U.S. patent application number 16/880767 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-15 for apparatus and methods for supporting an article.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kustom Cycles, Inc. d/b/a Klock Werks, Kustom Cycles, Inc. d/b/a Klock Werks. Invention is credited to David Hornick, Tamas Kovacs, Anthony Velasquez.
Application Number | 20210111512 16/880767 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005293199 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-15 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210111512 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hornick; David ; et
al. |
April 15, 2021 |
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR SUPPORTING AN ARTICLE
Abstract
A mount for supportably engaging an article. The mount includes
a bulbous member that may include a convexly shaped surface area.
The convexly shaped surface area may be supportively contactable
with a first interconnect portion of a carrier member. An
attachment member that is operatively associable with a device may
be removably engageable with a second interconnect portion of the
carrier member. The carrier member may be moved throughout a
continuum of positions defined by the convexly curved surface area
of the bulbous member. Additionally, the bulbous member may be
supportably engaged by a variety of embodiments of support
structures for supporting or mounting the mount.
Inventors: |
Hornick; David; (Englewood,
CO) ; Kovacs; Tamas; (Basalt, CO) ; Velasquez;
Anthony; (Longmont, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kustom Cycles, Inc. d/b/a Klock Werks |
Mitchell |
SD |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005293199 |
Appl. No.: |
16/880767 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16133403 |
Sep 17, 2018 |
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16880767 |
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15150139 |
May 9, 2016 |
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16133403 |
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14557172 |
Dec 1, 2014 |
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15150139 |
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13595926 |
Aug 27, 2012 |
8900009 |
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14557172 |
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61527471 |
Aug 25, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 5/0204 20130101;
F16M 11/041 20130101; F16M 13/02 20130101; H01R 13/6205 20130101;
H01R 13/73 20130101; F16M 13/00 20130101; H01F 7/0205 20130101;
F16M 11/2007 20130101; F16M 13/022 20130101; F16B 2001/0035
20130101; G06F 1/1632 20130101; F16B 1/00 20130101; F16M 11/14
20130101; F16M 11/2092 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01R 13/62 20060101
H01R013/62; H01R 13/73 20060101 H01R013/73; F16M 13/02 20060101
F16M013/02; F16M 13/00 20060101 F16M013/00; G06F 1/16 20060101
G06F001/16; F16M 11/04 20060101 F16M011/04; F16M 11/14 20060101
F16M011/14; F16M 11/20 20060101 F16M011/20; F16B 1/00 20060101
F16B001/00; H05K 5/02 20060101 H05K005/02; H01F 7/02 20060101
H01F007/02 |
Claims
1.-60. (canceled)
61. A mount system for supporting a device, comprising: a carrier
member comprising a planar first interconnect portion and a second
interconnect portion; a magnet disposed adjacent to the planar
first interconnect portion, wherein the magnet is shaped to define
a concentrated magnetic field adjacent to and extending away from
the planar first interconnect portion, and wherein an over-molded
enclosure is formed about the magnet to define the planar first
interconnect portion such that the magnet is enveloped within the
over-molded enclosure; and an attachment member operatively
associable with a device and including a planar interface surface,
the attachment member comprising a magnetically interactive portion
that does not include a magnet that is configured for magnetic
engagement between the planar interface surface of the attachment
member and the planar first interconnect portion of the carrier
member to supportably engage the device at the carrier member,
wherein the device is supportably engageable at the planar first
interconnect portion by magnetic engagement of the attachment
member with the planar first interconnect portion of the carrier
member.
62. The mount system according to claim 61, wherein the magnet is
operable to register the planar interface surface of the attachment
member relative to the planar first interconnect portion.
63. The mount system according to claim 62, wherein the magnet
provides repeatable positional registration between the attachment
member and the carrier member.
64. The mount system according to claim 63, wherein the repeatable
positional registration comprises centered engagement of the
attachment member with respect to the carrier member.
65. The mount system according to claim 64, wherein the magnet is
disposed in a cup to shape the concentrated magnetic field, and
wherein the magnet and the cup are disposed in the over-molded
enclosure.
66. The mount system according to claim 65, wherein the over-molded
enclosure comprises a rim about the planar first interconnect
portion sized relative to the attachment member, wherein the rim is
beveled to assist in the centered engagement of the attachment
member relative to the carrier member.
67. The mount system according to claim 61, wherein the attachment
member is a shape corresponding to a shape of the planar first
interconnect portion.
68. The mount system according to claim 61, wherein the attachment
member has a shape different than the shape of the planar first
interconnect portion such that at least a portion of the attachment
member overhangs the planar first interconnect portion when the
carrier member is in contact with the attachment member.
69. The mount system according to claim 61, wherein the attachment
member comprises an annular disk.
70. The mount system according to claim 61, wherein the attachment
member is secured directly to the device.
71. The mount system according to claim 70, wherein the attachment
member is secured to the device by an adhesive.
72. The mount system according to claim 61, wherein the attachment
member comprises an integrated portion of a case engaged with the
device.
73. The mount system according to claim 61, wherein the device
comprises an integrated attachment member.
74. The mount system according to claim 61, wherein the attachment
member is supportably engaged by the carrier member only by
magnetic interaction between the magnet and the magnetically
interactive portion.
75. The mount system according to claim 61, wherein the carrier
member is supportably engaged by a base member and the carrier
member is selectively positionable relative to the base member.
76. A mount system according to claim 75, wherein the second
interconnect portion comprises a concave surface area.
77. A mount system according to claim 76, wherein at least a
portion of the concave surface area is supportively contactable and
conformably engageable with the base member.
78. The mount system according to claim 61, wherein the planar
first interconnect portion defines a reference plane, the carrier
member is disposed on a first side of the reference plane and the
device is disposed on a second side of the reference plane opposite
the first side; and no portion of the device is disposed on the
first side of the reference plane.
79. The mount system according to claim 61, further comprising: a
bulbous member comprising a convexly shaped surface area, wherein
at least a portion of the convexly shaped surface area comprises an
unobstructed portion; and wherein the second interconnect portion
of the carrier member comprising a concave surface area for
conformal adjacent engagement with the convexly shaped surface
area, and wherein at least a portion of the concave surface area is
supportively contactable with the convexly shaped surface area, and
wherein the concave surface area is selectively positionable with
respect to the convexly shaped surface area throughout a continuum
of positions across the unobstructed portion of the convexly shaped
surface area.
80. The mount system according to claim 79, further comprising: a
second magnet disposed adjacent to the second interconnect portion
to establish magnetic interaction between the carrier member and
the bulbous member, wherein the planar first interconnect portion
and the second interconnect portion are disposed on opposite ends
of the carrier member, and wherein the magnet and the second magnet
produce magnetic fields with different properties such that a
strength of the magnetic field at the second interconnect portion
is less than a strength of the concentrated magnetic field at the
planar first interconnect portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/133,403 entitled
"APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR SUPPORTING AN ARTICLE," filed on Sep.
17, 2018; which is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120 to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/150,139 entitled "APPARATUS AND
METHODS FOR SUPPORTING AN ARTICLE," filed on May 9, 2016; which is
a continuation of Ser. No. 14/557,172, entitled "APPARATUS AND
METHODS FOR SUPPORTING AN ARTICLE," filed on Dec. 1, 2014; which is
a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/595,926,
entitled "APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR SUPPORTING AN ARTICLE," filed
on Aug. 27, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,900,009; which is a
non-provisional of U.S. Patent Provisional Application No.
61/527,471, entitled "APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR SUPPORTING AN
ARTICLE," filed on Aug. 25, 2011. The contents of the above
applications are incorporated by reference herein as if set forth
in full.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present application is generally directed to apparatuses
and methods for physically supporting an article, wherein a user
may view and/or otherwise interact with the article when the
article is not held, carried, or otherwise physically supported by
the user. In particular, the present application is directed to
supporting a device (e.g. an electronic device such as, for
example, a portable electronic device) to facilitate visual and/or
other interaction of a user with the device when the device is not
held, carried or otherwise physically supported by the user.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Physical support structures are often useful to physically
support an article without requiring that an individual hold,
carry, or otherwise physically support the article. For example,
many devices (e.g., electronic devices) include physical support
structures that allow the devices to be physically supported
without the intervention of a user.
