U.S. patent application number 15/612798 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-06 for handle with mounting track for receiving a mount assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is National Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jeffrey D. Carnevali.
Application Number | 20180345476 15/612798 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64459209 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180345476 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carnevali; Jeffrey D. |
December 6, 2018 |
HANDLE WITH MOUNTING TRACK FOR RECEIVING A MOUNT ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A handle with a mounting track includes a handle section. One or
more legs extend from the handle section and are attachable to a
surface. When the leg is attached to the surface, the handle
section forms a graspable handle. A mounting track is formed along
at least a portion of the handle section. The mounting track
includes a base, two vertical rails extending opposite each other
from the base, and two horizontal beams each extending from a
different one of the vertical rails over the base toward the other
horizontal beam. The horizontal beams are laterally spaced apart
from each other by a first distance. The vertical rails and the
horizontal beams define a track within which a retention element of
a mount assembly can move.
Inventors: |
Carnevali; Jeffrey D.;
(Seattle, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
National Products, Inc. |
Seattle |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
64459209 |
Appl. No.: |
15/612798 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 95/02 20130101;
F16M 11/00 20130101; B60P 7/0815 20130101; F16M 11/045 20130101;
B60N 3/02 20130101; F16M 13/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B25G 1/04 20060101
B25G001/04 |
Claims
1. A handle with a mounting track, comprising: a handle section; at
least one leg extending from the handle section and attachable to a
surface, wherein, when the at least one leg is attached to the
surface, the handle section forms a graspable handle; and a
mounting track formed along a portion of the handle section and a
portion of the at least one leg, the mounting track comprising a
base, two vertical rails extending opposite each other from the
base, and two horizontal beams, wherein each of the horizontal
beams extends from a different one of the vertical rails over the
base toward the other horizontal beam, wherein the horizontal beams
are laterally spaced apart from each other by a first distance,
wherein the vertical rails and the horizontal beams define a track
within which a retention element of a mount assembly can move,
wherein each of the two vertical rails and two horizontal beams is
formed by both the portion of the handle section and the portion of
the at least one leg.
2. The handle of claim 1, wherein each of two opposing ends of the
track is open to permit insertion of the retention element of the
mount assembly into the track.
3. The handle of claim 1, wherein each of two opposing ends of the
track is closed.
4. The handle of claim 1, wherein one of two opposing ends of the
track is open to permit insertion of the retention element of the
mount assembly into the track and the other of the two opposing
ends is closed.
5. The handle of claim 1, wherein the handle section comprises a
gripping surface extending beneath the mounting track and coupling
together the two horizontal beams of the mounting track.
6. The handle of claim 1, wherein the handle section has a first
end and an opposing second end, and wherein the at least one leg
comprises a first leg coupled to the first end of the handle
section and a second leg coupled to the second end of the handle
section.
7. The handle of claim 6, further comprising a third leg coupled to
the handle section.
8. The handle of claim 1, wherein the handle section is detachable
from the at least one leg.
9. The handle of claim 1, wherein the at least one leg defines at
least one surface-fastening aperture configured and arranged for
receiving a fastener for fastening the at least one leg to a
surface.
10. The handle of claim 1, further comprising an insertion zone for
facilitating insertion of the retention element of the mount
assembly into the track, the insertion zone comprising an
insertion-zone base having a first end and an opposing second end,
wherein at least one of the first end or the second end couples to
the track; two vertical insertion-zone rails extending opposite
each other from the insertion-zone base; and two horizontal
insertion-zone beams, wherein each of the horizontal insertion-zone
beams extends from a different one of the vertical insertion-zone
rails over the insertion-zone base toward the other horizontal
insertion-zone beam; wherein at least two opposing portions of the
two horizontal insertion-zone beams are spaced apart from each
other by a second distance that is at least 10% larger than the
first distance to facilitate insertion of the retention element of
the mount assembly into the track.
11. The handle of claim 10, wherein one of two opposing ends of the
track is open, and wherein the insertion zone is disposed along the
open end of the track.
12. The handle of claim 10, wherein the insertion zone is disposed
along an insertion-piece positioned along an intermediate portion
of the track.
13. The handle of claim 10, wherein the insertion zone is disposed
along an endpiece positioned along an end of the track and forming
a closed end of the track.
14. The handle of claim 10, wherein the insertion zone is at least
partially disposed along the at least one leg.
