Indexable vent mount

Abstract

A vent mount includes a base and a head coupled to the base. The retainer of the base is movable between an extended position for insertion into the vehicle vent and a retracted position for capturing the louvers of the vehicle vent to retain the vent mount on the vehicle vent. The head is configured to engage with the housing to position the handheld electronic device relative to the vehicle vent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mount, and in particular to a mount for a handheld electronic device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a vent mount for a handheld electronic device. Summary of the invention

[0002] The vent mount according to the present disclosure includes a base and a head connected to the base. The retainer of the base is movable between an extended position for insertion into a vehicle vent and a retracted position for capturing a louver of the vehicle vent to retain the vent mount on the vehicle vent. The head is configured to engage with the housing to position the handheld electronic device relative to the vehicle vent.

[0003] In an exemplary embodiment, the base includes a body, a back plate coupled to the body along an axis, and an indexable connector configured to selectively control rotation of the body relative to the back plate about the axis. The indexable connector is movable between a first configuration that prevents rotation of the body relative to the back plate and a second configuration that allows rotation of the body relative to the back plate about the axis. The indexable connector is configured to maintain the body in two or more indexed positions relative to the back plate when selected by a user.

[0004] In an exemplary embodiment, the indexable connector includes a first pawl defined by the body and a second pawl defined by the back plate. In a first configuration of the indexable connector, the second pawl engages with the first pawl to prevent the body from rotating relative to the back plate about an axis. In a second configuration of the indexable connector, the back plate extends away from the body to release a portion of the second pawl from a portion of the first pawl, thereby allowing the body to rotate relative to the back plate about the axis.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, the first pawl includes a rod extending from the body, at least two recesses formed in the rod, and at least two protrusions extending from the rod. The second pawl includes a socket defined by a back plate and at least two lugs arranged in the socket and separated by at least two channels. In a first configuration of the indexable connector, the lug of the second pawl is accommodated in the recess of the first pawl, and the protrusion of the first pawl is accommodated in the channel of the second pawl. In the first configuration, the lug engages with the protrusion to prevent the body from rotating relative to the back plate. In a second configuration of the indexable connector, the back plate is moved away from the body to remove the lug from the recess and remove the protrusion from the channel, thereby releasing the engagement of the lug with the protrusion to allow the body to rotate relative to the back plate.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the inner rib is arranged in a recess of the first pawl and the outer rib is arranged on the protrusion. The inner rib and the outer rib extend away from the axis. The buckle is arranged on the lug of the second pawl and extends toward the axis. The retaining ring is arranged in the socket, extending toward the axis and spaced from the lug. The retaining ring is arranged to engage with the outer rib to prevent the back plate from being removed from the body. The buckle is arranged to engage with the inner rib to prevent the indexable connector from moving from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the holder of the base includes a driver, a clip and a bracket arranged along an axis. The clip is coupled to the bracket so as to move along the axis with the bracket relative to the body of the base. The driver is coupled to the body and engages with the bracket to drive the bracket and the attached clip to move as the driver rotates relative to the body about the axis. The clip extends into a slot formed through the back plate to couple with the bracket. The slot is configured to accommodate the clip and engage with the clip to prevent relative rotation between the clip and the back plate.

[0008] Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the exemplary embodiment illustrating the best mode presently known of carrying out the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The detailed description makes particular reference to the accompanying drawings, and like reference numerals designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a vent mount according to the present disclosure, showing the vent mount including a base and a head coupled to the base, and illustrating a retainer of the base arranged to retain the vent mount on a louver of a vehicle vent;

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A rear perspective view of a vent mount of , showing that the clip of the retainer can be moved between an extended position and a retracted position while the driver of the retainer can be rotated for attaching the vent mount to a shutter of a vehicle vent, such as Figure 6 As displayed;

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A front perspective exploded assembly view of the vent mounting assembly;

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A rear perspective exploded assembly view of the vent mounting assembly;

[0014] Figure 5 is along Figure 1a cross-sectional view taken along the center line 5-5 showing the clip coupled to the bracket of the retainer and illustrating that the driver is configured to engage the bracket to drive movement of the clip as the driver rotates;

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A side view of a vent mount showing the hook of the clip being configured to clamp a louver of a vehicle vent between the hook and a back plate of the base to retain the vent mount to the vehicle vent;

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of a vent mount of FIG. 1, showing that the indexable connector includes a first pawl and a second pawl, wherein in a first configuration, the first pawl and the second pawl prevent the body of the base from rotating relative to the back plate of the base, and in a second configuration, the first pawl and the second pawl allow the body to rotate relative to the back plate, as shown in FIG. Figure 9-12 As displayed;

[0017] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of the indexable connector;

[0018] Fig. 9 yes Figure 2 a rear perspective view of the vent mount with portions cut away to illustrate the indexable connector in a second configuration;

[0019] Figure 10-12 is a series of views showing various indexed positions of the body relative to the back plate; and

[0020] Fig.13 is a perspective assembly view of a housing configured to be attached to a head of a mount.

