A module for mounting items

Abstract

A module is disclosed for rotational connection with a complementary mount, the module comprising a mounting plate comprising a body portion wherein upon rotation of the mounting plate in the mount, the module is mounted in the mount and the mounting plate is optionally lockable into position in the mount.

Description

This application claims priority from AU2023903379 filed on 23 October 2023 entitled: A module for mounting items the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Technical field The present invention relates to a module that can be used to mount items. In one embodiment, the item is a mobile phone case for housing a mobile phone and the module mounts the mobile phone casing to a mount. The invention is not limited to the type of item to be mounted, and any item that requires mountable storage or display can be the subject. Background When items are not in use, it can be useful to store them somewhere where they can be seen. If the item is needed quickly, it can be convenient if the item is visually apparent to the person that requires it. An item can be placed in a location in which it can be seen, but there is a chance that someone else will pick up that item and move it, and or there is a chance that the item will be knocked over or it could fall to the floor. Mounting an item can overcome this problem to some extent, since the item is then attached to the underlying mount and cannot be accidentally displaced. Sometimes, a person wishes to use an item but not to touch the item. This can be the case where the persons hands are not free because they are engaged in another activity. When a person is driving a car or riding a bicycle, they may wish to view an item but not to touch it since their hands are on the steering wheel or the handlebars. In these circumstances, it can be useful if an item is mounted within view. For example, a mobile phone might be mounted and used for satellite navigation. It can be desirable to personalise an article by attaching buttons or badges or stickers. These decals can add a unique touch to the item, making it stand out and reflect the individual's personality or interests. People often find joy in displaying their favourite collectibles, artworks, or decorative pieces. By mounting these items, they can transform ordinary articles or spaces into visually appealing showcases. There are existing mounts that allow for an item to be mounted. These mounts use a variety of clamping, pinching or friction forces in order to mount and display that item. For example, there are numerous mobile phone mounting devices on the market that will hold a mobile phone in a vehicle and can be attached to e.g. the air vent or dashboard of the car. There is a need for a mount that improves upon or provides a useful alternative to the mounts of the prior art. Summary of invention In a first aspect there is provided a module for rotational connection with a complementary mount, the module comprising a mounting plate receivable into the mount and having an unlocked position in which the mounting plate can be removed from the mount, and a rotated locked position in which the mounting plate substantially cannot be removed from the mount thereby connecting the module with the mount, the mounting plate comprising a body portion comprising a pivot; a pair of deformable locking strips mounted about the pivot; a pair of locking portions, each locking portion having a head and a pair of legs, the pair of legs engageable with a respective locking strip about the pivot, wherein upon rotation of the mounting plate in the mount, the mount compresses each locking portion by applying pressure to the head which consequently presses the pair of legs towards the respective locking strip deforming the locking strip around the pivot, wherein the deformed locking strip biases the head of the locking portion towards the mount thereby locking the mounting plate into the locked position in the mount. The module can have a first side and a second side. The first side can comprise the mounting plate which is receivable into the mount. The second side can comprise a connection plate. The connection plate can be connected to an item to mount the item to the mount. The connection plate can be associated with an item such as, but not limited to, a mobile phone, small bag or pouch, makeup such as makeup compact, tablet device, keys (via a suitable key ring), flashlight, tool, remote control, various travel accessories, and stationery. The connection plate can be integrated into the holder of a mobile phone, integrated into the wall of the small bag or pouch, integrated into the wall of the makeup product, integrated into a part of a key ring, integrated into the wall of a flashlight, tool, remote, etc. The item is thus integrated with a mounting plate which is a protrusion ready to dock into the mount when required. An item can have more than one mounting plate arranged on its surface if required to allow for different orientations of mounting for convenience or utility. The module is designed to be used with a complementary mount. The complementary mount is designed to accommodate the module. The mount and module are tailored to have complementary shapes and dimensions. This can ensure a secure and stable fit of the module into the mount, allowing the module to lock into place within the mount. The complementary design not only facilitates installation but can also enhance the overall structural integrity of the module once mounted. This can provide, in embodiments, a robust and reliable connection between the module and the mount. The mount has at least one opening to accommodate a module. The opening is to receive the mounting plate of the module. The complementary mount can be designed with multiple openings, allowing the user to choose which opening in which to mount the mounting plate of the module. Only one opening is needed for mounting a single module; however, the user can mount multiple modules (and therefore multiple items) onto the same mount if there are multiple openings. The additional openings in a mount can offer versatility. Once an item is mounted, it may only cover one opening. Alternatively, once an item is mounted it may occlude the opening in which it is mounted and some of the other openings. The user can 3 decide how and where to mount their items to achieve a desired effect. The module is sized to complement the mount. Typically, the module is of the order of centimetres e.g. about 2, 3, 4 or 5 centimetres and the mount has openings of corresponding size. The size of the module is not limited. The module can be constructed from advanced engineering plastics such as Polycarbonate (PC) or Nylon (Polyamide) optionally with glass fibres. Polycarbonate is chosen for its exceptional impact resistance and toughness, making it suitable for applications that require durability and resistance against rough handling. Nylon, on the other hand, is a versatile thermoplastic known for its high strength and durability, making it an excellent choice for the module construction. Both materials offer the necessary mechanical properties to withstand stress and ensure the longevity and reliability of the module when integrated into the mount. These plastics can provide the required strength and sturdiness while allowing for intricate designs and good precision in the manufacturing process. A material such as hard rubber would not likely be appropriate because it would not have enough lubrication to allow turning of the module in the mount. In an embodiment, the mount is a substantially planar open frame structure formed from a plurality of interlinked planar units, wherein the open frame structure is increasable in size by the addition of more units. Each planar unit can comprise the mount into which the mounting plate can be received. Each planar unit can be a solid ring that is not deformable under normal conditions, and which defines an inner opening for receiving the mount. The rings in the mount can define an opening which is configured to receive the module that is reversibly lockable into the opening and is substantially immovable once in position. In an embodiment, the mount is as described in international patent application WO2022073061 to the same applicant, published on 14 April 2022, entitled A Mesh for Connecting Items Thereto. The contents of this patent publication are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where there is any conflict between the incorporated document and the present disclosure, the present disclosure takes precedence unless the context makes clear otherwise. In order to bias the components of the module into a locked position, the mount 4 needs to have only two opposing surfaces which press onto the head of each locking portion of the module. Typically, as outlined above, these two opposing compressing surfaces can be a part of an overall ring structure. The ring structure can be advantageous, because the mounting plate can be inserted in any orientation and upon rotation there are opposing surfaces which will engage with and compress the locking portions. However, it should be understood that instead of a ring structure, there could be a pair of rails into which the module is docked and the mount comprises the opposing pair of rails. When received into the mount there can be an “unlocked position” in which the mount is not applying any force to the locking portions and therefore the mounting plate can just be removed out of the mount. By unlocked it is meant that the mounting plate is readily removable from the mount and is not attached to it. In the unlocked position, the walls of the mount do not apply any compressive forces to the locking portions. In order to apply compressive forces to the locking portions, the walls of the mount could be brought forward towards the head of the locking portions. However, this would require a complex design in which the mount itself is required to change in shape during the locking process. Instead, the present invention makes use of an inherent shape of the mount to change when pressure is applied to the head of the locking portions. Thus, in order to apply pressure to the head of the locking portions, the mounting plate is rotated in the mount. As the mounting plate rotates in the mount aperture, the locking portions move between a part of the mount that is narrower than the previous location. As the walls of the mount narrow (become closer together), naturally the mount applies pressure to the head of the locking portions to accommodate them. In an embodiment, the mounting plate in the unlocked position is at 0 degrees, and the rotation required to achieve locking is about 45 degrees. In an embodiment, the mount is substantially square shaped with two pairs of opposing solid walls. When in the unlocked position, the heads of the locking portions are arranged at opposing the corners of the square. As the mounting plate is rotated the heads of the locking portions move between a pair of the opposing solid walls. The distance between the pair of opposing solid walls of the mount is less than the distance across the diagonal of the square, thus the heads of the 5 locking portions are consequently compressed by the solid walls upon rotation. In an embodiment, the mount is substantially octagonally shaped with the corner of each square being blunted by an angled wall. In the locked position, the module is substantially immovable relative to the mount. The mounting plate substantially cannot be removed from the mount thereby connecting the module with the mount. The mounting plate could be removed using strong forces and or tools. However, the intention is that removal is only possibly upon reversing the rotation that initiated the locking. Upon rotating the mounting plate back towards the starting position, the module can be removed. In an embodiment, rather than “reversing” the rotation, the module is configured so that upon further rotation in the same direction, the distance between the walls of the mount increases. This could be achieved using the square or octagonal configuration outlined above in which rotation in either the forward or backward direction relocated the heads of the locking portion at the wider part of the mount (e.g. the corners of the square). The mount in this embodiment therefore allows for locking, unlocking, locking, unlocking as the module is rotated in one direction. Accordingly, to mount their item, the user can dock the mounting plate into the mount, twist it through 45 degrees (or other angle as configured subject to mount shape) and the item is substantially secured. When the user wishes to detach the item from the mount, they can rotate the mounting plate again to remove the item. When an item is connected to a connection plate associated with the mounting plate, the rotation of the mounting plate will most likely be undertaken by docking the mounting plate associated with the item into the mount and manually rotating the item. The mounting plate can be held in plate simply by the bias of the heads of the locking portions into the mount itself. To provide additional locking, the mounting plate can comprise a lip that extends over the head of the locking portion. In the unlocked position, the lip freely moves into and out of the mount. However, as the mounting plate rotates, the mount can be received between the body portion of the mounting plate and the lip of the mounting plate. The lip therefore sandwiches the mount between the body portion of the mount and the part of the mounting plate 6 that is received into the mount further securing the module to the mount. The module substantially cannot be removed from the mount because the lip provides a barrier to removal. The body portion of the mounting plate comprises a pivot, a pair of deformable locking strips and a pair of locking portions. The pair of locking portions are arranged opposite to one another so that the bias towards the mount in the locked position is in equal and opposite directions. Essentially, the pair of locking portions, pair of locking strips and pivot together provide a spring which is compressed in the locked position and uncompressed in the unlocked position. Each locking portion has a body with a head part at one end and a pair of legs at the other end. The head can protrude from the mounting plate through an aperture in the side wall of the body portion of the mounting plate. This protrusion of the head through an aperture can help to ensure that the locking portion stays guided in the correct position even when under spring loaded tension. The head part can be a small extension from the body part of the locking portion. The body part of the locking portion can be a thin solid piece of material. However, it may also be hollow or simply composed of minimum material since the function of the body is simply to transfer forces from the head to the legs of the locking portion. The locking portions can be housed in the body of the mounting plate in a recess that is shaped to accommodate them with the remainder of the body being filled material. An advantage of having a defined recess for the locking portions is that they are unable to substantially move around in the body portion of the mounting plate other than to transfer forces from the head to the legs to the locking strips. The pair of legs spread out from the head of the locking portion, around the pivot, and engage at their bottom ends with a locking strip. A first leg of the pair of legs engages with a first free end of the locking strip. A second leg of the pair of legs engages with a second free end of the locking strip. The engagement with the locking strip in the unlocked position can simply be a resting of the bottom ends of the leg with the strip. Preferably, the bottom ends of the legs contact the locking strip at or towards the free ends thereof. When the legs press onto the locking strip, 7 the aim is to deform the locking strip about the pivot. The pivot provides a space between the deformable locking strips and allows them to deform around a pivot point. The pivot can be any small item located between the locking strips. The pivot can be a separate piece located between the locking strips. The pivot can be attached between the the locking strips thereby causing the locking strips and pivot to be one integral piece. Alternatively, the pivot can be a protrusion in the mounting plate, thereby is integral with the mounting plate, that can be located between the locking strips. The pivot should separate the locking strips by at least a distance that allows the locking strip free ends to bend around the pivot point. Preferably, the free ends of the first locking strip are separated from the free ends of the second locking strip even when bent around the pivot point. The pivot can be square shaped, rectangularly shaped or ovular shaped. Each locking portion engages with one locking strip. There are two locking strips a first locking strip and a second locking strip. The first locking strip can engage with a first locking portion. The second locking strip can engage with a second locking portion. The first and second locking portions and locking strips can be substantially identical to one another. Any discussion herein relating to a locking portion or locking strip can apply equally to the first or the second thereof. Each locking strip is made of a deformable material. The deformable material could be a plastic material. The deformable material can be a metal material. The metal material can be steel. The steel grade chosen is one which allows for the locking strip to return to its original shape once deformed. In an embodiment the steel is a heat treated 1066 steel which is a high-carbon steel known for its excellent toughness and durability. Upon rotation of the mounting plate in the mount, the mount compresses each locking portion by applying pressure to the head. The pressure comes from the narrowing gap into which the mounting plate moves which causes the head part of the locking portion to have to move in order to fit. If the head part of the locking portion was not able to move by squashing into the body of the mounting plate, the mounting plate would not be able to rotate. To assist in a smooth rotation, the head part of the locking portion can engage with the solid wall of the mount. The wall of 8 the mount plate and the head part of the locking portion can have complementary shapes that cause the two to remain engaged with one another during rotation. In an embodiment in which the wall of the mount is a solid ring, the ring can have a squared cross section where the vertex of the angle protrudes towards the mounting plate. The head of the locking portion can have a corresponding groove that receives the vertex of the angled ring wall. As the head is compressed between the narrowed mount walls there is a consequent pressing of the locking portion body into the cavity in the mounting plate. The pair of legs attached to the locking portion body move towards the respective locking strip. The bottoms of the legs press onto the locking strip which deforms the locking strip into a curve about the pivot. While this happens on one side of the mounting plate, the same is happening with the other locking portion on the other side of the mounting plate. The two locking portions move closer to one another. The locking strips curve around the pivot towards one another. The deformed locking strip wants to regain its shape, which biases the head of the locking portion back towards to the mount. This spring bias in the system locks the mounting plate into the locked position in the mount. As noted earlier, a distance between the mount and the heads of the locking portion is wider in the unlocked position that in the locked position. Accordingly, once in the locked position there is a gap remaining between the mount and mounting plate in the place where the mounting plate used to be when unlocked. This gap is convenient, because it can allow for rotation of the mounting plate back to the unlocked position. However, if the gap is filled while the module is locked into position, then the mounting plate is fixed and cannot rotate to any unlocked position. It can be advantageous to cause the mounting plate to be fixed in the locked position if the user does not want third parties to remove the item once locked to the mount. Securely locking the module into the locked position may also prevent any unwanted accidental removal of the module once locked. The module can be securely locked into the locked position by causing blocking arms to move into the mount. The blocking arms fill the gaps that the mounting plate does not occupy when in the unlocked position. The blocking arms thereby block rotation of the mounting plate back to the unlocked position. 9 In an embodiment, the blocking arms are used in combination with the pivot, the pair of deformable locking strips and the pair of locking portions. It has been realised that the spring bias effect provided by the locking portions may not be required when the lip of the mounting plate serves to sandwich the body of the mount and the mounting plate around the mount, and there are blocking arms providable in the gaps of the mount when the mounting plate is in the locked position. In an embodiment therefore there is provided: In a second aspect, a module for rotational connection with a complementary mount, the module comprising: a mounting plate receivable into the mount, the module thereby having an unlocked position in which the mounting plate can be removed from the mount, and a rotated locked position in which the mounting plate substantially cannot be removed from the mount thereby connecting the module with the mount, the mounting plate having a body portion and a lip; the body portion having blocking arms rotatably movable from a retracted position to an advanced position; wherein upon rotation of the mounting plate in the mount, the mount is sandwiched between the body portion and the lip, and gaps form between the mounting plate and the mount, wherein the blocking arms are configured to rotatably advance into said gaps thereby substantially preventing any further rotational movement of the mounting plate thereby locking the mounting plate into the locked position in the mount. Discussion in relation to the first aspect applies to the second aspect, unless the context makes clear otherwise. It should be understood that there are similar components in the second aspect as those described in the first aspect however the overall function differs. For example, the mount as described in relation to the first aspect and the second aspect can be the same. The mounting plates can be similar in configuration, including the lip feature which is optional in the first aspect; however, the mechanism for locking between the modules of the aspects of the invention is different as will be understood from the following description. The lip of the mounting plate is a protrusion or extension of the mounting plate that allows a groove to form between the body portion and the mounting plate. The groove can be shaped so that the mount, in the form of a solid bar or rod can be received snugly therein. The mounting plate can be rotated to cause the mount to slide into the groove formed between the body portion and the lip. Once the mounting plate is rotates, the mount is held into the groove. In an embodiment in which the mount is a substantially square shaped ring, and the mounting plate is correspondingly square shaped, upon insertion of the squared mounting plate into the mount, the square of the mounting plate is about the same size as the squared aperture and there are substantially no gaps. As the squared mounting plate is rotated, the four corners of the squared mounting plate move over the mount as the mount is received into channels formed in the body portion of the mounting plate. The squared corners, each as lips, now overlap the mount and sandwich the mount between themselves and the body portion. Since the squared mount of the mounting plate is now set at 45 degrees, there are gaps in the mount where the mounting plate is now not present. In an embodiment, the mount is substantially octagonal shaped. The octagon can have two pairs of longer sides, and two pairs of shorter sides. The two pairs of shorter sides are like the blunted edges of