Mounting bracket assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mounting bracket assembly for mounting a device on a surface, the mounting bracket assembly comprising: a socket assembly; a mounting element, the mounting element comprising a mounting ball, the mounting ball being receivable by the socket assembly to pivotally couple the mounting element to the socket assembly, thereby positioning the mounting element relative to the socket assembly; wherein the socket assembly comprises: an elastic member configured to define a socket for receiving and engaging the mounting ball, the elastic member being configured to allow the mounting ball to be pushed into the socket against elastic bias; a biasing element for biasing the elastic member into the socket; and a retaining element for preventing an end of the elastic member from deviating from the socket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting bracket assembly for mounting a device to a surface. The present invention particularly, but not exclusively, relates to a mounting bracket assembly for mounting an accessory within a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The use and popularity of camera systems for vehicles, such as vehicle camera systems, dashcams, onboard systems, and the like, are increasing. Such camera systems are sometimes referred to as "dashboard cameras" because they are typically mounted on the dashboard of a vehicle. They are often installed into a vehicle after the vehicle is manufactured as an "after-market" modification or personalized accessory to the vehicle by the user, and are used as a device to capture images of the interior and / or surrounding areas of the vehicle. In the event of an accident, damage, etc., the images captured by such a system can be used as evidence. Such camera systems are typically configured to continuously record video footage of what is seen through the windshield of the vehicle on which the system is installed. Such camera systems may be attached to the inside of the windshield of the vehicle or to the top of the dashboard of the vehicle.

[0003] Some known camera systems may operate to capture an image, a series of images, and / or record a video clip upon vehicle startup, in response to user input, and / or automatically in response to detection of vehicle motion.

[0004] Typically, the camera is mounted to the superstructure of the vehicle or window using an adhesive or suction attachment coupled to the camera via an arm so that the camera's field of view is not obstructed by the adhesive or suction attachment or the superstructure of the vehicle.

[0005] In a typical mount assembly, the arm may be movably attached to one or both of an accessory or a camera. Such an accessory may include a ball joint in which the socket is tightened around the ball by a thread and nut arrangement or some other mechanism. This mechanism may be used to prevent movement of the arm, thereby maintaining its orientation relative to the surface to which the mount assembly is attached, thereby maintaining the orientation of the camera.

[0006] Typical mounting bracket assemblies as described above may be constructed of plastic materials. Such materials may degrade over time through repeated heating-cooling cycles, such as those experienced in an in-vehicle environment. This may cause the stiffness of the interface between the ball joint and the fastening arrangement to weaken over time, which may cause the position of the arm relative to the accessory to change over time, such as from an operating position set by the user. Such changes may need to be corrected by the user by repositioning the arm relative to the accessory and by tightening the thread and nut arrangement.

[0007] Typical mounting bracket assemblies such as those described above may not be suitable for use with ball joints that include through-channels that provide conduits for wiring, such as cables that couple electronic circuitry in an accessory to electronic circuitry in a device coupling element of the assembly. Excessive rotational and / or pivotal movement of the arm relative to the accessory that deviates from the factory designed range of operating positions may be undesirable because excessive rotational and / or pivotal movement of the arm relative to the accessory may result in damage to the cables.

[0008] Typical mounting bracket assemblies as described above may not be suitable for use in an in-vehicle environment where the assembly may experience vibration, acceleration forces, and deceleration forces. Such vibration, acceleration forces, and deceleration forces combined may cause the thread and nut assembly to loosen until, in a potential scenario, the nut completely disengages from the threads. This may be dangerous because, in certain circumstances, the arm may disengage from the accessory, which may cause the arm (and any accessory attached thereto) to disengage from the accessory and pass through the vehicle cabin.

[0009] The present invention has been devised in view of the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the invention

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a mounting bracket assembly for mounting a device to a surface is provided, the mounting bracket assembly comprising: a socket assembly; a mounting element, the mounting element comprising a mounting ball, the mounting ball being receivable by the socket assembly to pivotally couple the mounting element to the socket assembly, thereby positioning the mounting element relative to the socket assembly; wherein the socket assembly comprises: an elastic member configured to define a socket for receiving and engaging the mounting ball, the elastic member being configured to allow the mounting ball to be pushed into the socket against an elastic bias; a biasing element for biasing the elastic member into the socket; and a retaining element for preventing an end of the elastic member from deviating from the socket.

