Vibration damping device for mounting handheld electronic devices

Abstract

A vibration damping device for a mount comprising a mount head and a base for mounting a handheld device on a bicycle. The vibration damping device comprises a frame and one or more vibration-damping sleeves. The frame comprises a first interlocking member and a second interlocking member configured to be disposed between the mount head and the base and capable of moving relative to each other. The frame includes structure for limiting movement of the first and second interlocking members relative to each other.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 035,115, filed on June 5, 2020. The disclosures set forth in the referenced application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to a vibration damping apparatus for a mount used to attach a handheld electronic device to a bicycle or the like. Background Art

[0004] Many mounts have been developed to secure handheld electronic devices to bicycles, motorcycles, or the like.The mounts rigidly and releasably mount the handheld device to a bicycle, motorcycle, or the like. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure is directed to a vibration damping device for a mount comprising a mount head and a base for mounting a handheld device on a bicycle. The vibration damping device includes a chassis and one or more vibration-damping sleeves. The chassis includes a first interlocking member and a second interlocking member configured to be disposed between the mount head and the base. The first interlocking member is configured to engage the mount head, and the second interlocking member is configured to engage the base. The first interlocking member includes a plurality of brackets, and the second interlocking member includes a plurality of slots for receiving the brackets. The first interlocking member and the second interlocking member are movable relative to each other. The frame also includes a stop for limiting relative movement of the first and second interlocking members. One or more vibration-damping sleeves engage with the first and second interlocking members to provide attenuation of vibrations experienced by the mount during movement of the bicycle. Each of the first and second interlocking members may include a plurality of arms. One of the sleeves engages with one of the arms of the first interlocking member and one of the arms of the second interlocking member, and another of the sleeves engages with another of the arms of the first interlocking member and another of the arms of the second interlocking member. The arms of the first and second interlocking members extend in the same direction. Each of the first and second interlocking members may be bowl-shaped. Each of the arms of the first and second interlocking members includes a portion extending away from the head of the mounting member. The stopper may include a snap tab provided on each bracket. The first and second interlocking members are movable relative to each other along the bracket.

[0006] The first interlocking member may include one or more spokes and the second interlocking member may include a base defining an aperture to receive the spokes for limiting movement of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member relative to each other. The stopper and the base limit movement of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member in opposite directions relative to each other. The bracket may extend parallel to the axis of the frame and the spokes may extend radially from the axis. Each bracket and corresponding spoke may be spaced apart from the axis along the same radial line. The stopper and the base limit movement of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member in opposite directions relative to each other.

[0007] The brackets may be circumferentially spaced apart from each other. For example, if there are three brackets and three spokes, the brackets may be spaced 120 degrees apart from each other and the spokes may be arranged 120 degrees apart from each other.

[0008] The vibration damping device may further include a retaining ring for limiting deflection of the bracket to prevent the bracket from completely separating through the slot and interlock. The vibration damping device may include a plurality of snaps for engaging the retaining ring and the protrusion, and a plurality of alignment structures for positioning the ring. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a vibration damping device and a mount including a mobile phone mount and a base mount according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top perspective view of a vibration damping device;

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top view of a vibration damping device;

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A bottom view of the vibration damping device;

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An exploded view and top perspective view of a vibration damping device;

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 An exploded view and bottom perspective view of a vibration damping device;

[0015] Figure 7 It is along Figure 4 a cross-sectional view taken along line AA;

[0016] Figure 7 (a) Yes Figure 7 an enlarged partial view of detail A;

[0017] Figure 7(b) Yes Figure 7 an enlarged partial view of detail B;

[0018] Figure 8(a) is Figure 1 A perspective view of a retaining ring of a vibration damping device; and

[0019] Figure 8(b) is Figure 1 Top view of the retaining ring of the vibration damping device.

[0020] Other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent after consideration of the following detailed description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present disclosure is directed to a vibration damping device for a mount for attaching a mobile phone or other handheld electronic device to a handlebar or other structure of a bicycle, motorcycle, or the like. While the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms, several specific embodiments are discussed herein with the understanding that the present disclosure should be considered merely as illustrative of its principles and is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the illustrated embodiments.

