Abstract:
A portable electronic device mount apparatus includes a frame that includes a channel sized to receive a vehicle identifier, the frame further including at least one aperture to receive a fastener to secure the frame to a vehicle; and at least one tab that extends from an edge of the frame, the tab including a planar surface sized to receive an image capture device secured to the frame.

Description:
[0001]    TECHNICAL FIELD 
         [0002]    This document relates to apparatus, systems, and methods for supporting a device. This device may be an image (sound, or combination thereof) capture device such as, for example, a portable camera, a microphone, electronic sensor, global positioning device, microwave telecommunication unit, laser rangefinder, a telemetry unit, or other portable electronic device. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Cameras (e.g., still and video) may be used to capture sound and images during a particular event. In some cases, cameras can be hand-held, shoulder mounted, floor or surface mounted or otherwise, as needed for stability. A stable image capture device, in some instances, may provide for a clearer or more accurate image capture of the event. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    A general implementation of a portable electronic device mount apparatus includes a frame that includes a channel sized to receive a vehicle identifier, the frame further including at least one aperture to receive a fastener to secure the frame to a vehicle; and at least one tab that extends from an edge of the frame, the tab including a planar surface sized to receive an image capture device secured to the frame. 
         [0005]    In a first aspect combinable with the general implementation, the tab includes a slot defined between ridges that protrude from the planar surface, the slot sized and positioned to receive a portion of the image capture device secured to the frame. 
         [0006]    In a further aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the planar surface of the tab is located on a first side of the frame, and the channel is located on a second side of the frame opposite the first side. 
         [0007]    In a further aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, a depth of the channel is sized based at least in part on a dimension of the vehicle identifier. 
         [0008]    In a further aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the depth of the channel is selected such that the vehicle identifier is substantially flush with a top edge of the frame when secured to the frame. 
         [0009]    In a further aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, herein the at least one aperture is positioned in the frame such that the fastener that secures the frame to the vehicle secures the vehicle identifier to the frame. 
         [0010]    In a further aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the vehicle identifier includes a license plate. 
         [0011]    In a further aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the vehicle includes a motor vehicle, a non-motorized vehicle, a marine vehicle, or a space vehicle. 
         [0012]    In a further aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the at least one aperture includes four apertures. 
         [0013]    In a further aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the tab includes at least one tab aperture to receive a tab fastener to secure the image capture device to the frame. 
         [0014]    In a further aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the at least one tab aperture includes at least one aperture positioned through the tab to receive tab fasteners to secure an image capture device coupling to the frame. 
         [0015]    In a further aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the tab perpendicularly extends from the frame relative to a plane that includes the frame. 
         [0016]    In another general implementation, a method for capturing images includes positioning a vehicle identifier in a channel of a frame of a portable electronic device mount; securing an image capture device to a planar surface of a tab that extends from an edge of the frame; and securing the vehicle identifier to the frame and the portable electronic device mount to a vehicle with at least one fastener inserted through an aperture formed in the frame. 
         [0017]    In a first aspect combinable with the general implementation, securing an image capture device to a planar surface of a tab that extends from an edge of the frame includes sliding a portion of the image capture device through a slot defined between ridges that protrude from the planar surface. 
         [0018]    In a further aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the planar surface of the tab is located on a first side of the frame, and the channel is located on a second side of the frame opposite the first side. 
         [0019]    In a further aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, a depth of the channel is sized based at least in part on a dimension of the vehicle identifier. 
         [0020]    In a further aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, positioning a vehicle identifier in a channel of a frame includes positioning the vehicle identifier to the depth of the channel such that the vehicle identifier is substantially flush with a top edge of the frame when secured to the frame. 
         [0021]    In a further aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the vehicle identifier includes a license plate. 
         [0022]    In a further aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the vehicle includes a motor vehicle, a non-motorized vehicle, a marine vehicle, or a space vehicle. 
         [0023]    In a further aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, securing the vehicle identifier to the frame and the portable electronic device mount to a vehicle with at least one fastener inserted through an aperture formed in the frame includes securing the vehicle identifier to the frame and the portable electronic device mount to the vehicle with four fasteners inserted through corresponding four apertures formed in the frame. 
         [0024]    In a further aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, securing an image capture device to a planar surface of a tab includes securing the image capture device to the planar surface of the tab with at least one tab fastener inserted through a tab aperture formed in the tab. 
         [0025]    Various implementations of apparatus, systems, and method for mounting an image capture device according to the present disclosure may include one, some, or all of the following features. For example, an image capture device, such as a video or still camera, may be securely mounted to a vehicle to operate (e.g., capture images) during operation of the vehicle. The image capture device may be operated independently of the vehicle and without human intervention of the vehicle operator. The image capture device may be quickly attached and removed from this mounting plate by using a quick release mount (inherent to the device manufacturer or of another device) or be permanently or semi-permanently affixed (via mechanical or chemical bonding) to the mounting plate. The mounting plate allows the device to be positioned in various positions/angles quickly and securely. The present disclosure allows an image capture device to be used on several vehicles/mounting positions by virtue of a common baseplate or “tab.” 