15. A track-mounting system, comprising the handle of claim 10; and
a mount assembly coupleable to the track of the handle, the mount
assembly comprising a mount coupled to a retention element having a
smallest lateral dimension that is greater than the first distance
and at least one lateral dimension that is less than the second
distance, the retention element configured and arranged for
insertion into the mounting track along the insertion zone and
sliding along the track to position the mount at a mounting
location along the track.
16. The track-mounting system of claim 15, wherein the retention
element is one of a T-bolt or a T-nut.
17. The track-mounting system of claim 15, wherein the mount is at
least one of a ball or a cleat.
18. A method of coupling a mount assembly to a handle, the method
comprising: providing the handle of claim 1; inserting a retention
element of a mount assembly into the mounting track of the handle;
and sliding the mount assembly along the mounting track to a
mounting location.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein inserting a retention element
of a mount assembly into the mounting track comprises inserting the
retention element into an insertion zone.
20. The method of claim 18, further comprising fastening the at
least one leg of the handle to a surface.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present invention is directed to the area of mounting
track systems. The present invention is also directed to a handle
that is attachable to a surface and that includes a mounting track
configured for receiving a mount assembly.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Providing mounts for holding, retaining, or securing objects
has proven beneficial for many different uses. Some
mountable-objects, such as electronic devices (e.g., phones,
laptops, tablets, visual-enhancement devices, positioning devices,
or the like), are increasingly used in situations where mounting
the object to a surface increases the convenience of using the
object. For example, in the case of hand-held devices, mounts
eliminate the need to hold the device, or prop the device up, in
order to use the device, thereby allowing a user to use the device,
while simultaneously engaging in other activities which may benefit
from the use of both hands without the encumberment of holding or
propping-up the device. In some instances, mounting the device may
increase user safety by enabling use of the device, without the
distraction of holding the device.
[0003] Track systems enable an object to be held, retained, or
secured, while also enabling limited movement of the object along a
fixed path, or track. Attaching track systems to a surface provides
a way to mount an object to the surface while also allowing
flexibility of positioning of the object along portions of the
surface along which the track system extends. Handles have many
uses, including facilitating grasping, lifting, or carrying an
object.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] In one embodiment, a handle with a mounting track includes a
handle section. One or more legs extend from the handle section and
are attachable to a surface. When the leg is attached to the
surface, the handle section forms a graspable handle. A mounting
track is formed along at least a portion of the handle section. The
mounting track includes a base, two vertical rails extending
opposite each other from the base, and two horizontal beams. Each
of the horizontal beams extends from a different one of the
vertical rails over the base toward the other horizontal beam. The
horizontal beams are laterally spaced apart from each other by a
first distance. The vertical rails and the horizontal beams define
a track within which a retention element of a mount assembly can
move.
[0005] In at least some embodiments, each of two opposing ends of
the track is open to permit insertion of the retention element of
the mount assembly into the track. In at least some embodiments,
each of two opposing ends of the track is closed. In at least some
embodiments, one of two opposing ends of the track is open to
permit insertion of the retention element of the mount assembly
into the track and the other of the two opposing ends is
closed.
[0006] In at least some embodiments, the handle section includes a
gripping surface extending beneath the mounting track and coupling
together the two horizontal beams of the mounting track.
[0007] In at least some embodiments, the handle section has a first
end and an opposing second end, and where the at least one leg
includes a first leg coupled to the first end of the handle section
and a second leg coupled to the second end of the handle section.
In at least some embodiments, a third leg is coupled to the handle
section.
[0008] In at least some embodiments, the handle section is
detachable from the at least one leg. In at least some embodiments,
the at least one leg defines at least one surface-fastening
aperture configured and arranged for receiving a fastener for
fastening the at least one leg to a surface.
[0009] In at least some embodiments, the at least one open end of
the track comprises an insertion zone for facilitating insertion of
the retention element of the mount assembly into the track. The
insertion zone includes an insertion-zone base having a first end
and an opposing second end. At least one of the first end or the
second end couples to the track. Two vertical insertion-zone rails
extend opposite each other from the insertion-zone base. The
insertion zone further includes two horizontal insertion-zone
beams, where each of the horizontal insertion-zone beams extends
from a different one of the vertical insertion-zone rails over the
insertion-zone base toward the other horizontal insertion-zone
beam. At least two opposing portions of the two horizontal endpiece
beams are spaced apart from each other by a second distance that is
at least 10% larger than the first distance to facilitate insertion
of the retention element of the mount assembly into the track.