[0011] The inclusion of a retaining element to prevent the end of the resilient member from deviating from the socket (i.e., coming out of the socket) allows the integrity of the socket defined by the configuration of the resilient member to be maintained and provides the necessary support to the socket walls while the mounting ball is received in the socket. The retaining element ensures that the mounting ball remains contained in the socket during operation, preventing disengagement of the ball and removal of the mounting bracket assembly, such as when it is subjected to high acceleration forces.

[0012] In a typical environment in which the mounting bracket assembly is located, the biasing element can maintain a consistent coefficient of friction between the pocket wall (i.e., defined by the resilient member) and the mounting ball during the thermal cycles experienced by the mounting bracket assembly. The respective materials of the resilient member and the mounting ball can be different, and therefore can have different coefficients of thermal expansion, and / or the shape and configuration of the resilient member can be different from the shape and configuration of the mounting ball, and therefore can have different coefficients of thermal expansion. In both cases, the presence of the biasing element can inhibit any changes in the "tightness" of the assembly caused by potentially different degrees of expansion / contraction of the resilient member and the mounting ball under different temperature conditions.

[0013] Optionally, the retaining element may include a shroud configured to form part of a housing of the socket assembly, the shroud including an aperture into which the end of the resilient member may extend, the aperture defining the limit to which the end of the resilient member may deflect. This can ensure that the configuration of the socket is fixed when the resilient member is engaged with the retaining element. If the mounting ball has been received in the socket defined by the resilient member and the retaining element has been engaged, the resilient member can no longer flex to increase the diameter of the socket and the mounting ball is therefore trapped within the socket.

[0014] Optionally, the mounting element may be received in the socket assembly through an aperture in the shield. The shield may engage the socket assembly by fitting around the mounting element behind the mounting ball, acting as a collar that closes when attached to the socket assembly and prevents the mounting ball from disengaging from the socket. This may be useful in certain circumstances, such as when the device is a dash cam and the surface is the windshield of a vehicle. During a crash event where the assembly may be subjected to high acceleration forces, such as the impact of a car crash, it is important that the two components do not separate in order to maintain a continuous camera footage of the event and to avoid unnecessary injury to any occupants in the vehicle due to separation of the component from the mounting bracket assembly. The arrangement of the mounting bracket assembly described herein can reduce the likelihood of a separation event such as that described above.

[0015] Optionally, the shield may be coupled to the rest of the housing of the socket assembly by at least one coupling element. To ensure that the shield is securely coupled to the socket assembly, different coupling mechanisms may be used, such as screws, clips, latches or any other fastening means. This can ensure that the connection between the shield and the socket assembly is sufficient to maintain the position of the shield so that it provides the required restriction to prevent the end of the resilient member from escaping the socket, thereby fixing the mounting ball in place.

[0016] Optionally, the at least one coupling element may be in a position accessible from within the remainder of the housing. This can make the means for detaching the shield from the remainder of the housing of the socket assembly less accessible, which may help prevent the shield from being accidentally removed from the remainder of the housing of the socket assembly.

[0017] Alternatively, the mounting element may include an arm with the mounting ball disposed at the end of the arm. The shield may be fitted as a collar over the arm. After the mounting ball is inserted into the socket, the shield may be secured to the socket assembly, thereby securing the mounting ball in place and preventing its removal.

[0018] Optionally, the mounting element may be configured to be removably coupled to the device and may include device engagement elements at opposite ends of the mounting ball.

[0019] Optionally, the dimple assembly may be configured to be removably mounted to the surface. Thus, the mount assembly may enable a device to be mounted to a surface, such as a dash cam mounted to the windshield of a vehicle, wherein the orientation of the device may be changed by a user, but wherein the device is securely held to the windshield by the mount assembly and wherein separation of the component parts is resisted.

[0020] Optionally, the socket assembly may include a first electronic circuit and the mounting element may include a second electronic circuit, and further, wherein the first electronic circuit and the second electronic circuit may be electronically coupled via an electronic connection between the socket assembly and the mounting element.

