in a recess in the
bottom of the housing and is retained by the fifth component, the
assembly pin. The assembly pin both retains the suction cup within
the housing and acts as the actuating member by which rotation of
the cam exerts pressure against the flange, this to increase the
seal of the suction cup. This mounting fixture is for mounting to
glass or other smooth surfaces.
[0067] The Suction Cup 40 has a raised boss in the center that acts
as an attachment/drive shaft 42. This boss mates inside of a
Mounting Ball recess and is fixed in relation to the mounting
sphere body by a Drive Pin 44. A radial fingered Flange Housing 66
rides over a cylindrical portion at the base of the Mounting Ball.
The Flange Housing is rotationally fixed by a slot around the Drive
Pin, but slides up or down in relationship to the axis of the
mounting sphere cylinder.
[0068] A Cam 48 having a lower drive surface sits atop the Flange
on the Flange drive surface. This Cam operates against the flange
and Suction Cup rim while lifting the center of the Suction Cup via
the center boss, and the Mounting Sphere body, and Drive Pin. In
this arrangement a clockwise rotation of the Cam causes the center
of the Suction Cup to rise, hence tightening the seal of the
Suction Cup. The Flange has a recess in the bottom to provide
clearance for the raised area of the Suction Cup while holding the
rim tightly sealed.
[0069] FIG. 21 is an exploded, perspective view showing a
relationship between the components. If only the Suction Cup pinned
to the Mounting Ball were used it would be functional, though
somewhat unstable. By adding only the Flange around the cylindrical
Mounting Ball body, being guided by the pin in the Flange guide
slot, the assembly becomes more stable. Omitting the Cam, one could
press the center of the Suction Cup down for a seal by pressure on
the Mounting Ball. As this is done the Pin would be pressed into
the bottom of the Flange Guide Slot. This would transfer some
lateral pressure on the Mounting Ball to the Suction Cup Rim by the
Flange Fingers. However, the Flange would not be tightly fixed. By
introducing the Cam around the Mounting Ball Body and in between
the Pin and Flange a means of tightening this stabilizing
relationship is provided. The Cam operates by an inclining surface
with positioning notches. In this example, when the Cam is rotated
clockwise the Cam surface gets thicker under the pin thereby
driving the Pin, Mounting Ball and Suction Cup Attachment Boss
upward in relationship to the Flange. The Flange remains in place
holding the Rim of the Suction Cup against a smooth surface
maintaining the seal and enhancing stability.
[0070] Another feature of this flange is the Finger arrangement
that contacts the Suction Cup Rim, shown in FIG. 22. In prior
designs the flange rim is continuous and applies best to a
perfectly flat surface. Many intended mounting surface are curved,
such as vehicle windshields. This Flange is made of an elastic
material in a preferred embodiment so that it will cause the
Suction Cup Rim to better conform to a non-planar surface with
these Fingers.
[0071] The Mounting Ball Stabilizer is shown as 50. This internal
boss with a concaved surface mates with the inside of the Suction
Cup Boss and saddles the assembly Pin. By increasing the surface
contact with the pliable material used in the Suction Cup,
stability is enhanced. The simplicity of the assembly is shown here
and in other parts of the Support Arm Assembly. These simple
components and assembly methods are purposeful in that it is
anticipated the assembly of this devise will be contracted to
physically challenged workers. This philosophy of simplicity has
dictated this design.
[0072] In place of suction mount, a friction mount may instead be
used. The "friction mount" of a preferred embodiment is made up of
six basic components, e.g., more or less components may be
incorporated into alternative embodiments: a housing, which
includes a spherical clamping surface; an upper mounting flange
with a conical surface, and having an anchoring boss with a cross
hole for an assembly pin; the anchoring boss mates with a recess in
the housing and is retained in place by a third part, the assembly
pin; a lower mounting flange is provided with a conical surface
opposing the upper mounting flange; a friction ring of elastic
material rides between the upper and lower mounting flanges and is
expanded as the flanges are drawn together; and a bolt retained by
lower mounting flange and threads into the upper mounting flange to
expand the friction ring. This mounting fixture is for mounting in
a cup-holder recess commonly found in vehicles, and is fixed by
frictional pressure radially exerted against the inside walls of
the pocket.
[0073] FIG. 23 shows an exploded view of the friction mount. An
upper flange 52 and lower flange 56 are on opposite sides of the
friction ring 54 and are held together by a nut and bolt. Pin 58
extends through a hole in the mounting ball and the hole in the
upper flange. This arrangement is similar to that shown in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,493,344 as described above. This plug device may be
adapted for providing a removable anchor in a cup holder recess
such as found in vehicles.
[0074] It is also possible to use a multi conforming mount to mount
the mounting device. The "multi-conforming mount" is made up of
three basic components, e.g., more or less components may be
incorporated into alternative embodiments: a bolt-on ball mounting
fixture, (as described earlier); a bendable contour sheet with
forming memory and retention holes; and one or more retention
screws for attaching the contour sheet to the ball mounting
fixture.
[0075] Shown in FIG. 24 is a typical arrangement of a mobile mount
for a DVD Player 62 comprised of a Support Arm Assembly and a
Conforming Plate 60. FIG. 25 is of the same arrangement from a
lower-rear angle. FIG. 26 shows an exploded view of these parts
with the conforming plate in a flat, pre-bent, configuration.
[0076] FIG. 27 shows the Conforming Plate in a bent condition ready
to cradle the DVD Player. This Conforming Plate is can be of
different sizes and shapes for varied families of hand-held
electronic devices. This plate offsets the need for custom cradles
required for each device, thereby reducing the tooling requirement
for accommodating new product designs and providing for a lower
cost solutions.
[0077] The Conforming Plate is intended to be of a relatively thin
material easily hand bent, and with good memory for retaining
shape. It also features a series of holes for screws (not shown) to
attach the cradle to the Ball Mounting Fixture described
earlier.
[0078] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that
the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be
regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention,
and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in
the art are intended to be included within the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *