Mounting apparatus

A mounting apparatus and system and method for making the same are provided. The mounting apparatus allows an object to be mounted to a mounting surface via magnetic attractions between different planes of engagement. Through the movement of planes of magnets, an object that is brought in proximity to the mounting apparatus may engage one of the magnetic planes and then be moved further to engage the other magnetic plane, with the combined magnetic force being configured to support the particular object for which the mounting apparatus is designed. The engagement and/or disengagement of the object from the mounting apparatus can thus occur in stages, by degrees, and/or in a tiered manner.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to methods, systems, and apparatuses for releasably engaging multiple bodies. In particular, various mechanisms for attaching and releasing objects in stages are described.

BACKGROUND

Numerous solutions exist for attaching, connecting, or otherwise joining two or more objects, as there are many reasons objects may need to be attached. Fewer solutions also provide mounting functionality.

Potentially mountable objects make up a variety of sizes, shapes, and weights, so common mounting methods vary widely in form and function. Generally, available mounting means require mechanical fasteners for attaching an object particularly for relatively large or heavy objects and often also require tools and installation time. Toolless mounting methods, such as those that rely on a snap-in mechanism, are faster but may require a user to apply precise and, often, concentrated pressure to the object during mounting. Similar intervention may also be required for release of the object. Quick-mount solutions, such as suction mounts and magnetic mounts, are typically useful for relatively light objects, but these mounts are often relatively insecure and are more prone to unintentional disengagement than are the aforementioned means. Additionally, if configured for heavier objects or to provide greater security, quick-mount solutions require a greater holding force than is necessary for attachment alone in order to bear the weight of the object, and such strong holding forces may cause users unnecessary difficulty in releasing or dismounting the object.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for simple, scalable, and cost-effective apparatuses and systems for attaching and/or mounting objects of various sizes, shapes, and weights to different mounting surfaces that allow for quick and easy attachment and release of the objects.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, various and diverse embodiments are feasible within the scope and spirit of the invention and may be applied broadly in many technical fields across several industries for uses other than those outlined herein. Thus, the invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.

The following disclosure generally describes a method for releasably engaging one physical body with another, as well as associated systems and apparatuses. For the purposes of explanation, the invention will be described in terms of a mounting process. While terminology within this context (e.g., mounting, mounting apparatus, etc.) is useful for explanatory purposes, the chosen course of explanation should not be construed to limit the scope of the described method or embodiments.

Accordingly, it should be noted that an embodiment termed a mounting apparatus in this disclosure may be functional for purposes other than mounting. For example, some mounting apparatuses described herein may be applied separately to two or more bodies (e.g., like embodiments of the invention applied to each body), and the apparatuses may be attached one to the other to join the bodies together. In such a scenario, the invention may be regarded as an attachment interface.

Additionally, like embodiments (such as those described above) may be configured with connectors that are compatible when joined one to the other so that joining the apparatuses may facilitate a connection between the bodies. Consequently, the invention may be thought of as a connection interface in certain contexts.

Moreover, some embodiments of the invention, which may be configured in a like or similar manner to some embodiments described herein, may themselves be mounted to other mounting apparatuses not described herein, thus enhancing the functionality of the known mounting apparatuses. Thus, in some situations, the invention may be considered to be a mounting interface.

In consideration of the variations outlined above, which are not exhaustive and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention but instead are meant to illustrate the broad application and usefulness of the applied method, further description herein will use terminology within the context of a mounting process to facilitate explanation of the invention. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “object” is used to refer to any physical body that is meant to engage a mounting apparatus. The term makes no reference to the role of the object in the mounting process. For example, a wall may be an object (e.g., it is meant to engage a mounting apparatus), but a wall cannot be, itself, mounted as an object in the traditional sense. In such contexts, the object may be described as an object interface that is capable of attaching to the wall so that the wall may engage the apparatus. In some contexts, the meaning of the term object may be extended to include an item or device a user ultimately wishes to mount (e.g., a television, painting, mobile phone, tablet computer, shelving unit, etc.).

The term “engagement” refers to the magnetic hold established between two or more components when a stage of attachment is complete (continuing until a corresponding stage of disengagement occurs) or when an object has attached to an apparatus via at least one completed stage of attachment (this may be referred to as, e.g., partial engagement), and the term may also refer to physical contact between two surfaces in some cases. The term “total engagement force” refers to a targeted (e.g., sought, required, etc.), and substantially peak, net magnetic force achieved between an object (or object interface) and an apparatus. The terms “attraction” or “attraction force” and “repel,” “repulsion,” or “repelling force” will refer to magnetic influence or interaction that may occur as part of a process of engagement (e.g., magnetic forces that are deemed to be in progress and are not engagement, as described above). The term “overall engagement force” is a sum of the respective engagement forces (of various stages of engagement) and/or attraction forces that may occur or be present during the mounting or dismounting process that leads up to (e.g., an increasing overall engagement force) or away from (e.g., decreasing), but does not include, a total engagement force, as described above (e.g., it is always less than a total engagement force).

The term “magnet” refers to any material or component that responds to a magnetic field, including a ferrous metal or other material that is configured to respond to magnetism, a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, a correlated magnet, a programmed/coded magnet, etc., or a combination of these.

The term “mounting magnet” may refer to a magnet or group of magnets, as defined above, or may reference a certain component of an apparatus or system that responds to a magnetic field.

Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “bottom,” “top,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” and similar terms are used for ease of explanation and refer generally to the position of certain components or parts of components of embodiments of the described invention at various points during the mounting or dismounting process. It is understood that such terms are not used in any absolute sense, and, as such, part of a component described as an “outer surface” at one point during the mounting process, for example, may be on an inner portion of the apparatus or system upon completion of the mounting process.

Objects of various types, sizes, shapes, weights, etc. have different mounting requirements. For example, a user may wish to mount a small, relatively lightweight object such as a GPS device to an irregular (e.g., sloped) surface of a vehicle dashboard. The user may further wish to mount the GPS device with one hand in one simple motion without necessarily having to concentrate on positioning the object with respect to the mounting apparatus. In a different scenario, however, the user may want to mount a large, heavy object to a relatively vertical surface, such as may be the case when the user wishes to mount a 52″ plasma television to a wall in the user's home. In this case, the user may need to support the object with two hands and may want to accomplish the mounting operation as quickly as possible, while at the same time ensuring that the television is properly secured and will not accidentally fall and be damaged once mounted. When the time comes to take the object off the mounting apparatus, whether the object is large or small, heavy or light, the user may again wish to accomplish the task in a relatively simple manner by exerting as little effort as possible.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide for a mounting apparatus that is configured for mounting an object to a mounting surface using magnetism. As described below, embodiments of the mounting apparatus provide at least two magnets arranged in two different planes, with at least one of the planes being configured to move with respect to the other one. Through the movement of the planes of magnets, an object that is brought in proximity to the mounting apparatus may engage one of the magnetic planes and then be moved further to engage the other magnetic plane, with the combined magnetic force (e.g., total engagement force) being configured such that the mounting apparatus or system supports the particular object for which it is designed.

By dividing the total required magnetic force into two planes (or more, as described below), engagement and/or disengagement of the object from the mounting apparatus may occur in stages. As such, in some embodiments, a user bringing the object into proximity with the mounting apparatus during the mounting process may be able to gradually engage the object with the mounting apparatus. In other words, as the object is brought closer to the mounting apparatus, the magnetic force that is created between the object and the various magnetic planes of the mounting apparatus will, initially, be less than the total magnetic force that will ultimately provide support for the object and will gradually increase as the object fully engages the mounting apparatus.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, a user may be able to disengage the object from the mounting apparatus in stages by successively disengaging the object from each magnetic plane of engagement. Such a tiered release of the object may allow the user to apply a disengaging force to the mounted object that is less than the total engagement force that exists between the mounting apparatus and the object when the object is fully engaged (e.g., mounted to the surface). Thus, for example, in the case of a heavy object that is engaged with the mounting apparatus, the user need not pull the object off the mounting apparatus by applying an opposite force that is equal to the total (e.g., large) force that is used to keep the object engaged with the mounting apparatus. Rather, the user can apply a force that is sufficient to overcome the magnetic force between the object and one of the magnetic planes (e.g., less than the total engagement force of all the planes), such that the object is disengaged gradually (e.g., releasing from each plane separately).

In addition to the staged engagement and disengagement that is possible by way of embodiments of the invention described below, the mounting apparatus may be configured to provide other functions that facilitate a mounting and/or dismounting operation and/or functions that facilitate or enhance use of the mounted object. For example, in some embodiments, the mounting apparatus may be configured to allow the object to self-align with the mounting apparatus. The mounting apparatus may further be configured to structurally support objects of various weights and configurations (e.g., sizes and shapes), provide data and electrical connections with the object, and engage the object in different ways. Some embodiments may allow manipulation of an engaged object (e.g., various movements of the object) either by the user or by the apparatus acting on the object in a controlled manner. Further embodiments may provide an effective locking mechanism for the object. Other configurations may manage the functionality of an object by partially disengaging and re-engaging the object. Still other embodiments may ready the apparatus for engagement, change the appearance of the apparatus, and/or change the way the apparatus may be engaged. And in other configurations, the apparatus may remain unobtrusive or inconspicuous until it is meant to be used.

Accordingly, as will become apparent in light of the description below and with reference to the accompanying figures, the method disclosed herein may be embodied in multiple ways. A self-contained (e.g., standalone) apparatus may be constructed and configured to be affixed to a portable or fixed body (e.g., a mounting surface), some embodiments hereinafter described being examples of such. Additionally, the method may be applied to an existing body (e.g., a wall, a television, a frame for artwork), or a portion of an existing body, such that the body is modified to achieve the desired functionality of the invention (e.g., to incorporate embodiments of the invention), wherein existing components or features of the body are used as components or features of embodiments of the invention, so that such embodiments are partially or fully embedded within the body. Described another way, components that may be necessary for an embodiment of the invention and that are absent in the body may be added to the body, and components or features of the body already suitable for carrying out the needed roles of the prescribed components of the embodiment may be used as-is or may be altered as necessary; all components together being configured to achieve an apparatus comprised of both existing components and added components and residing at least partially within the body. The latter practice may be particularly beneficial, as modifying an existing body may often be less expensive and/or less invasive than embedding a self-contained apparatus, and, in some cases, an integrated embodiment may be more aesthetically appealing than would a self-contained apparatus affixed to the body. One example is that of a wall being modified, wherein the method is applied to a portion of the wall so that an object may be mounted to the wall, and wherein most of the components configured to create the embodiment of the invention are hidden within the wall so that the impact on the visual aesthetic of the wall is minimal as compared to affixing a self-contained apparatus to the wall. Moreover, in addition to the practices cited above, a system is provided, wherein an apparatus and an object interface (or two apparatuses) may be created for the bodies (by either construction or modification, as explained above) that are configured to agree with one another during the mounting process.

The method provided for mounting an object to a mounting surface comprises supporting a first mounting magnet in a first plane; supporting a second mounting magnet in a second plane; allowing at least one of the mounting magnets to move independently of the other mounting magnet along a line of engagement that intersects the first and second planes; limiting movement of the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable between a respective outer limit position and a respective base limit position; configuring the mounting magnets to cooperate to engage the object to be mounted to produce a total engagement force; and configuring the respective outer limit position of the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable such that a disengaging force that is less than the total engagement force and that is applied to a mounted object overcomes the total engagement force in stages by successively overcoming the respective engagement forces associated with the first and second mounting magnets to disengage the object.

At least one of the first or second planes may be defined by a curved surface. Also, one of the mounting magnets may have a fixed position. For example, the first mounting magnet may have a fixed position, and the second mounting magnet may be movable.

The first mounting magnet may comprise a plurality of magnets. Likewise, the second mounting magnet may comprise a plurality of magnets.

A controlling force may be applied to the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable to control at least the movement or functionality of the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable. The controlling force may be configured to bias the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable away from the object to be mounted. The controlling force may be configured to bias the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable toward the object to be mounted. Furthermore, the controlling force may be configured to move the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable between its respective outer limit position and its respective base limit position.

The controlling force may be removable, may be configured to be adjustable, and/or may be configured to be dynamically adjusted so as to define a respective holding position of the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable between the respective outer limit position and the respective base limit position of the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable.

The controlling force may be configured to be managed remotely. Also, an interface may be configured for managing the controlling force. The controlling force may comprise a plurality of controlling forces, and each respective controlling force may be configured to control a corresponding mounting magnet.

At least one of the mounting magnets may be configured to receive a portion of the object to be mounted. And receiving the portion of the object to be mounted may comprise structurally supporting the object.

Structurally supporting the object may comprise limiting movement of the object to a direction along a single axis relative to the mounting apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, structurally supporting the object may comprise at least partially supporting a weight of the object. Moreover, receiving the portion of the object to be mounted may comprise guiding engagement of the object.

At least one short-range wireless data transfer device may be positioned proximate a target mounting area, and the at least one short-range wireless data transfer device may be configured to be within a communication range of a communication component associated with the object when the object is mounted. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one short-range wireless data transfer device may be within a communication range of a communication component associated with the object when the object is fully engaged and may be outside the communication range of the communication component when the object is partially disengaged or fully disengaged.