[0021] Optionally, the mounting ball may include a hole for defining a passage therethrough for making an electronic connection, and / or the arm may include a hole communicating with the hole through the mounting ball to define a passage therethrough for making an electronic connection. This can ensure that any wires, cables and leads that make the electronic connection are protected from over-extension, friction damage, twisting and general exposure because these components are located within the arm and mounting ball.

[0022] Optionally, the dimple assembly may be configured to be removably mounted to the surface. This may allow the mounting device to be used on a variety of different surfaces, thereby allowing mounting of a given device to occur in a variety of different locations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] One or more embodiments of the present invention will be further described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 An isometric projection of a mounting bracket assembly of one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown, the mounting bracket assembly including a dimple assembly and a mounting element in a first position;

[0025] Figure 2 An isometric projection of a mounting bracket assembly of one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown, the mounting bracket assembly including a dimple assembly and a mounting element in a second position;

[0026] Figure 3 An isometric projection of a dimple assembly showing one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 An isometric projection of a first portion of a dimple assembly showing one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 showing an isometric projection of a second portion of a dimple assembly of one or more embodiments of the present invention when viewed from a first position;

[0029] Figure 6 showing an isometric projection of a second portion of a dimple assembly of one or more embodiments of the present invention when viewed from a second position;

[0030] Figure 7 shows an isometric projection of a mounting element of one or more embodiments of the present invention when viewed from a first position;

[0031] Figure 8 showing an isometric projection of a mounting element of one or more embodiments of the present invention when viewed from a second position; and

[0032] Fig. 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of a mounting bracket assembly is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Figure 1 An isometric projection of a mount assembly 10 of one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown, the mount assembly 10 including a socket assembly 12 in a first position and a mounting member 14; the mounting member 14 is pivotally coupled to the socket assembly 12 via a ball joint. In the illustrated example of one or more embodiments of the present invention, the socket is located within the socket assembly and the ball is located on the mounting member.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the mounting bracket assembly 10 can be used to removably couple an accessory to a surface of a vehicle on which it is mounted. For example, a dash cam, a GPS device, a satellite navigation system, etc. can be removably coupled to a windshield, a rear windshield, or a side door window of a vehicle.

[0035] In the example shown, an accessory (not shown) may be mounted to the free end of the mounting element 14, and the dimple assembly 12 is configured to be removably mounted to a surface, thereby providing a mounting bracket for mounting the accessory to a surface of a vehicle. The dimple assembly 12 may be mounted to a surface, such as a windshield of a vehicle, by a surface attachment element 13. The attachment element 13 may include Adhesive pads, suction cups, or any other material / means to hold the mount assembly 10 in place on a surface.

[0036] Figure 2FIG. 1 is an isometric projection of a mounting bracket assembly 10 of one or more embodiments of the present invention including a dimple assembly 12 and a device mounting element 14 in a second position. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the recess assembly 12 and the mounting element 14 are in a second position relative to each other. Obviously, the second position is different from Figure 1 The ball joint has been used to rotate the mounting element 14 about the y-axis in the direction P. The properties of the ball joint impart movement in the P, R and Y directions, i.e., movement about the y, x and z axes respectively (see Figure 1 and 2 ). In some technical fields, rotational / pivoting motions about the x, y, and z axes are referred to as roll (x-axis), pitch (y-axis), and yaw (z-axis).

[0037] Figure 3 An isometric projection of a dimple assembly 12 of one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The dimple assembly 12 includes: a plurality of resilient members 15 arranged to define a dimple 16; a shroud portion 18 configured to form an upper portion of a dimple assembly housing; and a base portion 20 configured to form a lower portion (remaining portion) of the dimple assembly housing. The shroud portion 18 may be coupled to the base portion 20.

[0038] The base portion 20 includes an aperture 24 for providing access to an electrical connection port (not shown) configured to provide connection to electronic circuitry contained within the base portion 20. For example, the aperture 24 provides a space to receive a USB connector to couple an external device to electronic circuitry (e.g., including GPS circuitry) within the base portion 20 of the socket assembly 12.