[0010] In at least some embodiments, one of two opposing ends of
the track is open, and the insertion zone is disposed along the
open end of the track. In at least some embodiments, the insertion
zone is disposed along an insertion-piece positioned along an
intermediate portion of the track. In at least some embodiments,
the insertion zone is disposed along an endpiece positioned along
an end of the track and forming a closed end of the track. In at
least some embodiments, the insertion zone is at least partially
disposed along the at least one leg.
[0011] In another embodiment, a track-mounting system includes the
handle described above and a mount assembly coupleable to the track
of the handle. The mount assembly includes a mount coupled to a
retention element having a smallest lateral dimension that is
greater than the first distance and at least one lateral dimension
that is less than the second distance. The retention element is
configured and arranged for insertion into the mounting track along
the insertion zone and sliding along the track to position the
mount at a mounting location along the track. In at least some
embodiments, the retention element is a T-bolt or a T-nut. In at
least some embodiments, the mount is at least one of a ball or a
cleat.
[0012] In yet another embodiment, a method of coupling a mount
assembly to a handle includes providing the handle described above;
inserting a retention element of a mount assembly into the mounting
track of the handle; and sliding the mount assembly along the
mounting track to a mounting location. In at least some
embodiments, inserting a retention element of a mount assembly into
the mounting track includes inserting the retention element into an
insertion zone and sliding the mount assembly onto the handle
section of the handle. In at least some embodiments, the above
described method further includes fastening the at least one leg of
the handle to a surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present
invention are described with reference to the following drawings.
In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts
throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified.
[0014] For a better understanding of the present invention,
reference will be made to the following Detailed Description, which
is to be read in association with the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of
a handle with a mounting track suitable for receiving a retention
element of a mount assembly, according to the invention;
[0016] FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of
the handle of FIG. 1 with a handle section of the handle attached
to one leg of the handle and separated from another leg of the
handle, according to the invention;
[0017] FIG. 2B is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of
one embodiment of the handle of FIG. 2A, according to the
invention;
[0018] FIG. 2C is a schematic first perspective, close-up view of
one embodiment of a portion of the handle of FIG. 2A where the
handle section of the handle is separated from one of the legs,
according to the invention;
[0019] FIG. 2D is a schematic second perspective, close-up view of
one embodiment of a portion of the handle of FIG. 2A where the
handle section of the handle is separated from one of the legs,
according to the invention;
[0020] FIG. 3A is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of
the handle of FIG. 1, the handle including insertion zones disposed
along ends of the mounting track, the insertion zones configured
for facilitating insertion of a retention element of a mount
assembly into the mounting track, according to the invention;
[0021] FIG. 3B is a schematic first perspective view of one
embodiment of a leg of the handle of FIG. 3A detached from the
handle section, the leg including an insertion zone, according to
the invention;
[0022] FIG. 3C is a schematic second perspective view of one
embodiment of the leg of FIG. 3B, according to the invention;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of
a portion of an endpiece coupled to a mounting track and forming a
closed end, the endpiece including an insertion zone along which a
retention element of a mount assembly can be inserted into the
track, according to the invention;
[0024] FIG. 5A is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of
an insertion-piece disposed along the handle-section of the handle
of FIG. 1, the insertion-piece disposed between two sections of the
mounting track, according to the invention;
[0025] FIG. 5B is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of
one embodiment of the handle of FIG. 5A, according to the
invention;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of
a portion of an insertion-piece coupled to a mounting track, the
insertion-piece including an insertion zone along which a retention
element of a mount assembly can be inserted into the track,
according to the invention;
[0027] FIG. 7A is a schematic first perspective view of one
embodiment of the handle of FIG. 1 and a mount assembly suitable
for insertion into the mounting track of the handle, according to
the invention;
[0028] FIG. 7B is a schematic second perspective view of one
embodiment of the handle and mount assembly of FIG. 7A, according
to the invention;
[0029] FIG. 7C is a schematic third perspective view of one
embodiment of the handle and mount assembly of FIG. 7A, according
to the invention;
[0030] FIG. 7D is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of
the mount assembly of FIGS. 7A-7C inserted into the mounting track
of the handle of FIGS. 7A-7C, according to the invention;
[0031] FIG. 7E is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of
the handle and mount assembly of FIG. 7D, according to the
invention;
[0032] FIG. 8A is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of
the handle of FIG. 5A and mount assembly of FIG. 7A, the mount
assembly suitable for insertion into the insertion-piece of the
handle, according to the invention;
[0033] FIG. 8B is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of
the mount assembly of FIG. 8A received by the handle of FIG. 8A,
according to the invention;
[0034] FIG. 9A is a schematic perspective view of another
embodiment of a mount assembly suitable for being received by a
mounting track, according to the invention; and
[0035] FIG. 9B is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of
one embodiment of the mount assembly of FIG. 9A, according to the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The present invention is directed to the area of mounting
track systems. The present invention is also directed to a handle
that is attachable to a surface and that includes a mounting track
configured for receiving a mount assembly.
