Mobile device mounting apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a mount featuring one or more sets of embedded magnets designed to engage with a complementary set of magnets disposed in a protective housing for use with the mount or housed in a mobile device within such a protective housing. The mount includes a pin that is magnetically actuated to extend into a hole provided in the protective housing when the housing and mount are brought within a specified distance. Thus, the housing and the mount are "snapped together" and constrained by the pin from sliding relative to each other.

Description

(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202510735108.3 (22) Application Date 2025.06.04 (30) Priority Data 18 / 733,026 2024.06.04 US (71) Applicant Speculative Product Design LLC Address California, USA (72) Inventors B. Hinechek J. Daye (74) Patent Agency Yongxin Patent & Trademark Agency Co., Ltd. 72002 Patent Attorney Wang Lijun (51) Int.Cl. H05K 5 / 02 (2006.01) H02J 7 / 00 (2006.01) H02J 50 / 00 (2016.01) F16M 11 / 04 (2006.01) H04M 1 / 18 (2006.01) H04M 1 / 02 (2006.01) H05K 5 / 00 (2025.01) H01F 7 / 00 (2006.01) H01F 7 / 02 (2006.01) (54) Invention Title: Mobile Device Mounting Equipment (57) Abstract: This invention discloses a mounting base characterized by one or more sets of embedded magnets designed to engage with a set of complementary magnets disposed in or housed within a protective housing used with the mounting base. The mounting base includes a pin that is magnetically actuated to extend into a hole provided in the protective housing when the housing and the mounting base are brought within a predetermined distance. Thus, the housing and the mounting base are "locked together" and constrained by the pin, preventing them from sliding relative to each other. Claims 2 pages, Description 8 pages, Drawings 21 pages, CN 121078653 A 2025.12.05 CN 1 21 07 86 53 A 1. A mounting base for use with a device including a first magnetic array and a hole, the mounting base comprising: a mounting base body including: a front side; and a rear side; a second magnetic array disposed in the mounting base body near the front side; and a pin including an upper surface; wherein when the first magnetic array is brought close to the second magnetic array, the pin is adapted to change from the first position where the upper surface is flush with the front side to the second position where the pin extends into the hole. 2. The mounting base of claim 1, wherein the pin is attached to a spring having a first end attached to the pin and a second end attached to the bottom of a recess, wherein the spring constrains the pin in the first position until the magnetic force generated by the first magnetic array and the second magnetic array when the first magnetic array is close to the second magnetic array causes the pin to extend into the hole.3. The mounting base of claim 1, wherein the rear side includes a deployable support portion. 4. The mounting base of claim 1, wherein the rear side includes a magnetically deployable support portion. 5. The mounting base of claim 1, wherein the rear side includes an adhesive material layer. 6. The mounting base of claim 1, wherein the rear side includes a threaded hole. 7. The mounting base of claim 1, wherein the rear side includes an adapter. 8. The mounting base of claim 1, further comprising a wireless charging device, the wireless charging device including a rechargeable battery and a power port disposed in the mounting base body. 9. The mounting base of claim 8, wherein the rear side includes an adapter. 10. The mounting base of claim 8, wherein the rear side includes a deployable support portion. 11. The mounting base of claim 1, wherein the rear side of the mounting base body includes a cavity adapted to hold a small object therein. 12. A mounting base adapted for use with a device including a first magnetic array and a pin, the mounting base comprising: a mounting base body including: a front side; and a rear side; a second magnetic array disposed in the mounting base body near the front side; and a hole; wherein the hole is adapted to receive the pin in an extended position, wherein the pin extends from a recessed position in the device to the extended position when the first magnetic array is brought near the second magnetic array. 13. The mounting base of claim 12, wherein the pin is attached to a spring having a first end attached to the pin and a second end attached to the bottom of a recess disposed in the device, wherein the spring constrains the pin in the recessed position until a magnetic force generated by the first magnetic array and the second magnetic array when the first magnetic array is near the second magnetic array causes the pin to extend into the hole. 14. The mounting base of claim 12, wherein the rear side includes a deployable support. 15. The mounting base of claim 12, wherein the rear side includes a magnetically deployable support. Claims 1 / 2 Page 2 CN 121078653 A 16. The mounting base of claim 12, wherein the rear side includes an adhesive material layer. 17. The mounting base of claim 12, wherein the rear side includes a threaded hole. 18. The mounting base of claim 12, wherein the rear side includes an adapter. 19. The mounting base of claim 12, further comprising a wireless charging device, the wireless charging device including a rechargeable battery and a power port disposed in the mounting base body. 20. The mounting base of claim 19, wherein the rear side includes an adapter.21. The mounting base of claim 19, wherein the rear side includes a deployable support. 22. The mounting base of claim 12, wherein the rear side of the mounting base body includes a cavity adapted to hold a small object therein. 23. A protective housing for use with a mounting base having a second magnetic array and a hole, the protective housing comprising: a first magnetic array; and a pin adapted to extend from a recessed position into the hole when the first magnetic array and the second magnetic array are close together. 24. A protective housing for use with a mounting base having a second magnetic array and a pin, the protective housing comprising: a first magnetic array; and a hole adapted to receive the pin, wherein the pin extends from a recessed position in the mounting base into the hole when the first magnetic array and the second magnetic array are close together. Claims 2 / 2 Page 3 CN 121078653 A Mobile Device Mounting Equipment Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile device mounting equipment. Background Art

[0002] For centuries, magnets have been used as attachment mechanisms. Recently, mobile device manufacturers and accessory makers have adopted magnets as an inconspicuous means of securely fastening mobile devices to chargers, stands, docks, mounts, and other objects. Magnets are excellent for this purpose because the fastening force is generated invisibly through a magnetic field. One popular system in magnetic fastening systems is MagSafe™, developed by Apple Inc., as described in Patent No. 7,311,526. Smartphones employing MagSafe technology feature an internal array of magnets that facilitates the magnetic attachment of MagSafe-compatible accessories, such as chargers. While early MagSafe applications involved the magnetic attachment of charging cables, the technology has expanded beyond this specific application and is now used for attaching a wide variety of accessories. The use of magnetic attachment technology is beneficial not only for technical considerations but also for aesthetic design.

[0003] One problem with such magnetically attached accessories is that they do not resist shear forces well, i.e., forces that tend to cause the accessory to slide parallel to the surface of the device to which it is attached. In fact, all resistance to applied shear forces (i.e., forces acting perpendicular to magnetic lines of force) is provided by friction. The frictional force resisting shear force is proportional to the magnetic force holding the device and fitting together and the coefficient of friction between the contact surfaces. This magnetic force is limited by the requirement to separate the devices without using inappropriate forces. Therefore, the frictional force resisting shear force is limited by the necessity of limiting the magnetic force. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to have a magnetic attachment mechanism that resists shear force. The embodiments described herein relate to a magnetically retractable protrusion located on a first device, which extends by magnetic force so that it locks to a second device.In the corresponding cavity on the device. It is generally desirable that the retractable protrusion is biased to a retracted position and flush with the surface of the device so that it does not interfere with the operation of the first device. In these embodiments, any mechanism that provides such mechanical bias, such as a spring or friction, can be used. A preferred embodiment features a protective housing for a mobile device (such as a smartphone or tablet) that includes a hole. Accessories such as inductive chargers, mounting brackets, or wallets include a retractable pin. The retractable pin is designed to contact the surface of the protective housing flush with the accessory until the accessory is brought within a certain distance of the hole. At this point, the retractable pin extends due to the magnetic force derived from a magnetic fastening system incorporated into the device protected by the housing or located in the housing itself (preferably near the hole), thereby fitting the pin into the hole.

[0005] In this way, the magnetic locking force is supplemented by the resistance to shear forces provided by the retractable pin.

[0006] The features of the above embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and any feature and embodiment can be combined with one or more other features and embodiments to obtain further aspects of the invention.

[0007] FIG1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the claimed invention. Specification 1 / 8 pages 4 CN 121078653 A

[0008] FIG2 is an elevation side view of the internal structure of the housing and mounting base according to an embodiment of the claimed invention.

[0009] FIG3 is an elevation front view of the internal structure of the housing and mounting base according to an embodiment of the claimed invention.

[0010] FIG4A and FIG4B are elevation side views of the internal structure of the mounting base according to an embodiment of the claimed invention.

[0011] FIG5A and FIG5B are elevation side views of the internal structure of the mounting base according to an alternative embodiment of the claimed invention.

[0012] FIG6 illustrates a configuration of a self-aligned magnetic array that can be incorporated into one or more embodiments.

[0013] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of an internal bias hole and pin configuration according to an embodiment.

[0014] FIG8 illustrates an alternative configuration of the housing and mounting base according to an embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates a first exemplary mounting system embodiment, characterized by a hole and a mounting base, the hole being adapted to receive a pin directly coupled to the body of a mobile device in the form of a smartphone, the mounting base having a spring-loaded pin.

[0016] FIG. 10 illustrates a second exemplary mounting system embodiment, characterized by a hole and a mounting base, the hole being adapted to receive a pin directly coupled to the body of a mobile device in the form of a smartphone, the mounting base having a spring-loaded pin.

[0017] FIG. 11 illustrates a mounting system embodiment, characterized by a hole, the hole being coupled to the body of a mobile device in the form of a tablet computer.

[0018] Figure 12 illustrates an embodiment in which a pin extends from the housing and a hole is located in the body of the mounting base.

[0019] Figure 13 depicts an embodiment in which a pin extends from the rear of the mobile device and a hole is located in the body of the mounting base.

[0020] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the mounting base incorporating a deployable support characterized by a friction hinge.

[0021] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of a first schematic embodiment of the mounting base incorporating a magnetically deployable support.

[0022] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of a second schematic embodiment of the mounting base incorporating a rechargeable battery pack and a magnetically deployable support.

[0023] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the internal configuration of an embodiment of the mounting base incorporating a rechargeable battery pack and a deployable support.

[0024] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the mounting base characterized by a threaded insert.

[0025] Figure 19 illustrates an embodiment of the mounting base incorporating a credit card holder.

[0026] FIG20 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a mounting base, which is incorporated with a device for attaching the mounting base to an automotive ventilation louver.

[0027] FIG21 illustrates an embodiment of a mounting base characterized by an adhesive layer.

[0028] FIG22 illustrates an embodiment of a mounting base characterized by a cavity for holding small objects. Detailed Description

[0029] The invention is described in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar numerals represent the same or similar elements. Throughout this specification, the terms “an embodiment,” “embodiment,” or similar language refer to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in relation to that embodiment that is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Therefore, the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” “in a particular embodiment,” and similar language appearing throughout this specification may (but are not required to) refer to the same embodiment. It should be noted that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used in this specification include plural designations unless the context clearly specifies otherwise.

[0030] The features, structures, or characteristics of the invention described herein can be combined in any suitable manner into one or more embodiments. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details described, or using other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring various aspects of the invention.

[0031] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings and descriptions of the invention have been simplified to illustrate aspects relevant to a clear understanding of the invention.The elements of the invention are omitted for clarity, while many other elements conventional in the art are omitted. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other elements are desirable for carrying out the invention. However, since these elements are well known in the art and since they do not contribute to a better understanding of the invention, a discussion of these elements is not provided herein.

[0032] As used herein, “mobile device” means a mobile phone device, electronic tablet device, laptop computer or other mobile computing system, etc. “Magnetic array” means a group of one or more magnets.

[0033] FIG1 illustrates an embodiment of a device featuring a housing 10 and a mounting base 20, which are contemplated for use with a mobile device featuring magnetic attachment technology. In this embodiment shown in FIG2, the mobile device 30 employs a magnetic attachment device including a first magnetic array 31. The housing 10 is constructed of a rear wall 14, side walls 15 and 17, a top wall 16 and a bottom wall 18. These structures define a cavity shaped to house the mobile device 30 and provide protection against impacts and contact (e.g., abrasion, scratches, etc.). Figure 2 illustrates the mobile device 30 enclosed by the cavity of the housing 10. The rear wall 14 contains a second magnetic array 11 having a defined polarity orientation (e.g., N-S) to create a magnetic attraction between it and the first magnetic array 31 contained in the mobile device 30.

[0034] Magnets always have two magnetic poles, namely a north pole (N) and a south pole (S), which define the magnetic orientation of the magnet, i.e., N-S or S-N. A mobile device incorporating magnetic attachment technology will have a first magnetic array 31 of one or more magnets arranged to be incorporated into the mobile device. This magnetic array will have a defined polarity orientation, meaning that the polarity of the magnets comprising this set of magnets will be oriented as N-S or S-N. Magnetic field lines extend from N-S, resulting in the greatest attraction between opposite magnetic poles (i.e., N and S, or S and N) and the greatest repulsion between like magnetic poles (i.e., N and N, or S and S). Magnetic attachment technology will use a magnetic array oriented to bring opposite magnetic poles close together, as shown in Figure 3 of Patent No. 7,311,526 (mentioned in the background art above), in which magnetic elements 130, 170 are arranged such that the magnetic elements on the plug and the magnetic elements on the socket have opposite polarities.

[0035] The term "magnet" as used herein can refer to a permanent magnet, a temporary magnet, or an electromagnet. A permanent magnet is made of a material (such as neodymium) that can generate a magnetic field without an external source of magnetic force or electricity. A temporary magnet is made of iron or an iron alloy (i.e., an iron-based alloy). These materials exhibit magnet-like behavior when near a magnetic field emitter (such as a permanent magnet or an electromagnet).The characteristics of the electromagnet. Finally, the electromagnet is made of a material that exhibits magnetic properties when conducting current. In the illustrated embodiment, a permanent magnet or temporary magnet with a thickness of 0.5-1.0 mm is typically used. The magnetic field strength B of the magnet (typically expressed in Gauss or Tesla) is tailored to ensure that the mounting base 20 will be firmly attached to the housing 10 without making it difficult for an average user to detach. In embodiments where the protective housing is intended to facilitate the removal of the phone from the housing (e.g., in response to consumer complaints that the phone is very difficult to remove from the protective housing), the polarity of the magnets including the second magnetic array 11 in the rear wall 14 will easily reverse, thereby generating a repulsive force between the first magnetic array 31 and the second magnetic array 11. In such an embodiment specification 3 / 8 pages 6 CN 121078653 A, the surrounding structure of the housing obviously needs to be adjusted accordingly to ensure that the phone is not unintentionally ejected from the protective housing by the repulsive force.