[0021] The examples described herein illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Additional features of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments, which illustrate the best mode of implementing the present disclosure currently recognized. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A vent mount 10 according to the present disclosure is shown. The mount 10 is configured to attach to a vehicle vent 100 and to couple with an exemplary housing 110 ( Fig.13) engagement for positioning a handheld electronic device, such as a smartphone, tablet computer, GPS unit, or display, relative to the vehicle vent 100. U.S. Patent No. 9,243,739 discloses another exemplary situation and arrangement for connecting with a mount. The mount 10 includes a base 12 and a head 14 coupled to the base for positioning a housing 110 and an attached handheld electronic device relative to the base 12. The base 12 includes a body 16, a back plate 17 coupled to the body 16 via an indexable connector 11, and a retainer 18 coupled to the body 16 and arranged to move relative to the body 16 to secure the mount 10 to the vehicle vent 100. As Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, arm 19 extends from body 16 for connecting head 14 to base 12. Actuator 20 of retainer 18 is configured to extend and retract clip 22 as actuator 20 rotates to grasp shutter 102 of vehicle vent 100, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The indexable connector 11 is configured to hold the back plate 17 on the body 16 and allow the body 16 and the attached head 14 to be selectively rotated relative to the back plate 17, as shown in FIG. Figure 7-Figure 12 shown.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the indexable connector 11 includes a first detent 13 defined by a body 16 and a second detent 15 defined by a back plate 17. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the first configuration of the indexable connector 11, the second pawl 15 is engaged with the first pawl 13 to prevent the body 16 from rotating relative to the back plate 17. In the second configuration of the indexable connector 11, the back plate 17 extends away from the body 16 to release a portion of the second pawl 15 from a portion of the first pawl 13, thereby allowing the body 16 to rotate relative to the back plate 17 about the axis A, as shown in FIG. Figure 9-12 shown.

[0024] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment, the retainer 18 includes a driver 20, a clip 22, and a bracket 24 arranged along an axis A. The clip 22 is coupled to the bracket 24 to move with the bracket 24 along the axis A relative to the body 16 of the base 12. The driver 20 is coupled to the body 16 and engages with the bracket 24 to drive the bracket 24 and the attached clip 22 to move as the driver 20 rotates relative to the body 16 about the axis A. In some embodiments, the clip 22 includes a hook 23 arranged at one end of the clip 22 and one or more holes 25 extending through the clip 22 at an end of the clip 22 opposite to the hook 23, as shown in FIG. Figure 4As shown. The clip 22 extends into a slot 27 formed through the back plate 17 to couple with the bracket 24. One or more fasteners 21, such as screws or bolts, extend through the holes 25 and into the bracket 24 to secure the clip 22 to the bracket 24. The present disclosure also contemplates alternative arrangements for attaching the clip 22 to the bracket 24, such as adhesives and snap-fittings, etc. In the exemplary arrangement, the slot 27 is configured to receive the clip 22 and engage with the clip 22 to prevent relative rotation between the clip 22 and the back plate 17.

[0025] The exemplary driver 20 includes a knob 33 and a barrel 35 extending from the knob 33 and defining an inner cavity 37, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The barrel 35 extends into the orifice 31 of the body 16, and the flange 39 arranged at the distal end of the barrel 35 is aligned with the flange 49 ( Figure 5 and Figure 8 ) engages to retain the driver 20 on the body 16 and allow the driver 20 to rotate relative to the body 16 about the axis A. In an exemplary embodiment, threads are formed in the cavity 37 of the driver 20, and mating threads are formed on the bracket 24 to drive the bracket 24 to move relative to the cavity 37 as the driver 20 rotates. The present disclosure also contemplates alternative arrangements for moving the bracket 24 relative to the driver 20, such as a protrusion on the bracket 24 that is seated in a spiral groove on the inner cavity 37 of the driver 20, etc.

[0026] The clip 22 coupled to the bracket 24 is movable along the axis A between an extended position and a retracted position. Figure 6 In the extended position, hook 23 is spaced from the back plate to allow hook 23 to pass between louvers 102 of vehicle vent 100 and position hook 23 on a side of one of louvers 102 opposite back plate 17. Rotation of driver 20, such as by a user grasping and rotating knob 33, causes the threads of driver 20 to engage with the threads of bracket 24 to move bracket 24 and attached clip 22 relative to body 16 from the extended position to the retracted position, thereby clamping one of louvers 102 between hook 23 and back plate 17 and retaining mount 10 on vehicle vent 100. In some embodiments, recess 46 ( Figure 4-Figure 6 ) is defined by the back plate 17 and is aligned with the hook 23 of the clip 22 to accommodate the louver 102. In some embodiments, a ramp 29 is defined on the back plate 17 to help align the louver 102 relative to the back plate 17. In some embodiments, for example, the back plate 17 is formed by a substantially rigid cover 42 and a resilient pad 44 coupled to the cover 42 to dampen vibrations. In other embodiments, the back plate 17 is formed as a single, unitary component.

[0027] The exemplary head 14 illustratively includes a cap 32, a sleeve 34, a clamp 36, and a cover 38 arranged along an axis B, as shown in FIG. Figure 3-Figure 5 As shown. The cover 32 extends around the arm 19 of the body 16, and the sleeve 34 engages the cover 32 and the clamp 36 to retain the head 14 on the base 12. The sleeve 34 includes internal threads, and the clamp 36 has mating external threads for moving the clamp 36 along the axis B toward and away from the arm 19 as the sleeve 34 is rotated. The clamp 36 selectively engages with the arm 19 to force the arm 19 against the cover 32, thereby maintaining the position of the head 14 relative to the body 16. Rotation of the sleeve 34 away from the arm 19 allows the head 14 to move relative to the body 16. A fastener 30, such as a screw or bolt, extends through the cover 38 and engages with the clamp 36 to retain the cover 38 on the clamp 36. The cover 38 is part of a mounting arrangement for attaching the housing 110 ( Fig.13 ) is attached to the vent mount 10. Other mounting arrangements are also contemplated, such as the magnetic attachment disclosed in co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 290,799. In some embodiments, the head 14 may also include other features, such as wireless charging capabilities disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 11,303,143. Other arrangements for allowing the head to be selectively moved relative to the arm 19 are also contemplated, such as disclosed in co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 404,391.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the first pawl 13 includes a rod 51 extending from the body 16, a recess 53 formed in the rod 51, and a protrusion 57 extending from the rod 51. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown. The inner rib 55 is arranged in the recess 53, and the outer rib 59 is arranged on the protrusion 57. The ribs 55, 59 extend away from the axis A. The second pawl 15 includes a socket 50 defined by the back plate 17 and a lug 52 arranged in the socket 50 and separated by a channel 54. The buckle 56 is arranged on the lug 52 and extends toward the axis A. A retaining ring 58 is arranged in the socket 50, which extends toward the axis A and is separated from the lug 52.

[0029] As described above, the indexable connector 11 is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the lug 52 of the second pawl 15 is received in the recess 53 of the first pawl 13, and the protrusion 57 on the first pawl 13 is received in the channel 54 of the second pawl 15. In the first configuration, the lug 52 engages with the protrusion 57 to prevent the body 16 from rotating relative to the back plate 17. In the second configuration of the indexable connector 11, the back plate 17 moves away from the body 16 (such as Fig. 954 (as shown by arrow 104 in the figure) to remove the lug 52 from the recess 53 and the protrusion 57 from the channel 54 to release the engagement of the lug 52 with the protrusion 57, thereby allowing the body 16 to rotate relative to the back plate 17 (and the clip 22). The retaining ring 58 is arranged to engage with the outer ribs 59 to prevent the back plate 17 from being removed from the body 16. In an exemplary embodiment, the retaining ring 58 is segmented, and the gaps between the segments are shorter than the length of the outer ribs 59. In some embodiments, the retaining ring 58 is continuous around the socket 50. The buckle 56 is arranged to engage with the inner ribs 55 to prevent the indexable connector 11 from moving from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0030] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 The illustrated indexable connector 11 can provide for indexing of the body 16 relative to the back plate 17 at approximately 90 degree intervals (positions) around an axis, such as Figure 9-12 As shown. Although four lugs 52 and four protrusions 57 (with a corresponding number of recesses 53 and channels 54) are shown, more or fewer may be used in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, six lugs 52 and six protrusions 57 may be used to provide indexing of the body 16 relative to the back plate 17 at intervals of approximately 60 degrees around the axis. In other embodiments, eight lugs 52 and eight protrusions 57 may be used to provide indexing of the body 16 relative to the back plate 17 at intervals of approximately 45 degrees around the axis. In other embodiments, two lugs 52 and two protrusions 57 may be used to provide indexing of the body 16 relative to the back plate 17 at intervals of approximately 180 degrees around the axis. It should also be understood that various combinations of the number of lugs 52 and protrusions 57 may be used. For example, in some embodiments, the first pawl 13 may include two protrusions 57, while the second pawl 15 includes four lugs 52 to provide indexing of the body 16 relative to the back plate 17 at intervals of approximately 90 degrees around the axis. In other embodiments, the first pawl 13 may include eight protrusions 57 and the second pawl 15 includes two lugs 52 to provide indexing of the body 16 relative to the back plate 17 at intervals of approximately 45 degrees around the axis. In other embodiments, the first pawl 13 may include one protrusion 57 and the second pawl 15 includes two lugs 52 to provide indexing of the body 16 relative to the back plate 17 at intervals of approximately 180 degrees around the axis. In other embodiments, the first pawl 13 may include four protrusions 57 and the second pawl 15 includes one lug 52 to provide indexing of the body 16 relative to the back plate 17 at intervals of approximately 90 degrees around the axis. These combinations are merely exemplary, and it should be understood that at least one protrusion 57 or lug 52 in combination with at least two of the protrusions 57 or lugs 52 on the pawls 13, 15 can provide indexing of the body 16 relative to the back plate 17 according to the present invention.

