Abstract:
A communications device mounting assembly ( 40 ). The assembly ( 40 ) includes a first mounting part ( 42 ), a second mounting part ( 44 ) and a pivotable connection ( 46, 48 ). The first mounting part ( 42 ) is adapted for magnetic engagement with a magnetically attractable part ( 162 ) affixed to, or forming part of, a communications device ( 160 ). The second mounting part ( 44 ) is adapted for magnetic engagement with a surface or component ( 60 ) affixed to, or forming part of, the surface or component ( 60 ). The pivotable connection ( 46, 48 ) between the first mounting part ( 42 ) and the second mounting part ( 44 ) is adapted to allow the first mounting part ( 42 ) to be angularly moveable relative to the second mounting part ( 44 ). The strength of magnetic engagement between the first mounting part ( 42 ) and the magnetically attractable part ( 162 ) is less than the strength of magnetic engagement between the second mounting part ( 44 ) and the surface or component ( 60 ), such that during the application of a sufficiently large separating force between the magnetically attractable part ( 162 ) and the surface or component ( 60 ), the magnetic engagement between the first mounting part ( 42 ) and the magnetically attractable part ( 162 ) will release preferentially ahead of the engagement between the second mounting part ( 44 ) and the surface or component ( 60 ).

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a communications device mounting assembly. 
         [0002]    The invention has been primarily developed for use in mounting a smartphone (e.g. iPhone) to various surfaces and other components and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, the invention is also applicable for use with other communication devices such as tablets (e.g. iPads) and other portable electronic devices with a sufficiently sized flat mounting surface and weighing less than about 380 grams. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Various devices are known that are used to mount smartphones, tablets and other communication devices using manual or magnetic connectors. However, a disadvantage of existing devices is they do not allow the communications device to easily move between different mounting environments. Existing mounting devices for one environment also can not be used with mounting devices suited for another environment. For example, a smartphone car windscreen mount is suitable for mounting a smartphone to a car windscreen only, and can not be used with a household mounting device. 
       OBJECT OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate the above disadvantage. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0005]    Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a communications device mounting assembly, the assembly including: 
         [0006]    a first mounting part adapted for magnetic engagement with a magnetically attractable part affixed to, or forming part of, a communications device; 
         [0007]    a second mounting part adapted for magnetic engagement with a surface or component affixed to, or forming part of, the surface or component; and 
         [0008]    a pivotable connection between the first mounting part and the second mounting part adapted to allow the first mounting part to be angularly moveable relative to the second mounting part, 
         [0009]    wherein the strength of magnetic engagement between the first mounting part and the magnetically attractable part is less than the strength of magnetic engagement between the second mounting part and the surface or component, such that during the application of a sufficiently large separating force between the magnetically attractable part and the surface or component, the magnetic engagement between the first mounting part and the magnetically attractable part will release preferentially ahead of the engagement between the second mounting part and the surface or component. 
         [0010]    The first mounting part and the second mounting part are preferably provided on opposite sides of the assembly, and either side of the pivotable connection respectively. 
         [0011]    The pivotable connection preferably includes a ball and socket arrangement, most preferably adapted to allow for a 30 degree cone of relative movement. 
         [0012]    The first mounting part preferably includes a recessed female magnetic region. The magnetically attractable part affixed to, or forming part of, the communications device preferably includes a male protruding region adapted for location within the recessed female magnetic region. 
         [0013]    The second mounting part includes a male protruding magnetic region, of opposite magnetic polarity to the recessed female magnetic region. 
         [0014]    In a second aspect, the present invention provides a communications device mounting assembly, the assembly including: 
         [0015]    a first mounting part adapted for magnetic engagement with a magnetically attractable part affixed to, or forming part of, a communications device; 
         [0016]    a second mounting part adapted for magnetic engagement surface or component affixed to, or forming part of, the surface; and 
         [0017]    a pivotable connection between the first mounting part and the second mounting part adapted to allow the first mounting part to be angularly moveable relative to the second mounting part, 
         [0018]    wherein the first mounting part includes a recessed female magnetic region and the magnetically attractable part affixed to, or forming part of, the communications device includes a male protruding region adapted for location within the recessed female magnetic region. 