[0036] Returning to FIG1, the housing 10 is also characterized by a hole 12 in the exterior of the rear wall 14. The hole 12 can be any desired shape (e.g., circular, elliptical, polygonal). In the illustrated embodiment, a third magnetic array 13 is disposed behind the hole, for example, embedded in the rear wall 14 of the housing 10. The mounting base 20 is characterized in that a fourth magnetic array 21 is disposed (e.g., embedded) within the mounting base body 23. The mounting base body 23 includes a pin 22 formed to fit into the hole 12.

[0037] In another considered embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 4B, the pin 22 is disposed in the recess 25. The pin 22 is attached to the mounting base body 23 by a coil spring or similar mechanism or a material having similar spring properties (i.e., the applied force varies with displacement). The “spring” can include, for example, an elastic material (such as rubber), a coil spring 26, etc., which is incorporated into or attached to the base of the recess 25 in which the pin 22 is disposed. The pin 22 has an upper surface and a shaft, and is incorporated with a fifth magnetic array 221. When pin 22 is in recess 25, the upper surface of pin 22 is flush with the front side 27 of mount body 23 when pin 22 is in the retracted position. The fact that the upper surface of pin 22 is flush with the front side of mount body 23 when pin 22 is retracted gives the mount greater compatibility with housings for mobile devices that feature magnetic arrays but do not have the holes characterized in the embodiments herein. In a particular envisioned embodiment, the pin is restricted to linear movement and extends by magnetic force and retracts by gravity. In a particular embodiment, pin 22 may protrude permanently from the front side 27 of mount body 23, although this limits the ability of the mount to be used with housings that do not feature holes. In another envisioned embodiment, hole 12 may be located in mount 20, while pin 22 and recess 25 may be provided in the rear wall 14 of housing 10.

[0038] Figure 2 illustrates the internal structure of the housing 10 and the mounting base 20. Figure 2 illustrates that when the mounting base 20 is brought near the housing 10, magnetic forces are generated between the second magnetic array 11 and the fourth magnetic array 21, which "lock" the housing 10 and the mounting base 20 together. Simultaneously, when the pin 22 reaches the vicinity of the hole 12, the magnetic force generated by the interaction between the third magnetic array 13 and the pin 22 will cause the pin to extend toward the hole 12 against the restraining force of the spring 26. This is illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B. Generally, the term "near" in relation to the magnet herein refers to the distance by which the generated magnetic force causes acceleration relative to a reference component with available degrees of freedom.

[0039] An alternative embodiment omits the spring 26 and instead uses a sixth magnetic array 29 disposed at the bottom of the recess 25. The strength of the magnets, including the sixth magnetic array 29, is precisely selected so that the pin 22 is restricted until a precise distance is reached between the housing 10 and the mounting base 20. At this point, the magnetic force generated between the third magnetic array 13 and the fifth magnetic array 221 coupled to the pin 22 overcomes the magnetic force between the fifth and sixth magnetic arrays, and the pin 22 will rapidly translate outward to engage the hole 12. An alternative embodiment characterized by the combination of the spring 26 and the magnetic array 29 in the recess 25 is also conceivable.

[0040] In another embodiment, the housing 10 omits the second magnetic array 11 and the fourth magnetic array 13, instead relying on the first magnetic array 31 residing in the moving device. In this embodiment, the mounting base 20 will still be characterized by magnetic arrays 21 and 221, see Figures 5A and 5B. Yet another embodiment may omit the mounting base magnetic array 21 and rely solely on the pin 22. In this embodiment, the pin and the recess may be arranged opposite the first set of magnets 31, and the hole 12 may be arranged in the housing 10 directly opposite the first set of magnets 31.

[0041] The magnetic arrays 11 and 21 of the housing 10 and the mounting base 20 can be constructed in such a way that these magnetic arrays are self-aligned. This is desirable in order to ensure that the pin 22 is correctly aligned with the hole 12 by taking advantage of the attraction between the north pole (N) and the south pole (S). Figure 6 illustrates an arrangement in which an improper alignment will tend to result in a repulsive force generated by the same magnetic poles. With the configuration shown in Figure 6, misalignment of up to 45 degrees can be corrected using four magnets. With six magnets, the alignment can be deviated by about 30 degrees, and so on, according to the formula M = 360 / 2n, where M is the maximum angular misalignment and n is the positive even number of magnets arranged in the circular configuration shown in Figure 6. Specification 4 / 8 pages 7 CN 121078653 A