[0031] Various other modifications may be made without departing from the present disclosure. For example, although the body 16 and the back plate 17 are shown as circular, other geometric and non-geometric shapes are also contemplated by the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the body 16 and the back plate 17 may be partially or completely square. The pawls 13, 15 of the indexable connector 11 may also be other geometric and non-geometric shapes. For example, in some embodiments, the pawls 13, 15 may be partially or completely square, and the corners of the square provide engagement surfaces for the pawls 13, 5 to allow the body 16 to be indexed relative to the back plate 17 at intervals of approximately 45 degrees around the axis A. In other embodiments, the structures of the first pawl and the second pawl 13, 15 may be interchangeable and operate according to the present disclosure. For example, the second pawl 15 may include a rod 51, (multiple) recesses 53, (multiple) protrusions 57 and (multiple) ribs 55, 59, and the first pawl 13 may include a socket 50, (multiple) lugs 52, (multiple) channels 54, (multiple) buckles 56 and retaining rings 58. In other embodiments, the first pawl 13 or the second pawl 15 includes a rod 51, at least one protrusion 57 extending from the rod 51, and a recess 53 formed in at least one of the rods 51, and the other of the first pawl 13 and the second pawl includes a socket 51 and at least one lug 52, at least one lug 52 is arranged in the socket 51 and separated by at least one channel 54, and there are more protrusions 57 and recesses 53 than lugs 52 and channels 54, or there are more lugs 52 and channels 54 than protrusions 57 and recesses 53.

[0032] The exemplary housing 110 includes a rear wall 112 and a peripheral wall 114 that define an interior space 116 for attachment to a handheld electronic device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet computer, a GPS unit, or a display), such as a Fig.13 As shown. The receiving member 118 is formed in the rear wall 112 and includes a series of housing protrusions 111 separated by gaps 113. A series of mounting member protrusions 115 extend outwardly from the cover 38 for engaging with the housing protrusions 111 to attach the housing 110 (including the handheld electronic device stored therein) to the head 14 of the mounting member 10. The mounting member protrusions 115 pass through the gaps 113, and the housing 110 is rotated relative to the cover 38 of the head 14 to engage the mounting member protrusions 115 with the housing protrusions 111. According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the housing 110 can be constructed in any other suitable manner and can engage the head 14 in any other suitable manner.

[0033] The mounting member 10 can be formed of a substantially rigid material, such as metal or plastic. Resilient materials, such as synthetic rubber, can be used to provide flexibility to the mounting member 10 and / or provide additional frictional engagement, such as on the knob 33 of the driver 20, the sleeve 34 of the head 14, the distal end of the arm 19, and the back plate 17.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, a vent mount according to the present disclosure includes a base and a head coupled to the base. A retainer of the base is movable between an extended position for insertion into a vehicle vent and a retracted position for capturing a louver of the vehicle vent to retain the vent mount on the vehicle vent. The head is configured to engage with the housing for positioning the handheld electronic device relative to the vehicle vent.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the base includes a body, a back plate coupled to the body along an axis, and an indexable connector configured to selectively control rotation of the body relative to the back plate about the axis. The indexable connector is movable between a first configuration that prevents rotation of the body relative to the back plate and a second configuration that allows rotation of the body relative to the back plate about the axis. The indexable connector is configured to maintain the body in two or more indexed positions relative to the back plate when selected by a user.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the indexable connector includes a first pawl defined by the body and a second pawl defined by the back plate. In a first configuration of the indexable connector, the second pawl engages with the first pawl to prevent the body from rotating relative to the back plate about an axis. In a second configuration of the indexable connector, the back plate extends away from the body to release a portion of the second pawl from a portion of the first pawl, thereby allowing the body to rotate relative to the back plate about the axis.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the first pawl includes a rod extending from the body, at least two recesses formed in the rod, and at least two protrusions extending from the rod. The second pawl includes a socket defined by a back plate and at least two lugs arranged in the socket and separated by at least two channels. In a first configuration of the indexable connector, the lug of the second pawl is accommodated in the recess of the first pawl, and the protrusion of the first pawl is accommodated in the channel of the second pawl. In the first configuration, the lug engages with the protrusion to prevent the body from rotating relative to the back plate. In a second configuration of the indexable connector, the back plate moves away from the body to remove the lug from the recess and remove the protrusion from the channel, thereby releasing the engagement of the lug with the protrusion to allow the body to rotate relative to the back plate.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the inner rib is arranged in a recess of the first pawl and the outer rib is arranged on the protrusion. The inner rib and the outer rib extend away from the axis. The buckle is arranged on the lug of the second pawl and extends toward the axis. The retaining ring is arranged in the socket, extending toward the axis and spaced from the lug. The retaining ring is arranged to engage with the outer rib to prevent the back plate from being removed from the body. The buckle is arranged to engage with the inner rib to prevent the indexable connector from moving from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the holder of the base includes a driver, a clip and a bracket arranged along an axis. The clip is coupled to the bracket so as to move along the axis with the bracket relative to the body of the base. The driver is coupled to the body and engages with the bracket to drive the bracket and the attached clip to move as the driver rotates relative to the body about the axis. The clip extends into a slot formed through the back plate to couple with the bracket. The slot is configured to accommodate the clip and engage with the clip to prevent relative rotation between the clip and the back plate.