[0004] Recently, the prevalence and use of personal electronic
devices has grown. Often times these personal electronic devices
are portable and designed to facilitate easy transport by a user
(e.g., by physically holding the device, stowing the device in the
user's clothing and/or belongings, etc.). Accordingly, portability
may be a key design factor for such portable electronic devices.
However, as portable electronic devices are more commonly used,
users of portable electronic devices may desire that the devices be
physically supported so that the device may be interacted with
(e.g., viewed, manipulated, used, or otherwise interacted with)
without requiring the individual to physically support the
device.
[0005] In one example, a user may desire to physically support a
cellular telephone without the user having to physically support
the device. For instance, the user may want a convenient location
to dispose the device when not in use such that the telephone may
still be viewed, easily accessed, and/or otherwise interacted with
(e.g., to visually monitor a phone display, dial the phone, answer
a telephone call, be within range of a microphone of the telephone,
etc.), without having to hold, carry, or otherwise support the
telephone.
[0006] In another example, portable tablet computer devices are
becoming more commonly used as primary or auxiliary monitors for
displaying graphics, video and the like. However, as such tablet
computer devices are often designed to be portable, the user of a
tablet computer device may be required to hold the device or employ
impromptu support structures that may not securely physically
support the device. These solutions may lead to fatigue by the user
and/or may increase the potential for damage to the device (e.g.,
the device may more easily be dropped, may be more likely to fall
from a surface, may be more likely to become scratched, etc.). In
this regard, the lack of viable physical support options for
portable electronic devices that do not impede the portability of
the devices may limit the use of portable electronic devices in
certain contexts.
[0007] A number of solutions have been attempted. For example,
cases, covers, or the like, that incorporate support structures
have been developed for certain portable electronics devices. For
example, a case may include folding panels that, when properly
arranged, form a support structure for a device. However, such
support structures often suffer from instability as the
functionality of the support structure is often secondary to the
primary use of the cover for protection of the portable device. For
example, the number and/or range of positions in which the device
may be supported may be limited (e.g., to a near vertical and/or
near horizontal position). Furthermore, the folding of the panels
of such a case often results in the case becoming permanently bent
or otherwise distorted, thus leading to a reduction in utility as a
protective case and a reduction in the aesthetics of the case.
Additionally, such cases are often specifically designed for a
single device, such that they cannot be used interchangeably with a
number of devices.
[0008] Other attempted solutions also suffer from the lack of
interchangeability between devices. For example, mounting devices
that are contoured to the shape of a device in order to retain the
device have been provided. However, as these mounting devices are
often custom shaped to a particular device, the mounting devices
are not interchangeable. Moreover, such devices may also be limited
in the number of positions in which the device may be supported.
For instance, the mounting devices may require rigid mounting to a
support structure that severely limits the potential range of
positions of the device.
SUMMARY
[0009] The present disclosure is directed to a mount for physically
supporting an article. For example, the mount may physically
support a device (e.g., a portable electronic device) such that the
device may be visually or otherwise accessed without requiring a
user to hold, carry, or otherwise physically support the device.
Additionally, the mount may facilitate convenient and secure
supportive contact of a device. The mount may also facilitate
positioning of the device in a variety of positions when supported
by the mount. Further still, the mount may facilitate the use of
the mount interchangeably with a plurality of devices. Also, the
mount may provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Further
still, the mount may provide functions in addition to the support
of a device (e.g., charging of the device, use as a lighting
device, etc.).
[0010] One aspect provided herein includes a mount having a bulbous
member, a carrier member, and an attachment member. The carrier
member is supportably contactable with the bulbous member and the
attachment member is removably attachable to the carrier member by
way of magnetic interaction between the respective members. As
such, a device that is operatively associable with the attachment
member may be supportively engaged with the mount when the carrier
member is in supportive contact with the bulbous member and the
attachment member is attached to the carrier member.
[0011] The bulbous member may also be supportably engageable with a
base and may comprise a convexly curved surface area. At least a
portion of the convexly curved surface area may be unobstructed.
The carrier member may include a first interconnect portion that
comprises a concave surface area for conformal adjacent engagement
with the convexly curved surface area of the bulbous member. The
concave surface area may also be supportably contactable with the
convexly curved surface area of the bulbous member. The concave
surface area may be selectively positionable with respect to the
convexly curved surface area throughout a continuum of positions
across the unobstructed portion of the convexly shaped surface
area.
[0012] The carrier member may also include a second interconnect
portion. The attachment member may be removably attachable with the
second interconnect portion of the carrier. Additionally, the
attachment member may be operatively associable with the device.
For example, the attachment member may be attached directly to a
device, attached to a cover engaged with the device, integrated in
the device, integrated in a cover engaged with the device, or
otherwise associated with the device for supportive engagement of
the device. The device may therefore be supportably engageable with
the second interconnect portion upon the removable attachment of
the attachment member with the second interconnect portion of the
carrier member.
[0013] The bulbous member, carrier member and attachment member may
interact by way of magnetic interaction of respective magnetic
portions of the members. In this regard, the bulbous member, the
carrier member and the attachment member may each comprise a
magnetic portion, and at least one of the magnetic portions may
comprise at least one magnet. The others of the magnetic portions
may be magnetically attracted to one or more magnets. In this
regard, the magnetic interaction between respective ones of the
magnetic portions may be operable to selectively establish the
supportive contact between the convexly curved surface area as well
as the concave surface area and the removable attachment of the
attachment member to the second interconnect portion. In an
embodiment, a plurality of magnets may be provided. The plurality
of magnets may provide different perspective magnetic properties
between different ones of the portions of the members. In this
regard, the plurality of magnets may be selected to provide desired
magnetic interaction between different ones of portions of
members.
[0014] Another aspect presented herein includes a method for
supportably mounting a device. The method may include attaching a
first interconnect portion of a carrier member in supportive
contact with a convexly curved surface area of the bulbous member.
The first interconnect portion may comprise a concave surface area
for conformal adjacent engagement with the convexly curved surface
area. The method may also include positioning the concave surface
area with respect to the convexly shaped surface area within a
continuum of positions across the unobstructed portion of the
convexly curved surface area. The method may further include
connecting an attachment member to a second interconnect portion of
the carrier member. The attachment member may be operatively
associable with the device for support of the device upon the
connecting the attachment member to the second interconnect
portion. The method may further include supporting the device with
respect to the bulbous member in response to the connecting. The
device may be selectively removable from the carrier by selective
disengagement of the attachment member from the second interconnect
portion. Additionally, the bulbous member, the carrier member and
the attachment member may each comprise a magnetic portion. At
least one of the magnetic portions may comprise at least one magnet
and the attaching, connecting and supporting may be in response to
the magnetic interaction between the respective ones of the
magnetic portions.
[0015] A number of feature refinements and additional features are
applicable to the aspects presented herein. These feature
refinements and additional features may be used individually or in
any combination. As such, each of the following features that will
be discussed may be, but are not required to be, used with any
other feature or combination of features of the aspects presented
herein.
[0016] In an embodiment, the magnetic portion of the carrier member
may comprise the magnet. In turn, the magnetic portions of the
bulbous member and attachment member may comprise magnetically
interactive portions that are attractable to the magnet.
Furthermore, the carrier member may comprise a plurality of
magnets. In this regard, different ones of the plurality of magnets
may be provided adjacent to a first interconnect portion and a
second interconnect portion such that different magnetic properties
are provided at each of the first interconnect portion and the
second interconnect portion. For example, different relative
strengths of magnetic fields may be provided at the first
interconnect portion and the second interconnect portion.
Furthermore, the magnetic field at the second interconnect portion
may provide repeatable positioning registration of the attachment
member with respect to the second interconnect portion.
