Mounting bracket assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mounting frame assembly for mounting a device on a surface, the mounting frame assembly comprising: a socket assembly; a mounting element, the mounting element comprising a mounting ball structure that can be received by the socket assembly to pivotally couple the mounting element to the socket assembly, wherein the socket assembly comprises an elastic member configured to define a socket to receive and engage the mounting ball structure, the member being configured to allow the mounting ball structure to be pushed into the socket against elastic bias; the mounting frame assembly also comprises a surface interface member configured to provide a friction interface between an outer surface of the mounting ball structure and an inner wall of the socket defined by the elastic member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mount assembly for mounting a device to a surface. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a mount assembly for mounting an accessory in a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The use and popularity of camera systems for vehicles, such as vehicle-mounted camera systems, dashcams, and in-car systems, are increasing. Such camera systems are sometimes referred to as "dashboard cameras" because they are typically mounted on the vehicle's dashboard. They are often installed in vehicles after manufacture as an "after-sales" modification or personalization by the user, and serve as a means of capturing images of the interior and / or surrounding areas of the vehicle. Images captured by such systems can be used as evidence in the event of an accident, damage, or the like. Such camera systems are typically configured to continuously record video footage of the view through the windshield of the vehicle on which the system is installed. Such camera systems may be attached to the inside of the vehicle's windshield or to the top of the vehicle's dashboard.

[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 vehicle's superstructure.

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

[0006] Typical mounting bracket assemblies, such as those described above, may be constructed from plastic materials. Such materials may degrade over time through repeated heating and cooling cycles, such as those experienced in a vehicle's interior. This can cause the stiffness of the interface between the ball joint and the fastening device to weaken over time, which can cause the position of the arm relative to the accessory to shift over time, such as from a user-set operating position. Such shifts may require correction by the user by repositioning the arm relative to the accessory and tightening the threaded and nut arrangement.

[0007] Typical mounting bracket assemblies, such as those described above, may not be suitable for use with a ball joint that includes a through-channel that provides a conduit for wiring, such as routing 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, such as those described above, may not be suitable for use in a vehicle's interior environment, where the assembly may be subject to vibration, acceleration, and deceleration forces. Such vibration, acceleration, and deceleration forces, combined, may cause the threaded and nut assembly to loosen, potentially leading to the nut completely disengaging from the threads. This can be dangerous because, under certain circumstances, the arm may become detached from the accessory, potentially causing the arm (and any accessory attached thereto) to become detached from the accessory and pass through the vehicle's interior.

[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 structure that can be received by the socket assembly to pivotally couple the mounting element to the socket assembly, wherein the socket assembly comprises an elastic member configured to define a socket to receive and engage the mounting ball structure, the member being configured to allow the mounting ball structure to be pushed into the socket against an elastic bias; the mounting bracket assembly also comprises a surface interface member configured to provide a friction interface between an outer surface of the mounting ball structure and an inner wall of the socket defined by the elastic member.

[0011] In order to generate the friction required to maintain the position of a mounting element solely through the elastic member, close contact between the elastic member and the mounting element is required. This can result in significant wear on the mounting element's ball structure and require the user to apply considerable force when changing the mounting element's orientation. Including a surface interface member introduces friction into the system, which can reduce the required elastic member friction, alleviate the compressive forces acting on the mounting ball structure, and potentially reduce the wear experienced by the structure during reconfiguration.

[0012] Alternatively, the surface interface member may comprise a non-abrasive material.Reducing the abrasiveness of the surface interface member may reduce the wear experienced by the ball, thereby increasing the life of the device, while still providing friction to facilitate control of the orientation of the mounting element, and thereby the orientation of the device.

[0013] Optionally, the surface interface member may comprise a resilient material. This can ensure durability of the construction and potentially increase the amount of friction it can provide, thereby further reducing the required inward compression of the resilient member and the resulting wear and stress on the mounting ball construction.

[0014] Optionally, the surface interface member may comprise an elastic material. The elastic compression of the surface interface member reduces wear because, by definition, any compression to which the member is subjected does not result in permanent deformation. Constructing the surface interface member to be compliant in this manner improves its mechanical coupling with the mounting ball configuration, thereby further distributing frictional forces over a larger area of ​​the mounting ball configuration.

[0015] Optionally, the surface interface member may comprise a ductile material. This can reduce sliding of the mounting ball configuration within the socket assembly and can potentially provide a larger area over which frictional forces can act, thereby improving the ability of the mount assembly to maintain the orientation of a given device.

[0016] Alternatively, the surface interface member may comprise a silicone type material or a silicone material. This can introduce further durability characteristics, as silicone type materials are generally able to maintain many properties over a wide temperature range.