         [0019]    The second mounting part includes a male protruding magnetic region, of opposite magnetic polarity to the recessed female magnetic region. 
         [0020]    The strength of magnetic engagement between the first mounting part and the magnetically attractable part is preferably less than the strength of magnetic engagement between the second mount and the surface or component, such that during the application of a sufficiently large separating force between the magnetically attractable part and the surface or component, the magnetic engagement between the first mounting part and the magnetically attractable part will release preferentially ahead of the engagement between the second mounting part and the surface or component. 
         [0021]    The first mounting part and the second mounting part are preferably provided on opposite sides of the assembly, and either side of the pivotable connection respectively. 
         [0022]    The pivotable connection preferably includes a ball and socket arrangement, most preferably adapted to allow for a 30 degree cone of relative movement. 
         [0023]    The first mounting part and the second mounting part are preferably provided on opposite sides of the assembly. 
         [0024]    In a third aspect, the present invention provides a communications device mounting kit, the kit including: 
         [0025]    the communications device mounting assembly defined in the first aspect or the second aspect; and 
         [0026]    a supplementary mounting device having a third mounting part adapted for magnetic engagement with the second mounting part of the communications device mounting assembly, 
         [0027]    wherein the strength of magnetic engagement between the first mounting part and the magnetically attractive part is less than the strength of magnetic engagement between the second mounting part and the third mounting part, such that during the application of a sufficiently large separating force between the magnetically attractive part and the supplementary mounting device, the magnetic engagement between the first mounting part and the magnetically attractive part will release preferentially ahead of the engagement between the second mounting part and third mounting part. 
         [0028]    The third mounting part preferably includes a recessed female magnetic region. 
         [0029]    The supplementary mounting device preferably includes a suction apparatus, on the opposite side to the third mounting part. 
         [0030]    The supplementary mounting device preferably includes AMPS mounting surface, on the opposite side to the third mounting part. 
         [0031]    In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a communications device mounting assembly, the assembly including: 
         [0032]    a first mounting part adapted for magnetic engagement with a magnetically attractable part affixed to, or forming part of, a communications device; 
         [0033]    a second mounting part adapted for clamping engagement with a vehicle vent; 
         [0034]    wherein the strength of magnetic engagement between the first mounting part and the magnetically attractable part is less than the strength of clamping engagement between the second mounting part and the vent, such that during the application of a sufficiently large separating force between the magnetically attractable part and the surface or component, the magnetic engagement between the first mounting part and the magnetically attractable part will release preferentially ahead of the engagement between the second mounting part and the vent. 
         [0035]    The first mounting part preferably includes a recessed female magnetic region. The magnetically attractable part affixed to, or forming part of, the communications device preferably includes a male protruding region adapted for location within the recessed female magnetic region. 
         [0036]    In a fifth, the present invention provides a communications device mounting assembly, the assembly including: 
         [0037]    a first mounting part adapted for magnetic engagement with a magnetically attractable part affixed to, or forming part of, a communications device; 
         [0038]    a second mounting part adapted for clamping engagement with a vehicle handlebar; 
         [0039]    wherein the strength of magnetic engagement between the first mounting part and the magnetically attractable part is less than the strength of clamping engagement between the second mounting part and the handlebar, such that during the application of a sufficiently large separating force between the magnetically attractable part and the surface or component, the magnetic engagement between the first mounting part and the magnetically attractable part will release preferentially ahead of the engagement between the second mounting part and the handlebar. 