[0022] Figure 1 FIG8( b ) illustrates an embodiment of a vibration damping device 10 for a mount for mounting a handheld electronic device to a bicycle, motorcycle, or other similar device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The mount illustrated is a commercially available mount comprising a mount head 16 including a plurality of radially extending teeth 18 for securing to a handheld device, and a base 20 including a clamping portion and a plurality of radially extending teeth 22 for securing the mount to a handlebar of a bicycle, motorcycle, or other similar device. The mount may have any other structure or configuration. The mount head 16 and base 20 may be any structure of any other mount, and the device may be secured to the handheld device in any other suitable manner. The mount head can be secured to the handheld device by securing it to a housing of the handheld device or by directly securing it to the handheld device. The vibration damping device 10 illustrated is secured to and disposed between the mount head 16 and base 20.

[0023] The illustrated attenuation device 10 generally includes a frame 30 having interlocking members 32 and 34 and three grommets 36 that engage the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member. The interlocking member 32 can be secured to the mount head 16 of the mount in any suitable manner, and the interlocking member 34 can be secured to the base 20 of the mount in any suitable manner. The interlocking member 32 defines a center hole 40 and the interlocking member 34 defines a center hole 42 adjacent to the center hole 40. The center holes 40 and 42 are configured to receive fasteners 44 to secure the vibration attenuation device 10 to the mount. The fasteners 44 can be hex screws or any other suitable fasteners. The center holes 40 and 42 define a central axis of the vibration attenuation device 10.

[0024] Each of the illustrated first interlocking member 32 and second interlocking member 34 includes three arms 48 and three arms 50 extending away from the axis. Each of the arms 48 and 50 includes a first portion 52 and 54 extending away from the central axis and a second portion 55 and 56 extending at an angle away from the mount head 16 of the mount, such that each of the first interlocking member 32 and second interlocking member 34 has a bowl-like shape. Each of the arms 48 and 50 defines a hole 58 and 60 on its second portion for receiving and engaging one of the sleeves 36.

[0025] Interlocking member 32 has a top or first side 62 that faces in a direction opposite to interlocking member 34 and includes structure for engaging mount head 16 of the mounting member. The structure for engaging mount head 16 is shown in the form of an opening 64 defined by a plurality of radially extending teeth 66 for engaging teeth 18 on mount head 16, allowing the mounting member to be adjusted to a desired position. The structure for engaging base 20 is shown in the form of an annular protrusion 68 that includes a plurality of radially extending teeth 70 for engaging complementary teeth 22 on base 20, allowing the base to be adjusted to a desired position. Teeth 70 define an annular opening 74 for receiving complementary teeth 22 on base 20. Vibration damping device 10 may also include a retaining ring 78 disposed about annular protrusion 68 to prevent interlocking members 32 and 34 from separating from each other. The retaining ring 78 limits deflection of the brackets 80 so that the brackets cannot deflect and fully pass through the slots 92 to disengage the interlocking members 32 and 34. The illustrated retaining ring 78 includes an inner wall 200 having three circumferentially spaced catches 202 and three circumferentially spaced alignment features 204. The protrusion 68 of the second interlocking member 34 has three circumferentially spaced catch tabs 210 for engaging the catches 202. The alignment features 204 are configured to be positioned circumferentially between the brackets 80. When the alignment features 204 are aligned between the brackets 80, the catch tabs 210 can engage the catches 202.

[0026] The vibration damping device 10 is secured to the mount by fasteners 44 that extend from the mount head, through the central holes 40 and 42, and to the mount base 20. If desired, threaded or non-threaded bushings 72 may be provided within the central holes 40 and 42 for receiving and engaging the fasteners 44.