At least one wireless charging device may be positioned proximate a target mounting area, and the at least one wireless charging device may be configured to be within a charging range of a compatible wireless charging component when the object is partially or fully engaged with the mounting apparatus.

Furthermore, at least one connection interface may be supported in at least one of the first or second planes. The connection interface may be an electrical connector.

The first mounting magnet may be configured to have a first magnetic force, and the second mounting magnet may be configured to have a second magnetic force that is substantially opposite the first magnetic force.

The second mounting magnet may be movable, and a plurality of second mounting magnets may be supported in a plurality of respective second planes. The second mounting magnets may be configured such that the respective base limit position of each second mounting magnet is in substantially the same plane. The second mounting magnets may be arranged in a nested configuration. Also, the second mounting magnets may be arranged in a telescoping configuration.

The respective limit positions of the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable may be configured such that the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable is movable to a position in which the first and second planes substantially coincide.

In some embodiments, the second mounting magnet may be movable and the first mounting magnet may be in a fixed position.

The second mounting magnet may be configured such that the base limit position of the second mounting magnet substantially coincides with the first plane. Alternatively, the second mounting magnet may be configured such that the outer limit position of the second mounting magnet substantially coincides with the first plane.

In some embodiments, the first mounting magnet and the second mounting magnet may be movable.

The respective base limit positions of the first mounting magnet and the second mounting magnet may be configured such that the respective base limit positions are in substantially the same plane. Also, the respective outer limit positions of the first mounting magnet and the second mounting magnet may be configured such that the respective outer limit positions are in substantially the same plane.

The outer limit position of the first mounting magnet and the base limit position of the second mounting magnet may be configured such that the outer limit position of the first mounting magnet and the base limit position of the second mounting magnet are in substantially the same plane.

At least the first mounting magnet or the second mounting magnet may be positioned relative to a target mounting area such that proximity of an object to be mounted to the target mounting area produces at least one attraction force with respect to at least one of the first or second mounting magnets. At least one of the mounting magnets that is movable may be configured to move toward the object to be mounted as a result of the at least one attraction force.

The positions of the mounting magnets and the respective limit positions of the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable may be configured such that the at least one attraction force draws the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable toward the respective outer limit position, thereby defining a range for the first engagement position.

Furthermore, the positions of the mounting magnets and the respective limit positions of the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable may be configured such that engagement between the object and the respective mounting magnet within the range for the first engagement position results in a second attraction force that draws the object and the unengaged mounting magnet together for engagement such that a total engagement force is produced for mounting the object to the apparatus.

A retaining force may be configured to bias the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable away from the object to be mounted. The retaining force may be less than the at least one attraction force.

A third mounting magnet may be supported in a third plane. The third mounting magnet may be configured to be attached to an object to be mounted to adapt the object to agree with at least one of the first or second mounting magnets.

The third mounting magnet may comprise a plurality of magnets. Also, the third mounting magnet may comprise a plurality of third mounting magnets in a plurality of third planes.

Furthermore, the third mounting magnet may be configured to apply an object controlling force to at least one of the first or second mounting magnets.

In one embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the apparatus comprises an intermediate surface configured to respond to magnetism and an engagement member disposed relative to the intermediate surface along a line of engagement. The engagement member is configured to respond to magnetism, and at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface is configured to be moved between an extended state and a retracted state. In the retracted state, the at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface that is movable is biased away from the object to be mounted. In the extended state, the at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface that is movable is biased toward the object to be mounted. Proximity of the object to the engagement member produces an attraction force between the object and the engagement member that causes engagement of the object with the engagement member, and proximity of the object to the intermediate surface produces an attraction force between the object and the intermediate surface that causes engagement of the object with the intermediate surface, such that the apparatus is configured to engage the object to be mounted in stages via the respective engagement forces.

At least the intermediate surface or the engagement member face may be defined by a curved surface. The intermediate surface may have a fixed position. Engagement of the object with the engagement member may cause the object to be in such proximity to the intermediate surface that an attraction force between the object and the intermediate surface is produced. Engagement of the object with the intermediate surface may cause the object to be in such proximity to the engagement member that an attraction force between the object and the engagement member is produced. The respective attraction forces associated with the engagement member and the intermediate surface may cooperate to engage the object and may produce a total engagement force between the apparatus and the object.

The apparatus may be configured such that a disengaging force that is applied to a mounted object successively overcomes the respective engagement forces associated with the intermediate surface and the engagement member to disengage the object. Therefore, the disengaging force may be less than the total engagement force.

The engagement member may be configured to be substantially flush with the intermediate surface (for example, in the retracted state).

The apparatus may comprise a controlling component configured to apply a controlling force to at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface to control at least the movement or functionality of the respective one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface. The controlling component may be configured to bias the engagement member toward the retracted state, or the controlling component may be configured to bias the engagement member toward the extended state. Additionally or alternatively, the controlling component may be configured to move the engagement member between a retracted position and an extended position.

The controlling component may be configured such that the controlling force is adjustable, may be capable of being managed remotely, and/or may be removable.

The controlling component may comprise a magnet. For example, the controlling component may comprise an electromagnet.

The controlling component may be configured to maintain the engagement member in an extended position. Also, the controlling component may be configured such that the engagement member automatically retracts after the object is disengaged from the apparatus.

The controlling component may be configured to move relative to the line of engagement. The controlling component may comprise a plurality of controlling components, wherein each controlling component may be configured to control at least the movement or functionality of a corresponding one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface.

The engagement member may comprise an extension and a face joined to the extension. The engagement member may be configured to structurally support the object via engagement of the object with at least a portion of the extension. Additionally or alternatively, the extension may be configured to bear at least a portion of a weight of the object.

The engagement member may be configured to limit movement of the object to a direction along a single axis relative to the apparatus. The extension may be configured to define a position of the engagement member in at least one of the extended state or the retracted state.

The intermediate surface of the apparatus may be configured to receive at least a portion of at least one of the engagement member or the object to be mounted. A portion of the intermediate surface may define an opening configured to slideably receive at least a first portion of the engagement member so as to substantially align the line of engagement along a central axis of the engagement member as the engagement member is moved between the extended and retracted states. The intermediate surface may comprise a chamber extending from the portion of the intermediate surface defining the opening, wherein the chamber may be configured to slideably receive a second portion of the engagement member, and wherein the first portion of the engagement member may have a different width than the second portion.

The chamber may define a first depth and the engagement member may define a second depth, and the first depth may be greater than the second depth.

The intermediate surface may be configured to structurally support the object. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediate surface may be configured to bear at least a portion of the weight of the object. Furthermore, the intermediate surface may be configured to limit movement of the object to a direction along a single axis relative to the apparatus.

The apparatus may comprise at least one short-range wireless data transfer device which may be supported by the intermediate surface or the engagement member. The at least one short-range wireless data transfer device may be supported by the intermediate surface and may be capable of wirelessly communicating with an electronic device that is brought into proximity with the short-range wireless data transfer device. Moreover, the engagement member may be configured such that the at least one short-range wireless data transfer device is capable of wirelessly communicating with the electronic device when the object is fully engaged with the apparatus and is incapable of wirelessly communicating with the electronic device when the object is partially disengaged or fully disengaged from the apparatus.

The apparatus may comprise at least one wireless charging device which may be supported by the intermediate surface or the engagement member. The at least one wireless charging device may be supported by the intermediate surface and may be capable of wirelessly charging an electronic device that is brought into proximity with the wireless charging device.

At least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface of the apparatus may be configured to support at least one connection interface. The at least one connection interface may be configured to transmit at least data or electricity to the object to be mounted when the object is engaged with the apparatus.

At least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface may be configured to bias the object to be mounted to a predefined mounting orientation prior to engagement of the object with the apparatus.

At least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface may comprise at least one electromagnet.

The engagement member may comprise a plurality of engagement members. At least one of the engagement members may be configured to respond to magnetism, and each engagement member may be configured to move independently along a respective line of engagement with respect to other engagement members. Each engagement member may comprise an extension and a face joined to the extension, and the extension may be configured to define a position of the engagement member in at least one of the extended state or the retracted state.

The extension of each engagement member may define a depth, and the depth of at least two of the engagement members may be different.

The engagement member may comprise a plurality of engagement member components, and at least one engagement member component may be configured to respond to magnetism. The plurality of engagement member components may be configured relative to one another such that they are in a nested configuration. In the extended state, the plurality of engagement member components may form a telescoping engagement member which may extend toward an object to be mounted. In the retracted state, the plurality of engagement member components may be substantially flush with the intermediate surface. Alternatively, in the retracted state, the plurality of engagement member components may form a telescoping receptacle. Moreover, in the extended state, the plurality of engagement member components may be substantially flush with the intermediate surface.

In some embodiments, an object interface is also provided, as mentioned above, that is configured to be attached to an object (e.g., a device or item that the user wishes to mount) to facilitate engagement of the object with the mounting apparatus. The object interface may include one or more magnets that are configured to attract or be attracted to corresponding magnets of the mounting apparatus. As such, the object interface may, in some embodiments, be integral to the device or item to be mounted (e.g., such as a component of the device or item itself), be part of a covering or other attachment or accessory to the device or item, or otherwise be configured for attachment to the device or item. As with the mounting apparatus, the object interface may be configured in numerous ways, from being embodied by a simple plate that is configured to respond to magnetism to, in some cases, having the features and functionality of the mounting apparatus. As such, it is understood that the mounting apparatus is not limited to embodiments in which the mounting apparatus is attached to the mounting surface (e.g., wall, dashboard, tabletop, etc.) and is configured to receive the object (e.g., the device or item or the object interface), but also includes embodiments in which the mounting apparatus is attached (or otherwise associated) with the device or item to be mounted and is configured to engage a reciprocal structure that is associated with the mounting surface (e.g., a simple magnetic area on the mounting surface, etc., or an object interface).

Accordingly, a system is provided for mounting an object to a mounting surface. The system comprises a mounting apparatus and an object interface. The mounting apparatus comprises an intermediate surface configured to respond to magnetism, the intermediate surface defining a first plane; and an engagement member configured to respond to magnetism, the engagement member defining a second plane and being configured to move along a line of engagement that intersects the first plane. The object interface is configured to be attached to an object to be mounted and to the mounting apparatus, and the object interface comprises a central object surface configured to respond to magnetism and configured to agree with at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface, the central object surface defining a third plane. At least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface of the mounting apparatus is configured to move between a respective outer limit position and a respective base limit position. When the at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface that is movable is in the respective outer limit position, a distance between the first and second planes defines an apparatus engagement depth, and the mounting apparatus is configured to engage the object interface via respective engagement forces associated with the engagement member and the intermediate surface such that the overall engagement force increases by degrees until a total engagement force is produced for mounting the object to the mounting surface.

The apparatus may be configured such that a disengaging force that is less than the total engagement force and that is applied to a mounted object attached to the object interface is capable of disengaging the object interface from the mounting apparatus in stages by successively overcoming the respective engagement forces associated with the engagement member and the intermediate surface.

The central object surface may comprise at least one electromagnet. Alternatively or additionally, the central object surface may comprise at least one correlated magnet, and the at least one correlated magnet comprised by the central object surface may be programmable.

The engagement member may comprise at least one correlated magnet, and the at least one correlated magnet comprised by the engagement member may be programmable.

Likewise, the intermediate surface may comprise at least one correlated magnet, and the at least one correlated magnet comprised by the intermediate surface may be programmable.

At least one of the first, second, or third planes may be defined by a curved surface.

The mounting apparatus may comprise an apparatus controlling component configured to apply an apparatus controlling force to at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface to control at least the movement or functionality of the respective one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface. The apparatus controlling force may be configured to bias the engagement member away from the object interface. Alternatively, the apparatus controlling force may be configured to bias the engagement member toward the object interface.

The object interface may be configured such that an attraction force produced between the engagement member and the object interface is greater than the apparatus controlling force.

The apparatus controlling component may be configured to move the engagement member between the outer limit position and the base limit position.

The central object surface may be configured to apply a first interface controlling force to at least the intermediate surface or the engagement member of the apparatus. The first interface controlling force may be configured to be adjustable. Additionally or alternatively, the first interface controlling force may be capable of being managed remotely.

At least the engagement member or the intermediate surface may comprise at least one connection interface. Likewise, the central object surface may comprise at least one connection interface.

The object interface may be configured to structurally enhance the object when attached to the object.

The engagement member may comprise a plurality of engagement members defining a plurality of second planes. Alternatively or additionally, the engagement member may comprise a plurality of engagement member components arranged in a nested configuration.

The central object surface may be configured to receive at least a portion of at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface. Likewise, at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface may be configured to receive at least a portion of the central object surface.

The object interface may comprise a secondary object surface spaced from the central object surface, and the secondary object surface may be configured to respond to magnetism. The secondary object surface may define a fourth plane. The fourth plane may be defined by a curved surface.

The distance between the third plane and the fourth plane may define an object interface depth, and the apparatus engagement depth and the object interface depth may be different.

The mounting apparatus may be configured to engage the object interface via an engagement force produced between the engagement member and the central object surface and an engagement force produced between the intermediate surface and the secondary object surface, and the overall engagement force may increase by degrees until a total engagement force is produced for mounting the object to the mounting surface.