         [0040]    The first mounting part preferably includes a recessed female magnetic region. The magnetically attractable part affixed to, or forming part of, the communications device preferably includes a male protruding region adapted for location within the recessed female magnetic region. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0041]    Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0042]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a first embodiment of a communications device mounting assembly; 
           [0043]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 3  is a rear view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 1  in an angled configuration; 
           [0046]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 1  in an aligned configuration; 
           [0047]      FIG. 6  is a cross sectional side view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0048]      FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a communications device mounted assembly; 
           [0049]      FIG. 8  is a rear view perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 9  is a cross sectional side view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 10  is a front view of a third embodiment of a communications device mounting assembly; 
           [0052]      FIG. 11  is a rear view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0054]      FIG. 13  is a cross sectional side view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0055]      FIG. 14  is a front view of a fourth embodiment of a communications device mounting assembly; 
           [0056]      FIG. 15  is a side view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 14  in a closed configuration; 
           [0057]      FIG. 16  is a side view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 14  in an open configuration; 
           [0058]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0059]      FIG. 18  is a cross sectional side view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0060]      FIG. 19  is a cross sectional side view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0061]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of he communications device mounting assembly in a closed configuration; 
           [0062]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 20  in an open configuration; 
           [0063]      FIG. 22  is a cross sectional side view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 20 ; 
           [0064]      FIG. 23  is a cross sectional side view of he assembly in  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0065]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a smartphone with a shim mounted thereon; 
           [0066]      FIG. 25  shows the smartphone in  FIG. 24  positioned for engagement with the assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0067]      FIG. 26  is a side view of the components shown in  FIG. 25  in an engaged configuration; 
           [0068]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the smartphone shown in  FIG. 24 , the mounting assembly in  FIG. 1  and the mounting assembly shown in  FIG. 7  positioned for engagement with of one another; 
           [0069]      FIG. 28  is a side view of the components shown in  FIG. 27  in an engaged configuration; 
           [0070]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view showing the smartphone shown in  FIG. 24 , the assembly shown in  FIG. 1  and the mounting assembly shown in  FIG. 10  positioned for engagement with one another; 
           [0071]      FIG. 30  is a side view showing the components of  FIG. 29  engaged with one another; 
           [0072]      FIG. 31  shows the smartphone of  FIG. 24  and the assembly of  FIG. 14  positioned for engagement with one another; 
           [0073]      FIG. 32  is a side view of the components shown in  FIG. 31  in an engaged configuration; 
           [0074]      FIG. 33  shows a smartphone of  FIG. 24  and the assembly of  FIG. 20  positioned for engagement with one another; and 
           [0075]      FIG. 34  is a side view of the components shown in  FIG. 33  in an engaged configuration. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0076]      FIG. 1 to 6  show a first embodiment of a communications device mounting assembly  40 . The device  40  includes a first mounting part  42  and a second mounting part  44 . The first and second mounting parts  42  and  44  are pivotably connected to one another by a ball  48  and socket  46  arrangement with the socket  46  being associated with the first mounting part  42  and the ball  48  being associated with the second mounting part  44 . As best shown in  FIG. 4 , the ball and socket arrangement  46 ,  48  allows the first mounting part  42  and second part mounting part  44  to be moved angularly with respect to each other within a 30 degree conical range of movement. 
         [0077]    The first mounting part  42  includes a shallow cylindrically shaped recessed female region  50  under which is positioned a first magnet  52 . The second mounting part  44  includes a shallow cylindrical shaped male protruding region  54  under which is located a second magnet  56 . The magnets are of the polymagnet type, as generally described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,800,471. 
         [0078]    The first mounting part  42  is formed from an inner part  42   a  and an outer part  42   b  which are both injection moulded from plastic materials, such as PC ABS, and which sandwich the first magnet  52  therebetween when mounted to each other by a cylindrical clip arrangement. The second mounting part  44  similarly includes an inner part  44   a  and an outer part  44   b  with the second magnet  56  sandwiched therebetween. 
         [0079]    The outwardly facing surfaces of the first and second magnets  52  and  56  are of reverse polarity to one another. The first magnet  52  has a pull force of approximately 35 Newtons and the second magnet has a pull force  56  of approximately 45 Newtons. The relevance of the pull strength of the first magnet  52  being lower than that of the second magnet  56  will be described in more detail below. 
         [0080]      FIGS. 7 to 9  show a second embodiment of communications device mounting assembly  60 . The assembly  60  has a top part  62  and a base part  64  of generally truncated, conical shape. The top part  62  includes a third mounting part with a recessed female magnetic region  66  (similar to the region  50 ) associated with a third magnet  68 . The base part  64  includes a silicon suction cup  70  with a release tab  72 . The assembly  60  has an internal mechanism configured such that relative rotational movement between the top part  62  and the base part  64  draws the center of the suction cup  70  inwardly into the assembly  60 , thereby creating suction against any flat surface upon which the assembly  60  is placed. 