[0040] The following numbered clauses include intended and non-limiting embodiments:

[0041] Item 1: A vent mount comprising a base and a head, the base comprising: a body; a backplate coupled to the body along an axis; an indexable connector configured to selectively control rotation of the body relative to the backplate about the axis; a retainer coupled to the body and capable of moving along the axis between an extended position and a retracted position, the extended position being used for insertion into a vehicle vent, the retracted position being used to capture a louver of the vehicle vent between the retainer and the backplate to retain the vent mount on the vehicle vent, the head being coupled to the base, wherein the indexable connector is capable of moving between a first configuration that prevents rotation of the body relative to the backplate and a second configuration that allows rotation of the body about the axis relative to the backplate, and the indexable connector is configured to retain the body in two or more indexable positions relative to the backplate when selected by a user.

[0042] Clause 2: A vent mount as described in clause 1, wherein the indexable connector includes a first pawl defined by the body and a second pawl defined by the backplate, wherein, in a first configuration of the indexable connector, the second pawl engages with the first pawl to prevent the body from rotating about the axis relative to the backplate, and wherein, in a second configuration of the indexable connector, the backplate extends away from the body to release a portion of the second pawl from a portion of the first pawl, thereby allowing the body to rotate about the axis relative to the backplate.

[0043] Clause 3: A vent mount according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the first pawl includes a rod extending from the body, at least two recesses formed in the rod and at least two protrusions extending from the rod, wherein the second pawl includes a socket defined by the back plate and at least two lugs arranged in the socket and separated by at least two channels, wherein, in the first configuration of the indexable connector, the lug of the second pawl is received in the recess of the first pawl and the protrusion of the first pawl is received in the channel in the second pawl, and the lug engages with the protrusion to prevent the body from rotating about the axis relative to the back plate, and wherein, in the second configuration of the indexable connector, the back plate is moved away from the body to remove the lug from the recess and the protrusion from the channel, thereby releasing the engagement of the lug with the protrusion to allow the body to rotate about the axis relative to the back plate.

[0044] Clause 4: The vent mount of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising an inner rib disposed in the recess of the first pawl and a latch disposed on the lug of the second pawl, wherein the latch is configured to engage with the inner rib to prevent the indexable connector from moving from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0045] Clause 5: The vent mount of any preceding clause, wherein the inner rib extends away from the axis, and wherein the catch extends toward the axis.

[0046] Clause 6: The vent mount of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising an outer rib disposed on the protrusion of the first detent and a retaining ring disposed in the socket of the second detent and spaced apart from the lug, wherein the retaining ring is configured to engage with the outer rib to prevent the back plate from being removed from the body.

[0047] Clause 7: The vent mount of clause 6, wherein the outer rib extends away from the axis, and wherein the retention ring extends toward the axis.

[0048] Clause 8: A vent mount as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the retainer of the base includes a drive, a clip and a bracket arranged along the axis, wherein the clip is connected to the bracket to move along the axis with the bracket relative to the body of the base, and wherein the drive is connected to the body and engages with the bracket to drive movement of the bracket and the attached clip as the drive rotates about the axis relative to the body.

[0049] Clause 9: A vent mount as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the clip extends into a slot formed through the backplate to couple with the bracket, and wherein the slot is configured to receive the clip and engage with the clip to prevent relative rotation between the clip and the backplate.