The object interface depth may be configured such that a disengaging force that is less than the total engagement force and that is applied to a mounted object attached to the object interface is capable of disengaging the object interface from the mounting apparatus in stages by successively overcoming the respective engagement forces associated with the engagement member and the intermediate surface.

The secondary object surface may comprise a plurality of secondary object surfaces in a plurality of fourth planes. The secondary object surface may comprise at least one electromagnet. Alternatively or additionally, the secondary object surface may comprise at least one correlated magnet.

Furthermore, the secondary object surface may be configured to apply a second interface controlling force to at least the intermediate surface or the engagement member of the apparatus. The second interface controlling force may be configured to be adjustable. Alternatively or additionally, the second interface controlling force may be capable of being managed remotely.

Moreover, the second interface controlling force may be configured to repel the intermediate surface of the apparatus such that the at least one of the secondary object surfaces associated with the intermediate surface is separated from the intermediate surface. The distance between the at least one of the secondary object surfaces associated with the intermediate surface and the intermediate surface may define a third depth, and the third depth may be less than the apparatus engagement depth.

The particular configurations that are illustrated and described below are included for purposes of explanation. In fact, numerous other configurations are possible based on the embodiments described below, and the configurations detailed herein by no means provide an exhaustive list of the possible configurations for providing the staged engagement, disengagement, and/or the other functions described below.

Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Some components of the mounting apparatus are not shown in one or more of the figures for clarity and to facilitate explanation of the embodiments.

Referring now toFIG. 1, one embodiment of a mounting apparatus10is shown for engaging and attaching to an object. In the depicted embodiment ofFIG. 1, the object is a nominal object99that inherently responds to magnetism (e.g., a piece of ferrous sheet metal being mounted for storage, a picture frame with a magnetic backing, etc.).

The mounting apparatus10may be configured such that a first mounting magnet is supported in a first plane P1and a second mounting magnet is supported in a second plane P2. Accordingly, an engagement member14and an intermediate surface12may each be configured to respond to magnetism. The second mounting magnet may comprise a plurality of magnets in some embodiments. Likewise, the first mounting magnet may comprise a plurality of magnets. In the depicted embodiment ofFIG. 1, the first mounting magnet is supported in the first plane P1by the intermediate surface12, and the second mounting magnet is supported in the second plane P2by a face88of the engagement member14. In this embodiment, the second mounting magnet is comprised of a single magnet40, and the first mounting magnet is comprised of six magnets30arranged with respect to each other and with respect to the second mounting magnet. The quantity, type, strength, arrangement, spacing, etc. of the magnets with respect to each other and with respect to other components of the mounting apparatus may be selected to accommodate the object to be mounted, the functionality required of the apparatus, and/or the requirements of the user. In the depicted embodiment ofFIG. 1, the components of the intermediate surface12and the engagement member14other than magnets30and magnet40may be comprised of materials that neither influence nor respond to magnetism. Thus, in the embodiment ofFIG. 1, the intermediate surface12and the engagement member14are each configured to respond to magnetism via magnets30and magnet40, respectively.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, an apparatus may be configured without the presence of traditional magnets (i.e., magnets that, themselves, produce a magnetic field(s), such as permanent magnets). For instance, the mounting apparatus may be configured without traditional magnets when the object itself produces a magnetic field that allows mounting to occur. In such embodiments, the intermediate surface and the engagement member may be configured to respond to magnetism by other means, such as by attaching pieces of ferrous metal in lieu of traditional magnets or by configuring the intermediate surface or the engagement member to, in whole or in part, be made of material that responds to magnetism. Accordingly, in some embodiments, an intermediate surface or an engagement member may carry out the functions of a first mounting magnet or a second mounting magnet. Correspondingly or additionally, a first plane P1or a second plane P2may be a nominal plane that is defined by an intermediate surface or an engagement member of the mounting apparatus, or a surface of such.

In some embodiments, at least one of the mounting magnets (or groups of mounting magnets, as is the case in the depicted embodiment) may be configured to move independently of the other mounting magnet along a line of engagement Lethat intersects the first and second planes P1and P2. A schematic representation illustrating the movement of the planes P1and P2and the line of engagement Leis shown inFIGS. 2-4.

In the depicted embodiment ofFIG. 1, an engagement member14may be configured to be movable with respect to a fixed intermediate surface12and the other components of the apparatus10. Thus, the second mounting magnet40may be able to move independently of the first mounting magnets30along the line of engagement Le.

The movement of the mounting magnet(s) that is moveable (which, in some embodiments, may be both the first and second mounting magnets) may be limited, such that each mounting magnet that is moveable is only able to move between a respective outer limit position OL and a respective base limit position BL (as shown inFIG. 5). Accordingly or additionally, at least one of the engagement member14or the intermediate surface12may be configured to be moved between an extended state and a retracted state. In the retracted state, the at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface that is moveable may be biased away from the object to be mounted (e.g., may be biased toward the base limit position BL). In the extended state, the at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface that is movable may be biased toward the object to be mounted (e.g., may be biased toward the outer limit position OL). In the embodiment ofFIG. 1, the extended state and the retracted state reference the relative positions of the engagement member14when its associated mounting magnet (the second mounting magnet40) is in its outer limit position OL and in its base limit position BL, respectively, because the second mounting magnet40is the mounting magnet that is moveable in this embodiment, and the first mounting magnet30, of the intermediate surface12, has a fixed position. The apparatus is shown in the extended state inFIG. 5.

The outer limit position OL and the base limit position BL may be defined in various ways. For example, stop features may be provided via one or more components of the mounting apparatus and may be positioned relative to the movable mounting magnet(s) to limit the movement of the mounting magnet(s). Alternatively or additionally, the engagement member may comprise an extension and a face joined to the extension, and the extension may be configured to define a position of the engagement member in at least one of the extended state or the retracted state. In the depicted embodiment ofFIG. 1, a stop feature50is provided via an outward protrusion of an extension98joined to a face88of the engagement member14, the extension98configured to define a depth of the engagement member14. The stop feature50may be configured to contact an inner surface86of the intermediate surface12to stop movement of the engagement member14in a direction toward the object99(e.g., toward the extended state). Additionally, a base surface80is configured such that an interior surface84of the base surface80stops movement of the engagement member14in a direction away from the object99(e.g., toward the retracted state). Thus, the base surface80is configured to serve as a stop feature in this embodiment. Correspondingly, the positions of the stop feature50and the base surface80relative to the depth of the engagement member14as defined by the extension98may serve to define the outer limit position OL and the base limit position BL of the second mounting magnet40. Specifically, the outer limit position OL of the second mounting magnet40may be defined by the placement of the stop feature50on the extension98relative to the depth of the extension98, and the base limit position BL of the second mounting magnet40may be defined by the position of the base surface80relative to the depth of the engagement member14and to the position of the intermediate surface12. Thus, the extension98may be configured to define the position of the engagement member14in the extended state.

Furthermore, while the outer limit position OL and base limit position BL may be defined by the relative positions of and features of the components of the mounting apparatus in a predefined configuration, the outer limit position OL and base limit position of the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable may be dynamically redefined by adjusting components of the mounting apparatus, as described in more detail below.

Embodiments of the present invention may be configured such that a portion of the intermediate surface may define an opening configured to slideably receive at least a first portion of the engagement member. Receiving the at least a portion of the engagement member may substantially align the line of engagement along a central axis of the engagement member as the engagement member is moved between the extended and retracted states. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1, a portion of the intermediate surface12may define an opening94that may be configured to slideably receive at least a first portion of the engagement member14(which, in this case, may be the extension98) via a guide surface96. As such, the movement of the second mounting magnet40and (correspondingly) the engagement member14may be guided via the intermediate surface12such that the line of engagement Lemay be substantially aligned along a central axis X of the engagement member14as the engagement member14is moved between the extended and retracted states. Furthermore, the depth of the extension98may ensure that the engagement member14remains in contact with the guide surface96when the engagement member14is in the retracted position (e.g., in contact with the base surface80, as described above). Therefore, the extension98may also serve to define the position of the engagement member14in the retracted state.

The respective limit positions (OL and BL) of the movable magnet(s) may be configured such that the first and second mounting magnet(s) (the second mounting magnet40in the embodiment ofFIG. 1) are movable to a position in which the first and second planes substantially coincide. Accordingly, the second mounting magnet may be configured such that the base limit position of the second mounting magnet substantially coincides with the first plane. Referring again toFIG. 1, a housing82may connect the base member80and the intermediate surface12and may enclose the apparatus10(a portion of a sidewall of the housing82has been removed inFIG. 1for purpose of explanation). The depth of the engagement member14may be configured relative to the depth of the guide surface96and the length of the housing82such that the engagement member14, which may be slideably received by the intermediate surface12(as described above), and, correspondingly, the second mounting magnet40may be movable to a position in which the second plane P2and the first plane P1substantially coincide. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1, this position (P1=P2) is also the base limit position BL of the second mounting magnet40and the retracted state of the engagement member14, such that the front surface of the mounting apparatus10is substantially flush when the engagement member is in the retracted state. In other embodiments, however, as will be described below, the stop features50, base limit position BL, outer limit position OL, and extended state and retracted state may be defined by other components of the mounting apparatus10and/or other structures of those components.

The mounting magnets30,40may be configured to cooperate to engage the object to be mounted (e.g., the object99inFIG. 1) such that a total engagement force is produced between the mounting magnets and the object that serves to hold the object to the mounting apparatus, as described in greater detail below. Accordingly, the respective outer limit position of the mounting magnets that are moveable (e.g., the second mounting magnet40in the depicted embodiment ofFIG. 1) may be configured such that a disengaging force that is less than the total engagement force and that is applied to a mounted object may overcome the total engagement force in stages by successively overcoming the respective engagement forces associated with the first and second mounting magnets to disengage the object.

The relative positions and relative movement of the engagement member14and the intermediate surface12, as described above, may also facilitate mounting of the object to the mounting apparatus. Proximity of the object (e.g., the object99inFIG. 1) to the engagement member may produce an attraction force between the object and the engagement member that causes engagement of the object with the engagement member. Likewise, proximity of the object to the intermediate surface may produce an attraction force between the object and the intermediate surface that causes engagement of the object with the intermediate surface, such that the mounting apparatus may be configured to engage the object to be mounted in stages via the respective engagement forces.

The succession and number of the stages of engagement (e.g., mounting) or disengagement (e.g., dismounting) may be configured as desired (per the application, the object, the requirements of the user, etc.) by the relative arrangement of the components of the apparatus, the inclusion of a component(s) that produces a magnetic field, the strength(s) of the magnetic field(s), and other factors, as will be described in more detail below.

Additionally, at least the first mounting magnet or the second mounting magnet may be positioned relative to a target mounting area such that proximity of an object to be mounted to the target mounting area produces at least one attraction force with respect to at least one of the first or second mounting magnets. The mounting magnet(s) that is movable may be configured to move toward the object to be mounted as a result of the attraction force(s). Thus, the attraction force(s) may draw the movable mounting magnet(s) toward the respective outer limit position(s) to define a range for a first engagement position (e.g., establish range in which a first stage of engagement may take place). Furthermore, the apparatus may be configured such that engagement between the object and the mounting magnet within the range for the first engagement position results in a second attraction force that draws the object and the unengaged mounting magnet together for engagement such that a total engagement force is produced for mounting the object to the apparatus. The mounting magnet(s) may be positioned in this way to facilitate engagement of the object and/or to produce an automatic succession of stages of engagement to produce the total engagement force (e.g., the first stage of engagement results in an attraction force that produces the second stage of engagement, and so on, so that the application force required from the user for mounting the object after the first stage of engagement begins may be substantially null). Furthermore, the mounting magnet(s) may be positioned as described above to produce a desired engagement order, produce a desired result prior to engagement (such as extension of the engagement member, for example), or for other reasons described below.