         [0081]      FIGS. 10 to 13  show a third embodiment of a communications device mounting assembly  80 , in the well-known AMPS format. The assembly  80  includes four mounting holes  82  and a recessed female magnetic region  84  (similar to the region  50 ) associated with a fourth magnet  86 . 
         [0082]      FIGS. 14 to 19  show a fourth embodiment of a communications device mounting assembly  100 . The assembly  100  includes a top part  102  and a base part  104 . The top part  102  includes a recessed female magnetic region  106  (similar to the region  50 ) associated with a fifth magnet  108 . The movable jaw  112  is biased towards the fixed jaw  110  by a spring  114 . The movable jaw  112  is also connected to the top part  102  by a pivoting link  116 . When the top part  102  is depressed and driven into the base part  104 , the link  116  drives the movable jaw  112  away from the fixed jaw  110  against the bias of the spring  114 . This open position is shown in  FIG. 19  and allows the assembly  100  to be positioned with the fixed jaw  110  and the movable jaw  112  either side of a blade of a vehicle vent. When the depression of the top part  102  is released, the spring  114  drives the movable jaw  112  towards the fixed jaw  110  to clamp the assembly  100  relative to the vent blade. 
         [0083]      FIG. 20  shows a fifth embodiment of a communications device mounting assembly  120  suitable for installation around a bicycle or motorcycle handle bar (or other cylindrical or elongate object). The assembly  120  includes a top part  122  and a base part  124 . The top part  122  includes a recessed female magnetic region  126  (similar to the region  50 ) associated with a sixth magnet  128 . The base part  124  includes a flexible strap  130 . The distal end of the strap  130  has a set of barbs  132 . The base part  124  also includes a slot  134  for receiving the distal end of the strap  130  and a catch  136  which is able to engage with the barbs  132 . The strap  130  is loop around the handle bar whilst the top part  122  is in the open position shown in  FIG. 23 . After the distal end of the strap  130  has been positioned within the slot  134  at a suitable location, the top part  122  is pivoted to the closed position  22 , which drives the catch  136  into engagement with the barbs  132 , thereby locking the assembly  120  to the handle bar. The top part  122  also includes a catch  138 , which is biased to a locking position by a spring  140 . The catch  138  engages with a hump  142  on the base part  124  when in the closed position shown in  FIG. 22 . Pressing the catch  138  inwardly releases this engagement and allows the top part  122  to be moved to the open position shown in  FIG. 23 . 
         [0084]    The base part also includes a cushion  144  to assist in securely locating the assembly  100  around the handle bar. 
         [0085]    The use of the assemblies described above will now be described. 
         [0086]      FIG. 24  shows a smartphone  160  to which has been adhered a thin cylindrical disc or shim  162  that is covered by a thin adhesive sheet  164 . The outer diameter of the shim  162  is only slightly less than the inner diameter of the recessed female region  50  on the assembly  40 . 
         [0087]      FIG. 25  shows the smartphone  160  being positioned for engagement with the assembly  40  described in  FIGS. 1 to 6 .  FIG. 26  shows the smartphone  160  mounted to the assembly  40  due to the magnetic attracting force between the first magnet  52  and the shim  162 . The magnetic attracting force locates the smartphone  160  relative to the assembly  140  in the longitudinal direction. The engagement of the protruding shim  162  within the recessed magnetic region  50  locates the smartphone laterally with respect to the assembly  40 , whilst still allowing the smartphone  160  to be manually pivoted with respect to the assembly  40  without losing the engagement therebetween. The ball and socket arrangement  46  and  48  also allows the smartphone  160  to be pivoted relative to the second part  44  of the assembly  40  for optimum positioning of same. 
         [0088]    The second magnet  56  of the assembly  40  can be used to mount the smartphone  160  to any magnetic attractable surface, such as refrigerator or other kitchen appliance, by placing the male region  54  against the surface. As the magnetic attraction between the smartphone  160  and the first magnet  52  is less than that between the second magnet  56  and the mounting surface, the smartphone can be easily removed from the assembly  40 , leaving the assembly  40  in place on the surface for future use. 