[0027] The interlocking member 32 includes three brackets 80 spaced approximately 120 degrees circumferentially from one another and extending parallel to the axis for engaging the second interlocking member. The brackets 80 are flexible and flex inward to engage the interlocking member 34. Each bracket 80 has an arcuate cross-section. The interlocking member 32 includes a stop in the form of a snap tab 82 at the base of each bracket 80 for engaging the interlocking member 34 and limiting movement of the interlocking members relative to one another during vibration and during movement of the interlocking members in opposite directions. The interlocking member 32 includes a cylindrical protrusion 88 extending opposite the first side 62 and receiving the bushing 72, and three rectangular spokes 90 extending radially outward from the cylindrical protrusion 88 and also for engaging the interlocking member 34. Each spoke 90 has a base that extends further toward the interlocking member 34 than the cylindrical protrusion 88. The spokes 90 are arranged and spaced along the same radial line as the brackets and are therefore also spaced approximately 120 degrees apart from one another. According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the interlock 32 (including each of its components) may have any other suitable configuration and construction.

[0028] The interlock 34 defines three slots 92 for receiving the bracket 80, which are also spaced approximately 120 degrees apart circumferentially. The bracket 80 and the slots 92 allow the interlocks 32 and 34 to move relative to each other during vibration, and the snap tabs 82 limit the movement of the interlocks relative to each other when the interlocks move away from each other. The interlock 34 includes an annular wall 100 and a base 102 that define an opening 106 disposed around the central hole 42. When the interlocks 32 and 34 move toward each other during vibration, the base 102 engages the spokes 90 to limit the movement of the interlocks toward each other. The annular wall 100 defines a groove 110 for allowing rainwater or the like to drain from the opening 106. According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the interlock 34 (including each of its components) may have any other configuration and construction.

[0029] The illustrated sleeves 36 can be constructed of silicone or other rubber or rubber-like materials. The respective ends of each sleeve 36 engage the respective arms 48 or 50 of the first locking member 32 or the second interlocking member 34 by extending through the apertures 112 and 114 defined by each first interlocking member 32 and the second interlocking member 34 and engaging the respective arms. According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the sleeves 36 can be fixedly connected or otherwise engaged with the first locking member 32 and the second interlocking member 34 in any other suitable manner.

[0030] Interlocking members 32 and 34 allow movement relative to each other but also restrict movement. For example, bracket 80 allows interlocking members 32 and 34 to move axially relative to each other during vibration, but snap tabs 82 restrict movement of the interlocking members in the separation direction. Base 102 engages spokes 90 to restrict movement of interlocking members 32 and 34 in opposing directions during vibration. Retaining ring 78 restricts deflection of bracket 80 so that the bracket cannot deflect and fully pass through slot 92. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, interlocking members 32 and 34 can move back and forth relative to each other, but during use, interlocking members 32 and 34 cannot separate, and arm 48 does not come into contact with arm 50. Bracket 80 and slot 92 also restrict axial rotation of first interlocking member 32 relative to second interlocking member 34.

[0031] The illustrated embodiment of the vibration damping device 10 is intended for use with a mount that utilizes complementary radially extending teeth or any other mount that includes a clamping portion that can engage the frame 30 in the same or similar manner. It can therefore be capable of being attached to different types of mounts. According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibration damping device 10 can be attached to other mounts having different configurations or constructions in any other suitable manner. The illustrated mount head 16 can be attached to a handheld electronic device using a shell having complementary radially extending teeth or can be attached to a handheld device in any other suitable manner. The vibration damping device 10 can be modular and therefore capable of being attached to different mounts.

[0032] In view of the foregoing description, many modifications of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this description should be construed as illustrative only, and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the invention and to teach the best mode of carrying out the same. The exclusive rights to all modifications coming within the scope of the appended claims are reserved.

Claims

1. A vibration damping device for a mounting member, the mounting member comprising a mounting member head and a base for mounting a handheld device on a bicycle or motorcycle, the vibration damping device comprising: a frame comprising a first interlocking member and a second interlocking member configured to be disposed between the mount head and the base, the first interlocking member configured to engage the mount head and the second interlocking member configured to engage the base, one of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member comprising a plurality of brackets and the other of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member comprising a plurality of slots for receiving the brackets, the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member being movable relative to each other along the brackets, the frame further comprising a stop for limiting movement of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member relative to each other; at least one vibration dampening sleeve engaged with the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member to provide dampening of vibrations experienced by the mount during movement of the bicycle or motorcycle; and A retaining ring is used to limit deflection of the bracket relative to the slot.