In the depicted embodiment ofFIG. 1, for example, a nominal object99is provided that occupies substantially one plane (P3) and is inherently configured to respond to magnetism (e.g., the object has not been altered to accommodate the mounting apparatus10) such that any portion of the object99may interact with the first or second mounting magnets30,40. In this embodiment, the first mounting magnet30and the second mounting magnet40may be positioned relative to a facade85of the intermediate surface that may be a desirable target mounting area for the object99. As described above, in this embodiment, the front surface of the mounting apparatus10may be substantially flush when the engagement member14is in the retracted position. Also, as previously described, the engagement member14may extend beyond the intermediate surface12. Thus, in the depicted embodiment ofFIG. 1, due to the configuration of the mounting apparatus10and the configuration of the object99(e.g., substantially planar), the second mounting magnet40may always be in a position at least as close to the object to be mounted (e.g., object99) as the position of the first mounting magnet30, so a staged engagement for the object99(P3) may be predetermined to be P2, then P1because P2may be the movable plane (e.g., engagement may occur between the object99and the second mounting magnet40followed by engagement between the object99and the first mounting magnet30). Likewise, a staged disengagement may be predetermined to be P1, then P2in the embodiment ofFIG. 1. It should be noted that these outcomes are specific to the embodiment ofFIG. 1and with respect to the object99, as these predefined outcomes may not apply to irregularly shaped objects or objects with multiple surfaces or planes, as will be discussed in additional embodiments below. Correspondingly and additionally, when the object99is brought into proximity of the facade85of the intermediate surface12(e.g., the target mounting area), at least one attraction force may be produced between the object99and at least one of the first or second mounting magnets30,40as a result of proximity of the object99, and the second mounting magnet40(e.g., the mounting magnet that is movable) may move toward the object to be mounted (object99) as a result of the at least one attraction force (e.g., the second mounting magnet40may be drawn toward its outer limit position OL). Thus, automatic extension of the engagement member14may occur, and, thus, the first engagement position may be defined in one of two ways. The second mounting magnet40may engage the object99to produce a first engagement, if the object99is in closer proximity to the intermediate surface12than the outer limit position OL of the second mounting magnet40. Alternatively, the second mounting magnet40may reach its outer limit position OL and remain there, with the engagement member14held in the extended state by the attraction force between the object99and the second mounting magnet40, until the first engagement occurs (e.g., via movement of the object99toward the apparatus10). Therefore, the range for the first engagement position (e.g., first stage of engagement) may be defined by the range between the outer limit position OL and the base limit position BL of the second mounting magnet40. In either case, a first engagement position may be established (e.g., a first stage of engagement). As previously described, the object99, in the first engagement position, may be in a position that results in a second attraction force that may draw the object99and the unengaged mounting magnet (in this case, the first mounting magnet30) together so that the resulting engagement (e.g., a second stage of engagement) may produce a total engagement force for mounting the object99to the mounting apparatus10. Thus, the first and second mounting magnets30,40inFIG. 1may be positioned relative to one another such that a first stage of engagement may produce an automatic succession of stages of engagement to produce the total engagement force (in the case of the depicted embodiment ofFIG. 1, one successive stage of engagement).

FIG. 2schematically illustrates the described embodiment depicted inFIG. 1in which the second mounting magnet40is movable and the first mounting magnet30has a fixed position. The second plane P2(represented by a line in the figure), defined by the second mounting magnet40supported in the engagement member14, may be movable between its base limit position BL and its outer limit position OL along the line of engagement Le. As the object (e.g., the object99ofFIG. 1, which in the depicted embodiment defines a third plane P3) is positioned in proximity to the mounting apparatus and an attraction force is created between the second mounting magnet40of the engagement member14and the object99, the engagement member14, in this example, may be drawn toward the object99in the direction A, as shown inFIG. 2, so that the second mounting magnet40and, correspondingly, plane P2may move until the object is engaged or until the second mounting magnet40reaches the outer limit position OL and can move no further in the direction A.FIG. 3schematically shows the first stage of engagement between the object99and the second mounting magnet40of engagement member14, represented by coinciding planes P2and P3. In this illustration (FIG. 2), the first stage of engagement is shown at the outer limit position OL of the second mounting magnet, but the first stage of engagement may occur at any point along the line of engagement Lebetween the outer limit position OL and the base limit position BL in this example. After the first stage of engagement (P2, P3), the engagement member and the object interface12may be moved in the direction B. This movement in the direction B may be due to a second magnetic attraction that exists between the object99and the first mounting magnet30. Alternatively or additionally, movement in the direction B may occur as a result of application of, or continued application of, a force applied to the object by a user in the direction B.FIG. 4shows the result of the second magnetic attraction, wherein the first plane P1, the second plane P2, and the third plane P3may substantially coincide and may be disposed proximate the base limit position BL. At this point, a total engagement force may exist between the mounting apparatus and the object as a result of the combined engagement forces between the first mounting magnet30and the object99and the second mounting magnet40and the object99, and this total engagement force may serve to secure the object to the mounting apparatus in the engaged and mounted configuration.

The opposite process may be implicated when the object is removed from the mounting apparatus in some embodiments. Referring again to the embodiment ofFIG. 1as represented byFIGS. 2-4, a user applying a disengaging force to the object may initially overcome one of the engagement forces (e.g., the force between the object99and the first mounting magnet30of the first plane P1), and continued application of the disengaging force may thus move the second mounting magnet40of the engagement member14(and the second plane P2via movement of the engagement member14) and the object99(and the third plane P3) in the direction A from the position shown inFIG. 4to the position shown inFIG. 3. Further application of a disengaging force may overcome the engagement force between the object99and the second mounting magnet40of the second plane P2to fully disengage the object99(FIG. 2).

It is noted that, although in the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 1-5the engagement member14is movable with respect to a fixed intermediate surface12, in other embodiments the intermediate surface may be movable with respect to a fixed engagement member, or both the intermediate surface and the engagement member may be movable with respect to each other. Thus, in some embodiments, engagement of the object with the intermediate surface may occur first and may cause the object to be in proximity to the engagement member, which may result in an attraction force between the object and the engagement member. Regardless of the order of engagement, the respective engagement forces associated with the engagement member and the intermediate surface may thus cooperate to engage the object and produce a total engagement force between the mounting apparatus and the object. Furthermore, a disengaging force that is applied to the object may successively overcome the respective engagement forces associated with the intermediate surface and the engagement member to disengage the object, and the disengaging force may be less than the total engagement force, as noted above.

The mounting apparatus may further include a controlling force that may be applied to the at least one of the mounting magnets that is moveable to control at least the movement or the functionality of the at least one of the mounting magnets that is moveable. For example, with reference toFIG. 1, the mounting apparatus10may further comprise a controlling component60configured to apply the controlling force. The controlling component60may comprise a magnet, such as a material configured to respond to magnetism or a component capable of producing a magnetic field (e.g., a permanent magnet, electromagnet, programmable magnet, etc.). In other embodiments, the controlling component may comprise a plurality of controlling components configured to apply a plurality of controlling forces, and each respective controlling force may be configured to control a corresponding mounting magnet. In yet other embodiments, the controlling component may be a spring or another component or combination of components that is configured to apply the controlling force to the respective one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface that is moveable.

The controlling component may be configured to bias the at least one of the mounting magnets that is moveable away from the object to be mounted. For example, the controlling component60may be configured to bias the second mounting magnet40away from the object99so that the engagement member14may be biased toward the retracted state. In such a case, the controlling component may be construed to be a retaining force, serving to retain the engagement member14so that the second mounting magnet40is substantially in the base limit position BL. Thus, inFIG. 1, the engagement member14, when in the retracted state, may be substantially flush with the intermediate surface12, as described above and the benefits of which are described in greater detail below (and also illustrated by other embodiments of the present invention, below).

Alternatively or additionally, the controlling component may be configured to bias the at least one of the mounting magnets that is moveable toward the object to be mounted. Thus, inFIG. 1, the controlling component60may be configured to bias the mounting magnet40toward the object99, so that the engagement member14is correspondingly biased toward the extended state, also as illustrated and described in greater detail with respect to other embodiments of the present invention, below.

Furthermore, the controlling component may be configured such that the controlling force is adjustable. In some embodiments, the controlling force may be physically adjustable, such that the controlling component (e.g., magnet, spring, etc.) is configured to be moved toward or away from the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable. This may be accomplished via, e.g., a lever, crank, etc. within the mounting apparatus that has an extending portion that may be available to the user, for example, along one side of the outer perimeter of the apparatus. Alternatively, the controlling component may be configured to be movable within the apparatus relative to the line of engagement (e.g., supported by a movable member that may, for example, be similar to the engagement member). Moving the controlling component may adjust the controlling force applied to the mounting magnet(s) (e.g., make the controlling force stronger or weaker depending upon the direction of movement) as the controlling component moves nearer or further away from the mounting magnet(s) that is movable and may cause the movable magnet(s) to move as a result. Furthermore, the controlling component may also be configured to be physically adjustable by, for example, being supported on a structure within the apparatus that may rotate or swivel such that the controlling component may have a different orientation with respect to the mounting magnet(s) (depending upon how the controlling component is adjusted).

Thus, in some embodiments, for example, the controlling component may be a magnet that produces a magnetic field (e.g., has a north pole and a south pole) that may have an orientation relative to the mounting magnet(s) such that the mounting magnet(s) are biased toward the controlling component. In such an embodiment, the controlling component may be, for example, supported on a swiveling structure within the apparatus that may be manipulated to swivel the controlling component 180 degrees so that the controlling component's orientation, relative to the mounting magnet(s), may be effectively reversed, thereby causing the controlling force to also be effectively reversed and causing the mounting magnet(s) to be biased away from the controlling component.

For example, referring again toFIG. 1, the base surface80may be configured to rotate (i.e. swivel) and may, therefore, comprise an extension that is made accessible to a user beyond the housing82of the mounting apparatus10by a hole in the housing82so that the extension may be accessible to a user for adjustment of the base surface80and, in turn, the controlling component60. The controlling component60may be a rare earth magnet, and the base surface80may be rotated by 180 degrees by the user to produce a substantially opposite magnetic controlling force that may act on the second mounting magnet40in a substantially opposite manner relative to the magnetic controlling force that may have acted on the second mounting magnet40prior to the rotation of the base surface80. Thus, the engagement member14, as a result of the input by the user, may be made to partially or fully extend from the mounting apparatus10or may be made to partially or fully retract depending upon the strength of the controlling force.

Alternatively, the controlling component may be adjustable by other means. In some embodiments, the controlling component may be an electromagnet such that the controlling force may be adjustable via manipulation of the flow of an electric current. Therefore, the controlling force may be strengthened by degrees, weakened by degrees, removed entirely (e.g., by stopping the flow of the electric current to the electromagnet), or reversed (e.g., by reversing the poles/polarity of the electromagnet) via manipulation of the electric current associated with the electromagnet. In other embodiments, the controlling component may be a programmable magnet and the corresponding first or second mounting magnet may be suitably configured to cooperate with the programmable magnet. Therefore, in either case, the controlling component may be configured to move the engagement member (and/or the intermediate surface in some embodiments) between a retracted position and an extended position (e.g., may be configured to move the at least one of the mounting magnets that is moveable between its respective outer limit position and its respective base limit position), and/or the controlling component may be configured to maintain the engagement member in an extended position (one possible extended position is shown inFIG. 5; e.g., the extended state). Accordingly, the controlling component may be configured to dictate a specific position of at least one of the first or second mounting magnets (and, correspondingly, at least one of the intermediate surface or the engagement member), between the outer limit position OL and the base limit position BL prior to engagement of the object, and/or the controlling component may be configured to alter (e.g., customize) the target mounting area of the apparatus. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG. 1, the controlling component60may be configured to apply a controlling force to the second mounting magnet40(e.g., a repelling force) such that the engagement member14may be held in an extended position in the extended state (e.g., the second mounting magnet40held in the outer limit position OL), and this may effectively define the first engagement position (as described above) of the first stage of engagement that would occur when the object99is mounted. In the same way, the engagement member14(supporting the second mounting magnet40in the second plane P2) may be held in an extended position, for example, midway between the extended state and the retracted state (as depicted inFIG. 2by the second plane P2), thus altering the appearance and/or shape of the target mounting area. Altering the appearance and/or shape of a target mounting area on a mounting apparatus may provide an aesthetic benefit, may make the target mounting area more obvious to the user (making the mounting apparatus more intuitive to use), or may substantially adapt the target mounting area to an object to be mounted (e.g., matching the shape of the object to be mounted or making the target mounting area more agreeable with respect to the shape of an object to be mounted). Thus, as described above, the controlling component, or the plurality of controlling components, may be configured to be dynamically adjusted so as to define a respective holding position of the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable between the respective outer limit position and the respective base limit position of the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable. In some embodiments, such as those described below, defining the holding position(s) of the mounting magnet(s) may dictate a prescribed order of the stages of engagement and/or disengagement of the object. Correspondingly, an object may achieve a total engagement force with the mounting apparatus via different means (e.g., engaging P1, then engaging P2vs. engaging P2, then engaging P1) or may engage the mounting apparatus differently (e.g., engaging more or fewer planes) as a result of, and depending upon, the adjustment(s) made to the controlling force(s) via the controlling component(s). Additionally, the holding position(s) of the mounting magnets may be dynamically arranged by the controlling force(s) relative to one another so that the second attraction force (which may be produced as a result of the first stage of engagement in the first engagement position, as described above) is produced or is not produced as prescribed (e.g., the unengaged mounting magnet is, or is not, within the required proximity of the object upon the happening of the first stage of engagement in the first engagement position for the second attraction force to be produced). Thus, the relative positions of the mounting magnets (and, correspondingly, the relative positions of the engagement member and/or intermediate surface that is movable) as determined by the adjustment(s) of the controlling force(s) may produce or preclude the automatic succession of stages of engagement that produces the total engagement force. If the automatic succession of stages of engagement is precluded, the total engagement force between the object and the mounting apparatus may still be produced by the continued application of an engaging force to the object (e.g., continued movement of the object toward the mounting apparatus by, for example, the users to mount the object. Also, it is important to note that the adjustment(s) to the controlling force(s) may be made when the mounting apparatus is disengaged with the object (e.g., idle) or when the mounting apparatus is engaged with the object.