a square. In this embodiment, similar to the embodiment described above, upon rotation there are gaps in the mount once the mounting plate is rotated. The gaps are no longer substantially triangular and are now trapezoidal. Once rotated into the mount, the module is locked into the mount. Upon rotation of the mounting plate in the mount to lock it, the gaps that form between the mounting plate and the mount are important to allow for unlocking. This is because the mounting plate and be rotated back into the gaps to allow for removal. If the gaps are blocked, unlocking rotation is prevented and a secure locking is effected. The blocking arms are advanced from the body portion of the mounting plate. Notwithstanding how many gaps are formed depending on the shape of the mount, 11 there needs to be only one blocking arm in one gap to prevent further rotational movement of the mounting plate. In an embodiment, there is one blocking arm for each gap that forms when the mounting plate is rotated. In an embodiment there are a plurality of blocking arms. In an embodiment in which the mount is substantially square or octagonal, there are four blocking arms. The plurality of blocking arms can be provided together on a blocking arm assembly. The blocking arm assembly can be advanced by rotation. The rotation of the blocking arm assembly to advance the blocking arms into the gaps is a different rotation step to the step of rotating the mounting plate in the mount. The blocking arm assembly can be screw threadedly connected to a rotator provided in the body portion. The rotator is individually rotatable. Upon rotation in a first direction, the blocking arm assembly advances in a first direction. Upon rotation in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction, the blocking arm assembly retracts in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction. In an embodiment, the rotation of the rotator can be about 45, 90 or 180 degrees, or any angle therebetween, preferably 90 degrees, to effect full advancement. In an embodiment, the rotation of the rotator can be about 45, 90 or 180 degrees, preferably 90 degrees, to effect full retraction. The advancement of the blocking arms need only be sufficient to move into the gap(s) and prevent movement of the mounting plate. In an embodiment the advancement is about 1 or 2 mm. The rotator and the blocking arm assembly are associated with one another by a screw threaded connection which causes the blocking arm assembly to move as the rotator is rotated. The rotator can be integral with the body portion of the mounting plate, and the blocking arm assembly can be assembled around it. Alternatively, the rotator is a separate piece that is coupled with the blocking arm assembly and then located in the body potion of the mounting plate. To locate the rotator in the body portion of the mounting plate, the rotator can be locked over one or more docking arms which hold the rotator into position. To prevent continuous rotation of the rotator once located in the body portion of the mounting plate, the rotator can have a stop which travels in a corresponding 12 groove in the body portion of the mounting plate. The stop can be located at the top part of the rotator. The stop can be rotated at the bottom part of the rotator. The stop and groove together allow the rotator to move through 90 degrees from a blocking arm advanced to blocking arm retracted position. Manipulation of the rotator itself can be difficult unless there is a gripping portion for the fingers to turn. Turning the rotator is even more difficult when the connection plate associated with the body portion is integrated with an item. To assist in rotating the rotator the rotator can comprise an arm part. The arm part can be integral with the connector. Alternatively, the arm part can be a separate piece which connects with the rotator. As the rotator moves from the advanced to the retracted position, e.g. through 90 degrees, there can be a clicking sound to reassure the user that the system is working effectively. The clicks can be provided by a small ball spring located inside the rotator which passes over ridges on the side of the rotator body as the rotator rotates. Brief Description of the Figures Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which are not drawn to scale and which are exemplary only and in which: Figure 1 is a first embodiment of the module shown together with a mount. Figure 2A shows the module in the unlocked position in the mount. Figure 2B shows the module in the locked position in the mount. Figure 3 shows the internal mechanism of the module of Figure 1 along with the back plate for closing and sealing the module. Figure 4 shows the internal mechanism of the module of Figure 1 in position in the mount (locked position). Figures 5A to Figure 5D show the head of the locking portion protruding from the side wall of the body portion. Figure 6 shows the module of Figure 1 being rotated in a mount. Figure 6A is unlocked; Figure 6B is moving towards locked; Figure 6C is locked position. Figure 7 shows the module attached to an item. Figure 8 shows the module attached to a decal. Figure 9 shows the components of another embodiment of the module. Figure 10 shows the components of Figure 9 once assembled (without the item for clarity). Figure 11 is a close up of the body portion of Figure 9. Figure 12 is a close up of the blocking arms; Figure 13 is a close up of the rotator and Figure 14 is a close up of the locking arm. Figure 15 shows the mechanism of the module of Figure 9. Figure 16A shows the location of the blocking arms; Figure 16B shows the groove in the body portion. Figure 17A and 17B show the blocking arms retracted and advanced respectively. Figure 18A and 18B show the blocking arms retracted and advanced in the mount. Figure 19 shows how the module can be connected to the item by passing through a hole in the item and then connecting with the locking arm (not shown). 14 Figure 20 shows the barrel spring in the mechanism. Figure 21A is an alternative embodiment to Figure 11. Figure 21B is the rear view of the image of Figure 21 A. Figure 22A to Figure 22C are close up views of the connection plate on the mounting plate. Figure 23 is an alternative embodiment the locking arm. Figure 24 is a perspective view of the front side and rear side of an item being a compact mirror having the module thereon. Figure 25A and Figure 25B are exploded views from different perspectives of the compact mirror of Figure 24. Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention Figure 1 shows a module 10 for rotational connection with a complementary mount 12. The module 10 comprises a mounting plate 14 receivable into the mount 12 and having an unlocked position (Figure 2A) in which the mounting plate 14 can be removed from the mount 12, and a rotated locked position (Figure 2B) in which the mounting plate 14 substantially cannot be removed from the mount 12 thereby connecting the module 10 with the mount 12. The mounting plate 14 comprises a body portion 16 comprising a pivot 18; a pair of deformable locking strips 20, 20’ mounted about the pivot 18; a pair of locking portions 22, 22’, each locking portion 22, 22’ having a respective head 23, 23’ and respectively a pair of legs 24 24’, each of the pairs of legs 24 are engageable with a respective locking strip 20, 20’ about the pivot 18. Upon rotation of the mounting plate 14 in the mount 12 as shown in sequence in Figure 6, the mount 12 compresses each locking portion 22, 22’ by applying 15 pressure to the head 23 of the locking portion which consequently presses the pair of legs 24 towards the respective locking strip 20 or 20’ deforming the locking strip 20 or 20’ around the pivot pin 18. The deformed locking strip 20 or 20’ biases the head 23 of the locking portion 22, 22’ towards the mount 12 thereby locking the mounting plate 14 into the locked position in the mount 12. The module 10 can have a first side as shown in Figure 1 and a second side seen in Figure 3. The first side can comprise the mounting plate 14 which is receivable into the mount 12. The second side can comprise a connection