[0039] At least one surface interface member 17 is disposed within the recess 16. The at least one surface interface member 17 is configured to provide a friction interface between an outer surface of a mounting ball receivable within the recess 16 and an inner wall of the recess 16. In this exemplary embodiment, the at least one surface interface member 17 comprises a silicon pad and provides additional frictional contact with the mounting ball of the mounting element. The characteristics of the at least one surface interface member 17 are such that it provides a soft friction surface that conforms to the shape of the mounting ball, thereby reducing wear on the outer surface of the ball mounting structure and increasing resistance to movement of the mounting ball relative to the recess.

[0040] The at least one surface interface member 17 may be located inside the one or more elastic members 15 defining the recess 16 , or located at the bottom of the recess 16 .

[0041] Figure 42 is a schematic isometric projection of the base portion 20 of the socket assembly. In this example, the shield (not shown) has been removed to expose the internal components of the base portion 20 of the socket assembly 12. The base portion 20 includes a plurality of resilient members 15, which include four arcuate flanges arranged so that their free ends define a circular mounting frame of the socket 16. The plurality of resilient members extend from the surface 26 and define a space therebetween, which defines the socket 16. The socket 16 is configured to receive a mounting ball of the mounting element 14. The arcuate form of the plurality of resilient members 15 and their positions relative to each other are such that the space therebetween is complementary to the shape of the mounting ball received therein. The resiliency of the plurality of resilient members 15 is used to force the ends of the plurality of resilient members 15 inwardly into the space of the socket 16 and resist deformation of the members 15 and deflection of their ends outwardly away from the space of the socket 16. This configuration can force the mounting ball located in the socket 16 into the socket 16 to maintain the engagement of the mounting ball with the socket 16 and prevent the mounting ball from disengaging from the socket 16.

[0042] The channels 28, 29 define spaces between each adjacent pair of the plurality of resilient members 15. A first set of these channels 28 may be used to receive one or more formations on the surface of the mounting ball of the mounting element, wherein the interaction of the formations with the walls of the channels 28 may limit movement of the mounting element relative to the socket assembly.

[0043] The base portion 20 also includes a biasing element 30 arranged to exert an inward force on the plurality of resilient members 15. Figure 4 In the example shown, the biasing element 30 includes a coil spring arranged as a sleeve around the plurality of resilient members 15 to surround the plurality of resilient members 15. The biasing element 30 provides a force that resists the outward movement of the plurality of resilient members 15. That is, it provides an inward biasing force so that the plurality of resilient members 15 are biased inward toward the space within the recess 16. In addition, in a typical environment in which the mounting frame assembly is located, the biasing element 30 can maintain the consistency of the coefficient of friction between the wall of the recess 16 (i.e., the plurality of resilient members 15) and the mounting ball during the thermal cycle experienced by the mounting frame assembly. The respective materials of the plurality of resilient members 15 and the mounting ball can be different and therefore have different coefficients of thermal expansion, and / or the shape and configuration of the plurality of resilient members 15 are different from the shape and configuration of the mounting ball and therefore have different coefficients of thermal expansion. In both cases, the presence of the biasing element 30 can inhibit any changes in the "tightness" of the assembly caused by the potential different degrees of expansion / contraction of the plurality of resilient members 15 and the mounting ball under different temperature conditions.

[0044] A hole 32 is provided at the bottom of the recess 16, extending through the surface 26 to the opposite side of the surface (not shown). This is to allow electrical connections (such as wires or cables) to pass between the recess 16 and the opposite side of the base portion 20.

[0045] The base portion 20 also includes holes 34 extending through the surface 26 to the opposite side of the surface (not shown). Such holes 34 provide apertures through which fixing elements can pass and be received in corresponding receiving channels in the shield portion 18. This arrangement is used to fix the shield portion 18 to the base portion 20. For example, screws, bolts or other fixing elements can be used for this purpose.

[0046] Figure 5 One example of a shroud 18 is shown. Figure 5 The shield portion 18 is shown oriented so that its outer surface is visible. As previously described, the shield portion 18 can be removably coupled to the base portion 20 by placing a securing element through the aperture 34 of the base portion 20 so as to be received in a corresponding receiving channel within the shield portion 18. Figure 5 One of the receiving channels 36 is shown in FIG.