[0042] Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of the hole 12 that facilitates engagement of the pin 22 into the hole 12. Despite the foregoing embodimentsThe example is characterized by a hole 12 having a wall that typically descends vertically from the opening of the hole, but a particular embodiment of hole 12 is characterized by an inwardly biased wall 121 (the angle shown in FIG. 7 is somewhat exaggerated for clarity). In such an embodiment, the upper surface and / or shaft of pin 22 is outwardly flared (e.g., shaped as a trapezoid) to engage with the inwardly biased wall shown in FIG. 7. This configuration enhances the engagement between pin 22 and hole 12, further resisting any shear forces by further reducing the tendency of pin 22 to slip out of hole 12. FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the functions of the magnetic attachment array 11 or 31 located in the housing or moving device, and the magnetic array 21 in the mounting base, are combined with the functions of pin 22 and hole 12. That is, the magnetic attachment array and the pin and hole are combined into a single structure. This embodiment is characterized by hole 12, which is located above magnetic array 11 or 31. Pin 22 is configured such that when mounting base 20 is opposite hole 12, pin 22 (which is annular in the illustrated embodiment) extends from recess 25 into hole 12. In the illustrated embodiment, magnetic arrays 11, 21, and 31 are circular, so hole 12 will be annular, and magnetic arrays 11 and 31 are positioned near hole 12 such that the magnetic field is strong enough for pin 22 to extend into hole 12. In other variations of this particular embodiment, hole 12 and pin 22 may be shaped similarly to those shown in Figures 1 through 5.

[0043] The principles for securely mounting a mobile device described herein are also applicable to embodiments of mounting systems that omit housing 10. Such embodiments are illustrated in Figures 9 through 11. As disclosed above, mobile device 30 includes a first magnetic array 31 designed to facilitate attachment to mounting base 20. The first magnetic array is positioned generally close to the back surface 32 of mobile device 30. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 9 through 11, hole 12 is directly disposed in the back surface 32 of mobile device 30. The mobile devices shown in Figures 9 and 10 are smartphone-type mobile devices, while the mobile device shown in Figure 11 is a tablet-type mobile device. This embodiment also illustrates that the hole can be positioned within the area of ​​the magnetic array 31. This embodiment eliminates the need for a separate magnetic array 13 at the base of the hole 12. Figures 9 and 10 also illustrate an alternative embodiment of the mounting base 20, where the pin 22 is extended by default, which is the opposite of an embodiment where the pin 22 is recessed by default. In the embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10, the spring 26 is located in the recess 25 and attached to the rear of the pin 22. In this embodiment, the spring is biased towards compression instead of extension, resulting in the pin 22 being extended by default into the insertion hole 12. However, if the mounting base 20 is used with a mobile device 30 that does not include the hole 12, the force on the back 32 of such a mobile device will force the pin 22 against the spring 26 into the recess 25. When fromWhen the mounting bracket removes the moving device 30, the pin 22 extends back to its default extended position by the force of the spring 26, as shown in Figures 9 and 10. In other embodiments, it is desirable that the pin 22 be manually extended and retracted without relying on a magnet to pull the pin 22 out of the recess 25. In such an embodiment, the spring 26 may be replaced by a latch spring mechanism similar to that used in a latch button, in which manual pressure on the top of the pin 22 in the retracted position will release the latch that holds the pin 22 in the recess (i.e., so that the top of the pin 22 is flush with the surface around the opening of the recess). Similarly, manual pressure on the top of the pin 22 in the extended position will cause the pin 22 to retract into the recess 25, at which point the latch will engage to hold the pin 22 in the retracted position.

[0044] In the embodiments shown in Figures 9 to 11, it is desirable that the first magnetic array 31 be arranged in such a configuration that when the corresponding mounting bracket magnetic array 91 is brought near the first magnetic array 31, the configuration automatically aligns the hole 12 with the pin 22. As described above, this can be accomplished by alternating the magnetic poles of the individual magnets included in these arrays and by the geometric arrangement of the arrays themselves. Figures 9 and 10 each illustrate an example of this configuration. It will be understood that the spring-loaded pin 22 shown in Figures 9 and 10 facilitates the attachment of the mounting base 20 to the moving device 30. When the mounting base 20 and the moving device 30 first come into proximity with the pin 22 slightly misaligned with the hole 12, the force of the magnets may initially cause the pin 22 to contact the back surface 32. In this case, the pin 22 will retract into the recess 25 until the opposite magnetic poles of the individual magnets included in the magnetic array are fully aligned, at which point the outward force of the spring 26 will cause the pin 22 to extend into the hole 12. Specification 5 / 8 pages 8 CN 121078653 A

[0045] Another variation of the embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 11 may feature a first magnetic array 31 arranged around the hole 12 such that the magnetic force from the first magnetic array 31 attracts the pin 22 from the recess 25. In these embodiments, one end of the pin 22 is attached to a extension spring 26, which is configured to provide sufficient force to retract the pin 22 into the recess 25 when the first magnetic array 31 is not near the pin 22. As in previous embodiments, the top of the pin 22 is shaped such that when the pin is positioned in the retracted position in the recess 25, the pin is flush with the surface of the mounting base 20, and the top of the pin 22 also includes a permanent magnet or a temporary magnet.