[0037] A handle includes a mounting track for receiving a retention
element of a mount assembly. When the retention element of the
mount assembly is received by the mounting track, movement of the
mount assembly is restricted to positions along a length of the
track. One or more legs of the handle can be used to attach the
handle to a surface (e.g., a vehicle surface, a dock, a countertop,
a cabinet, a table, a floor, a wall, a ceiling, a ledge, or the
like). When the one or more legs of the handle are attached to a
surface, the handle forms a graspable handle.
[0038] The mounting track can be used to receive any suitable type
of mount (e.g., a ball mount, a cleat, or the like or combinations
thereof). The mounting track can be used to concurrently or
sequentially receive any suitable number of mount assemblies (e.g.,
one, two three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, twenty,
or more mount assemblies).
[0039] Received mounts can be used to hold, retain, or secure any
suitable type of object. In some embodiments, a received mount is
coupleable to a docking feature for docking with an object, such as
an electronic device. In some embodiments, a received mount is
coupleable to an additional mount that facilitates docking of an
object. In some embodiments, the mount can be used to secure the
substrate to which it is attached to another object. In some
embodiments, the mount includes one or more guide features to
enable the mount to be retained in the mounting track in a
particular orientation relative to the mounting track.
[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, one
embodiment of a handle 101 that includes a handle section 111 and
legs 116a, 116b that are attachable to a surface. In the
illustrated embodiment, the handle 101 includes two legs 116a and
116b. Any suitable number of legs can be used to attach the handle
to a surface including, for example, one, two, three, four, five,
or more legs. In the illustrated embodiment, the legs 116a and 116b
are shown disposed along opposing ends of the handle section 111.
The leg(s) can be coupled to the handle section at any suitable
location(s) along a length of the handle section including one or
more of the ends, or an intermediate portion, or a combination of
one or more of the ends and an intermediate portion.
[0041] A mounting track 121 is formed along at least a portion of
the handle section 111. The mounting track 121 has a first end 122,
an opposing second end 123, and includes a track base 131 and two
vertical track rails 133a, 133b extending opposite each other from
the track base 131. Two horizontal track beams 135a, 135b extend
from the vertical track rails 133a, 133b, respectively, over the
track base 131 towards each other. The horizontal track beams 135a,
135b are laterally spaced apart from each other by a first distance
137. In at least some embodiments, the horizontal track beams 135a,
135b are laterally spaced apart from each other by the first
distance 137 along an entire longitudinal length of the mounting
track 121. In at least some embodiments, the horizontal track beams
135a, 135b are laterally spaced apart from each other by the first
distance 137 along an entire longitudinal length of the handle
section 111.
[0042] The vertical track rails 133a, 133b and the horizontal track
beams 135a, 135b define a track within which a received retention
element of a mount assembly can move. In at least some embodiments,
the track is open exclusively along the first end 122 to permit
insertion of the retention element of the mount assembly into the
track. In other embodiments, the track is open along both the first
end 122 and the second end 123 to permit insertion of the retention
element of the mount assembly into the track from either end. As
described below, with reference to FIG. 4, in at least some
embodiments the track is closed along at least one end.
[0043] In at least some embodiments, the handle section 111
includes a gripping surface 139 that extends beneath the mounting
track 121 and couples together the two horizontal track beams 135a,
135b. In at least some embodiments, the gripping surface 139
extends along an entire longitudinal length of the handle section
111. In at least some embodiments, the track base 131, two vertical
track rails 133a, 133b, two horizontal beams 135a, 135b, and
gripping surface 139 collectively form a continuous path of
material along an axis transverse to a longitudinal length of the
handle section 111.