         [0026]    The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0027]      FIGS. 1A-1B  illustrate an example implementation of a portable electronic device mount. 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  illustrates another example implementation of a portable electronic device mount. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate another example implementation of a portable electronic device mount. 
           [0030]      FIG. 4  illustrates an example implementation of a portable electronic device mount coupled to a first vehicle. 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  illustrates an example implementation of a portable electronic device mount coupled to a second vehicle. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]      FIGS. 1A-1B  illustrate an example implementation of a portable electronic device mount  100 . The portable electronic device mount  100 , as explained more fully herein, may accept an image capture device (e.g., camera, video camera, infrared or light sensitive camera, laser device, infrared signaling unit, GPS antenna, radar antenna, infrared “cat eyes” or other electronic and even non-electronic device) into a portion of the mount  100  and secure the device (not shown here) to the mount  100 . In some aspects, the image capture device may include a GoPro® camera. The mount  100  may further be secured to, for example, a vehicle or other mobile transportation device. Such examples include cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, remote controlled devices (e.g., drones, planes, cars), boats and other marine vehicles, as well as space and lunar vehicles. While the vehicle is in operation (e.g., moving), the image capture device secured to the mount  100  may record images (e.g., still or moving) and/or sound, thereby allowing a vehicle operator to safely operate the vehicle independent of operation of the image capture device. 
         [0033]    The illustrated implementation of the portable electronic device mount  100  includes a frame  105  that defines an opening  120  and, in this example, is generally rectangular, but may also be generally square or another shape (e.g., round or conforming to a contour of a vehicle, ship, vessel, counter, dashboard, surface, or other profile which may serve as a base). The frame  105 , on a rear face  125  shown in  FIG. 1A , includes a channel  110  formed as a recessed area in the frame  105 . In some examples, a depth of the channel  110  may be selected based at least in part on a thickness of a vehicle identifier (e.g., license plate or otherwise) that may be secured to the frame  105 . Channel  110  may also be used to insert a plate of Plexiglas®, acrylic or other clear material on top of the vehicle identification plate to shield the vehicle identification plate from stones, debris, dirt, radar reflections, glare, or otherwise. 
         [0034]    Formed in the channel  110  are one or more apertures  115  (four shown here). In some aspects, fasteners (not shown) may be received through the apertures  115  to, for example, secure the portable electronic device mount  100  to a vehicle or a portion of a vehicle. Further, the apertures  115  may receive one or more fasteners to secure the vehicle identifier to the frame  105 . In some examples, fasteners used to secure the portable electronic device mount  100  to a vehicle may also secure the vehicle identifier to the frame  105 . The device and apertures  115  may also be shaped in such a way as to allow the apertures  115  to be used to fasten the device mount to a hydraulic brake reservoir holder on a motorcycle, the pelorus on a vessel, or on the landing gear assembly on an aircraft. For example, a 3D printed model could be manufactured to snap on to a parachute jumper&#39;s helmet with a small tab to attach the device. 
         [0035]    The illustrated portable electronic device mount  100  includes a tab  130  that extends from a side of the frame  105 . Although the tab  130  is illustrated as extending from a long side of the generally rectangular frame  105 , other example implementations may include the tab  130  extending from a short side of the generally rectangular frame  105 . Further, there may be multiple tabs  130  that extend from the frame  105 . 
         [0036]    The illustrated tab  130  is integrally formed with the frame  105  and, in some implementations, may be forged, extruded, or machined from the same stock as the frame  105  (e.g., aluminum, steel, plastic, wood, polyethylene, or other rigid material). In alternative aspects, the tab  130  may be coupled to the frame  105  so as to rotate, pivot, or otherwise move relative to the frame  105 , while still remaining coupled to the frame  105 . For instance, the tab  130  may be hingedly coupled to the frame  105 . 
         [0037]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1B , which shows a front side  140  of the portable electronic device mount  100 , the tab  130  includes a slot  145  defined between two ridges  135 . In some aspects, such as when a particular type of image capture device is secured to the portable electronic device mount  100 , the slot  145  may accept a portion of the image capture device, which slides into the slot  145  and is secured with the ridges  135 . For example, in the case of a GoPro® image capture device, the slot  145  may accept a frame, housing, or other portion of the image capture device and secure the image capture device to the frame  105 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 2  illustrates another example implementation of a portable electronic device mount  200 . Portable electronic device mount  200  may be substantially similar to the portable electronic device mount  100 , and as shown in  FIG. 2 , a frame  205  defines an opening  220  and includes one or more apertures  215 . In this figure, a front side  240  of the frame  205  is illustrated. 
         [0039]    The portable electronic device mount  200  also includes a tab  230  that extends from the frame  205 . In this example, a front side of the tab  230 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , includes a substantially (e.g., accounting for material inconsistencies) planar surface  235 . In this implementation of the portable electronic device mount  200 , the planar surface  235  may accept (e.g., by an adhesive, mechanical fasteners, or otherwise) an external mount for an image capture device. 