[0017] Alternatively, the surface interface member may be disposed on an inner surface of the resilient member, or within a base portion of a recess defined by the resilient member.

[0018] Optionally, the resilient member may include multiple resilient members. This may aid in defining the recess and accommodating the mounting ball structure. The multiple resilient members may encourage the recess to flex when the mounting ball structure is inserted, thereby reducing wear on the component during installation. The multiple resilient members may also provide a recess that can expand or contract according to the size of the mounting ball structure, ensuring better coupling between the two structures.

[0019] Optionally, the socket assembly may further comprise a biasing element for biasing the plurality of resilient formations into the sockets. This ensures that the socket formations of the resilient member are protected when the resilient member is under stress (e.g. due to increased temperature or forces that dislodge the mounting ball formations).

[0020] Optionally, the dimple assembly may further include a retaining element configured to provide a resilient bias to limit the end portions of the plurality of resilient structures from deviating from the dimple. This can provide a method for supporting the resilient structures within the dimple, thereby reducing the force required by the biasing element. When combined with the retaining element, the parameters of the biasing element that define the lower limit of the dimple size can be relaxed because the retaining element provides an inward bias to assist this effect, allowing the biasing element to act as a reinforcement component rather than simply a component that limits the dimple size.

[0021] Alternatively, the retaining element may comprise a shroud configured to form part of the housing of the socket assembly, the shroud comprising an aperture into which the ends of the plurality of resilient members may extend, the aperture defining the limit to which the ends of the plurality of resilient members may deflect. This may be used to simultaneously define the dimensions of the socket for mounting the ball formation and also form part of the housing of the socket assembly itself.

[0022] Optionally, the mounting element may be rotatable relative to the socket assembly. This can allow the mounting element to be supported within the device in a range of orientations.

[0023] Alternatively, the biasing element may comprise a resilient biasing member, which in turn may comprise a spring member and / or resilient material positioned around the resilient member, for example extending around the periphery of the resilient member. The resilient nature of the spring member and / or resilient material may enhance the durability of the device, as, by definition, resilient extension does not result in permanent deformation of the spring member / resilient material, and thus the inward bias resulting from this configuration may be maintained indefinitely.

[0024] Alternatively, the socket assembly may be attached to a surface and the mounting element may be attached to the device, thereby providing a mounting assembly that enables the device to be mounted on a given surface.

[0025] Alternatively, the socket assembly may be attached to a device and the mounting element may be attached to a surface, thereby providing a mounting bracket assembly that enables the device to be mounted on a given surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] 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:

[0027] Figure 1 An isometric projection of a mount assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown, the mount assembly including a dimple assembly and a mounting element in a first position;

[0028] Figure 2 An isometric projection of a mount assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown, the mount assembly including a dimple assembly and a mounting element in a second position;

[0029] Figure 3 An isometric projection of a dimple assembly showing one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0030] Figure 4 An isometric projection of a first portion of a dimple assembly illustrating one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 5shows 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;

[0032] Figure 6 showing an isometric projection of a second portion of a dimple assembly of one or more embodiments of the present invention as viewed from a second position;

[0033] 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;

[0034] Figure 8 showing an isometric projection of a mounting element of one or more embodiments of the present invention as viewed from a second position; and

[0035] Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of a mounting bracket assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Figure 1 An isometric projection of a mount assembly 10 is shown, including a socket assembly 12 and a mounting member 14 in a first position; 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.

[0037] 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 dashcam, GPS device, satellite navigation system, etc. can be removably coupled to a windshield, rear windshield, or side door windows of a vehicle.

[0038] In the example shown, an accessory (not shown) can be mounted to the free end of the mounting element 14, and the socket 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 socket assembly 12 can 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.

[0039] Figure 2 is an isometric projection of the mount assembly 10 of one or more embodiments of the present invention including the dimple assembly 12 and the device mounting element 14 in the second position. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the dimple assembly 12 and the mounting element 14 are in a second position relative to each other. Obviously, the second position is different from Figure 1The 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. 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).

[0040] Figure 3 An isometric projection of a dimple assembly 12 according to 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 the dimple assembly housing; and a base portion 20 configured to form a lower portion (remainder) of the dimple assembly housing. The shroud portion 18 can be coupled to the base portion 20.

[0041] The base portion 20 includes an aperture 24 for providing access to an electrical connection port (not shown) configured to provide a 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.

[0042] 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 the exemplary embodiment, the at least one surface interface member 17 comprises a silicone 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 provide 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.

[0043] The at least one surface interface member 17 may be located inside the one or more elastic members 15 defining the recess 16 , or at the bottom of the recess 16 .