[0050] Item 10: A vent mount comprising a base and a head, the base comprising: a body; a back plate coupled to the body along an axis; an indexable connector configured to selectively control rotation of the body relative to the back plate about the axis; a retainer coupled to the body and capable of moving along the axis between an extended position and a retracted position, the extended position being used for insertion into a vehicle vent, the retracted position being used to capture a louver of the vehicle vent between the retainer and the back plate to retain the vent mount on the vehicle vent, the head being coupled to the base, the head being configured to engage with a housing for positioning a handheld electronic device relative to the vehicle vent, wherein the indexable connector is capable of moving between a first configuration that prevents rotation of the body relative to the back plate and a second configuration that allows rotation of the body about the axis relative to the back plate, and the indexable connector is configured to retain the body in two or more indexed positions relative to the back plate when selected by a user.

[0051] Clause 11: A vent mount as described in clause 10, wherein the indexable connector includes a first pawl defined by the body and a second pawl defined by the backplate, wherein, in a first configuration of the indexable connector, the second pawl engages with the first pawl to prevent the body from rotating about the axis relative to the backplate, and wherein, in a second configuration of the indexable connector, the backplate extends away from the body to release a portion of the second pawl from a portion of the first pawl, thereby allowing the body to rotate about the axis relative to the backplate.

[0052] Clause 12: A vent mount according to clauses 10 or 11, wherein the first pawl includes a rod extending from the body, at least two recesses formed in the rod and at least two protrusions extending from the rod, wherein the second pawl includes a socket defined by the back plate and at least two lugs arranged in the socket and separated by at least two channels, wherein, in the first configuration of the indexable connector, the lug of the second pawl is received in the recess of the first pawl and the protrusion of the first pawl is received in the channel in the second pawl, and the lug engages with the protrusion to prevent the body from rotating about the axis relative to the back plate, and wherein, in the second configuration of the indexable connector, the back plate is moved away from the body to remove the lug from the recess and the protrusion from the channel, thereby releasing the engagement of the lug with the protrusion to allow the body to rotate about the axis relative to the back plate.

[0053] Clause 13: The vent mount of any one of clauses 10-12, further comprising an inner rib disposed in the recess of the first pawl and a latch disposed on the lug of the second pawl, wherein the latch is configured to engage with the inner rib to prevent the indexable connector from moving from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0054] Clause 14: The vent mount of any of clauses 10-13, wherein the inner rib extends away from the axis, and wherein the catch extends toward the axis.

[0055] Clause 15: The vent mount of any one of clauses 10-13, further comprising an outer rib disposed on the protrusion of the first detent and a retaining ring disposed in the socket of the second detent and spaced apart from the lug, wherein the retaining ring is configured to engage with the outer rib to prevent the back plate from being removed from the body.

[0056] Clause 16: The vent mount of any of clauses 10-15, wherein the outer rib extends away from the axis, and wherein the retention ring extends toward the axis.

[0057] Clause 17: A vent mount as described in any of clauses 10-16, wherein the retainer of the base includes a drive, a clip, and a bracket arranged along the axis, wherein the clip is connected to the bracket to move along the axis with the bracket relative to the body of the base, and wherein the drive is connected to the body and engages with the bracket to drive movement of the bracket and the attached clip as the drive rotates about the axis relative to the body.

[0058] Clause 18: The vent mount of any of clauses 10-17, wherein the clip extends into a slot formed through the back plate to couple with the bracket, and wherein the slot is configured to receive the clip and engage with the clip to prevent relative rotation between the clip and the back plate.

[0059] Item 19: A vent mount comprising a base and a head, the base comprising: a body; a back plate coupled to the body along an axis; an indexable connector configured to selectively control rotation of the body relative to the back plate about the axis; a retainer coupled to the body and capable of moving along the axis between an extended position and a retracted position, the extended position being used for insertion into a vehicle vent, the retracted position being used for capturing a louver of the vehicle vent between the retainer and the back plate to retain the vent mount on the vehicle vent, the head being coupled to the base, the head being configured to engage with a housing for positioning a handheld electronic device relative to the vehicle vent, wherein the indexable connector comprises a first pawl defined by the body and a second pawl defined by the back plate, the first pawl comprising a rod extending from the body, at least two recesses formed in the rod The second pawl comprises a socket defined by the back plate and at least two lugs arranged in the socket and separated by at least two channels, in a first configuration of the indexable connector, the lug of the second pawl is received in the recess of the first pawl and the lug of the first pawl is received in the channel in the second pawl, and the lug engages with the lug to prevent the body from rotating relative to the back plate about the axis, in a second configuration of the indexable connector, the back plate is moved away from the body to remove the lug from the recess and the lug from the channel, thereby releasing the engagement of the lug with the lug to allow the body to rotate relative to the back plate about the axis, and the indexable connector is configured to maintain the body in two or more indexed positions relative to the back plate when selected by a user.