[0017] In this regard, the carrier member may have a first end
portion and a second end portion. The first interconnect portion
may be disposed on the first end portion of the carrier member and
the second interconnect portion may be disposed on the second end
portion of the carrier member. The first end portion and second end
portion may be disposed on opposite ends of the carrier member. In
this regard, when the first interconnect portion is in supportive
contact with the bulbous member, the second interconnect portion
may be disposed radially away from the convexly curved surface area
of the bulbous member. In the embodiment described above where the
carrier member comprises at least one magnet, the at least one
magnet may be disposed at least partially between the first end
portion and the second end portion.
[0018] The concave surface area may remain stationary with respect
to the convexly curved surface area upon attachment of the
attachment member and the second interconnect portion when the
concave surface area of the carrier member is in supportive contact
with the convexly curved surface area of the bulbous member. The
concave surface area may provide conformal surface to surface
contact between the concave surface area and the convexly curved
surface area across substantially all the concave surface area. For
example, the magnetic interaction between the magnetic portions of
the bulbous member of the carrier member may maintain the concave
surface area stationary with respect to the convexly curved surface
area (e.g. even when supporting the weight of a device). In this
regard, an external force acting on the carrier member may be
required to move the carrier member throughout the continuum of
positions of the convexly curved surface area.
[0019] In an embodiment, the convexly curved surface area comprises
an at least partially spherical surface. For example, the bulbous
member may be substantially spherical and the unobstructed portion
of the convexly curved surface area may comprise at least a
majority of the at least partially spherical surface.
[0020] In an embodiment, the second interconnect portion may be
substantially planar. The attachment member may include a
correspondingly planar surface. For example, the attachment member
may comprise an annular disk. The attachment member may be
associable with the device in any of a number of respects. For
example, the attachment member may be operatively attached to a
cover engageable with the device. Alternatively, the attachment
member may be adhered, mechanically attached, welded, braised or
otherwise attached to the device. Further still, as stated above
the device may comprise an integrated attachment member.
[0021] In an embodiment, the force required to remove the
attachment member from the carrier member is less than the force
required to remove the carrier member from the bulbous member. As
such, when a user attempts to remove the device from the mount, the
attachment member associated with the device may detach from the
carrier member prior to the carrier member being removed from the
bulbous member. As such, the carrier member may remain on the
bulbous member when the device is removed.
[0022] In an embodiment, the strength of the magnetic field with at
second interconnect portion is less than the strength of the
magnetic field at the first interconnect portion. As such, the
above characteristic that the attachment member is removed from the
carrier member with less force than is required to remove the
carrier member from the bulbous member may be facilitated. As
stated above, the different relative strengths of the magnetic
field at the first interconnect portion and the second interconnect
portion may be facilitated by different magnets provided in the
carrier member.
[0023] In an embodiment, the static coefficient friction between
the attachment member and the carrier member is greater than the
static coefficient of friction between the carrier member and the
bulbous member. In this regard, upon application of a force to a
device supportably engaged with the mount that is tangential to the
convexly curved surface area, the carrier member may be slideably
disposed with respect to the bulbous member prior to the attachment
member slides with respect to the carrier member. In this regard,
as a user attempts to reposition a device throughout the continuum
of positions, the device, the attachment member, and carrier member
may be moved with respect to the bulbous member prior to the
attachment member sliding with respect to the carrier member.
[0024] In an embodiment, the supportive contact of the concave
surface area with respect to the convexly curved surface area is
established only by the magnetic interaction between the carrier
member and the bulbous member. In yet another embodiment, a
plurality of attachment members are provided that are operatively
associable with a corresponding plurality of the devices. The
plurality of devices may be interchangeably retained by the mount
by magnetic interaction with a respective to one of the plurality
of attachment member in the second interconnect portion.
[0025] In an implementation, the device may be charged when
supportably engaged by the mount. For example, the mount may
include an inductive or conductive charging device that may
interact with the device when supported by the mounting device to
charge the device. Accordingly, the inductive charging of the
device may continue as the device is positioned in any of a number
of positions with respect to the mount because the charging may not
rely on physical connection between the device and conductors to
charge the device. As such, charging may continue during the
positioning of the device with respect to the mount.
[0026] Additionally, the attachment member in carrier member may be
provided with corresponding features to facilitate establishment of
conductive electric communication between the carrier member in the
attachment member. In this regard, power may be supplied to the
carrier member in a number of different manners. For example, an
inductive power transfer to the carrier member may be established.
This may include, for example, providing a first induction member
within a hollow portion of the bulbous member that is operable to
provide power to a second induction member disposed in the carrier
member. The first induction member in the second induction member
may be maintained in adjacent relation by way of magnetic
interaction between the first induction member and the second
induction member. The magnetic interaction between the first
induction member and the second induction member may also provide a
magnetic clamping force to maintain the first interconnect portion
of the carrier member in contact with the convexly shaped surface
area of the bulbous member.
[0027] In an embodiment, the carrier member may be operable to
receive power via a conductive path. For example, a tether may
extend from a portion of the mount to the carrier member to
establish conductive electrical communication for providing a
conductive path for power to the carrier member. The tether may
also physically secure the carrier member relative to the mount.
For example, the tether may be armored or otherwise reinforced to
prevent the carrier member from being removed from the mount.
Furthermore, the tether may attach to the mount via a slip ring
that maintains electrical communication between the tether in the
mount through a range of movement of the tether with respect to the
mount (e.g., including a full rotation of the tether about the
mount).
[0028] In any regard, power received at carrier member may be
conduct of a transfer to the attachment member when the attachment
member is selectively attached to the carrier member. In this
regard, the tetra member may include at least one electrically
conductive portion. The at least one electrically conductive
portion may be disposed for corresponding relation with an
electrical connector disposed on the carrier member. This regard,
when the attachment member is operatively associated with the
carrier member (e.g., by way of magnetic interaction there between)
the electrically conductive portion may establish electoral
medication with the electrical connector to facilitate electrical
communication between the carrier member the attachment member.
[0029] The attachment member may be electrical communication with
electrically conductive path that may extend to a port in the
device. This regard, the port may facilitate charging a device.
Accordingly, when electrical communication is established between
the attachment member and the carrier member, power may be provided
to the port. It may be appreciated that different devices may
include different port configurations and/or relative locations of
the port on the device. Accordingly, the electrically conductive
path may include a connector corresponding to an appropriate port
of a device. In this regard, various different embodiments of
attachment member and electrically conductive paths and provided
such that the connector of the electrically conductive path may
correspond to a particular port of a device. In this regard,
embodiments of apparatuses including attachment member,
electrically conductive path, and connector and provided the
different corresponding devices. As such, different port locations
and/or configurations may be accommodated by different embodiments
of apparatuses. Furthermore, the various components the apparatus
may be integrated to case or the like that may be engaged with a
device. In this regard upon engagement of the case with a device,
the connector may provided in communication with the port such that
the electrically conductive path to provide electrical
communication between the attachment member and the port.
[0030] Numerous additional features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon
consideration of the embodiment descriptions provided
hereinbelow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mount
system in an unconnected state.
[0032] FIG. 1B is a cross sectional view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1A.
[0033] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A
in a connected state.
[0034] FIG. 2B is a cross sectional view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 2A.
[0035] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a
carrier member.
[0036] FIG. 4 perspective view of another embodiment of a mount
system.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a carrier
member.
[0038] FIGS. 6A-6D depict various embodiments of a base for use
with an embodiment of a mount system.
[0039] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a
carrier member that facilitates electrical coupling of a
device.
[0040] FIG. 8 is a plan view of an embodiment of an attachment
member for use with the carrier member of FIG. 7 associated with a
device.
[0041] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG.
7.
[0042] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment for
providing power to a carrier member.
[0043] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment for
providing power to a carrier member.
[0044] FIGS. 12A-12C depict various embodiments of support
structures for an embodiment of a mount system.
[0045] FIG. 13 depicts embodiments of a monitor mount for use with
an embodiment of a mount system.
[0046] FIG. 14 depicts additional embodiments of support structures
for use with an embodiment of a mount system.
[0047] FIG. 15 depicts embodiments of a support structure including
an articulating arm for use with an embodiment of a mount
system.