2. The vibration damping device according to claim 1, wherein: There are a plurality of vibration damping sleeves, and wherein each of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member includes a plurality of arms, one of the sleeves engages with one of the arms of the first interlocking member and one of the arms of the second interlocking member, and another of the sleeves engages with another of the arms of the first interlocking member and another of the arms of the second interlocking member.

3. The vibration damping device according to claim 1, wherein: The stopper includes a plurality of snap tabs, each snap tab being disposed on a corresponding bracket for engaging the other of the first and second interlocking members to limit movement of the interlocking members relative to each other during movement of the interlocking members in opposite directions.

4. A vibration damping device according to claim 1, wherein one of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member defines a first hole for receiving a fastener, and the other of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member defines a second hole concentric with the first hole for receiving the fastener, the first hole and the second hole define an axis, and the bracket extends parallel to the axis.

5. The vibration damping device according to claim 4, wherein: One of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member includes a spoke, and the other of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member includes a base, the base defining an opening to receive the spoke for limiting movement of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member relative to each other, the stopper and the base limiting movement of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member relative to each other.

6. The vibration damping device according to claim 5, wherein: The spokes extend radially away from the axis.

7. The vibration damping device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first and second interlocking pieces includes three arms and there are three sleeves therein, each sleeve engaging a respective one of the arms of the first interlocking piece and a respective one of the arms of the second interlocking piece.

8. The vibration damping device according to claim 7, wherein: The stopper includes a plurality of snap tabs, each snap tab being disposed on a corresponding one of the brackets.

9. The vibration damping device according to claim 1, wherein: There are three brackets that are spaced 120 degrees apart from each other.

10. The vibration damping device according to claim 1, wherein A protrusion extends from the interlocking piece of the first and second interlocking pieces that includes the plurality of slots away from the other interlocking piece of the first and second interlocking pieces, and wherein the retaining ring includes a plurality of catches for engaging the protrusion.

11. The vibration damping device according to claim 10, wherein: The retaining ring has a plurality of alignment features for positioning the retaining ring relative to the projection.

12. The vibration damping device according to claim 11, wherein: The catches are circumferentially spaced apart and the alignment features are circumferentially spaced apart.

13. The vibration damping device according to claim 1, wherein The first interlock includes a first plurality of teeth extending radially to engage the mount head at selectable positions for positioning the vibration damping device at a desired position relative to the mount head.

14. The vibration damping device according to claim 1, wherein: The second interlocking member includes a plurality of teeth extending radially to engage the base at selectable positions for positioning the vibration damping device at a desired position relative to the base.

15. A vibration damping device for a mount comprising a mount head and a base for mounting a handheld device to a bicycle or motorcycle, the vibration damping device comprising: a frame comprising a first interlocking member and a second interlocking member configured to be disposed between the mount head and the base, the first interlocking member comprising a plurality of brackets, a stop disposed on each of the brackets, and a plurality of spokes, the second interlocking member defining a plurality of slots to receive the brackets and comprising a base defining apertures to receive the plurality of spokes, the stop and the base limiting movement of the first and second interlocking members relative to each other; a plurality of vibration dampening sleeves engaging the first interlocking member with the second interlocking member to provide dampening of vibrations experienced by the mount during movement of the bicycle or motorcycle; and A retaining ring is used to limit deflection of the bracket relative to the slot.

16. The vibration damping device according to claim 15, wherein: There are three brackets and three spokes, the brackets are spaced 120 degrees from each other and the spokes are spaced 120 degrees from each other.

17. The vibration damping device according to claim 15, wherein: The second interlocking member includes a protrusion extending away from the first interlocking member, and wherein the retaining ring is disposed about the protrusion, wherein the retaining ring includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart catches and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart alignment structures, the catches being engageable with the protrusion when the alignment structures are disposed between the brackets.

