Mounting parts for handheld electronic devices

Abstract

The mount includes a mount base and a mount head coupled to the mount base. The mount base supports the mount head relative to another fixed or movable structure. The handheld electronic device is coupled to the mount head to be supported relative to the structure when selected by a user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mount, and in particular to a mount for a handheld electronic device. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a mount for positioning a handheld electronic device relative to a vehicle, such as a motorcycle. Summary of the invention

[0002] The mount according to the present disclosure includes a mount base and a mount head coupled to the mount base. The mount base supports the mount head relative to another fixed or movable structure. A handheld electronic device is coupled to the mount head to be supported relative to the structure when selected by a user.

[0003] In an illustrative embodiment, an expansion clamp is coupled to a mount base to engage a tubular member of a structure, such as a front fork center tube of a motorcycle. The expansion clamp includes a plurality of keys, a driver, and a fastener. The fastener at least partially passes through the base to engage the driver. The key is positioned around the fastener and is held together with one or more retainers. The fastener moves the driver relative to a post coupled to the base to move the key between a retracted position and an expanded position.

[0004] In an illustrative embodiment, each key is formed to define one or more grooves and slots. The grooves position the retainer relative to the key. The slots engage with flanges on the driver and post to align the key relative to the base and prevent rotation of the driver relative to the base. The ramps of the key engage with ramps of the driver and post to convert axial movement of the driver into radial movement of the key.

[0005]

[0013] Additional features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the illustrative embodiments illustrating the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently understood. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The detailed description makes particular reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like or similar parts throughout the several views, and in which:

[0007] Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a motorcycle showing a mount according to the present disclosure positioned to be attached to a center tube of a front fork of the motorcycle and illustrating a handheld electronic device attached to the mount to retain the handheld electronic device on the motorcycle;

[0008] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 , which shows an expansion clamp of the mount received in the front fork center tube and illustrates that the expansion clamp engages the inner surface of the front fork center tube to retain the mount on the motorcycle when selected by the user;

[0009] Figure 3yes Figure 1 Exploded assembly drawing of the mounting parts;

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of an expansion fixture;

[0011] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A partially exploded assembly view of an expansion fixture of showing that the slot in the key engages with the flanges of the driver and the post to align the key with the driver and the post, and the driver can move relative to the post as the fastener is rotated;

[0012] Figure 6 is similar to Figure 2 , which shows the expansion clamp in a retracted position and illustrates that movement of the driver relative to the post forces the key outwardly into engagement with the front fork center tube;

[0013] Figure 7 is similar to Figure 6 , which shows the expansion clamp in an expanded position engaged with the front fork center tube; and

[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a mount showing a housing of a handheld electronic device positioned for attachment with the mount and indicating that a head of the mount engages a receiver of the housing for attaching the housing and handheld electronic device to the mount.

[0015] The examples set forth herein illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the detailed description of the following illustrative embodiments, which illustrate the best mode of implementing the present disclosure as currently understood. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Figure 1 1 shows a mount 10 according to the present disclosure. The mount 10 is configured to be attached to a vehicle 100, such as a motorcycle, for positioning a handheld electronic device 200, such as a smart phone, a tablet, a GPS unit, or a monitor, relative to the motorcycle 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the motorcycle 100 includes a frame 102 and a front fork assembly 104. The mount 10 engages with a front fork center tube 106 of the front fork assembly 104 to retain the mount 10 on the motorcycle 100. A housing 202 attached to the handheld electronic device 200 engages with the mount 10 to retain the handheld electronic device 200 on the motorcycle 100.

[0017] like Figure 2As shown, the mount 10 includes a mount head 12, a mount base 16, and an expansion clamp 18. An adjustment arm 14 is coupled to the base 16 at a first end and to the head 12 at an opposite second end. The adjustment arm 14 allows movement of the head 12 relative to the base 16 when selected by a user. The expansion clamp 18 is coupled to the base 16 and is configured to engage with the center tube 106 to retain the mount 10 on the motorcycle 100. The base 16 rests on the upper end of the center tube 106, and the expansion clamp 18 engages with the inner surface of the center tube 106. In some embodiments, the expansion clamp 18 can engage with other tubes (circular and non-circular) for retaining the mount 10 on other vehicles or fixed structures.

[0018] According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the components of the mount 10 can be arranged in various configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the head 12 can be attached to the base 16 without using the adjustment arm 14. In some embodiments, the head 12 can be attached to the expansion base 18 without using the adjustment arm 14 or the base 16.