[0048] FIG. 16 depicts another embodiment of a support structure
with an articulating arm for use with an embodiment of a mount
system.
[0049] FIG. 17 depicts additional embodiments of support structures
for use with an embodiment of a mount system.
[0050] FIG. 18 depicts still further embodiments of support
structures for use with an embodiment of a mount system.
[0051] FIGS. 19A and 19B depict an embodiment of a magnetic frame
employing an embodiment of a mount system.
[0052] FIGS. 20A and 20B depict an embodiment of a frame for use
with an embodiment of a mount system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0053] The following description is not intended to limit the
invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations
and modifications commiserate with the following teachings, skill,
and other knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of
the present invention. The embodiments described herein are further
intended to explain modes known of practicing the invention and to
enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such,
or other embodiments, and with various modifications required by
the particular application(s) or use(s) of the invention.
[0054] FIGS. 1A-2B depict an embodiment of a mounting system 100.
The mounting system 100 generally includes a bulbous member 102, a
carrier member 104, and an attachment member 106. The attachment
member 106 is operatively associable with a device to be
supportably engaged by the mounting system 100. In turn, the
attachment member 106 is removably attachable to the carrier member
104 and the carrier member 104 is supportably contactable with the
bulbous member 102. The attachment of the carrier member 104 to the
bulbous member 102 as well as the attachment member 106 to the
carrier member 104 is facilitated by way of magnetic interaction
between the elements. In this regard, a device may be supportably
engaged by the mounting system 100.
[0055] The bulbous member 102 is supportably engageable with a base
(not shown in FIGS. 1A-2B). Various embodiments for supportive
engagement of the bulbous member 102 are discussed in greater
detail below with reference to FIGS. 4, 6A-6D, and 12A-20B. The
bulbous member 102 includes a convexly curved surface area 108. At
least a portion of the convexly curved surface area 108 is
unobstructed. That is, the convexly curved surface area 108
includes at least a portion that is not obstructed when the bulbous
member 102 is supportively engaged with a base. As shown in FIGS.
1A-2B, the convexly curved surface area 108 may comprise at least a
portion of a spherical surface. Alternative embodiments include a
convexly curved surface area of any appropriate shape or contour
(e.g., an ovoid or the like).
[0056] As stated above, the carrier member 104 is supportively
contactable with the bulbous member 102. In this regard, the
carrier member 104 includes a first interconnect potion 110 that is
adapted for supportive engagement with the bulbous member 102. The
first interconnect portion 110 includes a concave surface area 114
that is shaped for conformal adjacent engagement with the convexly
curved surface area 108. The concave surface area 114 of the first
interconnect portion 110 is also adapted for selective positioning
through a continuum of positions defined on the convexly curved
surface area 108. For example, the first interconnect portion 110
may be positioned throughout the unobstructed portion of the
convexly curved surface area 108.
[0057] The concave surface area 114 may, for example, be adapted
for conformal surface to surface contact across substantially all
of the concave surface area 114. As such, the radius of curvature
of the concave surface area 114 may be substantially the same as
the radius of curvature of the convexly curved surface area 108
along at least a portion of the convexly curved surface area 108.
In this regard, when the carrier member 104 is in supportive
contact with the bulbous member 102, substantially all of the
concave surface area 114 may be in surface to surface contact with
a portion of the convexly curved surface area 108. Alternatively,
at least a portion of the first interconnect portion 110 such as a
portion of the convexly curved surface area 108 may be in
conforming contact with the convexly curved surface area 108. For
example, a rim portion of the carrier member 104 may contact the
convexly curved surface area 108.
[0058] The carrier member 104 also includes a second interconnect
portion 112. The second interconnect portion 112 is adapted for
contact with the attachment member 106 to facilitate the removable
attachment of the attachment member 106 to the carrier member 104.
The first interconnect portion 110 and the second interconnect
portion 112 may be disposed on opposite end portions of the carrier
member 104. As such, when the first interconnect portion 110 is
supportively engaged with the bulbous member 102, the second
interconnect portion 112 may face radially outward from the
convexly curved surface area 108.
[0059] In an embodiment, the second interconnect portion 112 may be
substantially planer. In this regard, the attachment member 106 may
include a corresponding planar surface 122 for contact with the
second interconnect portion 102. In the embodiments depicted in
FIGS. 1A-2B, the attachment member 106 may comprise an annular
disk. In additional embodiments, the attachment member 106 may take
additional forms (e.g., a solid circular disk, a polygon shape,
etc.). The attachment member 106 may be of a shape corresponding to
the shape of the second interconnect portion 112. Alternatively,
the attachment member 106 may have a shape different than that of
the second interconnect portion 112. For example, at least a
portion of the attachment member 106 may overhang (i.e., extend
beyond) the second interconnect portion 112 or at least a portion
of the second interconnect portion 112 may overhang (i.e., extend
beyond) the attachment member 106 when the carrier member 104 is in
contact with the attachment member 106.
[0060] As stated above, the attachment member 106 is operatively
associable with a device or other object that is to be supportively
engaged by the mounting system 100. The attachment member 106 may
be associated with (e.g., attached to), the device in any manner
known in the art. For example, the attachment member 106 may be
integrated with the device, associated with a cover attachable to a
device, bonded to a device (e.g., by way of adhesives or the like),
or otherwise associated with the device. In any regard, the
attachment member 106 is capable of supporting the device when the
attachment member 106 is attached to the carrier member 104. In
this regard, when the attachment member 106 is attached to the
second interconnect portion 112 of the carrier member 104, the
device with which the attachment member 106 is associated may be
supported.
[0061] Furthermore, in various embodiments, any one of a number of
different articles may be supported by the mounting system 100 that
may include any of a number of different devices (e.g., electronic
devices) associable with an attachment member 106 that are, in
turn, supportable by the mount system 100. For example, the device
may comprise a portable electronic device such as a cellular phone
(e.g., a smartphone), a tablet device, a GPS device, an e-book
reader, a laptop (e.g., a netbook or the like), or other
electronics device. Additionally, an article supported by the mount
system 100 may be a non-electronic device or article such as a
photo, poster, piece of art, or other appropriate article to be
physically supported.
[0062] Additionally, it will be noted that multiple attachment
members 106 may be provided with respective ones of a plurality of
different devices. In this regard, the attachment members 106 for
each device may be operative to be removably connected to the
carrier member 104. As such, the bulbous member 102 and carrier
member 104 may be used in conjunction with one of the attachment
members 106 and devices such that the various devices that are
associated with an attachment member 106 may be interchangeably
attached to the carrier member 104.
[0063] As mentioned above, the supportive contact between the
bulbous member 102 and the carrier member 104 as well as the
removable contact between the carrier member 104 and the attachment
member 106 may be provided by way of magnetic interaction between
respective magnetic portions of the bulbous member 102, carrier
member 104, and attachment member 106. The magnetic portions of the
bulbous member 102, the carrier member 104, and the attachment
member 106 may be discrete portions provided on each of the
members, or may comprise substantially the entire element (e.g.,
the element may be made from a magnetically interactive material
such as a ferromagnetic material). One or more of the magnetic
portions of the bulbous member 102, carrier member 104, and
attachment member 106 may comprise at least one magnet. The others
of the magnetic portions of the bulbous member 102, carrier member
104, and attachment member 106 may be magnetically interactive such
that they are attracted to the at least one magnet. In this regard,
magnetic interaction between respective ones of the magnetic
portions may establish the supportive contact between the bulbous
member 102 and the carrier member 104 as well as the removable
attachment between the carrier member 104 and the attachment member
106.
[0064] In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1A-2B, the carrier
member 104 includes a magnet 116. The magnet 116 may be disposed
generally between the first interconnect portion 110 and the second
interconnect portion 112. For example, an over-molded enclosure 117
may be formed about the magnet 116 to define the features of the
carrier member 104 discussed above (e.g., the first interconnect
portion 110, the second interconnect portion 112, etc.). The
carrier member 104 may be of a one piece construction or comprise
multiple pieces. For example, the carrier member 104 may consist
essentially of a magnet 116 and include the structural features of
the carrier member 104 described above. In an implementation, the
enclosure 117 may be provided about the magnet 116 such that the
enclosure 117 defines one or more of the structural features of the
carrier member 104 described above. In any regard, the magnet 116
may be operative to produce a magnetic field at both the first
interconnect portion 110 and the second interconnect portion 112.