18. A vibration damping device comprising: a frame comprising a first interlocking member and a second interlocking member aligned along an axis, the first interlocking member comprising a first plurality of arms extending radially away from the axis and a plurality of brackets extending parallel to the axis, the second interlocking member comprising a second plurality of arms extending radially away from the axis, a plurality of slots, and a protrusion extending away from the first interlocking member, the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member being movable relative to each other along the brackets; a plurality of vibration-damping sleeves, each sleeve engaged with a respective one of the first plurality of arms and a respective one of the second plurality of arms; and retaining ring, wherein the plurality of brackets extend through the plurality of slots to couple the first interlocking member with the second interlocking member, wherein a plurality of snap tabs are configured to provide a stop for limiting movement of the first interlocking member away from the second interlocking member, each snap tab being disposed on a corresponding bracket for engaging the second interlocking member, wherein the retaining ring engages the protrusion and is configured to limit deflection of the bracket relative to the slot to prevent the snap tab from passing through the slot to retain the first interlocking member on the second interlocking member, and wherein the plurality of vibration dampening sleeves are configured to provide attenuation of vibrations experienced by the first interlocking member or the second interlocking member.

19. The vibration damping device according to claim 18, wherein: The first interlocking piece further includes a protrusion extending toward the second interlocking piece and a plurality of spokes extending radially from the protrusion, wherein the second interlocking piece defines a base, and wherein the spokes are configured to engage the base to restrict movement of the first interlocking piece toward the second interlocking piece.

20. The vibration damping device according to claim 18, wherein The first plurality of arms includes three arms, wherein the second plurality of arms includes three arms, and wherein the plurality of sleeves includes three sleeves.

21. The vibration damping device according to claim 20, wherein: The plurality of brackets includes three brackets, and wherein the plurality of slots includes three slots.

22. The vibration damping device according to claim 18, wherein The retaining ring includes a plurality of catches for engaging the projections.

23. The vibration damping device according to claim 22, wherein: The retaining ring has a plurality of alignment features for positioning the retaining ring relative to the projection.

24. A vibration damping device comprising: a frame comprising a first interlocking member and a second interlocking member aligned along an axis, the first interlocking member comprising a plurality of brackets extending parallel to the axis, the second interlocking member comprising a plurality of slots and protrusions extending away from the first interlocking member, the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member being movable relative to each other along the brackets; a plurality of vibration-damping sleeves, each sleeve engaged between the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member; and retaining ring, wherein the plurality of brackets extend through the plurality of slots to couple the first interlocking member with the second interlocking member, wherein a plurality of snap tabs are configured to provide a stop for limiting movement of the first interlocking member away from the second interlocking member, each snap tab being disposed on a corresponding bracket for engaging the second interlocking member, wherein the retaining ring engages the protrusion and is configured to limit deflection of the bracket relative to the slot to prevent the snap tab from passing through the slot to retain the first interlocking member on the second interlocking member, and wherein the plurality of vibration dampening sleeves are configured to provide attenuation of vibrations experienced by the first interlocking member or the second interlocking member.

25. The vibration damping device according to claim 24, wherein: The plurality of brackets includes three brackets spaced 120 degrees apart, and wherein the plurality of slots includes three slots.

26. The vibration damping device according to claim 24, wherein: The first interlocking piece further includes a protrusion extending toward the second interlocking piece and a plurality of spokes extending radially from the protrusion, wherein the second interlocking piece defines a base, and wherein the spokes are configured to engage the base to restrict movement of the first interlocking piece toward the second interlocking piece.

27. The vibration damping device according to claim 26, wherein: The plurality of spokes includes three spokes spaced 120 degrees apart.

28. The vibration damping device according to claim 24, wherein: The plurality of sleeves includes three sleeves.

29. The vibration damping device according to claim 24, wherein: The retaining ring includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced snaps for engaging the projections.

30. The vibration damping device according to claim 29, wherein: The retaining ring has a plurality of circumferentially spaced alignment features for positioning the retaining ring relative to the projection.

31. The vibration damping device according to claim 24, wherein: The first interlocking member includes a first plurality of teeth extending radially away from the axis to engage a mount head at a selectable position for positioning the vibration damping device at a desired position relative to the mount head, and wherein the second interlocking member includes a plurality of teeth extending radially away from the axis to engage a base at a selectable position for positioning the vibration damping device at a desired position relative to the base.

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