When an object is engaged (e.g., mounted) with the mounting apparatus, the controlling force may be dynamically adjusted to enhance the functionality of the mounting apparatus, to move the object, and/or to interact with the object or a component or device associated with the object. For example, inFIG. 1, when the object99is mounted to the mounting apparatus10such that a total engagement force is produced between the object99and the mounting apparatus, the controlling component60may be adjusted so that the controlling force (in this example, an attraction force) between the second mounting magnet40and the controlling component60may be strengthened. Strengthening of the controlling force may cause the engagement force between the second mounting magnet40and the object99to be strengthened such that the total engagement force between the object99and the mounting apparatus10is strengthened. Strengthening of the total engagement force may cause the object99to be more securely engaged with the mounting apparatus10(e.g., the object99is less likely to be unintentionally disengaged) and may cause the object99to be more stable against unintended impacts (e.g., swipes, bumps, etc.) that may otherwise affect or reposition the object99on the mounting apparatus10. Furthermore, the controlling force may be strengthened to a degree such that the total engagement force is too great for a user to overcome (using ordinary and reasonable force) to disengage the object99. Thus, the object99may effectively be “locked” to the mounting apparatus until the controlling force is further adjusted (e.g., weakened) to allow for disengagement of the object99from the mounting apparatus10by the user.

Additionally, referring again toFIG. 1, the engagement force between the first mounting magnet30and the object99, when the object99is mounted to the mounting apparatus10, may be significantly stronger than the engagement force between the second mounting magnet40and the object99such that the first stage of disengagement (e.g., disengagement of the first mounting magnet30and the object99, inFIG. 1) requires a significantly stronger disengaging force applied by the user than does the second stage of disengagement (e.g., disengagement of the second mounting magnet40and the object99). In this case, to make disengagement of the object99easier for the user, the controlling force (applied by the controlling component60) may be adjusted so that it biases the second mounting magnet40toward the outer limit position OL (e.g., a repelling force) and may be of sufficient strength to move the engagement member14and the object99beyond the first plane P1(and, correspondingly, the intermediate surface12) such that the first stage of disengagement may be accomplished by the controlling force (e.g., partial disengagement) rather than by the user. The user may then disengage the object99by overcoming a lesser total engagement force, such as the engagement force between the second mounting magnet40and the object99(e.g., the second stage of disengagement) to disengage the object99from the mounting apparatus10. Furthermore, the controlling force may be configured to be managed remotely. Remote management of the controlling force may be accomplished, for example, in one of the following ways: by configuring the apparatus to receive a wireless signal, radio frequency, etc. transmitted by an external device to a receiving device which is configured to adjust the controlling component; via a physical interface on the device configured to adjust the controlling force (e.g., a button, touch interface, crank, lever, etc.) that is built into an exposed surface of the mounting apparatus or extending from the mounting apparatus and that may be manipulated by a user to produce a desired effect; or via a wired connection to the apparatus configured to connect the controlling component with a management interface (e.g., a wall switch, volume knob, etc.) so that the strength of the controlling component may be managed by degrees and/or may be turned on/off. Therefore, if the engagement force between the second mounting magnet40(in the embodiment ofFIG. 1) is not sufficient for supporting the weight of the object99on its own (such that the user must grasp the object99during the second stage of disengagement in order to prevent the object from an unintentional fall from the engagement member14), the object may be grasped by the user prior to the first stage of disengagement (e.g., when the object99is fully engaged with the mounting apparatus10), and the adjustment of the controlling force may be effected remotely such that the object99is ejected beyond the more difficult stage of disengagement by the engagement member14while the user grasps the object99so that the object99is supported and so that the user may disengage the object99from the mounting apparatus10. However, in some cases, it may be desirable for the object to automatically disengage (e.g., fall from) the mounting apparatus when the controlling force is used to eject the object from the engagement member or the intermediate surface (e.g. such as during the manufacturing of parts). Therefore, some embodiments may be configured to intentionally produce this result.

The ejection process described above may also be effected to allow for manipulation of an object engaged with the mounting apparatus. Referring again to the embodiment ofFIG. 1, the second mounting magnet40may be configured to bear the weight of the object99such that the object99may be ejected from the intermediate surface12(as described above) so that the object99may be repositioned (e.g., rotated to achieve a desired orientation, spun, slid, etc. in this embodiment). After repositioning, the controlling force may be further adjusted so that the engagement member14retracts and the object99is again fully engaged with the mounting apparatus via the total engagement force. In other embodiments, repositioning the object may involve tilting or otherwise adjusting the pitch, yaw, and roll of the object, among other means, in which case the one of the engagement member or intermediate surface that is movable may remain extended until the adjusted or adjustable position is no longer desired.

Adjustment of the controlling force via the controlling component may also be used to redefine the base limit position BL of the at least one of the first or second mounting magnets that is moveable (and, correspondingly, the retracted state of the at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface that is movable) by effectively serving as a stop feature of the apparatus. Additionally, in some embodiments, the controlling component of the apparatus may be configured to serve as a stop feature without adjustment. Referring again to the embodiment ofFIG. 1, the controlling component60may be configured to bias the second mounting magnet40toward the outer limit position OL via the controlling force (for example, a repelling force that interacts with the mounting magnet40), and the controlling component60may be adjusted so that the controlling force is strengthened. The first mounting magnet30may apply an attraction force to the object99that is stronger than the bias of the controlling force at the outer limit position OL of the second mounting magnet40. Thus, when the object99is engaged with the engagement member14(which may be in an extended position e.g. the extended state, as shown inFIG. 5prior to engagement due to the bias of the controlling force on the second mounting magnet40), the attraction of the object99to the first mounting magnet30may move the object99and the second mounting magnet40toward the controlling component60until a position may be reached such that the attraction force between the first mounting magnet30and the object99is substantially equivalent to the repelling force between the controlling component60and the second mounting magnet40, thus limiting movement of the second mounting magnet40along the line of engagement Leand effectively redefining the base limit position BL of the second mounting magnet40and, correspondingly, limiting the total engagement force (e.g., relative to the total engagement force inherent to the configuration of the mounting apparatus10prior to the adjustment of the controlling force) between the object99and the mounting apparatus10.

In addition to the functions that may be served by the controlling component(s) of the invention as described above, in some embodiments similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 1, additional controlling components60(Group 1) may be supported by the inner perimeter of the extension98of the engagement member14that may be configured to cooperate with the first mounting magnet30of the intermediate surface12(or may be configured to cooperate with additional controlling components60(Group 2) supported by the guide surface96of the intermediate surface12) such that a friction force between the engagement member14and the guide surface96of the intermediate surface12may be limited (e.g., reduced) or eliminated as the engagement member14moves between the retracted state and the extended state. The cooperation referenced above may result by means of Group 1 and the mounting magnet30(or Group 1 and Group 2) being configured to have substantially opposite magnetic forces that repel one another and effectively serve to create a repelling force between the extension98of the engagement member14and the guide surface96of the intermediate surface12.

Furthermore, the controlling component may be configured such that the controlling force is removable. Removing the controlling force may involve adjustment of the controlling force, such that the strength of the controlling force is decreased until the controlling force is removed altogether. In other embodiments, the controlling force may be removed by physically removing, re-positioning, or blocking the controlling component. This may be accomplished by use of a movable rod, strip, plate, etc. on which the controlling component is attached and that may be inserted into and removed from the apparatus, or a similar result may be accomplished by making the apparatus accessible to a blocking component (e.g., a magnetic shielding component) that may be inserted to block or otherwise hinder the controlling force.

Additionally, the controlling component may be configured such that the engagement member automatically retracts after the object is disengaged from the apparatus. Referring again toFIG. 1, the controlling component60may be configured to bias the engagement member14toward the retracted state by applying a controlling force (e.g., an attraction force) to the second mounting magnet40. The controlling force may be of sufficient strength to bias the second mounting magnet40toward the base limit position BL when the second mounting magnet40is in the outer limit position OL (e.g., when the engagement member14is in the extended state). Thus, the mounting apparatus10may have a disengaged (e.g., idle) configuration when no object is engaged with the mounting apparatus10wherein the engagement member14may be in the retracted state (and the second mounting magnet40may be in the base limit position BL). Therefore, the engagement member14may be automatically retracted by the controlling force applied by the controlling component60when the object99is disengaged from the mounting apparatus10as the mounting apparatus10returns to the disengaged (e.g., idle) configuration.

In still other embodiments, additional components or devices may be provided (e.g., used in conjunction with, attached to, or integrated with the mounting apparatus) to enhance a user's experience with the object to be mounted. For example, in some embodiments, at least one short-range wireless data transfer device may be positioned proximate a target mounting area (e.g., the vicinity of the mounting surface in which the object is to be mounted) and may be supported by the intermediate surface or the engagement member. The at least one short-range wireless data transfer device may be capable of wirelessly communicating with an electronic device that is brought into proximity with the short-range wireless data transfer device, and it may be capable of wirelessly communicating with the electronic device when the object is fully engaged with the apparatus and may be incapable of wirelessly communicating with the electronic device when the object is partially disengaged or fully disengaged from the apparatus. For example, with reference to the embodiment ofFIG. 1which may comprise a short-range wireless transfer device (not shown) mounted to the inner surface86of the intermediate surface12and wherein the object99may comprise an attached mobile phone (not shown), the mobile phone may be capable of communicating with the short-range wireless data transfer device of the mounting apparatus10when the object99is fully engaged with the apparatus10. Therefore, the controlling force produced by the controlling component60may be adjusted to eject the object99and the mobile phone beyond the intermediate surface12to a distance from the short-range wireless data transfer device so that communication between the mobile phone and the short-range wireless data transfer device may be stopped. The controlling force may further be adjusted so that the engagement member14is retracted so that the object99is again fully engaged with the mounting apparatus10such that the mobile phone is once again capable of communicating with the short-range wireless data transfer device supported by the inner surface86of the intermediate surface12.

Additionally, some embodiments may comprise at least one wireless charging device supported by the intermediate surface or the engagement member. The at least one wireless charging device may be supported by the intermediate surface and may be capable of wirelessly charging an electronic device that may be brought into proximity with the wireless charging device. In this regard, the receiving component (e.g. a receiving device configured to receive the wireless charging device signal) may be any component of the object (e.g., integral to or otherwise attached to the object) that is configured to be charged and/or recharged (such as a rechargeable power cell or battery) for serving as a power source to the object. The charging range may be a range of distances within which the wireless charging device may (e.g., remotely) charge the receiving component. Referring again to the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1which may comprise a wireless charging device (not shown) supported by the inner surface86of the intermediate surface12and wherein the object99may comprise an attached mobile phone (not shown), engaging the object99with the mounting apparatus10may result in the mobile phone being wirelessly charged by the wireless charging device that is supported by the intermediate surface12.

In still other embodiments, at least one connection interface may be supported in at least one of the first or second planes (e.g., the planes P1, P2shown inFIG. 1). The connection interface may be any interface between the object and some other component or device (which may, in some cases, be a like or similar embodiment of the mounting apparatus) that allows a connection to be made. For example, the connection interface may, in some cases, be an electrical connector that is configured to connect the object or a component thereof to a source of electricity (such as a source of electricity in the mounting surface).

Various embodiments may be configured such that at least one of the mounting magnets may receive a portion of the object to be mounted. Receiving a portion of the object to be mounted may comprise structurally supporting the object, limiting movement of the object to a single direction along a single axis relative to the mounting apparatus, and/or at least partially supporting a weight of the object. In the depicted embodiment ofFIG. 1, the object99may define a third plane P3, and the third plane P3may be a nominal plane such that the object99may be defined by a curved surface and, correspondingly, a depth do. Alternatively or additionally, the object99may define the depth doby having multiple engageable surfaces (e.g., surfaces that respond to magnetism and may be engaged by the mounting apparatus) that may be spaced apart, and the engageable surfaces may be joined by an extension so that the object99is similar to the object99adepicted inFIG. 5. The depth domay be less than the depth da, defined by the distance between the first plane P1and the second plane P2when each of the respective mounting magnets is in its respective outer limit position OL (shown inFIG. 5). Therefore, the engagement member14of the mounting apparatus10inFIG. 1may be configured to receive the object99a(also a nominal object that inherently responds to magnetism, in this example) via engagement of the object extension76(by way of the object surface opening78of the object99a) with at least a portion of the extension98of the engagement member14. The extension98may be configured to bear at least a portion of the weight of the object99a, and engagement of the object99awith the portion of the extension98may limit movement of the object99ato a direction along a single axis relative to the mounting apparatus10, which may make the object99amore stable and/or secure than a substantially flat object99mounted to the mounting apparatus10in a similar manner. Therefore, the first mounting magnet30and second mounting magnet40and, correspondingly, the total engagement force may each be of a strength that is less than the strength of the mounting magnets and the total engagement force required for supporting the object99. Thus, smaller and/or less powerful magnets may be used to provide substantially the same functionality (e.g., weight-bearing, stability, security, etc.), as the role and importance of the mounting magnets may change to that of providing a holding force (e.g., total engagement force) suited for attachment rather than a holding force fully responsible for bearing the weight of the object and/or stably securing the object. Moreover, the smaller and/or less powerful magnets may be less expensive to procure or manufacture, which may provide an additional benefit. Furthermore, limiting movement of the object99ato a single direction along a single axis may protect the object99aagainst unintentional disengagement (e.g., via accidental bumps, swipes, vibration, or other jarring or disruptive forces that may influence the object) and may require that any unintentional disengaging force must overcome the engagement forces associated with the various stages of disengagement to completely disengage the object99a. Thus, even an unintentional disengaging force that is forceful enough to overcome one engagement force (e.g., the engagement force between the first mounting magnet30and the object99awithin the first plane P1) may be substantially reduced or may cause the object to lose momentum so that a subsequent engagement force (e.g., between the second mounting magnet40and the object99awithin the second plane P2) may not be overcome. Additionally, embodiments that are configured to produce the automatic succession of stages of engagement (described previously) may effectively reverse the movement of the object caused by the unintentional disengaging force (if the force is not substantial enough to overcome all of the stages of disengagement) and thus may effectively re-engage the object automatically (e.g., without external intervention) to re-establish the total engagement force between the object and the mounting apparatus.