[0046] FIG12 illustrates yet another set of embodiments in which the pin 22 may extend from the housing 10 into a hole 12 located in the mounting base 20. FIG13 illustrates a related set of embodiments in which the pin 22 extends from a recess 25 disposed in the back surface 32 of the moving device 30.

[0047] The embodiments described herein can be used in a wide variety of applications. An embodiment of the mounting base 20 is depicted in FIG14.For example, a deployable support 141 (i.e., a support leg) is incorporated on the back of the mounting body 23. In this embodiment, the deployable support 141 is deployed using a friction hinge 142. The combination of the friction hinge 142 and the deployable support 141 allows for an unlimited number of viewing angles. Spring-loaded hinges may also be used.

[0048] Any embodiment of the magnetic deployable support shown in Patent No. 11,877,634 (“Deployable Support Apparatus”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference) may also be incorporated into the mounting 20. One such embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 15, which is a plan view of a general exemplary embodiment of the mounting 20. The back surface 28 includes an upper channel 120 characterized by two elongated side edges 1201, 1202, an upper edge 1203, and a lower edge 1204. The top of the upper channel 120 is flush with the surface of the chassis 110, and the upper channel 120 is also characterized by a flat bottom. The upper portions of the two elongated side edges 1201, 1202 of the upper channel 120 also include side tab channels 1205, 1206. The deployable support 130 includes a plurality of hinged channels: an upper channel 131, a middle channel 132, and a lower channel 133. The upper channel 131 has side tabs 1310, 1311 extending outward from each of its side edges, and these side tabs 1310, 1311 are respectively inserted into the side tab channels 1205, 1206.

[0049] In this embodiment, the lower channel 150 is disposed within the chassis below the upper channel and perpendicular to the upper channel. The lower channel 150 accommodates a shuttle 151, which in this embodiment is an elongated flat strip having two long edges and two short edges. The shuttle 151 incorporates two magnets 1510 and 1511. Each magnet 1510 and 1511 has opposite magnetic orientations; for example, magnet 1510 is oriented with its north pole facing upward and south pole facing downward (N-S), while magnet 1511 is oriented with its south pole facing upward and north pole facing downward (S-N). The intermediate channel 132 is fitted with magnet 1321, which is oriented with its south pole facing upward and north pole facing downward (S-N). Therefore, when the shuttle is in the first position shown in FIG. 1, magnets 1511 and 1321 are oriented such that the south pole of magnet 1511 is positioned directly below and close to the north pole of magnet 1321. This causes magnets 1511 and 1321 to exert an attractive force that holds the deployable support 130 in the undeployed position. Shuttle 151 has a shuttle actuation rod 1512 located at one end. The shuttle actuation rod 1512 slides in a shuttle actuation rod groove 1513 in the back surface 28 of the mounting base 20. Spring 152 is attached at one end to one end of lower channel 150 and at the second end to the end of shuttle 151 opposite to shuttle actuation rod 1512.

[0050] Other tripod embodiments not shown herein but known in the art may also be used with the mounting base 20.

[0051] The mounting base 20 may also include a removable portable battery, handle, camera monopod, etc. Figure 16 illustrates an embodiment of the mounting base 20, which incorporates a rechargeable battery, a wireless charger, and an extendable support 161. Figure 17 illustrates the internal configuration of this embodiment of the mounting base 20. The interior of this embodiment houses a rechargeable battery 152, a charging port 154 coupled to the rechargeable battery 152, and a wireless charging device 153. The wireless charging device 153 uses wireless charging technologies currently known in the art. These technologies include tightly coupled electromagnetic induction, loosely coupled or radiative electromagnetic resonant charging, and uncoupled radio frequency wireless charging. The extendable support 161 is magnetically held in the extended position by a magnet 171 and magnetically held in the closed position by a magnet 172. The support has only two positions (open / closed), so there is only one viewing angle for mobile devices using this embodiment.

[0052] Figure 18 illustrates a mounting base 20 suitable for use with a camera incorporated into a mobile device 30, characterized by a threaded hole 181 optimized for use with a tripod featuring threaded posts. Another embodiment of the mounting base 20 incorporates a flash unit. Figure 19 illustrates an example of an embodiment of the mounting base 20 incorporated with a credit card holder. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 19 has a groove 191 along one long edge of the mounting base 20, a spring-loaded clamp (not shown) inside to secure a credit card and ID card, and a finger notch 192 in the opposite long edge to facilitate the removal of the stored card. In view of this, while the structure of the front side 27 of the mounting base 20 is as described herein, the back side of the mounting base 20 will vary widely depending on the application to which the mounting base belongs.