[0060] Clause 20: A vent mount as described in clause 19, wherein the retainer of the base includes a drive, a clip, and a bracket arranged along the axis, wherein the clip is coupled to the bracket to move along the axis with the bracket relative to the body of the base, wherein the drive is coupled to the body and engages with the bracket to drive movement of the bracket and the attached clip as the drive rotates relative to the body about the axis, wherein the clip extends into a slot formed through the back plate to couple with the bracket, and wherein the slot is configured to accommodate the clip and engage with the clip to prevent relative rotation between the clip and the back plate, wherein the indexable connector is configured to prevent the body from rotating about the axis relative to the clip in the first configuration, and wherein the indexable connector is configured to allow the body to rotate about the axis relative to the clip in the second configuration.

[0061] Article 21: A ventilation mounting according to any of the preceding articles, wherein the first pawl or the second pawl comprises a rod, at least one protrusion extending from the rod and at least one recess formed in the rod, wherein the other of the first pawl or the second pawl comprises a socket and at least one lug arranged in the socket and separated by at least one channel, and wherein there are more protrusions and recesses than lugs and channels, or there are more lugs and channels than protrusions and recesses.

[0062] Although the present disclosure describes various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover various modifications, uses, adaptations, and equivalent arrangements based on the disclosed principles. In addition, the present application is intended to cover deviations from the present disclosure at least within the scope of known or customary practices in the field to which it belongs. It is expected that those skilled in the art will be able to design various modifications and equivalent structures and functions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as described in the appended claims. The scope of the following claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A vent mounting member, comprising: A base, comprising: main body; a back plate coupled to the body along an axis; an indexable connector configured to selectively control rotation of the body relative to the backplate about the axis; a retainer coupled to the body and movable along the axis between an extended position for insertion into a vehicle vent and a retracted position for capturing a louver of the vehicle vent between the retainer and the back plate to retain the vent mount to the vehicle vent; and a head connected to the base, Wherein, the indexable connector is capable of moving between a first configuration that prevents the body from rotating relative to the backplate and a second configuration that allows the body to rotate about the axis relative to the backplate, and the indexable connector is configured to maintain the body in two or more indexed positions relative to the backplate when selected by a user.

2. The vent mount of claim 1, wherein: The indexable connector includes a first pawl defined by the body and a second pawl defined by the back plate, wherein, in a first configuration of the indexable connector, the second pawl engages with the first pawl to prevent the body from rotating about the axis relative to the back plate, and wherein, in a second configuration of the indexable connector, the back plate extends away from the body to release a portion of the second pawl from a portion of the first pawl, thereby allowing the body to rotate about the axis relative to the back plate.

3. The vent mount of claim 2, wherein: The first pawl includes a rod extending from the body, at least two recesses formed in the rod and at least two protrusions extending from the rod, wherein the second pawl includes a socket defined by the back plate and at least two lugs arranged in the socket and separated by at least two channels, wherein, in the first configuration of the indexable connector, the lug of the second pawl is received in the recess of the first pawl and the protrusion of the first pawl is received in the channel in the second pawl, and the lug engages with the protrusion to prevent the body from rotating relative to the back plate about the axis, and wherein, in the second configuration of the indexable connector, the back plate is moved away from the body to remove the lug from the recess and the protrusion from the channel, thereby releasing the engagement of the lug with the protrusion to allow the body to rotate relative to the back plate about the axis.

4. The vent mount of claim 3, further comprising an internal rib disposed in the recess of the first detent and a catch disposed on the lug of the second detent, wherein: The catch is configured to engage the inner rib to prevent the indexable connector from moving from the first configuration to the second configuration.

5. The vent mount of claim 4, wherein: The inner rib extends away from the axis, and wherein the catch extends toward the axis.

6. The vent mount of claim 4, further comprising an external rib disposed on the projection of the first detent and a retaining ring disposed in the socket of the second detent and spaced apart from the lug, wherein: The retention ring is configured to engage the outer rib to prevent the backing plate from being removed from the body.

7. The vent mount of claim 6, wherein: The outer ribs extend away from the axis, and wherein the retention ring extends toward the axis.

8. The vent mount of claim 1, wherein: The retainer of the base includes a driver, a clip and a bracket arranged along the axis, wherein the clip is connected to the bracket to move along the axis with the bracket relative to the body of the base, and wherein the driver is connected to the body and engages with the bracket to drive movement of the bracket and the attached clip as the driver rotates around the axis relative to the body.

9. The vent mounting of claim 8, wherein: The clip extends into a slot formed through the back plate to couple with the bracket, and wherein the slot is configured to receive and engage the clip to prevent relative rotation between the clip and the back plate.

10. A vent mounting, comprising: A base, comprising: main body; a back plate coupled to the body along an axis; an indexable connector configured to selectively control rotation of the body relative to the backplate about the axis; a retainer coupled to the body and movable along the axis between an extended position for insertion into a vehicle vent and a retracted position for capturing a louver of the vehicle vent between the retainer and the back plate to retain the vent mount to the vehicle vent; and a head coupled to the base, the head being configured to engage with the housing for positioning the handheld electronic device relative to the vehicle vent, Wherein, the indexable connector is capable of moving between a first configuration that prevents the body from rotating relative to the backplate and a second configuration that allows the body to rotate about the axis relative to the backplate, and the indexable connector is configured to maintain the body in two or more indexed positions relative to the backplate when selected by a user.