[0047] The shield portion 18 includes an aperture 38 extending through the shield portion 18. The aperture 38 includes two sections having different circumferences. The circumference of the first section 40 is greater than the circumference defined by the outer edge of each distal end of the plurality of elastic members 15. When the shield portion 18 is coupled to the base portion 20, the aperture 38 is located concentric with the circle defined by the outer edge of each distal end of the plurality of elastic members 15. The first section 40 of the aperture 18 can be used as a retaining element to limit the end of the plurality of elastic members from deflecting outward (i.e., in a direction away from the recess) from the recess.

[0048] The second section of the orifice (at Figure 5 Not shown, see Figure 6 The circumference of the second section of the orifice 38 is greater than the circumference of the first section 40 and is large enough to receive the biasing element 30 in a press-fit manner. In other words, the circumference of the second section of the orifice 38 is large enough to surround the biasing element 30.

[0049] The first paragraph 40 and the second paragraph (in Figure 5 Not shown, see Figure 6 The difference in circumference between the two segments forms a lip (at Figure 5 Not shown, see Figure 6 42 in the figure), the lip can provide a blocking surface to prevent the biasing element 30 from being removed from the recess assembly (when the shield portion 18 and the base portion 20 of the recess assembly are in an assembled state).

[0050] The biasing element and retaining element in combination may be used to reduce the likelihood of the mounting ball becoming disengaged or dislodged from the socket when excessive force is applied to the mounting bracket assembly.

[0051] Figure 6 A schematic isometric projection of the shroud portion 18 is shown, oriented so that its inner surface is exposed. Figure 6 Four fixing element receiving passages 36 are shown which correspond to the apertures 34 of the base portion 20. In this orientation, the lip 42 formed by the interface between the first section 40 and the second section 44 is now visible. Because of the lip 42, the biasing element cannot pass through the aperture 38.

[0052] As described above, the wall of the aperture 38 defining the first section 40 provides a retaining element that can be used to resist movement of the ends of the plurality of resilient members 15. Thus, the retaining element in combination with the biasing element 30 increases the inward bias of the resilient members 15 in the direction inwardly into the recess, thereby increasing the force applied to the mounting ball in the recess 16. This provides a system that allows the mounting element 14 to pivot relative to the recess assembly 12, but in the absence of a user-applied force, the system provides resistance to movement of the mounting element relative to the recess assembly. This allows the user to set the position of the mounting element 14 relative to the recess assembly 12 without the need to use additional elements to set the position (e.g., tightening a nut). The biasing element and retaining element can provide sufficient resistance to relative movement between the mounting element and the recess assembly so that when the mounting assembly is subjected to vibration and / or acceleration forces (e.g., when the vehicle is in motion), the accessories coupled to the mounting assembly will not move after being set by the user. In addition, the mounting ball can be prevented from separating or disengaging from the recess assembly in the event of excessive force being applied.

[0053] Figure 7 is a schematic isometric view of the mounting element 14 when viewed from a first position. The mounting element 14 includes a mounting ball 46 disposed at an end of an arm 48. The mounting element 14 includes a device engagement element 50 disposed at an opposite end of the arm 48. The diameter of the mounting ball 46 is sized to allow the mounting ball 46 to engage with the socket 16 of the socket assembly 12 by a press fit, which, as described above, achieves a frictional engagement between the mounting ball 46 and the socket 16. In addition, the device engagement element 50 can serve as an electromechanical coupler between electronic circuitry housed in the mounting bracket assembly 10 and electronic circuitry of an accessory coupled to the device engagement element 50.

[0054] The hole 52 extending through the mounting ball 46 and the arm 48 provides a passage for electrical connection between the mounting element 14 and the socket assembly 12. This can be achieved by using a wire or cable passing therethrough. As described below, this can provide an electrical connection between a first electronic circuit (e.g., a GPS module) contained within the socket assembly 12 and a second electronic circuit located within the device engagement element 50 of the mounting element 14.

