Moto-mount and wireless charging head for handheld electronic devices

Abstract

Mounts and wireless charging heads for handheld electronic devices are provided.

Description

MOTO -MOUNT AND WIRELESS CHARGING HEAD FOR HANDHELDELECTRONIC DEVICES

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application Serial NO. 63 / 664,289 filed June 26, 2024, teachings of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to mounts and wireless charging heads for handheld electronic devices. Mounts are attachable to various positions on motorsport vehicles and allow for articulation of a handheld electronic device, when mounted, in at least 3 axes.BACKGROUND

[0003] Ready access to a variety of accessories beyond standard installed components and controls may be needed or desired during operating a motor vehicle. For example, navigation, audio playback, and / or telephone communication functions of a portable electronic device may need to be utilized while driving an automobile, and a hands-free operation may be best facilitated by mounting the portable electronic device to the dashboard, an air conditioning vent, or other surface proximal to the driver. There are numerous mount devices known in the art for this purpose.

[0004] However, there are greater demands on accessory mounts for vehicles in which the operator, and hence accessories that are immediately accessible to the operator, are exposed to greater wind, shock, and vibration forces such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorcycles, and other motorsports vehicles. Furthermore, such vehicles may have fewer locations in the interior to which an accessory mount can be attached. For example, one of the few locations on a motorcycle in which additionalcomponents can be mounted for view / access / use during operation is the handlebar. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UTVs)tand various off-highway vehicles are likewise limited with respect to the locations on which an accessory mount can be attached.

[0005] Mounts for low-profile fixing of handheld electronic devices and other apparatus such as, but not limited to, gauges, speed controls, and lights are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patents 9,969,450; 9,402,016; 7,152,834; 6,446,922; and 5,332,183;Published U.S. Patent Applications 2021 / 0331759; 2014 / 0061271; 2020 / 0207279; and 2019 / 0009850; Chinese patents 213028165; 204979003; and 204250230; German Patents 202009011744 and 20105419; Japanese Patents 2012245884 2158474; and Korean Patent 2008050173.

[0006] Additionally, various mounts for adjustably attaching a handheld electronic device to a handlebar of a bicycle or motorcycle via one or more ball connections are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patents 11,865,976; 10,557,590; 8,556,143; 8,366,064; 8,261,954; and 8,240,528; Chinese Patents 218468694, 216034827, 214356405, 204809947, 205615630, 206171331, 209080066,209805894, 210168085, 206272675, 219904599, 217741748,216959929, 216185670, 215794210, 215663761, 215436719,215399055, 215399054, 212637762, 110939849, 209805894,209080066, 206171331, 205615630 and 204809947; European Patent 3532763; Japanese Patent 07065543; Korean Patents 2226401, 2022151853, 2022120275, 2418214 and 2405645 and Taiwanese Patents 621383, 616220, 563386, 527841, 563386 and 527841.

[0007] There is a need for mounts which provide greater articulation of portable electronic devices when attached to the mount and alternative positions for attachment ofthe mount to the motorsports vehicles exposed to wind shock, and vibration forces.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An aspect of this disclosure relates to mounts for a handheld electronic device. Mounts of this disclosure may comprise a head adapted to releasably engage with a case of a handheld electronic device, a base comprising a body coupled to a mount attachment means which is coupled to the head, and an assembly for coupling the head to the base which allows for articulation of a handheld electronic device in at least 3 axes when mounted to the mount .

[0009] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a wireless charging head for a handheld electronic device. Wireless charging heads of this disclosure may comprise a head adapted to releasably engage with a case of a handheld electronic device and a wireless charging element in the head comprising a printed circuit board assembly, a charging coil with an open center, and a securing mechanism passing through the printed circuit board assembly and protruding from the open center of the charging coil.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] FIGs. 1 through 7 depict nonlimiting embodiments of mounts of this disclosure for handheld electronic devices attachable to a handle bar, mirror stem, navigation crossbar or accessory rail of a motorsport vehicle.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram of elements in a nonlimiting mount embodiment with a mirror mount arm.

[0012] FIG. 2 provides top, side and bottom views of this nonlimiting mount embodiment with a mirror mount arm and charging head.

[0013] FIG. 3 provides top, side and bottom views of this nonlimiting mount embodiment with a mirror mount arm and non-charging head.

[0014] FIG. 4 provides top, side and bottom views of a nonlimiting armless mount embodiment with a charging head.

[0015] FIG. 5 provides top, side and bottom views of a nonlimiting armless mount embodiment with a non-charging head.

[0016] FIGs. 6 through 7 depict a nonlimiting embodiment of a mount of this disclosure for handheld electronic devices with a charging head wherein the mount is attachable via a stem to a clamp of a brake or clutch lever of a motorsport vehicle.

[0017] FIGs. 8A, 8B and 8C are views of a nonlimiting embodiment of a charging head of this disclosure inclusive of: a waterproof covering (FIG. 8A); a printed circuit board assembly with charging coil surrounded by ferrite and an open center through which a securing mechanism passes (FIG. 8B); and a cross-sectional side view of this charging head (FIG. 8C).DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Provided by this disclosure are mounts and wireless charging heads for mounts for a handheld electronic devices. Mounts and wireless charging heads of this disclosure are particularly useful for motorsports vehicles exposed to wind, shock, and vibration forces,

[0019] In simplest form, a mount 1 of this disclosure comprises a head 2 adapted to releasably engage with a case of a handheld electronic device.

[0020] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the head comprises an installable or removable boss and the device comprises and an ejection means inclusive of a button, lever, etc. to facilitate release of the handheld electronic device from the head of the mount.

[0021] In addition, or alternatively, the head comprises one or more magnets so that a handheld electronic device placed near the mount autolocks into a selected orientation via magnetic interaction with the head.

[0022] The mount 1 further comprises a base 3 coupled to the head 2, with the base 3 comprising a body 4 coupled to a mount attachment means 5, and an assembly 6 for coupling the head to the base 3 wherein the assembly 6 allows for articulation in at least 3 axes of any handheld electronic device mounted to the mount.

[0023] In one nonlimiting embodiment, articulation in the at least 3 axes occurs at equivalent tensions.

[0024] In one nonlimiting embodiment, articulation in the at least 3 axes occurs at equivalent torques.

[0025] FIGs. 1-7 depict various nonlimiting mounts of this disclosure.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, in one nonlimiting embodiment, the assembly 6 for coupling the head 2 to the base 3 comprises a single ball head assembly 7.

[0027] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the single ball head assembly 7 comprises a ball head 8 seated in two or more bushings 10 shaped to tune symmetrical friction of the ball head 8. In one nonlimiting embodiment, the bushings 10 are connected via a clamping bolt or screw 12 and an optional washer 13 which when tightened places a uniform force on the ball head 8 so any device in the mount 1 can be angled and fixed in the angled position for easy viewing.

[0028] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the ball head of the assembly is removable by a user. In one nonlimiting embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, this is achieved via use of a single ball head assembly 7 further comprising a full shield 9 and long clamp screw 11 for removable attachment to the head 2 of the mount 1. Removal of the ball head assembly from the mount provides for temporary alternate tighter coupling of the head to the base. This tighter coupling may be particularly useful for riders of motorsports vehicles in slammed mode.

[0029] In one nonlimiting embodiment, as depicted in FIGs . 1, 2 and 3, the body 4 of the base 3 comprises an extension arm 15 to which the mount attachment means 5 is attached, so that the head 2 and any handheld electronic device attached to the thereto extend distally with respect to the mount attachment means 5 and the vehicle part to which the mount is attached. In one nonlimiting embodiment, as depicted in FIGs. 1-3, the extension arm 15 is coupled to the mount attachment means 5 via a spring- loaded adjustor 16.

[0030] In an alternative nonlimiting embodiment, as depicted in FIGs. 4 and 5, the body 4 is armless so that the head 2 and any handheld electronic device attached thereto are directly above the mount attachment means and the vehicle part to which the mount is attached.

[0031] Various mount attachment means can be used in the mounts of this disclosure.

[0032] In one nonlimiting embodiment, as depicted in FIGs. 1-5, the mount attachment means 5 comprises a clamp 5a, 5b or collar 5c for attachment of the mount to a handle bar, mirror stem, navigation crossbar or accessory rail of a motorsports vehicle. In this nonlimiting embodiment, the clamp or collar can be made to be compatible for attachment to a various diametersincluding, but not limited to, those of handle bars with diameters ranging from 7 / 8" to 1^" and / or mirror stems with diameters ranging from 10 mm to 16 mm.

[0033] In one nonlimitiing embodiment, the clamp comprises a clamp top 5a and a clamp bottom 5b connected via a pivot pin 17.

[0034] In an alternative nonlimiting embodiment, as depicted in FIGs. 6-7, the mount attachment means comprises a stem 20 for attachment of the mount to a clamp of a brake or clutch lever of a motorsports vehicle. In this nonlimiting embodiment, the stem may comprise various screws such as depicted in FIGs. 6-7 compatible with metric and / or English screw sizes which are inserted through the mount attachment means 5 fitted with one or more clutch mount standoffs 25 and mount 0 rings 26 and attached to a clamp of a brake or clutch lever of a motorsports vehicle.

[0035] In some nonlimiting embodiment, the mounts of this disclosure further comprise a wireless charging element 30 in the head 2.

[0036] A nonlimiting embodiment of a wireless charging element 30 in accordance with this disclosure is depicted in FIGs. 8A, 8B and 8C and comprises a printed circuit board assembly 31, a charging coil 32 with an open center 34, and a securing mechanism 33 passing through the printed circuit board assembly and protruding from the open center 34 of the charging coil 32.

[0037] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the wireless charging element further comprises a ferrite element 35. In one nonlimiting embodiment, the ferrite element comprises a ring around the charging coil 32.