plate 13. The connection plate 13 can be connected to an item 15 to mount the item 15 to the mount 12. The connection plate 13 can be associated with an item 15 such as a mobile phone 15 (Figure 7) or a decal (Figure 8). As can be seen in Figure 7 the connection plate 13 can be integrated into the holder of a mobile phone 15. An item 15 can have more than one mounting plate 14 arranged on its surface if required to allow for different orientations of mounting for convenience or utility (not shown). The mount 12 has at least one opening to accommodate a module 10. The opening is to receive the mounting plate 14 of the module. The complementary mount can be designed with multiple openings as can be seen partially in Figure 4. In which the mount 12 is a substantially planar open frame structure formed from a plurality of interlinked planar units. Each planar unit can be a solid ring as shown in Figure 1. In order to bias the components of the module 10 into a locked position, the mount 12 needs to have only two opposing surfaces X, Y which press onto the head 23 of each locking portion 22 of the module 10. Typically, as outlined above, these two opposing compressing surfaces X, Y can be a part of an overall ring structure as depicted in Figure 1. The ring structure can be advantageous, because the mounting plate can be inserted in any orientation into the mount 12 and upon rotation there are opposing surfaces X, Y which will engage with and compress the locking portions 22, 22’. However, it should be understood that instead of a ring structure, there could be a pair of rails (simply walls X and Y) into which the module 10 is docked and the mount comprises the opposing pair of rails (not shown). When the module 10 is received into the mount 12 there can be an unlocked position” (Figure 2A and Figure 6A) in which the mount is not applying any force to the locking portions 22, 22’ and therefore the mounting plate 14 can just be removed out of the mount 12. By unlocked it is meant that the mounting plate 14 is readily removable from the mount 12 and is not attached to it. In the unlocked position (Figure 2A and Figure 6A), the X, Y walls of the mount 12 do not apply any compressive forces to the locking portions 22, 22’. In order to apply pressure to the head 23 of the locking portions 22, 22’, the mounting plate 14 is rotated in the mount (See Figure 6B for partial rotation and Figure 2B and Figure 6C for full rotation). As the mounting plate 14 rotates in the mount 12 aperture, the locking portions 22, 22’ move to be positioned between the walls X, Y of the mount 12 that are narrower (see dimension B in Figure 1) than the previous location (which was dimension A in Figure 1). As the walls of the mount 12 narrow (become closer together (moves from A to B)), naturally the mount 12 applies pressure to the head 23 of the locking portions 22, 22’. In an embodiment, the mounting plate 14 in the unlocked position can be said to be at 0 degrees, and the rotation required to achieve locking is about 45 degrees. Figure 2A to Figure 2B (mounting plate view) and Figures 6A to Figure 6C (internal view) show an exemplary embodiment in which there has been 45 degrees of rotation of the mounting plate 14 of the module 10 in the mount 12. In an embodiment, the mount 12 is substantially square shaped with two pairs of opposing solid walls X, Y and X’, Y’. When in the unlocked position (Figure 2A), the heads 23 of the respective locking portions 22, 22’ are arranged at opposing the corners of the square A’ A”. As the mounting plate 14 is rotated the respective heads 23 of the locking portions 22, 22’ move between a pair of opposing solid walls X, Y orX’, Y’. The distance B between the pair of opposing solid walls X, Y of the mount 12 is less than the distance A across the diagonal of the square (see Figure 1), thus the respective heads 23 of the locking portions 22, 22’ are consequently compressed by the solid walls X, Y upon rotation. In an embodiment, the mount is substantially octagonally shaped (as shown in Figure 1) with the corner A of each square being blunted by an angled wall. In the locked position (Figure 2B and Figure 6C), the module 10 is substantially 17 immovable relative to the mount 12. The mounting plate 14 substantially cannot be removed from the mount 12 thereby connecting the module 10 with the mount 12. Upon rotating the mounting plate 14 back towards the starting position (Figure 2A) the module 10 can be removed. In an embodiment, rather than “reversing” the rotation, the system is configured so that upon further rotation in the same direction, the distance between the walls of the mount 12 increases again (distance B returns to distance A). This could be achieved using the square or octagonal configuration as shown in Figure 1 and 2 in which rotation in either the forward or backward direction relocated the heads 23 of the locking portion 22, 22’ at the wider part (distance A) of the mount 12 (e.g. the corners of the square or the blunted corners of the octagon). The mount 12 in this embodiment as shown therefore allows for locking, unlocking, locking, unlocking as the module is rotated in one direction. Accordingly, to mount their item 15, the user can dock the mounting plate 14 into the mount 12, twist it through 45 degrees (or other as required) and the item 15 is substantially secured. When the user wishes to detach the item 15 from the mount 12, they can rotate the mounting plate 14 again to remove the item. When an item 15 is connected to a connection plate 13 associated with the mounting plate 14, the rotation of the mounting plate 14 will most likely be undertaken by docking the mounting plate 14 associated with the item 15 into the mount and manually rotating the item 15. For example, using the mobile phone item in Figure 7, the user will turn the mobile phone using their hand to effect docking of the module 10 into the mount 12. Figure 22 shows that the connection plate 13 flange can be adjusted in size according to the size and weight of item 15. A heavier larger item may require a wider flange as shown in Figure 22A. Figure 22B shows a smaller flange than that of Figure 22A. The connecting plate 13 flange can be a snap fit as shown in Figure 22C so that different flange sizes can be applied to the same module. Alternatively, the flange and the module are in one single piece. Figure 24 shows the module mounted onto a compact mirror 215. In Figure 25A and 25B there is an exploded view showing how the module 212 can be retained within the mirror body. In this embodiment, the backing plate 213’ covers the 18 internal mechanism of the module 212. To provide additional locking, the mounting plate 14 can comprise a lip 19 that extends over the head 23 of the locking portion 22 or 22’. In the unlocked position (Figure 2A), the lip 19 freely moves into and out of the mount 12. However, as the mounting plate 14 rotates, the mount 12 can be received between the body portion 16 of the mounting plate 14 and the lip 19 of the mounting plate 14. The lip 19 therefore sandwiches the mount 12 between the body portion 16 of the mounting plate 14 and the part of the mounting plate 14 that is received into the mount 12 aperture further securing the module 10 to the mount 12. The module 10 substantially cannot be removed from the mount 12 because the lip 19 provides a barrier to removal. In Figure 2B only one lip 19 is labelled for clarity but as can be seen there are four lips 19. The body portion 16 of the mounting plate 14 comprises a pivot 18, a pair of deformable locking strips 20, 20’ and a pair of locking portions 22, 22’. The pair of locking portions 22, 22’ are arranged opposite to one another so that the bias towards the walls X, Y of the mount 12 in the locked position is in equal and opposite directions. Essentially, the pair of locking portions 22, 22’, pair of locking strips 20, 20’ and pivot 18 together provide a spring which is compressed in the locked position and uncompressed in the unlocked position. Each locking portion 22, 22’ has a body with a head part 23 at one end and a pair of legs 24 at the other end. The head 23 can protrude from the side