Patent ID: 6371345
Filing Date: 2002-04-16
Classification: B60R,Y10S

Abstract:
An adjustable mounting device for mounting a portable electronic device at a selected position relative to an interior surface of a vehicle comprising:a ball member having an exterior surface; a stem portion attached to the ball member and having an end; a locking member comprising: a ball retention member including first and second opposing ball retention arms fixed in relation to each other and hating ball engaging portions which slidably engage and conform to the exterior surface of the ball member, thereby forming a pivotable connection; and a plunger member adjacent the first and second ball retention arms and having a ball contact surface and a position relative to the ball member and stem portion, the plunger member extendable between an adjustable position wherein the ball contact surface slidably engages the exterior surface of the ball member and a locking position wherein frictional resistance between the ball contact surface and the exterior surface of the ball member fix the position of the locking member relative to the ball member and stem portion; and first and second mounting portions coupled to the stem portion and the locking member, respectively, wherein one is couplable to the surface and the other is couplable to the portable electronic device; the mounting portion couplable to the surface includes: a first connecting portion having a cylindrical grooved portion; a flexible pad coupled to the first connecting portion and couplable to the surface; and an extension arm including a first end couplable to the first connecting portion and having a cylindrical grooved portion configured to cooperate with the cylindrical grooved portion of the first connecting portion to fix an angular position of the extension arm relative to the flexible pad, the arm further including a second end couplable to the end of the stem portion or the locking member.