         [0089]      FIG. 27  shows the smartphone  160 , the assembly  40  and the assembly  60 , as described in  FIGS. 7 to 9 , positioned for engagement with one another.  FIG. 28  shows these components after engagement with one another. The smartphone  160  is located with respect to the assembly  40  by the previously described engagement between the shim  162  in the recessed female region  50 . A similar engagement occurs between the assembly  40  and the assembly  60  with the raised male region  56  of the assembly  40  being received within the recessed female region  66  of the assembly  60 . The polarity of the magnet  56  associated with the male region  54  is opposite to, and thus attractive with, the polarity of the magnet  68  associated with the recessed female region  66 , The polarity of the magnets  52  and  56  are the same and thus repelling in order to ensure that the components are always connected in the correct orientation shown in  FIG. 28 , with the corresponding male and female regions engaging with one another. 
         [0090]    The magnetic attraction between the smartphone  160  and the assembly  40  is less than that of the magnetic attraction between the assembly  40  and the assembly  60 . Accordingly, when a user desires to remove the smartphone  160  from its mounting, it will release whilst leaving the assemblies  40  and  60  in place. 
         [0091]    As previously mentioned, the assembly  60  is suitable for suction attachment with glass (e.g. a windscreen) or other smooth surfaces. The desired position and orientation of the smartphone  160  relative to the surface to which the second assembly  60  is mounted can be easily adjusted by rotating the smartphone  160  relative to the first assembly  40 , adjusting the angle of the smartphone  160  relative to the second part  44  of the assembly and by turning the second assembly  60  prior to its suction engagement with the surface. 
         [0092]      FIGS. 29 and 30  show the smartphone  160  and the assembly  40  being used with the assembly  80  shown in  FIGS. 11 to 13 . As with earlier embodiments, the angle, orientation and position of the smartphone  160  can be easily adjusted relative to the assembly  80  and the magnetic attraction between the smartphone  160  and the assembly  40  releases preferentially over that between the assembly  40  and the assembly  80 . In addition, as with all the previous embodiments, the polarity of the various magnets ensures that the components can only be assembled in the correct relative orientation shown. 
         [0093]      FIGS. 31 and 32  show the smartphone  160  being used with the assembly  100  shown in  FIGS. 14 to 19 . As with the earlier embodiments, the shim  162  is magnetically engaged with the magnet  108  and received and located within the recessed female region  106 . The magnetic attraction between the smartphone  160  and the assembly  100  is less than the clamping engagement between the assembly  100  and a vent blade, such that the smartphone  160  can be easily removed from the assembly  100 , leaving the assembly  100  engaged with the vent blade for future use. 
         [0094]      FIGS. 33 and 34  show the smartphone  160  used with the assembly  120  shown in  FIGS. 20 to 23 . As with the earlier embodiments, the shim  162  magnetically engages with the magnet  128  and is also located within the recessed female region  126 . Again as with the earlier embodiments, the magnetic attraction between the smartphone  160  and the assembly  120  is less than the clamping engagement between the assembly  120  and a handle bar, such that the smartphone can be easily removed leaving the assembly  120  in place for future use. 
         [0095]    The assemblies described above have numerous advantages. Firstly, they provide a fast, easy and intuitive mechanism that can mount a smartphone or similar device to a mounting assembly, with that mounting being secure, adjustable and easily releasable. Incorrect mounting is avoided due to the relative polarities of the various magnets. The smartphone can also be quickly and easily be swapped from one mounting assembly type to another, for example as a user moves between household locations, vehicles and performs various tasks. This relocation is aided by the preferential release of the smartphone only, over that of the mounts (which can be used alone or in combination). It is envisaged that a user will have several different type of mounting assemblies at various home, work, recreation, vehicle and other locations. 
         [0096]    The assembly  40  can also be used in isolation as a magnetic device per se, for example as a fridge magnet, to locate items against a metallic surface. 
         [0097]    Although the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by person skilled in the art that the invention can be embodied in many other forms. For example, neo type magnets can also be used with the assemblies described above. Also, the shim can be incorporated into the original construction of the smartphone or to a case or cover for same.