The bulbous member 102 and the attachment member 106 may be
constructed from or include a magnetically interactive material. As
such, the bulbous member 102 may be magnetically attracted to the
first interconnect portion 110 and the attachment member 106 may be
attracted to the second interconnect portion 112. In this regard,
the magnet 116 may interact with the bulbous member 102 to
establish the supportive contact between the bulbous member 102 and
the carrier member 104. Additionally, the magnet 116 may establish
the removable attachment of the attachment member 106 with the
carrier member 104 by way of magnetic interaction between the
magnet 116 and the attachment member 106.
[0065] Turning to FIG. 3, another embodiment of the carrier member
104' is shown. This additional embodiment may include any or all of
the foregoing features and characteristics described above with
respect to the mounting system 100. Accordingly, common elements
are shown and described with common reference numerals as those
used above with respect to the discussion of the mounting system
100 shown in FIGS. 1A-2B. Common elements between the various
embodiments that may differ in at least some respect may be shown
with a "single prime" designation. However, even those elements
shown with a "single prime" may generally incorporate the features
or characteristics described above.
[0066] The carrier member 104' may include a first interconnect
portion 110 and a second interconnect portion 112 similar to that
described above with respect to carrier member 104. The carrier
member 104' may include a first magnet 116a positioned adjacent to
first interconnect portion 110 and a second magnet 116b positioned
adjacent to the second interconnect portion 112. In this regard,
the first magnet 116a may be particularly suited for establishing
magnetic interaction with the bulbous member 102. The second magnet
116b may be particularly suited for establishing magnetic
interaction with the attachment member 106. For example, the first
magnet 116a and the second magnet 116b may have different magnetic
field strengths, different magnetic field shapes, be spaced
different distances from a respective interconnect portion for each
magnet, or otherwise have different characteristics or properties
to facilitate different magnetic interaction between the carrier
member 104' and the bulbous member 102 and the carrier member 104'
and the attachment member 106, respectively.
[0067] In an implementation, the first magnet 116a may be a ring
magnet comprising a rare earth metal magnet such as a neodymium
magnet. The second magnet 116b may be a disk magnet. The first
magnet 116a may have a larger relative magnetic field than the
second magnet 116b. In turn, the second magnet 116b may have a
lesser strength, more concentrated magnetic field. As such, the
magnetic field of the second magnet 116b may result in a centering
effect when the attachment member 106 is attached thereto. That is,
the magnetic field of the second magnet 116b may provide repeatable
positional registration between the attachment member 106 and the
carrier member 104'. In an embodiment, the magnetic field of the
second magnet 116b may be provided such that when attached to the
attachment member 106, repeatable, centered engagement of the
attachment member 106 with respect to the carrier member 104'.
[0068] The carrier member 104' may include an enclosure 117 that
supports the first magnet 116a and second magnet 116b. For example,
the chassis member may comprise an overmolded portion that
encompasses the first magnet 116a and second magnet 116b. The
second magnet 116b may be disposed in a cup 300 about which the
enclosure 117 may extend to secure the second magnet 116b with
respect to the cup 300. The cup 300 may assist in shaping the
magnetic field of the second magnet 116b to assist in providing
repeatable positionable registration of the attachment member 106
and the carrier member 104'. The enclosure 117 may also define
structural features of the carrier member 104' such as, for
example, a concave surface area 114 as described above. The
enclosure 117 may also define a rim 302 about the second
interconnect portion 112. The rim 302 may be beveled to assist in
locating the attachment member 106 relative to the carrier member
104'.
[0069] The mount systems 100 and/or 100' may exhibit one or more
characteristics during use. As discussed above, the magnetic
interaction between the bulbous member 102 and the carrier member
104 may result in the supportive contact of the carrier member 104
with the bulbous member 102. The carrier member 104 may remain
substantially stationary with respect to the carrier member 104 by
way of the magnetic interaction between the carrier member 104 and
the bulbous member 102. For example, the supportive contact between
the bulbous member 102 and the carrier member 104 may be
established through only the magnetic interaction therebetween.
Furthermore, an external force applied to the carrier member 104
may be required to move the carrier member 104 through the
continuum of positions defined on the convexly curved surface area
108 of the bulbous member 102 when in the carrier member 104 is in
supportive contact with the bulbous member 102. The supportive
contact between the bulbous member 102 and the carrier member 104
may be maintained when the attachment member 106 is attached to the
carrier member 104. The supportive contact may be maintained even
when a device is associated with the attachment member 106. That
is, the device, the attachment member 106 and carrier member 104
may remain substantially stationary with respect to the bulbous
member 102 when attached as described above. In this regard, the
device may be supportable by the mounting system 100 such that the
device does not move absent an external force acting on the device
and/or carrier member 104 when supported by the mounting system
100.
[0070] For example, the interaction between the bulbous member 102
and the carrier member as described above, wherein the carrier
member 104 remains stationary with respect to the bulbous member
102 absent the application of an external force may at least
partially depend on the static coefficient of friction between the
portion of convexly curved surface area 108 in contact with the
concave surface area 114 and the force generated by way of magnetic
interaction between the various elements. The static coefficient of
friction may at least partially be dependent upon the material
selection of the respective elements. In one embodiment, the static
coefficient of friction between the bulbous member 102 and the
carrier member 104 may be less than the static coefficient of
friction between the carrier member 104 and the attachment member
106. Accordingly, the interaction between the carrier member 104
and the attachment member 106 may be such that upon application of
a force to the attachment member 106 with a force component tangent
to the convexly curved surface area 108, the carrier member 104 is
moved with respect to the bulbous member 102 prior to initiating
sliding of the attachment member 106 with respect to the carrier
member 104. In this regard, when a device is mounted to the
mounting system 100, application of force to the device with a
force component tangential to the convexly curved surface area 112
results in the collective movement of the carrier member 104,
attachment member 106, and device along the convexly curved surface
area 112 as opposed to movement between the carrier member 104 and
the attachment member 106.
[0071] Additionally, the relative strengths of the magnetic
connection between the bulbous member 102 and carrier member 104
and the carrier member 104 and the attachment member 106 may be
provided so that the removal of the attachment member 106 from the
carrier member 104 is accomplished by a lesser force than the force
required to remove the carrier member 104 from the bulbous member
102. Such relative magnetic strength may be facilitated by use of
at least a first magnet 116a and a second magnet 116b as described
above. In any regard, when a user attempts to remove a device from
the carrier member 104 (e.g., apply an axial force tending to
separate the attachment member 106 from the carrier member 104) the
attachment member 106 may separate from the carrier member 104
without the separation of the carrier member 104 from the bulbous
member 102.
[0072] Additionally, the relative strength of the magnetic
attraction between the bulbous member 102 and the carrier member
104 and between the carrier member 104 attachment member 106 may be
varied. For example, as discussed above, the strength of the
magnetic attraction between the attachment member 106 and the
carrier member 104 may be less than the strength of the magnetic
attraction between the carrier member 104 and the bulbous member
102. The amount of force required to separate the carrier member
104 from the bulbous member 102 and/or the attachment member 106
from the carrier member 104 may at least partially be dependent
upon the strength of the magnetic field at a respective one of the
first interconnect portion 110 an the second interconnect portion
112. Other factors that may affect the amount of force required to
separate respective elements is the distance of the element from
the magnet that produces the magnetic field. Furthermore, the
material selection of the bulbous member 102, carrier member 104,
and attachment member 106 may affect a number of parameters
including the magnetic interactivity of the respective element and
the static coefficient of friction between elements. Other features
and characteristics may be varied to facilitate any or all of the
foregoing characteristics. For example, alternatively shaped pieces
may be provided (e.g., interlocking features between the carrier
member and attachment member, etc.) or other varied features may be
provided to facilitate the foregoing characteristics.