[0044] The leg(s) may be attachable to a surface in any suitable
manner (e.g., one or more fasteners, adhesive, or the like or
combinations thereof). In the illustrated embodiment, the legs
116a, 116b are attachable to a surface, at least in part, using
surface fasteners 143a, 143b, respectively. Any suitable type of
fastener may be used including, for example, screws, bolts, pins,
or the like or combinations thereof. When fasteners are used to
attach the leg(s) to a surface, any suitable number of fasteners
can be used per leg (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, or more
fasteners). In the illustrated embodiment, a single surface
fastener 143a, 143b is used for attaching each leg 116a, 116b,
respectively, to a surface.
[0045] In at least some embodiments, the leg(s) are configured to
separate the handle section 111 of the handle 101 from a surface to
which the leg(s) are attached. In at least some embodiments, the
legs extend from the handle in a direction that is approximately
orthogonal to a longitudinal length of the handle section 111. When
the one or more legs are attached to a surface, the handle section
forms a graspable handle. The graspable handle may advantageous. A
user can, for example, use the handle to pick-up the object having
the surface to which the one or more legs are attached. As another
example, a user can, in some instances, use the handle to
facilitate climbing up on, or into, the object having the surface
to which the one or more legs are attached.
[0046] Turning to FIGS. 2A-2D, in at least some embodiments the
handle section is detachable from the one or more legs. FIG. 2A
illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, one embodiment of the
handle 101. FIG. 2B illustrates the handle 101 in schematic
perspective cross-sectional view. In FIGS. 2A-2B, the second end
123 of the handle section 111 is coupled to the leg 116b, while the
first end 122 of the handle section 111 is separated from the leg
116a. FIGS. 2C and 2D illustrate, in several different perspective
views, close-ups of the first end 122 of the handle section 111
separated from the leg 116a. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.
2A-2D, the leg 116a includes an attachment element 247a configured
for insertion into the first end 122 of the handle section 111.
FIG. 2B also shows the leg 116b having an attachment element 247b
inserted into the second end 122 of the handle section 111.
[0047] The leg(s) may be attachable to the handle section 111 in
any suitable manner (e.g., one or more fasteners, adhesive,
interference fit, or the like or combinations thereof). In the
embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D, the legs 116a, 116b are
attachable to the handle section 111, at least in part, using track
fasteners 249a, 249b, respectively. In at least some embodiments,
the track fasteners extend through track-fastener apertures defined
along the attachment elements of the legs, and also along the
handle section 139. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2B, the
track fasteners 249a, 249b are shown extending through first
track-fastener apertures 251a, 251b, respectively, defined along
the attachment elements 247a, 247b of the legs 116a, 116b,
respectively; and also through second track-fastener apertures
253a, 253b defined along the ends 122, 123 respectively, of the
gripping surface 139 of the handle section 111.
[0048] Any suitable type of fastener may be used for the track
fasteners including, for example, screws, bolts, pins, or the like
or combinations thereof. When track fasteners are used to attach
the leg(s) to handle section 111, any suitable number of fasteners
can be used per leg (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, or more
fasteners). In the illustrated embodiment, a single track fastener
249a, 249b is used for attaching each leg 116a, 116b, respectively,
to the intermediate surface 111.
[0049] FIG. 2B also shows one embodiment of fastening apertures
245a, 245b disposed along legs 116a, 116b, respectively, and
configured for receiving surface fasteners 143a, 143b,
respectively, for attaching the handle 101 to a surface. In at
least some embodiments, the fastening apertures 245a, 245b are
coverable by removable, or partially-removable, caps.
[0050] Turning to FIGS. 3A-3C, in at least some embodiments the
mounting track includes at least one insertion zone that provides a
location where a retention element of the mount assembly is
insertable into the track. The mounting track can include any
suitable number of insertion zones including, for example, one,
two, three, or more. In at least some embodiments, the one or more
insertion zones are the only locations where the mount assembly can
be inserted (or removed) from the mounting track.
[0051] In some embodiments, the mounting track 121 is formed
entirely along the handle section 111 of the handle. In other
embodiments, the mounting track extends onto at least one leg of
the handle. In some embodiments, the insertion zone is disposed
entirely along the handle section 111 of the handle. In some
embodiments, the insertion zone is disposed entirely along a leg of
the handle. In some embodiments, the insertion zone is partially
disposed along the handle section and partially disposed along a
leg.