[0055] The mounting ball 46 includes at least one formation extending from its surface. In the example shown, the at least one formation includes two blades 54 extending radially from the surface of the mounting ball 46. When the mounting ball 46 is located in the socket 16 of the socket assembly 12, the blades 54 occupy the channel 28 between the elastic members 15.

[0056] The interaction of the blade 54 with the wall of the channel 28 can limit the movement of the mounting element relative to the recess assembly. Therefore, the interaction of the blade 54 with the wall of the channel 28 can be used to limit the pivotal movement in the Y direction (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 , i.e., around the yaw axis) to a smaller amount, and the rotational motion in the R direction (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 , i.e. about the roll axis) to a smaller amount, while allowing pivoting movement in the P direction (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 , i.e., about the pitch axis) is greater than the allowable amount in the Y and R directions. That is, the blades 54 are configured to interact to inhibit rotational and pivotal movement of the mounting element 14 relative to the socket assembly 12 about the yaw axis.

[0057] As the mounting member 14 pivots in the ±R direction, the sides of the blade 54 engage the walls of the channel, thereby preventing any further movement in that direction. However, as described above, movement of the mounting member 14 in the P direction is permitted over a much greater range of relative movement as the blade 54 moves through the channel 28 until the end 56 of the blade 54 engages the bottom of the channel 28.

[0058] Figure 8 is a schematic isometric view of the mounting element 14 when viewed from the second position. Figure 8 In the figure, the hole 52 is more clearly visible.

[0059] As described above, the dimple assembly 12 may include electronic circuitry, such as a GPS module. Fig. 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket assembly 10 is shown in FIG. 1 , which will be described below.

[0060] The first electronic circuit 58 within the socket assembly 12 can be electrically coupled to the second electronic circuit 60 located within the mounting element 14. Data from the first electronic circuit 58 (e.g., data from a GPS module) can be transmitted to the second electronic circuit 60 of the mounting element 14 via an electrical connection 62. The electrical connection 62 passes from the first electronic circuit 58 to the second electronic circuit 60 through the hole 52. The hole 52 provides a conduit from the socket assembly 12 to the mounting element 14.

[0061] Furthermore, the electromechanical coupling between the accessory and the mounting element 14 may be used to transmit data from the second electronic circuit 60 to the accessory coupled to the mounting element 14 .

[0062] Providing a GPS module in the well assembly 12 allows the GPS module to be placed closer to the exterior of the vehicle in which it is located. For example, if the device is a dash cam to be mounted on the windshield of a vehicle, the GPS module contained within the well assembly 12 of the mounting bracket assembly 10 is closer to the windshield, which can improve the line-of-sight connection between the GPS module and the remote device. To this end, the mounting bracket assembly 10 with the GPS module 58 located within the well assembly 12 as described above can provide more accurate measurements from the GPS module 58.

[0063] In one or more of the above embodiments of the present invention, the dimple 16 of the dimple assembly 12 is described as including a plurality of elastic members 15. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four elastic members. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other arrangements with more or fewer elastic members may be used to define the dimple 16. In an alternative arrangement, the dimple 16 may be defined by a single elastic member, which may include a circular flange.

[0064] In one or more of the above embodiments of the present invention, the biasing element 30 comprises a coil spring. In an alternative arrangement, the biasing element may comprise any other arrangement or device that provides resistance to the outward movement of the plurality of resilient members 15, i.e., any other arrangement or device that provides a compressive force acting inwardly on the plurality of resilient members 15.

[0065] Any references to orientations (eg, top, bottom, upper, lower, front, rear) herein are for the purpose of describing the relative spatial arrangement of the configuration of the device and do not have any limiting meaning.

[0066] As used herein, the terms "include," "comprises," "has," or any variation thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or device that includes a series of elements is not necessarily limited to these elements, but may also include other elements that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, article, or device. In addition, unless expressly stated otherwise, "or" refers to an inclusive rather than an exclusive or. For example, any of the following satisfies condition A or B: A is true (or exists), B is false (or does not exist), A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0067] In addition, the terms "a" or "an" are used to describe elements and components of the present invention. This is only for the purpose of convenience and giving a general sense of the present invention. This description should be interpreted as including one or at least one, and the singular also includes the plural, unless it is obvious that there is another meaning.