[0073] In one embodiment, the interaction between respective
magnetic portions of the bulbous member 102, carrier member 104,
and/or attachment member 106 may be adjustable. For example, the
carrier member 104 be provided with an adjustable portion. Upon
adjustment of the adjustable portion of the carrier portion 104,
the magnetic portion of the carrier member 104 may be adjusted
relative to one or both of the first interconnect portion 110
and/or second interconnect portion 112. Accordingly, the strength
of the magnetic field at the first interconnect portion 110 and/or
second interconnect portion 112 may be varied by adjusting the
adjustable portion. The adjustable portion may include a threaded
portion of the carrier member 104 whereby movement of the threaded
portion results in movement of the magnetic portion with respect to
one or both of the first interconnect portion 110 or second
interconnect portion 112.
[0074] Another embodiment of a mounting system 100'' is depicted in
FIG. 3. This additional embodiment may include any or all of the
foregoing features and characteristics described above with respect
to the mounting systems 100 and/or 100'. Accordingly, common
elements are shown and described with common reference numerals as
those used above with respect to the discussion of the mounting
system 100 and 100' shown in FIGS. 1A-3. Common elements between
the various embodiments that may differ in at least some respect
may be shown with a "double prime" designation. However, even those
elements shown with a "double prime" may generally incorporate the
features or characteristics described above.
[0075] With additional reference to FIG. 4, a mounting system 100''
is depicted. The mounting system 100'' includes a bulbous member
102. The bulbous member 102 may be substantially spherical with the
exception of the connection of a support arm 118 extending from the
spherical bulbous member 102. The support arm 118 may extend from
the bulbous member 102 such that the bulbous member 102 is
supportably engaged with a base (not shown in FIG. 4) by way of the
support arm 118. The bulbous member 102 may include a convexly
curved surface area 108 that is substantially spherical with the
exception of where the support arm 118 engages with the bulbous
member 102. In this regard, the unobstructed portion of the
convexly curved surface area 108 of the bulbous member 102 may be
at least a majority of the spherical outer surface area of the
sphere comprising the bulbous member 102. In one embodiment, the
support arm 118 is attached to the bulbous member 102 and obstructs
an area of the spherical outer surface area of the bulbous member
102 that is much smaller than that of the total spherical surface
area comprising a convexly curved surface area 108. In this regard,
substantially all of the spherical surface area may define the
continuum of positions through which a carrier member 104 may be
positioned with respect to the bulbous member 102.
[0076] The carrier member 104 of the mounting system 100'' is shown
in detail in FIG. 5 and may be substantially similar to carrier
member 104 and/or 104' as described above with respect to FIGS.
1A-3. That is, the carrier member 104 may include a concave surface
area 114 for conformal adjacent engagement with the convexly curved
surface area 108. A concave surface area 114 corresponding to the
first interconnect portion 110 may be disposed on a first end of
the carrier member 104. On an opposite end of the carrier member
104, the second interconnect portion 112 may be adapted for
interconnection with the attachment member 106 of FIG. 4.
[0077] FIG. 4 further depicts that the attachment member 106 may be
operatively associated with a device 120. In this regard, the
attachment member 106 may be secured to the device 120 such that
when the attachment member 106 magnetically interacts with the
carrier member 104, the device 120 is removably supported with the
carrier member 104. Furthermore, as the carrier member 104 may
magnetically interact with the bulbous member 102, and may be
supportably contactable therewith, the device 120 may be mounted
with the mounting system 100''.
[0078] As discussed above, an external force applied to the carrier
member 104 may move the carrier member 104 throughout a continuum
of positions defined on the convexly curved surface area 108. In
FIG. 4, as the convexly curved surface area 108 is substantially
spherical, the carrier member 104 may be moved throughout a
continuum of positions corresponding to the substantially all of
the spherical outer surface area of the bulbous member 102. In this
regard, the device 120 may be positioned and a variety of positions
correspond to the different locations of the carrier member 104
with respect to the bulbous member 102 throughout the continuum of
positions.
[0079] FIGS. 6A-6D depict various embodiments of a mounting system
100'' as depicted in FIG. 4 including a substantially spherical
bulbous member 102 along with various embodiments of support
structure for supportively engaging the bulbous member 102 of the
mounting system 100''. For instance, FIG. 6A depicts the mounting
system 100'' with a support arm 118 extending to a base 124. In
this regard, the base 124 may rest on a surface and support the
mounting system 100''. The base 124 may be of sufficient size so as
to securely support the support arm 118 and mounting system 100''.
For example, the base 124 may be generally circular. Furthermore,
the base 124 may be weighted such that the center of gravity of the
base 124, support arm 118, and mounting system 100'' may be near
the base 124, even when a device is attached to the mounting system
100' as described above.
[0080] FIG. 6B depicts a base 124 and support arm 118 that includes
a lighting device 126 disposed in the support arm 118. In this
regard, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6B may receive power from a
power cable 128. The power cable 128 may supply power to the
lighting device 126 disposed on the support arm 118. The support
arm 118 may include an optically transmissive portion 130 (e.g.,
that is transparent or translucent) through which the lighting
device 126 may emit light. In this regard, the embodiment depicted
in FIG. 6B may, in addition to serving as a mount for a device, act
as a lamp or light independent of its function as a mounting
device.
[0081] Furthermore, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6B may include
an inductive charging device 132. For example, the inductive
charging device 132 may be disposed in the bulbous member 102
adjacent to where the device is attachable. In this regard, when
the device 120 is supportably attached with the mounting system
100'', the inductive charging device 132 may be disposed
sufficiently near the device 120 such that the inductive charging
device 132 may interact with the device 120 and the device 120 may
be charged by way of inductive charging. An inductive charging
device 132 is one that supplies power to a device by way of an
induction coupling between the device 120 and the inductive
charging device 132. An electromagnetic field is generated at the
inductive charging device 132 that interacts with an induction coil
provided with the device 120 to induce an electrical current at the
device 120 that is used to charge a battery at the device 120. In
this regard, the device may not need to make physical contact with
a powered conductor to receive charging power as is the case in
conductive charging or direct coupling charging, but may instead,
be disposed near the inductive charging device 132.
[0082] In this regard, the bulbous member 102 may also include a
charge indicator 134. The charge indicator 134 may be in
communication with the inductive charging device 132 and operative
to indicate the level of charge of the device 120 being charged by
the inductive charging device 132. The charge indicator 134 may
include color coded lighting disposed in the bulbous member 120.
For instance, the charge indicator 134 may comprise one or more
multicolor LEDs that emit different colors of light through an
optically transmissive portion 130 to indicate the charging status
of the device 120.
[0083] Additionally, as depicted in FIG. 6C, the bulbous member 102
may include a lighting device 126 to emit light through an
optically transmissive portion 130 in addition to a lighting device
126 provided in the support arm 118 that may emit light though an
optically transmissive portion 130 of the support arm 118.
Accordingly, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6C may also act as a
lamp or lighting device in addition to providing a support
structure for the mounting system 100''. For example, in the case
where the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6C is disposed on a surface
such as a desk, side table etc., the device may act as a lamp as
well as a support structure for the mounting system 100''. In the
embodiment depicted in FIG. 6D, a lighting device 126 may only be
provided in the bulbous member 102' such that the support arm 118
does not include any lighting devices. The bulbous member 102 of
the embodiment of FIG. 6D may also include a charge indicator 134
associated with an inductive charging device 132 for charging a
device 120 supported by the mounting system 100''.
While inductive charging may be provided for a device 120
supportably engaged by a mount system 100'', it may be appreciated
that many devices may not include the necessary hardware to
facilitate inductive charging of the device 120. That is, a device
120 may not include the requisite hardware to establish an
inductive couple with corresponding hardware provided with the
mounting system 100. In this regard, an embodiment of the mounting
system 100 may be provided for charging a device supportably
engaged by a mount system 100 as described herein is depicted in
FIG. 7. Power may be supplied to the device 120 by way, at least in
part, of conduction such that traditional devices lacking inductive
charging capabilities may also be charged or otherwise communicated
with when supported by a mount system 100.