[0053] The rear side of the mounting base 20 can be used with various adapters 200, such as the venetian clip adapter depicted in Figure 20. The rear side 28 of the mounting body 23 is characterized by an adapter 200 incorporated therein, which allows the mounting 20 to be attached to the interior structure of the vehicle, specifically the louvers of an interior air vent. In this embodiment, the adapter 200 is a hinged connection structure comprising an attachment device 201, a fastening knob 202, and an adjustment knob 203. In this embodiment, the attachment device 201 is an opposing clamping member attached to the interior vehicle structure (e.g., the air vent louvers). The fastening knob 202 controls the degree of tightening of the clamping members. In a typical application, the air vent louvers are fitted into the gap between the clamping members, and then the fastening knob 202 is rotated until the clamping members apply an appropriate amount of pressure on opposite sides of the air vent louvers to securely hold the mounting 200 in place.The adapter 200 in this embodiment is hinged by means of an internal hinge joint (not shown) (e.g., a ball joint), which allows the mounting base 20 to be adjusted to a desired orientation and then secured in place by rotating the adjustment knob 203. This embodiment of the mounting base used in a vehicle typically also includes a wireless charger 204 for a mobile device, which is connected to a power source via a power port 205. The power port 205 allows a wire leading from a power source (e.g., a USB or power outlet inside the vehicle) to be connected to the wireless charger located in the mounting base 20.

[0054] Alternative embodiments of the adapter 200 may be hinged or non-hinged and used with one or more attachment devices 201, such as suction cups, clamps, clips, adhesives, magnets, and items known in the art for securely and detachably attaching articles to surfaces or structures, may also be used with the mounting base 20.

[0055] Another embodiment of the mounting base 20 illustrated in FIG. 21 is designed to be attached to a vertical surface such as a bathroom mirror, wall, etc. This embodiment includes an adhesive layer 201 applied to a portion of the back surface 28 of the mounting base 20. The adhesive material can be permanent or semi-permanent (e.g., removable). Finally, another embodiment of the mounting base 20 is illustrated in FIG22, which includes a storage cavity 2201 and a hinged door 2202 for storing small items such as keys, coins, etc.

[0056] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be practiced in ways other than those described in the embodiments, which are presented for illustrative purposes and not for limiting purposes. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein. It should be noted that the terminology used above is for reference only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used to describe embodiments incorporating multiple sets of similar construction elements to distinguish such sets simply for clear reference to such embodiments. Additionally, terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “right,” “left,” “clockwise,” and “counterclockwise” refer to directions of reference made in the drawings. As another example, terms such as “inward” and “outward” can refer to directions toward and away from the geometric center of the described component, respectively. As a further example, terms such as “front,” “rear,” “side,” “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “horizontal,” and “vertical” describe the orientation of the parts of the component within a uniform but arbitrary reference coordinate system, which can be clearly identified by referring to the text describing the component in question and the accompanying drawings. Such terms will include those specifically mentioned above, as described on pages 7 / 8 of the specification (10 CN).121078653 A Derivatives and words with similar meanings.

[0057] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be readily apparent. In fact, the content set forth herein includes all possible combinations of the specific features set forth above, whether or not specifically disclosed herein. For example, where a specific feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect, arrangement, configuration, or embodiment, that feature may also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and / or in the context of other specific aspects, arrangements, configurations, and embodiments of the invention as a whole. Furthermore, the disclosure set forth herein includes a mirror image taken from any angle of any of the drawings or other configurations shown or described herein, i.e., a mirror image configuration. Therefore, the preferred embodiments of the invention set forth above are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