wall of the mounting plate 14 as shown in Figure 5A to 5D from various perspectives. This protrusion of the head 23 through an aperture can help to ensure that the locking portion 22 stays guided in the correct position even when under spring loaded tension. The head part 23 can be a small extension from the body part of the locking portion 22. The body part of the locking portion 22 can be a thin solid piece of material. However, it may also be hollow or simply composed of minimum material since the function of the body is simply to transfer forces from the head 23 to the legs 24 of the locking portion. The locking portions 22, 22’ can be housed in the body 16 of the mounting plate 14 19 in a recess that is shaped to accommodate them with the remainder of the body being filled material as shown in Figure 3. Once assembled a backing plate 13’ can be placed over the body portion 16 to cover the components 18, 20, 22. An advantage of having a defined recess for the locking portions 22, 22’ is that they are unable to substantially move around in the body portion 16 of the mounting plate 14 other than to transfer forces from the head 23 to the legs 24 to the locking strips 20, 20’. The pair of legs 24 spread out from the head 23 of the locking portion 22, around the pivot 18, and engage at their bottom ends with a locking strip 20 or 20’. A first leg of the pair of legs 24 engages with a first free end of the locking strip 20 as shown in Figure 3. A second leg of the pair of legs 24 engages with a second free end of the locking strip. Figure 3 shows only one locking portion 22 in place for clarity. In Figure 4 the two locking portions 22, 22’ are shown in place in the body portion 16. The engagement with the locking strip 20 or 20’ in the unlocked position can simply be a resting of the bottom ends of the leg 24 with the strip 20. Preferably, the bottom ends of the legs 24 contact the locking strip 20 at or towards the free ends thereof. When the legs 24 each press onto the locking strip 20 or 20’, the aim is to deform the locking strip 20 or 20’ about the pivot 18. Refer to Figure 5C to show the extent of the deformation. The pivot 18 provides a space between the deformable locking strips 20, 20’ and allows them to deform around a pivot point 18. The pivot 18 can be any small item located between the locking strips 20, 20’. In the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, the pivot 18 is a protrusion 18 in the body portion 16 of the mounting plate 14, thereby is integral with the mounting plate 14. The pivot 18 separates the locking strips 20, 20’ by at least a distance that allows the locking strip 20, 20’ free ends to bend around the pivot point 18. Preferably, the free ends of the first locking strip 20 are separated from the free ends of the second locking strip 20’ even when bent around the pivot point 18. Each locking portion 22, 22’ engages with one locking strip 20, 20’ respectively. There are two locking strips 20, 20’ a first locking strip 20 and a second locking strip 20’. The first locking strip 20 can engage with a first locking portion 22. The 20 second locking strip 20 can engage with a second locking portion 22 . The first and second locking portions 22, 22’ and locking strips 20, 20’ can be substantially identical to one another. Upon rotation of the mounting plate 14 in the mount 12, the mount 12 compresses each locking portion 22, 22’ by applying pressure to the respective head 23. To assist in a smooth rotation, the head part 23 of the locking portion 22, 22’ can engage with the solid wall of the mount 12. The wall of the mount 12 and the head part 23 of the locking portion 22, 22’ can have complementary shapes that cause the two to remain engaged with one another during rotation. In an embodiment in which the wall of the mount is a solid ring as shown in e.g. Figure 2, the ring can have a squared cross section with the corners forming a vertex. The head 23 of the locking portion 22, 22’ can have a corresponding groove that receives the vertex of the angled ring wall (see Figure 5C). As the head is compressed between the narrowed mount walls (distance B) there is a consequent pressing of the locking portion body 22, 22’ into the cavity in the body 16 of the mounting plate 14. The pair of legs 24 attached to the locking portion body 22, 22’ move towards the respective locking strip 20, 20’. The bottoms of the legs 24 press onto the respective locking strip 20 or 20’ which deforms the locking strip 20 or 20’ into a curve about the pivot 18. While this happens on one side of the mounting plate 14, the same is happening with the other locking portion 22, 22’ on the other side of the mounting plate 14. The two locking portions 22, 22’ move closer to one another. The locking strips 20. 20’ curve around the pivot 18 towards one another as shown in Figure 6C. The deformed locking strip 20 or 20’ wants to regain its shape, which biases the head 23 of the locking portion 22, 22’ back towards to the mount 12. This spring bias in the system locks the mounting plate 12 into the locked position in the mount. A distance between the mount 12 and the heads 23 of the respective locking portions 22, 22’ is wider in the unlocked position (distance A) than in the locked position (distance B). Accordingly, once in the locked position there is a gap 52 remaining between the mount 12 and mounting plate 14 in the place where the mounting plate 14 used to be when unlocked (one of the four gaps in the embodiment of Figure 2B is labelled). This gap 52 is convenient, because it can 21 allow for rotation of the mounting plate 14 back to the unlocked position. However, if the gap 52 is filled while the module 10 is locked into position, then the mounting plate 14 is fixed and cannot rotate to any unlocked position. It can be advantageous to cause the mounting plate 14 to be fixed in the locked position if the user does not want third parties to remove the item 15 once locked to the mount 12. Securely locking the module 10 into the locked position may also prevent any unwanted accidental removal of the module 10 once locked. The module 10 can be securely locked into the locked position by causing blocking arms 42 to move into the mount 12. The blocking arms 42 fill all or some of the gaps 52 that the mounting plate 14 leaves behind when in the unlocked position. The blocking arms 42 thereby block rotation of the mounting plate 14 back to the unlocked position. It has been realised that the spring bias effect provided by the locking portions 22, 22’ may not be required when the lip 19 of the mounting plate 14 serves to sandwich the body of the mount and the mounting plate around the mount, and there are blocking arms 42 providable in the gaps 52 of the mount 12 when the mounting plate 14 is in the locked position. In an embodiment therefore there is provided the following: a module 110 for rotational connection with a complementary mount 112, the module 110 comprising a mounting plate 114 receivable into the mount 112, the module 110 thereby having an unlocked position in which the mounting plate 114 can be removed from the mount 112, and a rotated locked position in which the mounting plate 114 substantially cannot be removed from the mount 112 thereby connecting the module 110 with the mount 112. The mounting plate 114 has a body portion 116 and a lip 119. The body portion 116 comprises blocking arms 142 rotatably movable from a retracted position to an advanced position. Upon rotation of the mounting plate 114 in the mount 112, the mount 112 is sandwiched between the body portion 116 and the lip 119, and gaps 152 form between the mounting plate 114 and the mount 112. The blocking arms 142 are configured to rotatably advance into said gaps 152 thereby substantially preventing any further rotational movement of the mounting plate 114 thereby locking the mounting plate 114 into the locked position in the mount 112. The lip 119 of the mounting plate 114 is a protrusion or extension of the mounting plate 114 that allows a groove to form between the body portion 116 and the mounting plate 114. One of the lips 119 is labelled in Figure 18A. The lip 119 is shown in