[0038] In addition, in some embodiments, the wireless charging element further comprises an in-line waterproofconnector 36 to enable multiple electrical connections by means of accessory cables.

[0039] Nonlimiting embodiments of the mount with the wireless charging element may also comprise a waterproof covering 37. Nonlimiting examples of waterproof coverings include coatings, cases and over-molds. A nonlimiting example of a waterproof low-pressure overmold as the waterproof covering 37 is depicted in FIG. 8A.

[0040] Preferred is that mounts with heads with wireless charging elements exhibit similar magnetic force and mechanical performance of mounts with heads without the charging element.

[0041] Mounts and wireless charging elements of this disclosure are particularly useful for attaching a portable electronic device to various parts of a motorsports vehicle. Further, the design of these mounts and wireless charging elements minimizes any damage to a mounted portable electronic device due to exposure to wind, shock, and vibration forces while on the motorsports vehicle. In addition, these mounts provide for controlled articulation of a device while mounted in at least 3 axes thus allowing for optimal and easy positioning on one's device before and during rides. The mounts also provide an easy means for temporary alternate tighter coupling of the head to the base when needed for riders of motorsports vehicles in slammed mode.

Claims

Claims1. A mount for a handheld electronic device, said mount comprising: a head adapted to releasably engage with a case of a handheld electronic device; a base coupled to the head, said base comprising a body coupled to a mount attachment means; and an assembly for coupling said head to said base which allows for articulation of a handheld electronic device when mounted in at least 3 axes.

2. The mount of claim 1 wherein articulation in the at least 3 axes occurs at equivalent tensions.

3. The mount of claim 1 wherein articulation in the at least 3 axes occurs at equivalent torques.

4. The mount of any of claims 1-3 wherein the assembly for coupling said head to said base comprises a single ball head assembly.

5. The mount of any of claims 1-3 wherein assembly for coupling said head to said base comprises a ball head seated in two or more bushings shaped to tune symmetrical friction of said ball head, said bushings being connected via a clamping bolt which when tightened places a uniform force on the ball head so any device in the mount can be angled and fixed in the angled position for easy viewing.

6. The mount of claim 4 or 5 wherein the ball head of the assembly is removable by a user.

7. The mount of claim 6 wherein the ball head is removed for an alternate tighter coupling of said head to said base.

8. The mount of any of claims 1 through 3 wherein the body is coupled to the head via a spring-loaded adjustor.

9. The mount of any of claims 1 through 3 wherein said mount attachment means comprises a clamp for attachment of the mount to a handle bar, mirror stem, navigation crossbar or accessory rail of a motorsport vehicle.

10. The mount of claim 9 wherein the clamp is compatible for attachment to a handle bar with a diameter ranging from 7 / 8" to m".

11. The mount of claim 9 wherein the clamp is compatible for attachment to a mirror stem with a diameter ranging from 10 mm to 16 mm.

12. The mount of any of claims 1 through 3 wherein said mount attachment means comprises a stem for attachment of the mount to a clamp of a brake or clutch lever of a motorsport vehicle.

13. The mount of claim 12 wherein the stem is compatible with metric and English screw sizes.

14. The mount of any of the preceding claims further comprising a wireless charging element in said head.

15. The mount of claim 14 wherein said wireless charging element comprises a printed circuit board assembly, a charging coil with an open center, and a securingmechanism passing through the printed circuit board assembly and protruding from the open center of the charging coil.

16. The mount of claim 14 or 15 wherein said wireless charging element further comprises a ferrite element.

17. The mount of any of claims 14 through 16 wherein the wireless charging element further comprises an in-line waterproof connector to enable multiple electrical connections by means of accessory cables.

18. The mount of any of claims 14 through 17 further comprising a waterproof covering.

19. The mount of claim 19 wherein the waterproof covering comprises a low-pressure over-mold around the wireless charging element.

20. The mount of any of claim 14 through 19 wherein magnetic force and mechanical performance of the head with the wireless charging element are equal to a head without the charging element.

21. A wireless charging head for a handheld electronic device, said wireless charging head comprising: a head adapted to releasably engage with a case of a handheld electronic device; and a wireless charging element in the head comprising a printed circuit board assembly, a charging coil with an open center, and a securing mechanism passing through the printed circuit board assembly and protruding from the open center of the charging coil.

22. The wireless charging head of claim 21 wherein the wireless charging element further comprises a ferrite element,23. The wireless charging head of claims 21 or 22 wherein the wireless charging element further comprises an in-line waterproof connector to enable multiple electrical connections by means of accessory cables.

24. The wireless charging head of any of claims 20 through 23 further comprising a waterproof covering.

25. The wireless charging head of claim 24 wherein the waterproof covering comprises a low-pressure over-mold around the wireless charging element.

26. The wireless charging head of any of claim 20 through 25 wherein magnetic force and mechanical performance of the wireless charging head are equal to a head without the charging element.

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