11. The vent mount of claim 10, wherein: The indexable connector includes a first pawl defined by the body and a second pawl defined by the back plate, wherein, in a first configuration of the indexable connector, the second pawl engages with the first pawl to prevent the body from rotating about the axis relative to the back plate, and wherein, in a second configuration of the indexable connector, the back plate extends away from the body to release a portion of the second pawl from a portion of the first pawl, thereby allowing the body to rotate about the axis relative to the back plate.

12. The vent mount of claim 11, wherein: The first pawl includes a rod extending from the body, at least two recesses formed in the rod and at least two protrusions extending from the rod, wherein the second pawl includes a socket defined by the back plate and at least two lugs arranged in the socket and separated by at least two channels, wherein, in the first configuration of the indexable connector, the lug of the second pawl is received in the recess of the first pawl and the protrusion of the first pawl is received in the channel in the second pawl, and the lug engages with the protrusion to prevent the body from rotating relative to the back plate about the axis, and wherein, in the second configuration of the indexable connector, the back plate is moved away from the body to remove the lug from the recess and the protrusion from the channel, thereby releasing the engagement of the lug with the protrusion to allow the body to rotate relative to the back plate about the axis.

13. The vent mount of claim 12, further comprising an internal rib disposed in the recess of the first detent and a catch disposed on the lug of the second detent, wherein: The catch is configured to engage the inner rib to prevent the indexable connector from moving from the first configuration to the second configuration.

14. The vent mount of claim 13, wherein: The inner rib extends away from the axis, and wherein the catch extends toward the axis.

15. The vent mount of claim 13, further comprising an external rib disposed on the projection of the first detent and a retaining ring disposed in the socket of the second detent and spaced from the lug, wherein: The retention ring is configured to engage the outer rib to prevent the backing plate from being removed from the body.

16. The vent mount of claim 15, wherein: The outer ribs extend away from the axis, and wherein the retention ring extends toward the axis.

17. The vent mount of claim 10, wherein: The retainer of the base includes a driver, a clip and a bracket arranged along the axis, wherein the clip is connected to the bracket to move along the axis with the bracket relative to the body of the base, and wherein the driver is connected to the body and engages with the bracket to drive movement of the bracket and the attached clip as the driver rotates around the axis relative to the body.

18. The vent mount of claim 17, wherein: The clip extends into a slot formed through the back plate to couple with the bracket, and wherein the slot is configured to receive and engage the clip to prevent relative rotation between the clip and the back plate.

19. A vent mounting, comprising: A base, comprising: main body; a back plate coupled to the body along an axis; an indexable connector configured to selectively control rotation of the body relative to the backplate about the axis; a retainer coupled to the body and movable along the axis between an extended position for insertion into a vehicle vent and a retracted position for capturing a louver of the vehicle vent between the retainer and the back plate to retain the vent mount to the vehicle vent; and a head coupled to the base, the head being configured to engage with the housing for positioning the handheld electronic device relative to the vehicle vent, The indexable connector includes a first pawl defined by the body and a second pawl defined by the back plate, the first pawl including a rod extending from the body, at least two recesses formed in the rod and at least two protrusions extending from the rod, the second pawl including a socket defined by the back plate and at least two lugs arranged in the socket and separated by at least two channels, in a first configuration of the indexable connector, the lug of the second pawl is received in the recess of the first pawl and the protrusion of the first pawl is received in the channel in the second pawl, and the lug engages with the protrusion to prevent the body from rotating relative to the back plate about the axis, in a second configuration of the indexable connector, the back plate is moved away from the body to remove the lug from the recess and the protrusion from the channel, thereby releasing the engagement of the lug with the protrusion to allow the body to rotate relative to the back plate about the axis, and the indexable connector is configured to maintain the body in two or more indexed positions relative to the back plate when selected by a user.

20. The vent mount of claim 19, wherein: The retainer of the base includes a driver, a clip and a bracket arranged along the axis, wherein the clip is coupled to the bracket to move along the axis with the bracket relative to the body of the base, wherein the driver is coupled to the body and engages with the bracket to drive movement of the bracket and the attached clip as the driver rotates relative to the body about the axis, wherein the clip extends into a slot formed through the back plate to couple with the bracket, and wherein the slot is configured to accommodate the clip and engage with the clip to prevent relative rotation between the clip and the back plate, wherein the indexable connector is configured to prevent the body from rotating about the axis relative to the clip in the first configuration, and wherein the indexable connector is configured to allow the body to rotate about the axis relative to the clip in the second configuration.

Images