side view in Figure 16B. There are four lips 119 around the mounting plate 114. Each lip 119 is hiding a groove 121. The groove 121 can be shaped so that the mount 112 can be received snugly therein (Figure 16B). The mounting plate 114 can be rotated to cause the mount 112 to slide into the groove 121 formed between the body portion 116 and the lip 119. Once the mounting plate 114 is rotated, the mount 112 is held into the groove 121. In an embodiment in which the mount 121 is a substantially square shaped ring, and the mounting plate 114 is correspondingly square shaped, upon insertion of the squared mounting plate 114 into the mount 112 (as seen in e.g. Figure 18), the square of the mounting plate 114 is about the same size as the squared aperture of the mount 112 and there are substantially no gaps. As the squared mounting plate 114 is rotated, the four corners (or lips 119) of the squared mounting plate 114 move over the mount 112 as the mount is received into channels or groove 121 formed in the body portion 116 of the mounting plate 114. The squared corners 119, each as lips 119, now overlap the mount 112 and sandwich the mount 112 between themselves and the body portion 116. Since the squared mount of the mounting plate is now set at 45 degrees, there are gaps 152 between the plate 114 and the mount 112 where the mounting plate 114 is now not present. In an embodiment, as shown in which the mount is substantially octagonal shaped the gaps 152 are trapezoidal shaped. Once rotated into the mount 112, the module 110 is locked into the mount 112. Upon rotation of the mounting plate 114 in the mount 112 to lock it, the gaps 152 that form between the mounting plate 114 and the mount 112 are important to allow for unlocking. This is because the mounting plate 114 and be rotated back into the gaps 152 to allow for removal. If the gaps 152 are blocked, unlocking rotation is prevented and a secure locking is effected. The blocking arms 142 are advanced from the body portion 116 of the mounting plate 114. Notwithstanding how many gaps 152 are formed, depending on the 23 shape of the mount, there needs to be only one blocking arm 142 in one gap 152 to prevent further rotational movement of the mounting plate 114. In an embodiment, there is one blocking arm 142 for each gap 152 that forms when the mounting plate 114 is rotated. In an embodiment there are a plurality of blocking arms 142. In an embodiment in which the mount 114 is substantially octagonal, there are four blocking arms 142. The plurality of blocking arms 142 can be provided together on a blocking arm assembly 141 as shown in Figure 12. The blocking arm assembly 141 can have four arms 142 advanced by rotation. The rotation of the blocking arm assembly 141 to advance the blocking arms 142 into the gaps 152 is a different rotation step to the step of rotating the mounting plate 114 in the mount 112. The blocking arm assembly 141 can comprise a ring 130 defining an opening 136. The ring can have an inside wall and an outside wall. The outside wall can comprise a screw thread 146’. There can be a locating protrusion 144 to assist in locating the correct orientation in the body portion 116 during manufacture. The blocking arm assembly 141 can be screw threadedly connected to a rotator 132 provided in the body portion 116 (Figure 11). To locate the rotator 132 in the body portion 116 of the mounting plate 114, the rotator 132 can be locked over one or more dockers 134 which hold the rotator into position. These dockers 134 can be of the type which require pliers to grip them towards one another to release the rotator 132 once installed. The rotator 132 can have a screw thread 146 on its outside surface thereof to matingly connect with screw thread 146’ on the blocking arm assembly 141. The rotator 132 is individually rotatable within the body portion 116. Upon rotation of the rotator 132 in a first direction, by means of the threaded connection 146, 146’ the blocking arm assembly 141 advances in a first direction. The arms 142 extend forwardly upon rotation. Upon rotation in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, the blocking arm assembly 141 retracts in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction. The arms 142 are retracted inwardly. Figure 13 shows the rotator 132. In Figure 17, the rotator 132 is shown arranged in opening 136 of the blocking arm assembly. This Figure shows only the rotator 132 and the blocking arm assembly 141 to show how these components interact. It should be understood that in use, the rotator 132 and blocking arm assembly 141 24 comprising blocking arms 142 are assembled in the body portion 116 as shown in Figure 15. In Figure 17A the arms 142 are shown retracted position. In Figure 17B the arms 142 are shown advanced. In Figure 18A the retraction of the arms 142 from the gaps 152 can be seen in front view. In Figure 18B the advancement of the same arms 142 is apparent. In an embodiment, the rotation of the rotator 132 can be about 90 degrees. In an embodiment, the rotation of the rotator 132 can be about 90 degrees to effect full retraction. The advancement of the blocking arms 142 need only be sufficient to move into the gap(s) 152 and prevent movement of the mounting plate. In an embodiment the advancement is about 1 or 2 mm. To prevent continuous rotation of the rotator 132 once located in the body portion 116 of the mounting plate 114, the rotator 132 can have a stop 148 which travels in a corresponding groove 148’ in the body portion of the mounting plate. The stop 148 and groove 148’ together allow the rotator 132 to move through 90 degrees from a blocking arm advanced to blocking arm retracted position. To ensure correct location of the blocking arm assembly 141 into the body portion 116 the locating protrusion 144 can mate into a corresponding recess in the body portion 116. Manipulation of the rotator 132 itself can be difficult unless there is a gripping portion for the fingers to turn. Turning the rotator is even more difficult when the module 110 is connected to an item 113. To allow for rotation of the rotator 132, a locking plate 140 can be associated with the body portion 116. The locking plate 140 comprise an arm part 141 (refer Figure 14). Figure 19 shows that the rotator 132 can pass through the material of the item 113 to be mounted. The locking plate 140 can then be secured into position over the rotator 132. The item 113 can be connected to the flange 135 on the module 110 (see Figure 11). Figure 23 is a refer view of an alternative embodiment of the locking plate 140 with an arm part 141. As the rotator 132 moves from the advanced to the retracted position, e.g. through 90 degrees, there can be a clicking sound to reassure the user that the system is working effectively. The clicks can be provided by a small ball loaded barrel spring 25 160 or ball spring 160 located inside the rotator 132 which passes over ridges 150 on the inside surface of the rotator body 132 as the rotator rotates (refer Figure 20). Figure 21A shows an alternative mounting plate 214 where a rotator (not shown) can be locked over one or more dockers 234 which hold the rotator into position. In this embodiment. The module 210 has a modified flange 235 (a rigid shaped lip instead of TPU). There is provided a module body cutout 216 that allows the module to sit inside flange 235 at various preset positions (up right or angled rotation). One position is shown in Figure 21B, but another position could be chosen then the lines are aligned. By allowing various preset position, the orientation of the object or item to be mounted onto the grid can be varied. It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. Any promises made in the present description should be understood to relate to some embodiments of the invention, and are not intended to be promises made about the invention as a whole. Where there are promises that are deemed to apply to all embodiments of the invention, the applicant / patentee reserves the right to later delete them from the description and does not rely on these promises for the acceptance or subsequent grant of a patent in any country.