[0052] In at least some embodiments, the insertion zone is
positioned at one end of the mounting track. In some embodiments,
an insertion zone is positioned at each end of the mounting track.
In at least some embodiments, at least one insertion zone is
disposed along an intermediate portion of the mounting track in
lieu of, or in addition to, the one or more ends of the mounting
track. In at least some embodiments, the track includes an
insertion zone positioned at one end of the mounting track, while
the mounting track is closed at the opposing end by one, or both,
of the vertical rails 133a, 133b.
[0053] FIG. 3A illustrates, in schematic perspective view, one
embodiment of the handle 101 with insertion zones 361a, 361b
disposed on legs 116a, 116b, respectively, of the handle 101. As
shown in FIG. 3A, the insertion zones 361a, 361b abut the ends 122,
123, respectively, of the handle section 111 and are continuous
with the mounting track 121. The insertion zones 361a, 361b are
configured for facilitating insertion of a retention element of a
mount assembly into the mounting track 121.
[0054] FIG. 3B illustrates, in a schematic first perspective view,
one embodiment of the insertion zone 361a disposed along the leg
116a. FIG. 3C shows the insertion zone 361a disposed along the leg
116a in a second perspective view. The insertion zone 361a is
described below. It will be understood that the insertion zone 361b
may include some, or all of the components and features described
with respect to insertion zone 361a.
[0055] The insertion zone 361a has a first end 365 that abuts the
mounting track 121 and an opposing second end 366. The insertion
zone 361a includes an insertion-zone base 371 and two vertical
insertion-zone rails 373a, 373b extending opposite each other from
the insertion-zone base 371. In at least some embodiments, the
vertical insertion-zone rails 373a, 373b taper as they extend away
from the first end 365 of the insertion zone 361a towards the
second end 366. Two horizontal insertion-zone beams 375a, 375b
extend from the vertical insertion-zone rails 373a, 373b,
respectively, over the insertion-zone base 371 towards each other.
In at least some embodiments, the horizontal insertion-zone beams
375a, 375b taper as they extend away from the first end 365 of the
insertion zone 361a towards the second end 366.
[0056] Portions of the horizontal insertion-zone beams 375a, 375b
in proximity to the first end 365 of the insertion zone 361a are
laterally spaced apart from each other by the first distance 137.
As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the insertion zone 361a tapers from the
second end 366 towards the first end 365 such that portions of the
two horizontal insertion-piece beams 375a, 375b are spaced apart
from each other by a second distance 367 (that, as shown in FIG.
3A, is larger than the first distance 137) at the second end 366 to
facilitate insertion of a retention element of the mount assembly
into the track. In at least some embodiments, the second distance
367 is at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%, 200%,
300%, 400%, or 500% larger than the first distance 137.
[0057] As illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, when the leg 116a is attached
to the handle section 111, the insertion-zone base 371, vertical
insertion-zone rails 373a, 373b, and horizontal insertion-zone
beams 375a, 375b align with the corresponding portions of the
mounting track 121 to form at least a track within which a received
retention element of a mount assembly can be moved.
[0058] Turning to FIG. 4, in yet other embodiments the mounting
track includes at least one insertion zone disposed along an
endpiece that forms a closed end of the track. The one or more
endpieces are each positioned along an end of the track and each
include a closed end. In at least some embodiments, at least one
endpiece is disposed along a leg of the handle. In at least some
embodiments, at least one endpiece is disposed along the handle
section of the handle. In some embodiments, a different endpiece is
disposed along each end of the track. In other embodiments, a
single endpiece is disposed along one end of the track, while the
other end of the track is closed (without an insertion zone). In
yet other embodiments, a single endpiece is disposed along one end
of the track, while the other end of the track is open, either with
or without an insertion zone.
[0059] FIG. 4 illustrates, in schematic perspective view, one
embodiment of a portion of an endpiece 490 coupled to one end of
the mounting track 121. The endpiece 490 includes an insertion zone
461 along which a retention element of a mount assembly can be
inserted into the track.
[0060] The endpiece 490 includes an endpiece base 491 and a
vertical endpiece rail 493 extending from the endpiece base 491 and
forming a perimeter around a portion of the endpiece base 491. Two
horizontal endpiece beams 495a, 495b extend from the vertical
endpiece rail 493 over the endpiece base 491 towards each
other.