[0019] The front fork assembly 104 includes an upper fork plate 101 and a lower fork plate 103 coupled together by a center tube 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the center tube 106 is fixed to the lower fork plate 103, such as by welding or threading, and the center tube 106 extends through the frame 102 and the upper fork plate 101 to engage with a nut 109 for fixing the front fork assembly 104 to the frame 102. Bearings 105, 107 are positioned relative to the frame 102 and the fork plates 101, 103, respectively, to allow smooth rotation of the front fork assembly 104 relative to the frame 102.

[0020] like Figure 3 As shown, the expansion fixture 18 includes a barrel 20, a driver 26, and a fastener 29. The fastener 29 at least partially passes through the base 16 to engage with the driver 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the barrel 20 is defined by a plurality of keys 22 that are held together with one or more retainers 24, such as Figure 4 2. The retainer 24 is formed as a coil of wire made of a resilient material, such as metal. In some embodiments, the retainer 24 is formed as a C-clip or other resiliently deformable shape. Four keys 22 are illustratively used to form the cylinder 20. In some embodiments, more or fewer keys 22 are used. In some embodiments, the cylinder 20 is formed as a unitary structure, such as a sleeve of resiliently deformable material. According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the cylinder 20 may include any other suitable structure for securing the mount 10 to a motorcycle, bicycle, or any other surface.

[0021] like Figure 5As shown, a fastener 29 moves a driver 26 relative to a post 28 coupled to the base 16. Each key 22 of the cylinder 20 is formed to define one or more grooves 21 along a radially outer surface and to define a groove 23 in a radially inner surface at an opposite axial end. The groove 21 positions a retainer 24 relative to the key 22. The groove 23 engages with a flange 25 on the driver 26 and post 28 to align the key 22 relative to the base 16 and prevent the driver 26 from rotating relative to the base 16.

[0022] The ramps 35 defined at the opposite axial ends of the key 22 engage the ramps 37 of the driver 26 and the post 28 to convert the axial movement of the driver 26 into the radial movement of the cylinder 20, thereby Figure 6 ) and expansion position (as shown Figure 7 In some embodiments, the actuator 26 engages the cylinder 20 to radially expand at least a portion of the cylinder 20, such as one or more of the keys 22, outwardly. In some embodiments, in the expanded position of the cylinder 20, the keys 22 may be moved to the same or different radial distances from the fastener 29.

[0023] The retracted position of the cylinder 20 allows the expansion clamp 18 to be inserted into the center tube 106 at any relative angular position selected by the user, and the user can then rotate the fastener 29 to move the expansion clamp 18 to the expanded position, thereby engaging the key 22 with the center tube 106 to attach the mount 10 to the motorcycle 100. In the illustrative embodiment, as shown Figure 6 and 7 As shown, the cap 33 and fastener 46 are removed to access the fastener 29. The retainer 24 biases the key 22 toward the retracted position. In some embodiments, the key 22 can be exchanged with a key of larger or smaller radial size to match different sized tubes. In some embodiments, the cylinder 20 can be formed thicker or thinner to match different sized tubes.

[0024] In some embodiments, the slot 23 of the key 22 is formed in the ramp 35. In some embodiments, the flange 25 of the driver 26 and the post 28 extend from the ramp 37. In some embodiments, the post 28 is not used, and the key 22 travels along the lower surface of the base 16 when the driver 26 moves the key 22 between the retracted and extended positions. In some embodiments, the driver 26 does not include the ramp 37, and the key 22 is moved axially relative to the post 28 to move the key 22 between the retracted and extended positions. According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the key 22 and the retainer 24 may include any other suitable structure for securing the mount 10 to a motorcycle, bicycle, or any other surface.

[0025] The base 16 of the mount 10 includes a foot 32 and a tower 34 extending upwardly from the foot 32, such as Figure 3 Column 28 extends downwardly from foot 32. Base clamps 36 are formed on opposite lateral sides of tower 34, and each base clamp 36 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth. Fastener 29 extends into hole 31 of base 16 and is covered by cap 33.

[0026] like Figure 3 As shown, the adjustment arm 14 includes a left arm member 42 and a right arm member 44. Each arm member 42, 44 includes a rear clamping device 41, a front clamping device 43 and a clip 45. The clips 45 of the arm members 42, 44 engage with each other to hold the arm members 42, 44 together. The rear clamping devices 41 each include a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth that engage with the teeth of the base clamping device 36 of the base 16 to allow selective positioning of the arm members 42, 44 relative to the base 16 about the axis A1. The fastener 46 extends through the arm members 42, 44, the tower 34 and the cap 33 to engage with the nut 47. When selected by the user, tightening the fastener 46 with the nut 47 fixes the position of the arm members 42, 44 relative to the base 16.