Claims

1. A module for rotational connection with a complementary mount, the module comprising:a mounting plate receivable into the mount, the module thereby having an unlocked position in which the mounting plate can be removed from the mount, and a rotated locked position in which the mounting plate substantially cannot be removed from the mount thereby connecting the module with the mount,the mounting plate having a body portion and a lip;the body portion having;blocking arms rotatably movable from a retracted position to an advanced position;a rotator for moving the blocking arms from the retracted position to the advanced position;wherein upon rotation of the mounting plate in the mount, the mount is sandwiched between the body portion and the lip, and gaps form between the mounting plate and the mount, wherein the blocking arms are configured to rotatably advance into said gaps thereby substantially preventing any further rotational movement of the mounting plate in either direction thereby locking the mounting plate into the locked position in the mount.

2. The module of claim 1, wherein there is a stop on the rotator which fits into a complementary groove for limiting full rotation of the rotator.

3. The module of claim 1 or 2, wherein the mounting plate is substantially squared or octagonal in shape and upon rotation there are four gaps formed between the mounting plate and the mount.

4. The module of claim 3, wherein there are four blocking arms, one for each gap.

5. The module of claim 4, wherein there is a locking plate and locking arm for moving the rotator.

6. An item comprising the module according to any one of the preceding claims.2024366024   16 Jun 20267. The item of claim 6, being a small personal device or aesthetic decal.

8. The item of claim 6, being a cover around a mobile electronic device, such as a mobile phone.

9. The item of claim 6, being at least one of small bag or pouch, makeup such as makeup compact, tablet device, keys (via a suitable key ring), flashlight, tool, remote control, various travel accessories, and stationery.

10. A method for operating a module with a complementary mount, the module having an unlocked position in which the module can be removed from the mount, and a rotated locked position in which the module substantially cannot be removed from the mount, the module comprising a mounting plate, the method comprising the steps of:inserting the mounting plate into the mount,rotating the mounting plate in the mount, whereupon the mount is sandwiched between the body portion and the lip, and gaps form between the mounting plate and the mount;wherein the mounting plate has a body portion and a lip; the body portion having blocking arms rotatably movable by a rotator from a retracted position to an advanced position; the method further comprising:rotating the blocking arms to the advanced position;wherein the blocking arms are configured to rotatably advance into said gaps thereby substantially preventing any further rotational movement of the mounting plate in either direction thereby locking the mounting plate into the locked position in the mount.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of removing the module from the mount, the method comprising the step ofrotating the blocking arms to the retracted position;rotating the mounting plate in the mount; and removing the mounting plate from the mount.

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