As described above and as shown inFIG. 5, the object99ahas multiple engageable surfaces that are spaced from one another so that the distance between the surfaces defines a depth. Engagement of the mounting apparatus10(shown inFIG. 1) with an object of this type may occur in a similar manner to the staged engagement process previously described with respect to object99ofFIG. 1(e.g., the engagement member14may extend in response to proximity of the object99a, the second mounting magnet40may engage the object99afirst, and the first mounting magnet30may draw the object99atoward the mounting apparatus10to fully engage the object99a; e.g., staged engagement in an order P2, P1). Alternatively, depending on factors such as the strength of the mounting magnets (30,40), the depth doof the object99a, and the type and strength of the controlling force as applied by the controlling component, proximity of the object99amay cause the object99ato be drawn to the first mounting magnet30such that the first mounting magnet30engages the object99afirst (e.g., the first stage of engagement), and the engagement member14may subsequently, or simultaneously, be drawn toward the object99aand may engage the object99alast (e.g., the second stage of engagement) to produce a total engagement force (e.g., staged engagement in an order P1, P2).

The distance between the outer limit positions OL of the first and second mounting magnets may define a depth da. As shown inFIG. 5, the depth damay be greater than the depth dosuch that the object99amay be engaged with the mounting apparatus10via successive stages of engagement, as described above. Thus, the object99amay be dismounted from the mounting apparatus10via successive stages of disengagement. In the embodiment ofFIG. 5, regardless of the order of the stages of engagement (e.g., P1, then P2vs. P2, then P1), if the depth of the object99a(do) is less than the depth between the outer limit positions OL of the second mounting magnet40and the first mounting magnet30(da), the engagement member14may automatically adapt to the depth of the object99aduring the second (in this case) stage of engagement of the mounting process (e.g., the engagement member14may engage the object99afirst and retract during the second stage of engagement, or the engagement member may extend to produce the second stage of engagement with the object99a), and the object99amay be disengaged from the mounting apparatus10in multiple stages. It is important to note, however, that, if dois greater than da, the second mounting magnet40may still engage the object99a(e.g., by magnetic engagement if not also by physical engagement) depending upon the shape of the object99asuch that the engagement force between the second mounting magnet40and the object99acontributes toward the total engagement force (e.g., increases the total engagement force) and, therefore, aids in facilitating mounting of the object99a(e.g., the second mounting magnet40and its corresponding stage of engagement and engagement force still have the same role in the mounting process even if not physically engaged with the object, though the engagement force associated with the second mounting magnet40may be of a lesser strength), but the benefits of staged disengagement may not apply (e.g., the object99amay not disengage the mounting apparatus10in a staged manner if dois greater than da).

Furthermore, the mounting apparatus10ofFIG. 1may be configured such that the engagement member14is substantially flush with the intermediate surface12(as described above). This may be beneficial for mounting an object such as object99abecause the outer surface of the object99a(e.g., the surface closest to the mounting apparatus10) may be initially misaligned with the engagement member14when engaged with the intermediate surface12. In this case, the user may slide the object99aacross the flush surface of the mounting apparatus10and, when the engagement member14is properly aligned with the object surface opening78, the engagement member14may automatically extend to engage the object99aby an attraction force produced between the second mounting magnet40and the object99a(specifically, the surface of object99athat is furthest from the mounting apparatus10) that is no longer blocked by the outer surface of the object99a(e.g., the surface closest to the mounting apparatus10, as noted above). Thus, the object99amay be easier to mount to the mounting apparatus10, or the object99amay be mounted in a less precise manner, than would be the case if the user were required to initially align the object99aproperly in order to mount the object.

Additionally, if dois less than da(as described above), the engagement member14may be configured to produce audible feedback (e.g., a click, tone, or other sound) upon engagement of the object99athat may provide notification that the object99ais fully engaged with the mounting apparatus10. Configuring the audible feedback that may occur may include choosing a material for the face88of the engagement member14that produces such feedback when engaged with another surface or may include supporting a sensor in the face88of the engagement member14that may be configured to be attached to a noise-making device (e.g., a small speaker) within the mounting apparatus10.

Also, the mounting apparatus10may be configured such that the object is aligned properly with respect to the apparatus prior to engagement. As such, at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface may be configured to bias the object to be mounted to a predefined mounting orientation prior to engagement of the object with the apparatus, as will be shown by way of other embodiments and will be discussed in more detail below.

Turning now toFIG. 6A, another embodiment is shown that is similar to the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1but comprises additional components and modifications that enhance the adaptability and functionality of the apparatus10. The embodiment depicted inFIG. 6Amay also support a first mounting magnet30(comprised of six magnets) in a first plane by an intermediate surface12and a second mounting magnet40in a second plane by a face88of the engagement member14, and only the second mounting magnet40(and, correspondingly, the engagement member14) may be movable. However, in this embodiment, the magnets30may be supported by the fixed intermediate surface12via support extensions83that extend from the inner surface86of the intermediate surface12and may be hollow to accommodate the magnets30and support the magnets30in the intermediate surface12. Also, as may be similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 1, in the embodiment ofFIG. 6A, a portion of the intermediate surface12may define an opening94that is configured to slideably receive at least a first portion (which, in this case, may be a first portion98′ of the extension98) of the engagement member14so as to substantially align the line of engagement Lealong the central axis X of the engagement member14as the engagement member14is moved between the extended and retracted states. Additionally, however, as shown inFIG. 6A, the intermediate surface12of the mounting apparatus10may further comprise a chamber90that may extend from the portion of the intermediate surface that may define the opening94and that may contact the interior surface84of the base surface80, and the chamber90may be configured to slideably receive a second portion of the engagement member14(which, in this case, may be a second portion98″ of the extension98that may extend beyond the stop feature50that is provided via the outward protrusion of the extension98) via engagement of the second portion98″ with an inside surface92of the chamber90. Adding this component (the chamber90) may enhance the adaptability and functionality of the mounting apparatus10, as the second mounting magnet40may not be limited to a base limit position BL that ensures that the extension98of the engagement member14remains in contact with the guide surface96of the intermediate surface12to keep the line of engagement Lesubstantially aligned along the central axis X (as may be required in the mounting apparatus10inFIG. 1). This may be the case, in fact, because the chamber90(configured as noted above) may also align the line of engagement Lealong the central axis X of the engagement member14by means of its engagement with the second portion98″ of engagement member14. As such, the engagement member14may be configured (e.g., modified, as compared to the embodiment shown inFIG. 1) such that the area of contact between the second portion98″ and the inside surface92of the chamber90is increased, which may further ensure the stability of the engagement member14along the central axis X and the line of engagement Le. The area of contact may be increased by extending the second portion98″ of the extension98toward the face88of the engagement member14(and, thus, changing the position of the stop feature50), which may, in turn, affect the outer limit position OL of the second mounting magnet40if no other changes are made with respect to the outer limit position OL, or the area of contact may be increased by extending the second portion98″ of the extension98away from the face88, which may, in turn, affect the base limit position BL of the second mounting magnet40if no other changes are made with respect to the base limit position BL. Depending on the dimensions chosen for the lengths of the first and second portions98′,98″ with respect to the length of the chamber90, the total length of the engagement member14may be shorter than the length of the chamber (as shown inFIG. 6B). Thus, as shown, the chamber90may define a first depth and the engagement member14may define a second depth, with the first depth being greater than the second depth (which may, e.g., correspond to the thickness of a plate through which the opening is formed, in other embodiments).

With continued reference toFIG. 6B, because the chamber90may keep the engagement member in proper alignment with the line of engagement Le, as described previously, and may have a depth greater than the depth of the engagement member14, as described above, the base limit position BL of the second mounting magnet40may be configured to be at a position within the mounting apparatus10(e.g., between the intermediate surface12and the base surface80) such that the engagement member14may move along and within the chamber90. Therefore, the second mounting magnet40may be moved beyond the intermediate surface12in a direction away from an object to be mounted (e.g., the engagement member14may be retracted), and the interior surface84of the base surface80may act as a stop feature (as described previously with reference to the embodiment ofFIG. 1) and may define the base limit position BL of the second mounting magnet40(and, accordingly, the retracted state of the engagement member14).

FIG. 6Cshows the presently described embodiment of the apparatus10in the retracted state and, accordingly, shows the base limit position BL of the second mounting magnet40. As is also shown inFIG. 6C, when the engagement member14is in the retracted state, a portion of the chamber farthest from the base limit position BL may be configured to align with the opening94of the intermediate surface to define a receiving cavity91. Thus, the intermediate surface12may be configured to receive a portion of the object to be mounted (e.g., a portion of a suitably shaped object or an object interface configured to fit within the receiving cavity91).

Accordingly, the embodiment depicted inFIG. 6Amay be configured to have a surface that is substantially “male” (e.g., with the engagement member14extended) or substantially “female” (e.g., with the engagement member14retracted) with respect to the object to be mounted, and, so, accordingly, the mounting apparatus10ofFIG. 6Amay be able to engage objects that are deemed to be substantially male or substantially female. Furthermore, the mounting apparatus10may be configured so that it is adaptable between a substantially male configuration and a substantially female configuration depending on the substantially male or female configuration of the object to be mounted (e.g., the mounting apparatus10may adapt to the shape of the object to be mounted). Furthermore, an apparatus10configured to be substantially male when not engaged (e.g., idle), such as a mounting apparatus10configured such that the engagement member14is held in the extended state when idle by a controlling force applied by the controlling component60to the second mounting magnet40, may adapt to engage an object to be mounted of the same orientation (e.g., male) via retraction of the engagement member14to a retracted state in response to engagement of the object during the mounting process. Likewise, an apparatus10configured to be substantially female when not engaged (e.g., idle), such as a mounting apparatus10configured such that the engagement member14is held in the retracted state when idle by a controlling force applied by the controlling component60to the second mounting magnet40, may adapt to engage an object to be mounted of the same orientation (e.g., female) via extension of the engagement member14to an extended state in response to engagement of the object during the mounting process.

As noted above, the embodiment depicted inFIG. 6Amay be very versatile, and various configurations of the embodiment (including like and unlike configurations) may be used in conjunction with one another in mounting and non-mounting (e.g., attachment) contexts per the application.

As described previously, at least one of the mounting magnets may be configured to receive a portion of the object to be mounted. Receiving a portion of the object to be mounted by the intermediate surface and/or the engagement member may further provide structural support to the object, may facilitate alignment of the object with the mounting apparatus, may guide the object, or may accomplish a combination of these. For example, the intermediate surface12may thus be configured to bear at least a portion of the weight of the object. In the embodiment ofFIG. 6A, the object may be received via the opening94of the intermediate surface12(i.e. the first mounting magnet30), and, in receiving a portion of the object, the intermediate surface12may structurally support the object, facilitate alignment of the object with the mounting apparatus10, and/or guide engagement of the object (as noted above).

In some embodiments, structurally supporting the object may further include limiting movement of the object to a direction along a single axis relative to the mounting apparatus10in response to a disruptive or disengaging force applied to the object. For example, the engagement member and/or the intermediate surface may be configured to limit movement of the object to a direction along a single axis in response to the applied disengaging force. Said differently, the mounting apparatus10may be configured to resist unintentional disengagement of the object and/or object interface from the mounting apparatus, such as from an accidental hit or swipe (e.g., a force having a transverse component with respect to the direction of the line of engagement Le). For example, a force applied at a downward angle to the mounting apparatus10may be resisted by the structural support provided by the engagement member14and/or intermediate surface12, and only a disengaging force applied in a single direction along a single axis, such as the central axis X of the engagement member shown inFIG. 6A(e.g., knocking or pulling the object in a direction away from the mounting apparatus), would serve to disengage the object.

With continued reference to the depicted embodiment ofFIG. 6A, the first portion98′ of the engagement member14may have a different width (e.g., diameter in the case of a cylindrical configuration as shown) than the second portion98″. In some cases, for example, the first portion98′ may have a narrower width than the second portion98″. In this regard, a width (e.g., diameter) of the opening94may correspond to the width of the first portion98′ and may thus be smaller than the width of the second portion98″ of the engagement member14, such that the second portion98″ may be too large to pass through the opening94and may serve to limit the movement of the engagement member14in a direction away from the base surface80via contact of the stop feature50with the inner surface86of the intermediate surface12. Thus, the width of the second portion98″ (e.g., the configuration of the stop feature50) may, with respect to the depth of the first portion98′, define the outer limit position OL of the second mounting magnet40(and, accordingly, the extended state of the engagement member14).