[0084] In FIG. 7, a carrier member 104 including a power conduit
400 is shown. The power conduit 400 is depicted schematically and
may provide power by one of number of different methods known in
the art. For example, as will be described in greater detail below,
the power conduit 400 may comprise a component in an inductive
charging system, receive power from an external source by way of
conduction, have onboard power supplied (e.g., via a capacitor,
battery, or the like), or otherwise be operable to supply power. In
this regard, the power conduit 400 may include a power supply for
generation of power at the carrier member 104. However, the power
conduit 400 may also simply facilitate transfer of power from a
source external to the carrier member 104 as will be discussed in
greater below.
[0085] In any regard, the carrier member 104 may include one or
more electrical connectors 410 in operation communication with the
power conduit 400. The plurality of electrical connectors 410 may
be disposed relative to the second interconnect portion 112. For
example, the electrical connectors 410 may at least partially
extend from the second interconnect portion 112. As depicted in
FIG. 7, the electrical connectors 410 may each comprise a pin 412
which may at least partially extend from the second interconnect
portion 112. The pin 412 be displaceable relative to the second
interconnect portion 112 when contacted (e.g., upon attachment of
the attachment member 106 at the second interconnect portion 112).
In this regard, the pin 412 may be retained in a bore 414 defined
in the carrier member 104. A spring 416 may be disposed in the bore
414 and bias the pin 412 in the extended position relative to the
second interconnect portion 112. The pin 412 may be in electrical
communication with the power source 400 by way of the spring 416
and/or an electrical conductor 418 extending from the bore 414 to
the power conduit 400. The spring 416 may maintain the pin 412 in
contact with an attachment member 106 when connected to the carrier
member 104.
[0086] In an embodiment, upon attachment of the attachment member
106 to the carrier member 104, the pins 412 of the electrical
connectors 410 may contact corresponding electrical conductors 510
provided on the attachment member 106 as shown in FIG. 8, the
electrical conductors 512 may include concentric rings 512. In this
regard, regardless of the rotational position of the attachment
member 106 relative to the carrier member 104, isolated electrical
communication may be provided between respective ones of the
concentric rings 512 and the electrical connectors 410. In this
regard, the concentric rings 512 may be electrically isolated from
one another. Upon attachment of the attachment member 106 to the
carrier member 104, corresponding ones of the concentric rings 512
and pins 412 may make contact as shown in FIG. 7 to establish
electrical communication between the corresponding ones of the
electrical connectors 410 and electrical conductors 510. The pins
412 may be deflected in the bore 414, yet maintain contact with the
electrical conductors 510 by way of a force acting on the pins 410
by the springs 416 to allow for attachment of the attachment member
106 and contact between the electrical connectors 410 and
electrical conductors 510. Each of the electrical connectors 410
may be electrically isolated such that each one of the electrical
connectors 410 establishes an independent electrical communication
path. In this regard, selective electrical communication may be
established between the attachment member 106 and the carrier
member 104 when the attachment member 106 is attached to the
carrier member 104 by way of the magnetic interaction between the
magnetic portions of the carrier member 104 and the attachment
member 106. In this regard, the registration of the electrical
connectors 410 relative to the electrical conductors 510 may be
maintained to establishing electrical communication between the
attachment member 106 and the carrier 104. Thus, the centering
and/or repeatable positional registration features of the second
magnet 116b described above in FIG. 3 may provide reliable
positional registration between the electrical connectors 410 and
the electrical conductors 510.
[0087] The electrical conductors 510 of the attachment member 106
may in turn be in electrical communication with a conductive path
514 extending from the attachment member 106. With further
reference to FIG. 9, the conductive path 514 may extend from the
attachment member 106 to a connector 516. The connector 516 may be
engaged with a port 600 on a device 120. The port 610 may allow for
charging of the device 120. For example, the port 600 may be a
micro-USB port, a proprietary connector, or other connection
provided for charging a device 120. The conductive path 514 may
comprise any conductive material that facilitated electrical
communication between the electrical conductors 510 and the
connector 516. In an embodiment, the conductive path 514 may
include conductive traces disposed on a substrate (e.g., a flexible
substrate). The substrate of the conductive path 514 may be adhered
or attached to the device 120. In this regard, the connector 516
may be maintained in the port 600 such that the attachment member
106, conductive path 514, and connector 516 are maintained with the
device even upon disengagement of the attachment member 106 from
the carrier member 104.
[0088] In an embodiment, the attachment member 106 and conductive
path 514 may be integrated into a case 610 for the device 120. In
this regard, upon engagement of the device 120 by the case 610, the
connector 516 may be disposed in the port 600 of the device. As
such, it may be appreciated that distinct cases 610 may be provided
for different devices 120. In this regard, particular case
configurations including different connector 516 designs and/or
locations may be provided for different devices 120. However, each
configuration used for different devices 120 may include an
attachment device 106 including the electrical conductors 510 to
facilitate establishing electrical communication between the
attachment member 106 and the carrier member 104 as described
above.
[0089] In any regard, upon establishing contact between the
electrical connectors 410 of the carrier member 104 and the
electrical conductors 510 of the attachment member 106, electrical
communication may be established between the power conduit 400 and
the connector 516 such the power may flow from the power conduit
400 and the connector 516 such that the device 120 supportively
attached to the carrier member 104 may receive power to facilitate
charging and/or powering of the device 120.
[0090] With further reference to FIG. 10, an embodiment for
providing power to the power conduit 400 is shown. In FIG. 10, a
slip ring assembly 630 may be provided on the support arm 118 of
the mount system 100. The slip ring assembly 630 may receive power
via a power cable 128 extending through the support arm 118. As
described above, the power cable 128 may in turn be connected to a
plug or other external power supply. The slip ring 630 may allow
for relative rotation between a first slip ring portion 632 and a
second slip ring portion 634 while maintaining electrical
communication between the first slip ring portion 632 and the
second slip ring portion 634. The second slip ring portion 634 may
have a tether 636 extending from the second slip ring portion 634.
The tether 636 may include an electrical communication path.
Accordingly, the tether 636 may extend from the second slip ring
portion 634 to the carrier member 104 to establish conductive
electrical communication with the power conduit 400 in the carrier
member 104.
[0091] In this regard, the tether 636 may be allowed to rotate with
respect to the support arm 118 such that the attached carrier 104
may in turn also rotate about the bulbous member 102. As such, the
positioning of the carrier member 104 throughout a continuum of
positions relative to the bulbous member 102 as described above may
be maintained. Additionally, the tether 636 may be reinforced
and/or armored to prevent detachment or severing of the tether 363
from either the support arm 118 or the carrier member 104. As such,
when the mount system 100 is provided in an environment where theft
or loss of the carrier member 104 may be likely (e.g., a public
location, a school, or other communal environment), the carrier
member 104 may be retained with the mount system 100 by the tether
636. Thus, in an implementation, a tether 636 may be provided
without any electrical conductive path such that the tether 636
only secures the carrier member 104 to the mount system 100 without
providing power to the carrier member 104
[0092] In an application shown in FIG. 11, the power conduit 400 of
the carrier member 104 may receive power via induction. For
example, an inductive couple 640 may be provided comprising a first
induction member 642 and a second induction member 644. The first
induction member 642 may be provided within a hollow bulbous member
102'. The hollow bulbous member 102' may be made from a
non-metallic material to reduce any interference with an
electromagnetic field passing between the first induction member
642 and the second induction member 644. The first induction member
642 may receive power from a power cord 128 extending through a
support arm 118. The first induction member 642 may also include a
magnetic portion 652. The magnetic portion 652 of the first
induction member 642 may be magnetically attracted to a magnetic
portion of the carrier member 104 (e.g., magnet 116b). The first
induction member 642 may be maintained in contact with a interior
surface 654 of the bulbous member 102' by a biasing member (e.g.,
spring 646). In this regard, the spring 646 may allow for movement
of the first induction member 642 about the interior 656 of the
bulbous member 102' while maintaining the first induction member
642 against the interior surface 654 of the bulbous member 102'. In
this regard, when the carrier member 104 is disposed adjacent to a
convexly curved surface area 108, the first induction member 642
may be attracted to and magnetically interact with the carrier
member 104. In this regard, the resultant magnetic clamping force
acting on the bulbous member 102' between the first induction
member 642 and the carrier member 104 may be sufficient to maintain
the carrier member 104 in place relative to the bulbous member
102'. As such, the carrier member 104 may be moveable through the
continuum of positions relative to the convexly curved surface area
108 as described above.