[0061] As illustrated in FIG. 4, when the endpiece 490 is coupled
to the mounting track 121, the track base 131 and the endpiece base
491 align; the vertical track rails 133a, 133b and the vertical
endpiece rail 493 align; and the horizontal track beams 135a, 135b
and the horizontal endpiece beams 495a, 495b, respectively, align
to form continuous track within which a retention element of a
mount assembly can be moved. The continuous track is closed at one
end by at least the vertical endpiece rail 493. The endpiece 490
includes the insertion zone 461 where at least two opposing
portions of the two horizontal endpiece beams 495a, 495b are spaced
apart from each other by the second distance 367 to facilitate
insertion of a retention element of the mount assembly into the
track.
[0062] Turning to FIGS. 5A-6, in at least some embodiments, the
handle section includes at least one insertion-piece disposed along
an intermediate portion of the track. The insertion-piece includes
an insertion zone suitable for receiving a retention element of a
mount assembly. In some embodiments, the one or more
insertion-pieces are the only locations along the track where a
retention element of a mount assembly is insertable into the track.
In other embodiments, the track includes at least one other
insertion zone in addition to the insertion zone(s) of the one or
more insertion-pieces. In at least some embodiments, a leg is
coupled to the insertion-piece.
[0063] FIG. 5A illustrates, in schematic perspective view, one
embodiment of an insertion-piece 580 disposed along the
handle-section 111 of the handle 101. FIG. 5B illustrates the
insertion-piece 580 disposed along the handle-section 111 of the
handle 101 in schematic perspective cross-sectional view. The
insertion-piece 580 includes an insertion zone 561 and is disposed
between two sections 121a, 121b of the mounting track 121.
[0064] In at least some embodiments, a leg 116c is coupled to the
insertion-piece 580. In at least some embodiments, the leg 116c is
configured for attaching the handle 101 to a surface. In the
illustrated embodiment, the handle 101 includes three legs, 116a,
116b, 116c, where the legs 116a, 116b are disposed along opposing
ends of the handle 101 and the leg 116c is coupled to the
insertion-piece 580. Any suitable number of legs can be used to
attach the handle to a surface. The leg(s) can be coupled to the
handle section at any suitable location(s) along a length of the
handle section including one or more of the ends, or an
intermediate portion, or a combination of one or more of the ends
and an intermediate portion. In at least some embodiments, the
handle 101 includes the leg 116c without either (or both) of the
legs 116a, 116b.
[0065] FIG. 6 illustrates, in schematic perspective view, one
embodiment of a portion of the insertion-piece 580 coupled to an
intermediate portion of the mounting track 121. In the illustrated
embodiments, the insertion-piece 580 is disposed between sections
121a and 121b of the mounting track 121. The insertion-piece 580
includes the insertion zone 561 along which a retention element of
a mount assembly can be inserted into the track.
[0066] The insertion-piece 580 includes an insertion-piece base 681
and two vertical insertion-piece rails 683a, 683b extending from
the insertion-piece base 681 and forming edges of the
insertion-piece base 681. Two horizontal insertion-piece beams
685a, 685b extend from the opposing vertical insertion-piece rails
683a, 683b over the insertion-piece base 681 towards each
other.
[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 6, when the insertion-piece 680 is
coupled to the mounting track 121, the track bases 131 and the
insertion-piece base 681 align; the vertical track rails 133a, 133b
and the vertical insertion-piece rails 683a, 683b align; and the
horizontal track beams 135a, 135b and the horizontal
insertion-piece beams 685a, 685b, respectively, align to form
continuous track within which a retention element of a mount
assembly can be moved. The insertion-piece 680 includes the
insertion zone 681 where at least two opposing portions of the two
horizontal endpiece beams 685a, 685b are spaced apart from each
other by the second distance 367 to facilitate insertion of a
retention element of the mount assembly into the track.
[0068] Turning to FIGS. 7A-9B, the mounting track can be used to
receive a retention element of a mounting assembly. Any suitable
retention element can be used. In at least some embodiments, the
retention element includes a flange configured for being
slidably-retained beneath opposing horizontal beams of the
continuous track, while one or more elongated members of the
retention element that are coupled to the flange extend outward
from the continuous track to a position over the mounting track and
couple with a mount. In at least some embodiments, the flange and
the elongated member are a unitary structure, such as a T-bolt or a
T-nut. In at least some embodiments, the elongated member is
threaded.