The mounting apparatus may be configured such that the target mounting area is substantially flush. Configuring the mounting apparatus such that the target mounting area (e.g., primary mounting surface) is substantially flush may be beneficial for many reasons. The flush surface may be aesthetically pleasing. A flush surface may allow for certain movements of the object prior to engagement (e.g., sliding, etc.) that may assist with self-alignment, may assist with engagement, or may generally make the mounting process easier or more enjoyable for a user. Additionally, a flush face may keep a component(s) of the mounting apparatus out of the way when not in use so as to avoid snags, impacts, or other unintentional engagement with the component(s). Furthermore, a flush configuration may serve to prevent debris from entering the mounting apparatus such that the components of the apparatus remain able to function properly. Particularly, the at least one of the engagement member or intermediate surface that is movable may be benefitted by a flush face because it (or they) may be exposed to dirt and debris less often, relative to a configuration in which it (they) may remain exposed when, for example, in a disengaged (e.g., idle) state. Accordingly, a flush surface may be achieved in a variety of ways depending on the configuration of the mounting apparatus and generally involves arranging the components of the mounting apparatus so that the multiple planes and/or surfaces of the apparatus coincide in the same plane.

In embodiments in which the first mounting magnet30is moveable and the second mounting magnet40is in a fixed position, for example, the first mounting magnet may be configured such that the respective base limit position BL substantially coincides with the second plane. Similarly, the first mounting magnet30may be configured such that its respective outer limit position OL of the first mounting magnet30substantially coincides with the second plane. Furthermore, in some embodiments in which the first mounting magnet and the second mounting magnet are moveable, the respective base limit positions BL of the first mounting magnet30and the second mounting magnet40may be configured such that the respective base limit positions are in substantially the same plane. Moreover, the outer limit position OL of the first mounting magnet30and the base limit position BL of the second mounting magnet40may be configured such that the outer limit position OL of the first mounting magnet and the base limit position BL of the second mounting magnet are in substantially the same plane.

As described above, a variety of different configurations are possible for providing the mounting apparatus. In some cases, such as in the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1, the object99that may engage the mounting apparatus may be a simple structure, such as a single surface that inherently responds to magnetism. In other cases, the object (such as object99adepicted inFIG. 5) may have a depth dothat may correspond to a distance between two surfaces or may correspond to a depth defined by a curved surface of the object. As shown, embodiments of the mounting apparatus may be able to accommodate and engage an object (similar to either object99or object99a) without having been specifically configured with respect to the object. And, in some cases, embodiments of the mounting apparatus may also be able to manipulate an object and/or provide further functionality without having been specifically configured with respect to the object. Additionally, embodiments that may be even more useful may be accomplished by configuring the mounting apparatus for a specific object, or for a particular object shape.

Moreover, a substantially greater degree of functionality may be achieved by concurrently configuring a mounting apparatus and an object interface relative to one another such that they may cooperate in an even more predictable and prescribed manner. The system may be configured to cooperate prior to engagement, during the engagement process, and/or while engaged. For example, turning toFIGS. 7A and 7B, a system200is provided that includes a mounting apparatus210, such as embodiments of the mounting apparatus10described above. The system200may further include an object interface220configured to be attached to an object (not shown) to be mounted to the mounting apparatus210.

The mounting apparatus210may include an intermediate surface212configured to respond to magnetism and an engagement member214configured to respond to magnetism (e.g., as described above). The intermediate surface212may be configured to respond to magnetism by supporting the first mounting magnet230(comprised of six magnets230) in the first plane P1, and the engagement member may be configured to respond to magnetism by supporting the second mounting magnet240(comprised of one magnet240) in the second plane P2. Thus, the intermediate surface212may define the first plane P1, and the engagement member214may define the second plane P2. The engagement member214may be configured to move along a line of engagement Lethat intersects the first plane P1, as described above.

With respect to the object interface220, a third mounting magnet may be supported in a third plane and may be configured to be attached to an object to be mounted to adapt the object to agree with at least one of the first or second mounting magnets. Additionally, the third mounting magnet may comprise a plurality of magnets. Moreover, the third mounting magnet may comprise a plurality of third mounting magnets in a plurality of third planes. Thus, the object interface220may include a central object surface226configured to respond to magnetism by supporting a third mounting magnet241, comprised of one magnet241, in a third plane P3(one of a plurality of third planes in this embodiment) and may include a secondary object surface224spaced from the central object surface and configured to respond to magnetism by supporting a third mounting magnet231, comprised of eight magnets231, in a fourth plane P4(another of the plurality of third planes, as noted above). The central object surface226may be configured to agree with at least one of the engagement member214or the intermediate surface212. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 7A, the central object surface226may define a third plane P3, and the secondary object surface224may define a fourth plane P4(the fourth plane being one of a plurality of third planes, as noted above). A distance between the third and fourth planes P3, P4may define an object interface depth do. At least one of the engagement member214or the intermediate surface212of the mounting apparatus210may be configured to move between a respective outer limit position OL and a respective base limit position BL. As such, when the at least one of the engagement member214or the intermediate surface212that is movable (the engagement member214in this embodiment) is in the respective outer limit position OL, a distance between the first and second planes P1, P2may define an apparatus engagement depth da. The object interface220may thus be configured such that the object interface depth doand the apparatus engagement depth daare different. Correspondingly or additionally, the mounting apparatus210may be configured to engage the object interface220via respective engagement forces associated with the engagement member214and the intermediate surface212such that the overall engagement force increases by degrees until a total engagement force is produced for mounting the object to the mounting surface. Moreover, the object interface depth domay be configured such that a disengaging force that is less than the total engagement force and that is applied to a mounted object attached to the object interface220is capable of disengaging the object interface220from the mounting apparatus210in stages by successively overcoming the respective engagement forces associated with the engagement member214and the intermediate surface212.

As previously noted, the mounting apparatus210, shown inFIG. 7Aas part of the system200, may be engaged in multiple ways. InFIG. 7A, an object interface220is provided for mounting an object to the mounting apparatus210and may be configured to agree with the opening294of the intermediate surface212and, correspondingly or additionally, the face288of the engagement member214. As described previously, the mounting apparatus210may be configured such that it may act as substantially male, as substantially female, or as both male and female via movement of the engagement member214between two limit positions. In this embodiment, because the object interface220may be configured to define its depth doin a substantially male configuration (e.g., the central object surface226may be configured to be received by the mounting apparatus210), the apparatus210may be configured accordingly by configuring the outer limit position OL and the base limit position BL of the engagement member214so that the apparatus engagement depth damay be less than the object interface depth do. As noted previously, the apparatus engagement depth damay be defined by the distance between the first and second planes P1, P2when the engagement member214(and, correspondingly, the second mounting magnet240) is in the outer limit position OL, and the object interface depth domay be defined by the distance between the plurality of third planes, which, in this case, may be the distance between the third and fourth planes P3, P4. By configuring the apparatus engagement depth dato be less than the object interface depth dowhen the apparatus210may be configured to receive a portion of the object interface220(e.g., when the object interface220is substantially male), engagement between the central object surface226and the engagement member214may be ensured. Furthermore, to ensure engagement between the intermediate surface212and the secondary object surface224(and, therefore, ensure a total engagement force), the base limit position BL of the engagement member214may be configured so that the distance between the first and second planes P1, P2when the engagement member214is in the base limit position is greater than the object interface depth do. Thus, configuring the system200, as depicted inFIG. 7A, as described above may facilitate engagement of the object interface220with the mounting apparatus210such that a total engagement force is produced for mounting the object to the mounting surface.

Thus configured, engagement of the object interface220with the mounting apparatus210within the system200may occur in two ways, both via multiple stages of engagement. Placing the object interface220in proximity to the target mounting area (as described above) of the mounting apparatus210may produce a first attraction force between the object interface220and the mounting apparatus210. The first attraction force may draw the engagement member214toward the central object surface226such that the second mounting magnet240in the second plane P2and the third mounting magnet241in the third plane P3are engaged for a first stage of engagement between the object interface220and the mounting apparatus210. As a result of the first stage of engagement, proximity of the third mounting magnet231(the second of the plurality of third mounting magnets, as noted above) in the fourth plane P4and the first mounting magnet230in the first plane P1may create a second attraction force between the secondary object surface224and the intermediate surface212such that the third mounting magnet231and the first mounting magnet230are engaged to produce a second stage of engagement and a total engagement force for mounting the object interface220to the mounting apparatus210and, correspondingly, for mounting the object to the mounting surface. Alternatively, placement of the object interface220in proximity to the target mounting area of the mounting apparatus210may produce a first attraction force between the third mounting magnet231in the fourth plane P4and the first mounting magnet230in the first plane P1. The first attraction force may draw the secondary object surface224toward the intermediate surface212such that the third mounting magnet231and the first mounting magnet230are engaged for a first stage of engagement. As a result of the first stage of engagement, proximity of the third mounting magnet241in the third plane P3and the second mounting magnet240in the second plane P2may draw the engagement member214toward the central object surface226such that the second mounting magnet240and the third mounting magnet241are engaged for a second stage of engagement and a total engagement force for mounting the object interface220to the mounting apparatus210and, correspondingly, for mounting the object to the mounting surface.

Also, it is important to note that, referring again to the system200depicted inFIG. 7A, the surface face222of the central object surface226may engage the face288of the engagement member214for a first stage of engagement when the engagement member214is extended from the intermediate surface212of the mounting apparatus210(e.g., a male-to-male engagement) in which case the engagement member214may retract beyond the intermediate surface212in a direction toward the base surface280such that the second stage of engagement between the intermediate surface212and the secondary object surface224may occur. Additionally, the engagement member214may be configured to be substantially flush with the intermediate surface212when in a disengaged (e.g., idle) state (this may occur as a result of a controlling force being applied by the controlling component260that may bias the engagement member214away from the controlling component260and toward the outer limit position OL, with the outer limit position OL of the engagement member214being configured such that the first plane P1and the second plane P2substantially coincide). In such a configuration, the object interface220depicted inFIG. 7Amay engage the engagement member214via the surface face222of the central object surface for a first stage of engagement, and proximity of the secondary object surface224to the intermediate surface212may cause an attraction force between the secondary object surface224and the intermediate surface212that is greater than the controlling force applied to the engagement member214by the controlling component260such that the engagement member214may effectively be pushed into a retracted position beyond the intermediate surface212and into the chamber290of the mounting apparatus210that may allow the second stage of engagement to occur for a total engagement force that mounts the object interface220to the mounting apparatus210and, correspondingly, mounts the object to the mounting surface.

Turning now to another embodiment of the system200, the embodiment depicted inFIG. 7Bshows the mounting apparatus210of the system200in the extended state with respect to an object interface220that may be configured such that it may act as substantially female within the system200. The mounting apparatus210may be configured relative to a substantially female object interface220such as the one depicted inFIG. 7Bin the following manner. The outer limit position OL of the engagement member214may be configured such that the apparatus engagement depth dais greater than the object interface depth doto ensure engagement between the second mounting magnet240of the engagement member214and the third mounting magnet241of the central object surface during the mounting process. Furthermore, the base limit position of the engagement member214may be configured relative to the object interface depth doand the strengths of the second mounting magnet240and the third mounting magnet241depending on the preferred configuration for the mounting apparatus210. If the preferred configuration does not require a depth between the intermediate surface212and the engagement member214when the engagement member is retracted (e.g., the mounting apparatus210is not desired to have the flexibility of acting as male or female), the base limit position BL may be configured such that the distance between the first plane P1and the second plane P2when the engagement member is in the base limit position is less than the object interface depth do. If a male-female configuration is preferred for the mounting apparatus210(e.g., the interior of the mounting apparatus210defines a depth when the engagement member is in the base limit position BL, and the engagement member214protrudes from the intermediate surface212when in the outer limit position OL), the base limit position BL of the engagement member214may be configured with respect to the strengths of the first mounting magnet240and the third mounting magnet241and with further respect to the proximity required between the respective mounting magnets to produce an attraction force capable of moving the second mounting magnet240toward the third mounting magnet241during the mounting process.

The staged engagement of the object interface220shown inFIG. 7Bmay occur in substantially the same orders between the respective planes of the system200as those depicted inFIG. 7Aand as described with respect toFIG. 7A(e.g., P2, P3then P1, P4; or P1, P4then P2, P3). However, rather than the surface face222of the central object surface226being drawn into the mounting apparatus210by way of the opening294of the intermediate surface212, the engagement member214(referring now toFIG. 7B) may be drawn into a cavity275of the central object surface226for the P1, P3stage of engagement to occur.