[0058] Furthermore, it should be noted that the reference or identification of any document in this application does not imply an admission that such document can be used as prior art of the invention. Instruction manual page 8 / 8, page 11, CN 121078653 A, Figure 1; Instruction manual figure 1 / 21, page 12, CN 121078653 A, Figure 2; Instruction manual figure 2 / 21, page 13, CN 121078653 A, Figure 3; Instruction manual figure 3 / 21, page 14, CN 121078653 A, Figure 4A; Instruction manual figure 4 / 21, page 15, CN 121078653 A, Figure 4B; Instruction manual figure 5 / 21, page 16, CN 121078653 A, Figure 5A; Instruction manual figure 6 / 21, page 17, CN 121078653 A, Figure 5B; Instruction manual figure 7 / 21, page 18, CN 121078653 A, Figure 6; Figure 7; Instruction manual figure 8 / 21, page 19, CN 121078653 A, Figure 8; Instruction manual figure 9 / 21, page 20, CN 121078653 A, Figure 9. Instruction manual figures 10 / 21, page 21, CN 121078653 A, Figure 10; Instruction manual figures 11 / 21, page 22, CN 121078653 A, Figure 11, Figure 12; Instruction manual figures 12 / 21, page 23, CN 121078653 A, Figure 13; Instruction manual figures 13 / 21, page 24, CN 121078653 A, Figure 14; Instruction manual figures 14 / 21, page 25, CN121078653 A Figure 15 Instruction Manual Appendix 15 / 21 Page 26 CN 121078653 A Figure 16 Instruction Manual Appendix 16 / 21 Page 27 CN 121078653 A Figure 17 Instruction Manual Appendix 17 / 21 Page 28 CN 121078653 A Figure 18 Instruction Manual Appendix 18 / 21 Page 29 CN 121078653 A Figure 19 Instruction Manual Appendix 19 / 21 Page 30 CN 121078653 A Figure 20 Figure 21 Instruction Manual Appendix 20 / 21 Page 31 CN 121078653 A Figure 22 Instruction Manual Appendix 21 / 21 Page 32 CN 121078653 A Abstract Disclosed herein is a mount featuring one or more sets of embedded magnets which are designed to engage with complimentary sets of magnets disposed either in a protective case for use with the mount, or in a mobile device contained within such a protective case. case. The mount includes a pin which is magnetically actuated to extend into a hole disposed in the protective case when the case and the mount are brought within a prescribed distance. Thus, the case and the mount “snap together” and are restrained from sliding relative to one another by the pin.

Claims

1. A mount for use with a device comprising a first magnetic array and a hole, the mount comprising: a mount body comprising: a front side; and a back side; a second magnetic array disposed in the mount body proximate the front side; and a pin comprising an upper surface; wherein the pin is adapted to transition from a first position in which the upper surface is flush with the front side to a second position in which the pin extends into the hole when the first magnetic array is brought proximate the second magnetic array.

2. The mount of claim 1, wherein the pin is attached to a spring having a first end attached to the pin and a second end attached to a bottom of a recess, wherein the spring constrains the pin in the first position until a magnetic force generated by the first magnetic array and the second magnetic array causes the pin to extend into the hole when the first magnetic array is brought proximate the second magnetic array.

3. The mount of claim 1, wherein the back side comprises an expandable support.

4. The mount of claim 1, wherein the back side comprises a magnetically expandable support.

5. The mount of claim 1, wherein the back side comprises a layer of adhesive material.

6. The mount of claim 1, wherein the back side comprises a threaded hole.

7. The mount of claim 1, wherein the back side comprises an adapter piece.

8. The mount of claim 1, further comprising a wireless charging piece comprising a rechargeable battery and a power port disposed in the mount body.

9. The mount of claim 8, wherein the back side comprises an adapter piece.

10. The mount of claim 8, wherein the back side comprises an expandable support.

11. The mount of claim 1, wherein the back side of the mount body comprises a cavity adapted to hold a small item therein.

12. A mount adapted for use with a device comprising a first magnetic array and a pin, the mount comprising: a mount body comprising: a front side; and a back side; a second magnetic array disposed in the mount body proximate the front side; and a hole; wherein the hole is adapted to receive the pin in an extended position, wherein the pin extends from a recessed position in the device to the extended position when the first magnetic array is brought proximate the second magnetic array.

13. The mount of claim 12, wherein the pin is attached to a spring having a first end attached to the pin and a second end attached to a bottom of a recess disposed within the device, wherein the spring constrains the pin in the recessed position until a magnetic force generated by the first magnetic array and the second magnetic array causes the pin to extend into the hole when the first magnetic array is brought proximate the second magnetic array.

14. The mount of claim 12, wherein the back side includes an expandable support.

15. The mount of claim 12, wherein the back side includes a magnetically expandable support.

16. The mount of claim 12, wherein the back side includes a layer of adhesive material.

17. The mount of claim 12, wherein the back side includes a threaded hole.

18. The mount of claim 12, wherein the back side includes an adapter.

19. The mount of claim 12, further comprising a wireless charging device including a rechargeable battery and a power port disposed in the mount body.

20. The mount of claim 19, wherein the back side includes an adapter.

21. The mount of claim 19, wherein the back side includes an expandable support.

22. The mount of claim 12, wherein the back side of the mount body includes a cavity adapted to hold a small item therein.

23. A protective case for use with a mount having a second magnetic array and a hole, the protective case comprising: a first magnetic array; and a pin adapted to extend from a recessed position into the hole when the first magnetic array and the second magnetic array are brought into proximity.

24. A protective case for use with a mount having a second magnetic array and a pin, the protective case comprising: a first magnetic array; and a hole adapted to receive the pin, wherein the pin extends from a recessed position in the mount into the hole when the first magnetic array and the second magnetic array are brought into proximity.

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