[0027] like Figure 3 As shown, the knuckle 50 is formed to define a head clamp 52 and an arm clamp 54 positioned on opposite lateral sides of the knuckle 50. The head 12 is coupled to the knuckle 50 using fasteners 68 and engages with the head clamp 52 to allow selective positioning of the head 12 relative to the knuckle 50 about the axis A2. Each arm clamp 54 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth. The front clamps 43 of the arm members 42, 44 each include a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth that engage with the teeth of the arm clamp 54 to allow selective positioning of the knuckle 50 (and the head 12) relative to the arm members 42, 44 about the axis A3. The fastener 48 extends through the arm members 42, 44 and the knuckle 50 to engage with the nut 49. When selected by the user, tightening the fastener 48 with the nut 49 fixes the position of the knuckle 50 relative to the arm members 42, 44.

[0028] The head 12 of the mount 10 includes a support plate 62 and an attachment plate 64 coupled to the support plate 62, such as Figure 3 The support plate 62 engages with the head clamp 52 of the knuckle 50 to allow for selective positioning of the head 12 relative to the knuckle 50 . The paddle 66 is coupled to the support plate 62 and is movable relative to the attachment plate 64 .

[0029] The housing 202 includes a rear wall 204 and a peripheral wall 205, which define an interior space 206 for attachment to the handheld electronic device 200. Figure 8201. The receiving member 208 is formed in the rear wall 204 and includes a series of housing protrusions 201 separated by gaps 203. A series of mount protrusions 61 extend outwardly from the attachment plate 64 for engaging with the housing protrusions 201 to attach the housing 202 (including the handheld electronic device 200 stored therein) to the mount 10. The mount protrusions 61 pass through the gaps 203, and the housing 202 is rotated relative to the mount 10 to engage the mount protrusions 61 with the housing protrusions 201. The locking protrusions 63 on the paddle 66 fall into the gaps 203 and engage with the housing protrusions 201 to prevent the housing 202 from being removed from the mount 10 when selected by the user. The user moves the paddle 66 relative to the attachment plate 64 to pull the locking protrusions 63 out of the gaps 203 and allow the housing 202 to be rotated and removed from the mount 10.

[0030] In illustrative embodiments, the components of mount 10 may be formed from a variety of rigid materials, such as thermoplastic polymers, metals, and metal alloys, among others. In some embodiments, cylinder 20 may be formed from a variety of elastically deformable materials, such as thermosetting polymers and natural rubber, among others.

[0031] Although the present disclosure describes various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover various modifications, uses, adaptations and equivalent arrangements based on the disclosed principles. In addition, the present application is intended to cover deviations from the present disclosure within known or customary practices at least within the technical field to which the present application belongs. It is foreseeable that those skilled in the art can design various modifications and equivalent structures and functions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as recorded in the appended claims. The scope of the appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A mounting member, comprising: a head configured to engage with a housing of a handheld electronic device for detachably mounting the handheld electronic device to the mounting member; a base coupled to the head; and a column coupled to the base; an expansion fixture coupled to the base, the expansion fixture comprising a plurality of keys, drivers, and fasteners, the drivers and fasteners being aligned with the base along a common axis; wherein the fastener at least partially passes through the base to engage the driver, the key is positioned about the fastener, and the fastener is configured to axially move the driver relative to the base to radially move at least one of the keys between a retracted position and an expanded position upon user selection; wherein: Each key has a post contact portion at a first axial end, and the post has a complementary key contact portion for each key; Each key has a driver contact portion at a second axial end, and the driver has a complementary key contact portion for each key; The post contact portion is configured to engage a complementary key contact portion of the post, and the driver contact portion is configured to engage a complementary key contact portion of the driver to convert axial movement of the driver relative to the post into radial movement of the key and to prevent rotation of the driver relative to the base; and The keys are held together by one or more retainers configured to bias the keys toward the retracted position.

2. The mounting member according to claim 1, wherein: The post contacting portion of each key includes a beveled surface, and each key contacting portion of the post has a beveled surface; The actuator contact portion of each key includes a bevel, and each key contact portion of the actuator has a bevel; as well as The ramped surface of the key engages the ramped surfaces of the post and driver to convert axial movement of the driver into radial movement of the key.