[0044] Figure 4FIG2 is a schematic isometric projection of the base portion 20 of the socket assembly. In this example, a 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, each of which includes four arcuate flanges arranged such that their free ends define a circular mounting frame for 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 relative positioning to one another are such that the space therebetween complements the shape of the mounting ball received therein. The resiliency of the plurality of resilient members 15 serves to urge the ends of the plurality of resilient members 15 inwardly into the space within the socket 16, while resisting deformation of the members 15 and deflection of their ends outwardly away from the space within the socket 16. This configuration forces the mounting ball within the socket 16 into the socket 16, maintaining engagement therewith and preventing it from dislodging.

[0045] The channels 28, 29 define the spaces between each adjacent pair of resilient members of the plurality of resilient members 15. A first set of these channels 28 can 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 can limit the movement of the mounting element relative to the socket assembly.

[0046] The base portion 20 further comprises a biasing element 30 arranged to exert an inward force on the plurality of resilient members 15. Figure 4 In the illustrated example, biasing element 30 comprises a coil spring arranged as a sleeve around the plurality of resilient members 15, thereby encircling the plurality of resilient members 15. Biasing element 30 provides a force that resists outward movement of the plurality of resilient members 15. In other words, it provides an inward biasing force, biasing the plurality of resilient members 15 inward toward the space within recess 16. Furthermore, in typical environments in which the mount assembly is located, biasing element 30 helps maintain a consistent coefficient of friction between the walls of recess 16 (i.e., the plurality of resilient members 15) and the mounting ball during thermal cycling experienced by the mount assembly. The plurality of resilient members 15 and the mounting ball may be made of different materials, and thus have different coefficients of thermal expansion, and / or the plurality of resilient members 15 may have a different shape and configuration than the mounting ball, and thus have different coefficients of thermal expansion. In either case, the presence of biasing element 30 can suppress any changes in the "tightness" of the assembly caused by potentially different degrees of expansion / contraction of the plurality of resilient members 15 and the mounting ball under different temperature conditions.

[0047] A hole 32 is provided at the bottom of the recess 16 and extends 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.

[0048] 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 be passed and received in corresponding receiving channels within the shield portion 18. This arrangement is used to secure the shield portion 18 to the base portion 20. For example, screws, bolts, or other fixing elements can be used for this purpose.

[0049] Figure 5 One example of a shroud 18 is shown. Figure 5 As previously described, the shroud 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 shroud portion 18 . Figure 5 One of the receiving channels 36 is shown in FIG.

[0050] The shield portion 18 includes an aperture 38 extending therethrough. The aperture 38 includes two segments having different circumferences. The circumference of the first segment 40 is greater than the circumference defined by the outer edge of each distal end of the plurality of resilient members 15. When the shield portion 18 is coupled to the base portion 20, the aperture 38 is concentric with the circle defined by the outer edge of each distal end of the plurality of resilient members 15. The first segment 40 of the aperture 18 can serve as a retaining element to limit deflection of the ends of the plurality of resilient members outward (i.e., away from the recess) from the recess.

[0051] The second section of the orifice (at Figure 5 Not shown, see Figure 6 The circumference of the second section of the aperture 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 aperture 38 is large enough to surround the biasing element 30.

[0052] The first paragraph 40 and the second paragraph (in Figure 5 Not shown, see Figure 6 The difference in circumference between the two segments (44) causes the interface between the two segments to form 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 socket assembly (when the shield portion 18 and base portion 20 of the socket assembly are in an assembled state).

[0053] The biasing element and the retaining element, in combination, may be used to reduce the likelihood of the mounting ball becoming dislodged or dislodged from the socket when excessive force is applied to the mount assembly.

[0054] 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, corresponding 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.

[0055] As described above, the walls of the aperture 38 defining the first section 40 provide 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 inwardly into the socket, thereby increasing the force applied to the mounting ball in the socket 16. This provides a system that allows pivotal movement of the mounting member 14 relative to the socket assembly 12, but provides resistance to movement of the mounting member relative to the socket assembly in the absence of user-applied force. This allows the user to set the position of the mounting member 14 relative to the socket assembly 12 without requiring the use of additional elements to set the position (e.g., tightening a nut). The biasing element and retaining element provide sufficient resistance to relative movement between the mounting member and the socket assembly, preventing an accessory coupled to the mount assembly from moving after being set by the user when the mount assembly is subjected to vibration and / or acceleration forces (e.g., when a vehicle is in motion). Furthermore, the mounting ball is prevented from separating or disengaging from the socket assembly if excessive force is applied.