[0068] In view of the above description, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any specific material disclosed herein. Other materials suitable for performing the functions described herein may also be used in embodiments of the present invention.

[0069] The scope of the present disclosure includes any novel feature or combination of features disclosed explicitly or implicitly, or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the claimed invention or mitigates any or all of the problems to be solved by the present invention. The applicants hereby give notice that new claims may be formulated to such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any such further application derived therefrom. In particular, for the appended claims, features in dependent claims may be combined with features in the independent claims, and features in separate independent claims may be combined in any appropriate manner and not merely in the specific combinations listed in the claims.

Claims

1. A mounting bracket assembly for mounting a device on a surface, comprising: dimple assembly; a mounting element including a mounting ball receivable by the socket assembly to pivotally couple the mounting element to the socket assembly to position the mounting element relative to the socket assembly; Wherein the dimple assembly comprises: a resilient member configured to define a socket for receiving and engaging the mounting ball, the resilient member configured to allow the mounting ball to be urged into the socket against a resilient bias; a biasing element in direct contact with the resilient member, applying an inward force to the resilient member so that the resilient member is biased inwardly toward the space within the recess; and A retaining element is provided to prevent the end of the resilient member from deviating from the recess.

2. The mounting bracket assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The retaining element includes a shroud configured to form a portion of a housing of the dimple assembly, the shroud including an aperture into which an end of the resilient member can extend, the aperture defining a limit to which the end of the resilient member can deflect.

3. The mounting bracket assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The mounting element is receivable in the socket assembly through the aperture of the shroud.

4. The mounting bracket assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The shroud can be coupled to the remainder of the housing of the socket assembly via at least one coupling element.

5. The mounting bracket assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The at least one coupling element is in a position accessible from within the remainder of the housing.

6. The mounting bracket assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The mounting element comprises an arm, the mounting ball being disposed at an end of the arm.

7. The mounting bracket assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The mounting element is configured to be removably coupled to a device.

8. The mounting bracket assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The mounting element includes device engagement elements at opposite ends thereof.

9. The mounting bracket assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The dimple assembly is configured to be removably mounted to the surface.

10. The mounting bracket assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The dimple assembly includes an attracting element and / or an adhesive element configured to attach the dimple assembly to the surface.

11. The mounting bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein: The socket assembly includes a first electronic circuit and the mounting element includes a second electronic circuit, and wherein the first electronic circuit and the second electronic circuit are electronically coupled via an electronic connection between the socket assembly and the mounting element.

12. The mounting bracket assembly of claim 11, wherein: The mounting ball includes a hole to define a passage for the electronic connection.

13. The mounting bracket assembly of claim 12, wherein: The mounting element includes an arm, the mounting ball is disposed at an end of the arm, the arm includes a hole that communicates with the hole through the mounting ball to define a passage for the electronic connection.

14. The mounting bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein: The mounting element is rotatable relative to the socket assembly to position the mounting element relative to the socket assembly.

15. The mounting bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein: The mounting element includes a motion limiter on the mounting ball that prevents rotational and / or pivotal movement of the mounting element relative to the socket assembly.

16. The mounting bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein: The resilient member is formed of a material having sufficient resiliency to bias the mounting ball to generate sufficient friction between the resilient member and the mounting ball to prevent the mounting element from moving relative to the socket assembly in the absence of a user-applied force.

17. The mounting bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein: The resilient member is bent to conform to the shape of the outer surface of the mounting ball and engages with the mounting ball at and / or above the equator of the mounting ball to retain the mounting ball within the socket.

18. The mounting bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein: The biasing element includes a resilient biasing member.

19. The mounting bracket assembly of claim 18, wherein: The resilient biasing member includes a coil spring positioned around the resilient member.

20. The mounting bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein: The resilient member includes a circular flange.

21. The mounting bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein: The elastic member includes a plurality of arc-shaped segments.

22. A socket assembly for use with a mounting bracket assembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. A mounting element for a mounting bracket assembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 21.

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