3. The mounting member according to claim 1, wherein: The post contact portion of each key includes a bevel and a groove, and each key contact portion of the post has a bevel and a flange configured to engage the groove; as well as The driver contact portion of each key includes a ramp and a groove, and each key contact portion of the driver has a ramp and a flange configured to engage the groove.

4. A mounting according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein: Each key is formed to define one or more recesses for positioning the one or more retainers relative to the key.

5. The mounting member according to claim 4, wherein: The one or more retainers include two retainers and wherein the one or more grooves include two grooves.

6. A mounting according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein: The plurality of keys includes four keys.

7. The mount of claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising an adjustment arm coupled to the base at a first end and to the head at an opposite second end, wherein The adjustment arm is configured to position the head relative to the base.

8. An expansion clamp for use with a mounting member for a handheld electronic device, the mounting member comprising: a head configured to engage with a housing of a handheld electronic device for detachably mounting the handheld electronic device to the mounting member; a base coupled to the head; and a column coupled to the base; The expansion fixture comprises: Multiple keys; Driver; and a fastener configured to extend at least partially through the mounting member to engage the driver in use, the fastener and driver being aligned along a common axis, wherein, in use, the plurality of keys are positioned about the fastener and the fastener is configured to axially move the driver relative to the mount to radially move at least one of the keys between a retracted position and an expanded position upon user selection; wherein: Each key has a post contact portion at a first axial end, and the post contact portion is configured to engage a complementary key contact portion of the post; Each key has a driver contact portion at a second axial end, and the driver has a complementary key contact portion for each key; The post contact portion is configured to engage a complementary key contact portion of the post, and the driver contact portion is configured to engage a complementary key contact portion of the driver to convert axial movement of the driver relative to the post into radial movement of the key and to prevent rotation of the driver relative to the base; and The keys are held together by one or more retainers configured to bias the keys toward the retracted position.

9. The expansion fixture according to claim 8, wherein: The post contacting portion of each key includes a beveled surface, and each key contacting portion of the post has a beveled surface; The actuator contact portion of each key includes a bevel, and each key contact portion of the actuator has a bevel; as well as The ramped surface of the key engages the ramped surfaces of the post and driver to convert axial movement of the driver into radial movement of the key.

10. The expansion fixture according to claim 8, wherein: The post contact portion of each key includes a ramp and a groove, the ramp being configured to engage the ramp of the key contact portion of the post and the groove being configured to engage the flange of the key contact portion of the post; as well as The driver contact portion of each key includes a ramp and a groove, and each key contact portion of the driver has a ramp and a flange configured to engage the groove.

11. The expansion fixture according to claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein: Each key is formed to define one or more recesses for positioning the one or more retainers relative to the key.

12. The expansion fixture according to claim 11, wherein: The one or more retainers include two retainers and wherein the one or more grooves include two grooves.

13. The expansion fixture according to claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein: The plurality of keys includes four keys.

14. A mounting member, comprising: a head configured to engage with a housing of a handheld electronic device for detachably mounting the handheld electronic device to the mounting member; a base coupled to the head; a column coupled to the base; and an expansion fixture coupled to the base, the expansion fixture comprising a plurality of keys, drivers, and fasteners, the drivers and fasteners being aligned with the base along a common axis; wherein the fastener at least partially passes through the base to engage the driver, the plurality of keys includes up to four keys distributed circumferentially around the fastener, and the fastener is configured to axially move the driver relative to the base to radially move the keys between a retracted position and an expanded position upon user selection; wherein: wherein a first axial end of each key is configured to engage the post and a second axial end of each key is configured to engage a driver to convert axial movement of the driver relative to the post into radial movement of the key and to prevent rotation of the driver relative to the base, and wherein the keys are held together by one or more retainers configured to bias the keys toward the retracted position.

15. A mounting member according to claim 14, wherein the first axial end of each key is formed to define a first bevel and a first groove, wherein the second axial end of each key is formed to define a second bevel and a second groove, wherein the column is formed to define a bevel configured to engage the first bevel of the key and a plurality of flanges configured to engage corresponding grooves in the groove at the first axial end of the key, and wherein the driver is formed to define a bevel configured to engage the second bevel of the key and a plurality of flanges configured to engage corresponding grooves in the groove at the second axial end of the key.

16. The mount of claim 14 or 15, further comprising an adjustment arm coupled to the base at a first end and to the head at an opposing second end, wherein the adjustment arm is configured to position the head relative to the base.

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