[0056] Figure 7 is a schematic isometric view of the mounting element 14 as viewed from a first position. The mounting element 14 includes a mounting ball 46 disposed at the end of an arm 48. The mounting element 14 includes a device engagement element 50 disposed at the opposite end of the arm 48. The diameter of the mounting ball 46 is sized to allow the mounting ball 46 to engage the socket 16 of the socket assembly 12 via a press fit, as described above, which provides for 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 mount assembly 10 and electronic circuitry of an accessory coupled to the device engagement element 50.

[0057] A hole 52 extending through the mounting ball 46 and the arm 48 provides a passage for electrical connection between the mounting member 14 and the socket assembly 12. This can be accomplished 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 member 50 of the mounting member 14.

[0058] 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 positioned within the socket 16 of the socket assembly 12, the blades 54 occupy the channel 28 between the resilient members 15.

[0059] The interaction of the blade 54 with the wall of the channel 28 can limit the movement of the mounting element relative to the socket assembly. Thus, 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) is suppressed to a smaller amount and the rotational motion in the R direction (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 , i.e. about the roll axis) is suppressed to a small 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] As mentioned above, the dimple assembly 12 may include electronic circuitry, such as a GPS module. Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket assembly 10 is shown in FIG, which will be described below.

[0063] The first electronic circuit 58 within the socket assembly 12 can be electrically coupled to the second electronic circuit 60 located within the mounting member 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 member 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 aperture 52. The aperture 52 provides a conduit from the socket assembly 12 to the mounting member 14.

[0064] 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 .

[0065] Providing a GPS module within 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 dashcam to be mounted on the windshield of a vehicle, the GPS module contained within the well assembly 12 of the mount assembly 10 is closer to the windshield, which can improve the line-of-sight connection between the GPS module and the remote device. Therefore, the mount 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.

[0066] In one or more of the above-described 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 one 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.

[0067] In one or more of the above-described embodiments of the present invention, the biasing element 30 comprises a coil spring. In alternative arrangements, 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.

[0068] Any references to directions (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.

[0069] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "includes," "has," or any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. 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).

[0070] In addition, the terms "a" or "an" are used to describe elements and components of the present invention. This is merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the present invention. Such descriptions should be read to include one or at least one, and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it means otherwise.

[0071] 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 materials disclosed herein. Other materials suitable for performing the functions described herein may also be used in embodiments of the present invention.

[0072] The scope of the present disclosure includes any novel feature or combination of features disclosed, whether explicitly or implicitly, or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the claimed invention or alleviates any or all of the problems sought 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 purposes of the appended claims, features of dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims, and features of individual independent claims may be combined in any appropriate manner, and not merely in the specific combinations recited 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 formation receivable by the socket assembly to pivotally couple the mounting element to the socket assembly, wherein the socket assembly includes a resilient member configured to define a socket to receive and engage the mounting ball formation, the resilient member configured to allow the mounting ball formation to be urged into the socket against a resilient bias; The mount assembly further includes a surface interface member configured to provide a friction interface between an outer surface of the mounting ball configuration and an inner wall of the pocket defined by the resilient member, and wherein the surface interface member includes silicone; and Therein, the elastic biasing member includes a coil spring member positioned around the elastic member.

2. The mounting bracket assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The surface interface member comprises a non-abrasive material.

3. The mounting bracket assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The surface interface member includes a resilient material.

4. The mounting bracket assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The surface interface member includes an elastic material.

5. The mounting bracket assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The surface interface member includes a ductile material.

6. The mounting bracket assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The surface interface member comprises a silicone type material.

7. The mounting bracket assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The surface interface component is arranged on the inner wall of the elastic component.

8. The mounting bracket assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The surface interface member is disposed within a base portion of the recess.

9. The mounting bracket assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The socket assembly also includes a biasing element for biasing the resilient member into the socket.

10. The mounting bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein: The socket assembly also includes a retaining element configured to prevent an end of the resilient member from deviating from the socket.

11. The mounting bracket assembly according to claim 10, 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.

12. The mounting bracket assembly of claim 11, wherein: The mounting element is receivable in the socket assembly through the aperture of the shroud.

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

14. The mounting bracket assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein: The socket assembly also includes a biasing element for biasing the resilient member into the socket, the biasing element including a resilient biasing member.

15. The mounting bracket assembly of claim 14, wherein: The resilient biasing member includes a spring member positioned around the resilient member.

16. The mounting bracket assembly of claim 15, wherein: The spring member includes a resilient material extending around a periphery of the resilient member.

17. The mounting bracket assembly of claim 16, wherein: The spring member includes a torsion spring configured such that a link of the torsion spring extends around a periphery of the elastic member.

18. The mounting bracket assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The dimple assembly is configured to be attached to a surface.

19. The mounting bracket assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The mounting element is configured to be attached to a surface.

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