         [0040]    In some aspects, the tab  230  may be implemented to mount a variety of other mounts that are commonly available for various devices (e.g., imagine capture devices or otherwise) without having to modify or damage a vehicle or the supporting mount to attach the device. For example, a hole may be formed (e.g., drilled) through the tab  235  of the mount  200  and either attach the device itself, or a quick release mount made specifically for the device, to the tab  235 . Further, the mount  200  may include an incorporated quick release mount configuration. 
         [0041]      FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate another example implementation of a portable electronic device mount  300 .  FIG. 3A  shows an isometric view,  FIG. 3B  shows a front plan view, and  FIG. 3C  shows a side view. The portable electronic device mount  300 , as with the portable electronic device mount  100  and  200 , may accept an image capture device (e.g., camera, video camera, infrared or light sensitive camera, or otherwise) into a portion of the mount  300  and secure the device (not shown here) to the mount  300 . In some aspects, the image capture device may include a GoPro® camera. The mount  300  may further be secured to, for example, a vehicle or other mobile transportation device. Such examples include cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, remote controlled devices (e.g., drones, planes, cars), boats and other marine vehicles, as well as space and lunar vehicles. While the vehicle is in operation (e.g., moving), the image capture device secured to the mount  300  may record images (e.g., still or moving), thereby allowing a vehicle operator to safely operate the vehicle independent of operation of the image capture device. The mount  300  may also allow a remote operator to control and/or operate the image capture device independently of the vehicle operator. 
         [0042]    The illustrated implementation of the portable electronic device mount  300  includes a frame  305  that defines an opening  320  and, in this example, is generally rectangular, but may also be generally square or another shape (e.g., round). The frame  305 , on a rear face  325  shown in  FIG. 3A , includes a channel  310  formed as a recessed area in the frame  305 . In some examples, a depth of the channel  310  may be selected based at least in part on a thickness of a vehicle identifier (e.g., license plate or otherwise) that may be secured to the frame  305 . 
         [0043]    Formed in the channel  310  are one or more apertures  315  (four shown here). In some aspects, fasteners (not shown) may be received through the apertures  315  to, for example, secure the portable electronic device mount  300  to a vehicle or a portion of a vehicle (or to another attachment point). Further, the apertures  315  may receive one or more fasteners to secure the vehicle identifier to the frame  305 . In some examples, fasteners used to secure the portable electronic device mount  300  to a vehicle may also secure the vehicle identifier to the frame  305 . In alternative aspects, the apertures  315  may also be reconfigured as hooks, or as molded tabs that could snap or click into a given profile of a vehicle or a portion of a vehicle without the need for fasteners. 
         [0044]    The illustrated portable electronic device mount  300  includes a tab  330  that extends from a side of the frame  305 . Although the tab  330  is illustrated as extending from a long side of the generally rectangular frame  305 , other example implementations may include the tab  330  extending from a short side of the generally rectangular frame  305 . Further, there may be multiple tabs  330  that extend from the frame  305  to accommodate several different mounting positions or to allow for the mounting of different devices either simultaneously or independently. 
         [0045]    The illustrated tab  330  is integrally formed with the frame  305  and, in some implementations, may be forged, extruded, or machined from the same stock as the frame  305  (e.g., aluminum, steel, polyethylene, or other rigid material). In alternative aspects, the tab  330  may be coupled to the frame  305  so as to rotate, pivot, or otherwise move relative to the frame  304 , while still remaining coupled to the frame  305 . For instance, the tab  330  may be hingedly coupled to the frame  305 . 
         [0046]    As illustrated in  FIG. 3B , which shows a front side  340  of the portable electronic device mount  300 , the tab  330  may include a planar front surface, similar to the planar surface  235  of the portable electronic device mount  200 . Thus, as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C , an image capture device coupling  380  may be secured (e.g., with fasteners  385  shown in  FIG. 3C ) to the tab  330 . Tab  330  may also be formed at a different angle or rotated so as not to be parallel to the surface of the front side  340 . For example, the tab  330  may be turned 90 degrees so that the device is capturing the right or left of the vehicle, and not the front or back. 
         [0047]      FIG. 4  illustrates an example implementation of a portable electronic device mount  410  coupled to a first vehicle  400 . In this example, the vehicle  400  includes a motorcycle  405 . The portable electronic device mount  410  is mounted to the motorcycle  405  near a back wheel and supports a license plate of the motorcycle  405 . As shown in this example, the portable electronic device mount  410  includes an image capture device  415  (e.g., a GoPro® camera) mounted to the portable electronic device mount  410 . The portable electronic device mount  410  may also be coupled to the motorcycle  405  at other locations, such as on the side of a motorcycle with mount  410  rotated 90 degrees so that tab  515  is either at the top or bottom of the mount  410 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 5  illustrates an example implementation of a portable electronic device mount  510  coupled to a second vehicle  500 . In this example, the vehicle  500  includes a car  505 . The portable electronic device mount  510  is mounted to the car  505  near a back bumper and supports a license plate of the car  505 . As shown in this example, the portable electronic device mount  510  includes an image capture device  515  (e.g., a GoPro® camera) mounted to the portable electronic device mount  510 . The portable electronic device mount  510  may also be coupled to the car  505  at the front bumper or other locations. 
         [0049]    A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of what is described. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.