[0069] Any suitable type of mount may be used. The choice of
different mounts may, in some instances, be determined based, at
least in part, on the particular functionality desired. In at least
some embodiments, mounts can be removed from the elongated member
and swapped out for other mounts, as desired.
[0070] In FIGS. 7A-8B, a mounting track is configured for receiving
a mount assembly that includes a ball mount. FIGS. 7A-7C show, in a
schematic perspective views, a mount assembly 771 that includes a
ball mount 773 coupled to a retention element 775 and. The mount
assembly can, optionally, include multiple retention elements. The
mounting assembly 771 is shown disposed in proximity to the
insertion zone 361a.
[0071] The retention element 775 can, optionally, be an elongated
member attached to a flange. In the illustrated embodiments, the
retention element 775 is a T-bolt. In at least some embodiments,
the retention element 775 includes a flange having a smallest
lateral dimension that is greater than the first distance (see
e.g., 137 in FIG. 1) and at least one lateral dimension that is
less than the second distance (see e.g., 367 in FIGS. 3A-3C),
thereby enabling the retention element 775 to be inserted into an
insertion zone (e.g., insertion zone 361a or 361b) and retained by
the mounting track.
[0072] FIG. 7D illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, one
embodiment of the mount assembly 771 retained along the mounting
track 121 of the handle 101. FIG. 7E shows the mount assembly 771
retained along the mounting track 121 of the handle 101 in a
schematic perspective, longitudinal-cross-sectional view. In at
least some embodiments, the mounting assembly 771 is insertable
into the mounting track 121 along either insertion zone 361a or
361b. In at least some embodiments, the mounting assembly 771 is
removable from the mounting track 121 from either insertion zone
361a or 361b. In at least some embodiments, the mounting track 121
includes a single insertion zone along one end and is closed along
the opposing end.
[0073] FIG. 8A illustrates, in schematic perspective view, one
embodiment of the mount assembly 771 disposed in proximity to the
insertion zone 561 of the insertion-piece 580. FIG. 8B illustrates,
in schematic perspective view, one embodiment of the mount assembly
771 inserted into the insertion-piece 580 and moved along the
mounting track 121. In the illustrated embodiment, the mount
assembly 771 is shown moved along the section 121b of the mounting
track 121. It will be understood that the mount assembly 771 can
also be moved along the section 121a of the mounting track 121.
[0074] In at least some embodiments, the mounting assembly includes
a cleat. FIG. 9A shows, in schematic perspective view, one
embodiment of a mount assembly 971 suitable for being received by a
mounting track. FIG. 9B shows, in schematic cross-sectional
perspective view, one embodiment of the mount assembly 971. As
shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, the mount assembly 971 includes a mount that
is formed as a cleat 977 and is attached to a retention element
975. In some embodiments, the cleat 977 includes one or more
optional guide features 979a, 979b for facilitating the maintaining
of a particular orientation of the cleat 973 relative to the
mounting track 121. In at least some embodiments, the guide
features 979a, 979b are insertable into the mounting track for
facilitating the maintaining of a particular orientation of the
cleat 977.
[0075] In at least some embodiments, the mount assembly (e.g., the
ball or the cleat) includes a retention mechanism for enabling the
mount assembly to removably maintain a particular location, such as
a mounting location, along a length of the mounting track. For
example, a user may be able to rotate the mount (or a dial or knob
disposed on the mount), or flip a lever attached to the mount, or
the like, thereby reversibly actuating the retention mechanism to
tighten against a portion of the mounting track to maintain the
positioning of the mount assembly relative to the mounting track.
In at least some embodiments, the mount can be tightened against
the track using the retention element. For example, the mount may
define a threaded bore that receives a threaded portion of the
elongated member, thereby enabling the mount to be rotated relative
to the retention element to tighten the mount against the
track.
[0076] In at least some embodiments, the mounting track
concurrently receives multiple mounting assemblies. When the
mounting track concurrently receives multiple mounting assemblies,
the individual mounting assemblies can be exclusively one type of
mount (e.g., ball or cleat), or can include both types of mounts
(e.g., ball and cleat). Other types of mounts are attachable to
retention elements in addition to, or in lieu of, either balls or
cleats.
[0077] The above specification provides a description of the
manufacture and use of the invention. Since many embodiments of the
invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention, the invention also resides in the claims
hereinafter appended.
* * * * *