[0093] The magnetic interaction between the first induction member
642 and the carrier member 104 may also result in adjacent
positioning of the first induction member 642 relative to the
second induction member 644 provided with the carrier member 104.
As such, the first induction member 642 and the second induction
member 644 may form an inductive couple such that power may be
inductively communicated from the first induction member 642 to the
second induction member 644. The second induction member 644 may in
turn provide power to the power conduit 400 of the carrier member
104. In this regard, the first induction member 642 and the second
induction member 644 may comprise a split core transformer that is
capable of transmitting power from the first induction member 642
to the second induction member 644. In this regard, the first
induction member 642 may include first induction coil and the
second induction member 644 may include a second induction coil.
Upon passing electrical current through the first induction coil,
an electromagnetic field may be generated that may extend to the
second induction coil. The interaction of the electromagnetic field
generated by the first induction coil may result in electoral
current being established in the second induction coil. As such,
lexical power may be transmitted from the first induction member
642 to the second induction member 644 through some space. In this
regard, even in the instance where a sidewall of bulbous member
102' passes between the first induction member 642 in the second
induction member 644, electoral power may still be transmitted
between the two.
[0094] While the foregoing examples have focused on provision of
power to a device supportively mounted to a mounting system 100, it
will be appreciated that additional communication paths may be
provided to facilitate electrical communication with the device as
well. For example, one or more data channels may be established
between the mounting system 100 and a device.
[0095] Turning to FIGS. 12A-12C, various additional embodiments of
support structures for use with a mounting system (e.g., mounting
system 100 or 100' discussed above) are shown. For example, as
depicted in FIG. 12A, the bulbous member 102 may be in supportive
contact with a support magnet 136 for magnetic interaction with a
magnetically interactive substrate 138. In this regard, the support
magnet 136 to which the bulbous member 102 is attached may have
sufficient strength to connect to the magnetically interactive
substrate 138 to support the mounting system 100. Also shown in
FIG. 12A, the bulbous member 102 may comprise a portion of a sphere
(e.g., a hemisphere) attached to a supportive magnet 136 that is
operatively attachable to the magnetically interactive substrate
138.
[0096] FIG. 12B depicts an embodiment of support structure for a
mounting system 100 for attachment of the mounting system 100 to a
wall 140. In this regard, one or more wall mounting devices 142 may
be supportively engaged with a bulbous member 102. The wall
mounting devices 142 may include a threaded portion 144 extending
through the wall 140 or other similar substrate. The threaded
portion 144 may threadably engage an anchor 146. Furthermore, as
shown in the bottom of FIG. 12B, a support arm 118 may extend from
the bulbous member 102 and be attached to one or more wall mounting
devices 142 for securing the mounting system to a wall 140.
[0097] FIG. 12C depicts an alternative embodiment of a support
structure wherein a suction cup mount 148 is supportively engaged
with a bulbous member 102 or support arm 118. In this regard, the
suction cup mount 148 may be affixed to a smooth substrate 150 to
support the mounting system.
[0098] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of a monitor mount 152 for
attachment of a mounting system 100 to a monitor 154. In this
regard, a monitor support arm 156 may be affixed to standard mount
receptacles 158 of a monitor 154. The monitor support arm 156 may
extend to a side of the monitor 154 and include attachment portions
160 for accepting a mounting system 100. For example, the mounting
system 100 may be engaged with a support arm 118 connected with one
of the attachment portions 160. The attachment portions 160 may be
articulated such that the individual attachment portions 160 to
which a mounting system is attached may move with respect to the
monitor 154 and one another. As shown in FIG. 13, a number of
attachment portions 160 may be provided.
[0099] FIG. 14 depicts another embodiment of a support structure
for a mounting system that facilitates communication between an
external power source (e.g., an electrical outlet, wiring system,
etc.) and the mounting system 100. The mounting system 100 may be
attachable to a junction box 162. For example, in a case where a
charging element and/or a lighting element are provided in either
the bulbous member 102 and/or support arm 118, power may be
supplied thereto by way of standard wiring 164. The standard wiring
164 may terminate at the junction box 162. In this regard, the
mounting device 100 may be supportively engageable with the
junction box 162 such that the standard electrical wiring 164 may
be connected to the mounting system 100 to provide power to
components therein as described above. The interaction of the
mounting system 100 with the junction box 162 may be by way of
known techniques for securing lighting fixtures or the like to
junction boxes 162 as is known in the art.
[0100] FIG. 15 depicts another embodiment wherein a support arm 118
of the mounting system 100 includes articulated sections 166 for
movement of the bulbous member 102 with respect to a base 124. The
top portion of FIG. 15 shows a side view of the embodiment and the
bottom portion of FIG. 15 shows a top view. As shown, the
articulated sections 166 may be connected by a hinge 168 (e.g.,
comprising a swivel, ball joint, or other joint arrangement known
in the art) to facilitate movement of the mounting system 100 with
respect to the base 124 from a retracted configuration (shown in
phantom lines in the top portion of FIG. 15) to an extended
configuration. As shown in FIG. 16, a support structure including
articulated sections 166 be provided with an embodiment requiring
power. As such, the embodiment in FIG. 16 is shown attached to a
junction box 162 to facilitate communication with standard
electrical wiring 164 in a manner discussed above with respect to
FIG. 14.
[0101] With respect to FIG. 17, different techniques for attachment
of a bulbous member 102 to a supporting magnet 136 are shown. The
top most portion of FIG. 17 depicts a hemispherical bulbous member
102 in supportive engagement with a supporting magnet 136 which is
in turn is magnetically interacting with a magnetic substrate 138.
Also shown in FIG. 17 is a substantially spherical bulbous member
102 in supportive engagement with a support magnet 136 that is in
turn magnetically interactive with a magnetic substrate 138.
Additionally shown in FIG. 17, various lengths of support arms 118
may be provided in supportive engagement with the bulbous member
102 that are attached to a support magnet 136 which in turn engages
a magnetically interactive substrate 138.
[0102] FIG. 18 depicts embodiments for connection of a mounting
system with a wall 140. The bulbous members 102 may be in
supportive engagement with a clip 170 that may be disposed in a
preexisting hole 172 (e.g., such as a hole provided in a peg board,
a pre-drilled hole, or the like). As discussed above with respect
to FIG. 18, the bulbous member 102 may be a portion of a sphere or
substantially all of a sphere and may be directly connected to the
clip 170 or connected to the clip 170 by way of a support arm
118.
[0103] FIGS. 19A-20B depict various embodiments of display
techniques that may be accomplished by way of the use of a mounting
system as described above. For example, with reference to FIGS. 19A
to 20B, multiple mounting systems 100 may be provided at various
locations on a frame 174 such that magnetic interaction between a
support magnet attached to the mounting system 100 and a magnetic
substrate 138 retains the mounting systems 100 to the frame 174. In
this regard, various devices or portions of art may be mounted to
the mounting portions 100 as shown in FIG. 19B. With respect to
FIG. 20A, discrete mounting locations (e.g., preexisting holes 172
of a pegboard) may be provided to which mounting systems 100 may be
engaged. As shown in FIG. 20B, various portions of art or other
devices for example may be provided on the mounting systems
provided in the discrete locations to provide a framed display
incorporating a mounting system described above.
[0104] The foregoing description of the present invention has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description.
Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention
to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and
modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and
knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present
invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are further
intended to explain known modes of practicing the invention and to
enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such
or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the
particular application(s) or use(s) of the present invention. It is
intended that the appended claims be construed to include
alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior
art.
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