The staged disengagement process may occur in a variety of ways as well, depending on the configuration of the mounting apparatus210. InFIG. 7A, a disengaging force applied to the mounted object that is less than the total engagement force may disengage the secondary object surface224from the intermediate surface212for a first stage of disengagement. Prior to, and during, the first stage of disengagement, the engagement member214may move away from the base surface280and may be still engaged with the central object surface226of the object interface. Therefore, having completed the first stage of disengagement, a continued disengaging force may continue to move the engagement member214until the engagement member214reaches its outer limit position OL. At the outer limit position, the central object surface226and the engagement member214may disengage for a second stage of disengagement. Thus, a user that may apply a disengaging force to an object mounted to the mounting apparatus210may need only to apply a disengaging force of sufficient strength to overcome the first stage of disengagement. Each subsequent stage of disengagement may require more or less force to overcome than did the first stage of disengagement, but each successive stage of release may be less than the total engagement force, such that the object is able to be disengaged more gradually, with the total engagement force split amongst multiple tiers of release, for an experience that may be easier and more enjoyable for the user.

Disengagement of the system210shown inFIG. 7Bmay follow substantially the same order. In both of the systems described in theFIGS. 7A-7B, the point at which the stages of release occur depends on the location of the outer limit position OL of the engagement member214. The first stage of disengagement may occur within the mounting apparatus210between the central object surface226and the engagement member214if, inFIG. 7A, the outer limit position of the engagement member214(and, correspondingly, the second mounting magnet240) is configured to be between the base surface280and the intermediate surface212.

As depicted inFIGS. 7A-7Cand as described above, the relative depths of the object interface220and the mounting apparatus210may produce substantial surface area contact between the components of the system such that the system may be well suited to bearing the weights of mounted objects. Indeed, a substantial benefit of the mounting apparatus210and the mounting system200is the weight-bearing capability of the apparatus/system achieved in conjunction with the flexibility and ease of use of magnetic attachment and release. The configuration of the mounting apparatus210and the system200may be tailored to emphasize the weight-bearing aspects of the embodiments per the application such that a majority of the weight-bearing responsibility of the apparatus/system may be transferred from the magnetic engagements between planes to the structure of the apparatus/system, allowing users the benefits of magnetic attachment and release with lesser risk (e.g. risk of a fall, an unintended movement, or other unintended consequences related to unintentional disengagement). Accordingly, smaller and/or less expensive magnets may be required for the apparatus/system to function suitably as compared with other magnetic mounts that may support the same weight(s), such that the apparatus/system may be less expensive to manufacture and may be more affordable for users while providing the same functionality and benefits.

As mentioned above, configuring the mounting apparatus with respect to an object or with respect to an object interface, as shown in the system200ofFIG. 7A, may provide a greater degree of functionality and may, in turn, additionally benefit a user of the mounting apparatus. Also as noted above, the number, strength, and arrangement of the mounting magnets may be selected to enhance the functionality of the mounting apparatus in certain ways. For example, in some embodiments, at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface may be configured to bias the object to be mounted to a predefined mounting orientation prior to engagement of the object with the apparatus. Correspondingly, in some embodiments, the first mounting magnet may be configured to have a first magnetic force, and the second mounting magnet may be configured to have a second magnetic force that is substantially opposite the first magnetic force. In a system, the third mounting magnets may also be configured such that they agree with the arrangement of first and second mounting magnets prior to engagement. In this way, unintentional and incorrect engagement between mounting magnets may be avoided.

As shown inFIG. 7A, the magnets231of the secondary object surface224may be substantially aligned with corresponding magnets230supported by the intermediate surface212, and magnet240of the engagement member214may be substantially aligned with magnet241of the central object surface226. Furthermore, each set of corresponding mounting magnets may be configured so that the magnetic poles facing one another during the mounting process may be substantially opposite. In the configuration shown inFIG. 7A, the mounting apparatus210may be substantially female for the purposes of engagement (e.g., the engagement member214is capable of retracting within the mounting apparatus210), as described above, and as will be described in more detail below. Accordingly, the positions of the mounting magnets, as shown, may facilitate engagement of the object interface226with the mounting apparatus210provided that the perimeter of the surface face222of the central object surface226(and, accordingly, the extension surface223) aligns with the opening294of the intermediate surface212. The components of system200may further be configured so that the magnetic interaction between the object interface220and the mounting apparatus210prior to engagement helps facilitate proper engagement. This may be accomplished by configuring the third mounting magnets231,241of the object interface220relative to the first and second mounting magnets230,240of the mounting apparatus210so that the object interface220may substantially self-align with the mounting apparatus210prior to engagement with the mounting apparatus210to produce a predefined mounting orientation for aligning the object interface220, and, specifically the central object surface226in this embodiment, with the apparatus210. For example, magnets231of the secondary object surface224may be permanent magnets, and the magnets231may be oriented so that the north pole (N) of each magnet may be facing the mounting apparatus210during the mounting process. Correspondingly, magnets230of the intermediate surface212, which may also be permanent magnets, may be oriented so that the south pole (S) of each magnet may be facing the object interface220during the mounting process. Additionally, magnet241of the central object surface226may be oriented so that the south pole (S) of the magnet may be facing the mounting apparatus during the mounting process, and magnet240of the intermediate surface214may be oriented so that its north pole (N) faces the object interface220during the mounting process. Thus, the magnetic forces being configured as such, the central object surface226(e.g., magnet241), upon being brought into proximity with the mounting apparatus210, may repel the intermediate surface212(e.g., magnets230being of the same polarity as magnet241) so as to avoid improper engagement with the mounting apparatus210; and, further, the repelling force between magnets230and magnet241may serve to guide the central object surface226toward alignment with the opening294of the intermediate surface212because the opening294may be the path of least resistance.

An attraction force between the corresponding mounting magnets in a system may also serve to self-align the object interface220with the mounting apparatus210.FIG. 7Bshows a system in which the mounting apparatus210may act as male, such that a cavity275of the object interface220may receive the engagement member214during engagement of the object interface220with the mounting apparatus210. Thus, the cavity275may need to be aligned with the engagement member214and/or the opening294of the intermediate surface212(e.g., if the engagement member214is retracted and/or recessed when the mounting apparatus210is idle), and alignment may be easier for a user if the system200is configured to self-align during mounting. With continued reference toFIG. 7B, placing the object interface220into proximity of the target mounting area (e.g., which may be the facade285of the intermediate surface212, in this embodiment) of the mounting apparatus210may cause an attraction force between the magnets231of the secondary object surface224and the magnets230of the intermediate surface212such that six of the magnets231and six of the magnets230(i.e. g all of them, in this embodiment) are attracted to one another and orient the object interface220(and, thus, the object) in a predefined way, as well as positioning the cavity275relative to the opening294such that the engagement member214may be received by the object interface220. It should be noted, as well, that the configuration of magnets231inFIGS. 7A-7Bmay serve to facilitate an easier mounting process for the user, particularly with respect to the circular cross-section that may be chosen for other components of these embodiments, in that the “extra” magnets (e.g., two of the eight magnets231that may remain unused in the mounted configuration) may provide that all six magnets230of the intermediate surface are engaged by the object interface220during the mounting process regardless of the orientation of the object (and, correspondingly, the object interface220) as positioned by the user. This may provide a better experience for the user, because the user may not need to align the object in a particular fashion in order to achieve an intended result (e.g., mounting the object). For example, a user may wish to mount her phone in the car for use as a GPS device using a system similar to the system200inFIG. 7B, and she may wish to mount the phone without having to look at the mounting apparatus so that she may concentrate on her driving. Therefore, she may mount the phone without looking, so that the way she positions the phone during mounting may happen to be askew relative to her preferred orientation for the device. The presence of eight magnets231in a circular configuration on the secondary object surface224, rather than six magnets231in a configuration matching that of the intermediate surface212, may ensure that the device is mounted and secured to the mounting apparatus properly (e.g., safely and via a total engagement force) even if it may not be of the targeted orientation of the user, and this may be preferable to the user versus not being able to mount the device at all due to the mistake in orientation, having to risk looking at the mounting apparatus while driving in order to properly align the device, and/or having the device mounted incorrectly so that the device may be prone to an accidental fall. Furthermore, as described above, the configuration of components of the system200shown inFIG. 7Bmay provide a guiding and self-aligning influence for proper mounting of the device with respect to the engagement member214and/or other components of the system200in addition to accommodating the mistake in orientation of the device. Moreover, the configuration of the system200as shown inFIG. 7B, in the above example, may allow the user to easily correct her mistake. The flush contact of the surfaces of the system200shown inFIGS. 7A-7B(e.g., the substantially flat secondary object surface224and the substantially flat intermediate surface212, which may be in contact in a mounted and engaged configuration), along with the flexibility of rotational movement via the cylindrical shape of the engagement member214inFIGS. 7A-7B(and the accommodating size/shape of the opening294of the intermediate surface212), the configuration of magnets230and231discussed above, and other features, may allow the user to easily adjust the orientation of the mounted device. The user may accomplish this by applying a rotational force to the phone (e.g., the object) that may be strong enough to overcome the engagement forces between the magnets231and the magnets230(which may be a lesser force than that required to disengage the magnets231,230in the direction of the line of engagement Le) while the engagement force between magnet240and magnet241remains substantially unchanged as the engagement member214is rotated about the central axis X. Thus, the system200may remain partially disengaged momentarily (e.g. magnets231and magnets230being temporarily out of alignment) until the continued rotational movement causes an attraction between the magnets230of the intermediate surface212and a second configuration of the magnets231(which may be adjacent to those magnets231which were previously engaged, such that the second configuration may include one magnet231that may have been previously unengaged) that is stronger than the attraction between the magnets230and the first configuration of the magnets231(e.g., the magnets231having been disengaged). This attraction (between magnets230and the second configuration of the magnets231) may re align the object according to the second configuration of the magnets231relative to the magnets230, producing a new total engagement force. Thus, the user may only need to rotate the object just further than halfway between the adjacent magnets231to accomplish the change in orientation rather than being required to disengage the object by providing a disengaging force along the line of engagement Le) and re-engage the object with the apparatus (again, along the line of engagement Le) in order to accomplish the same change in orientation.

Embodiments which may allow a user to manipulate an object (e.g., slideably, as described above, or otherwise) and/or cause the object or object interface to interact with the magnetic forces present within the apparatus or system while the object is engaged or partially engaged with the mounting apparatus (and, particularly, when those interactions change the state of engagement and/or the state of the object or object interface) whether within a system, as in the example above, or without (as described previously) may allow the mounting apparatus to have functionality in addition to, or that may complement, the mounting functionality of the apparatus or system; and this additional functionality may be very valuable to the user. For example, in the system depicted inFIG. 7C, an intermediate surface212may be provided that includes a first mounting magnet230comprised of six magnets230b,230c,230d,230f(not shown),230g(not shown),230hand a second object surface224that may include a third mounting magnet231comprised of eight magnets231a,231b,231c,231d,231e,231f(not shown),231g(not shown),231h, wherein six magnets231b,231c,231d,231f,231g,231hof the eight magnets of the second object surface224may correspond to the six magnets230b,230c,230d,230f,230g,230hof the intermediate surface12when a mounted object is in a preferred mounted orientation (e.g., in this embodiment, the rotational orientation of the object relative to the central axis X of the mounting apparatus210that a user may wish the object to be in when fully mounted, such as when a user may wish a television to be in a position such that the bottom edge of the television's screen is substantially level instead of being rotationally askew e.g., crooked relative to the central axis X). In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 7C, the preferred mounted orientation may correspond to the pre-engagement (e.g., disengaged) orientation shown and described above. Furthermore, the system200shown may be configured such that magnets231cand230cand magnets231g(not shown) and230g(not shown) are correlated magnets and such that magnets231a,231b,231d,231e,231f(not shown),231hand magnets230b,230d,230f(not shown),230hare permanent magnets. The correlated magnets231c,230c,231g,230gmay be configured to engage the permanent magnets230b,231d,230h,231fin substantially the same way as would permanent magnets (e.g., in substantially the same way as the magnets231c,230c,231g,230gmay engage the magnets230b,231d,230h,231fif the magnets231c,230c,231g,230gwere permanent magnets of respective polarities opposite the respective polarities of the magnets230b,231d,230h,231f) during the mounting process (e.g., along respective engagement axes that correspond to the central axis X and, accordingly, the line of engagement Le) and, also, when engaged rotationally in a mounted configuration (as described above). Furthermore, the correlated magnets231c,230cmay be configured with respect to one another such that they may engage one another rotationally when the object interface220is engaged with the mounting apparatus via a clockwise movement about the central axis X with respect to the facade285of the intermediate surface212such that magnet231cis moved from a position of engagement with magnet230b(e.g., disengaged from magnet230bvia the clockwise movement) to a position of engagement with230c(e.g., engaged with magnet230cvia the clockwise movement). Likewise, the correlated magnets231g,230gmay be configured with respect to one another such that they may engage one another rotationally when the object interface220is engaged with the mounting apparatus via the same clockwise movement described above such that magnet231gis moved from a position of engagement with magnet230f(e.g., disengaged from magnet230fvia the clockwise movement) to a position of engagement with230g(e.g., engaged with magnet230gvia the clockwise movement). Thus, the engagements between the respective correlated magnet pairs may occur substantially simultaneously in response to the same clockwise rotational movement described above. Furthermore, the respective configurations of the correlated magnet pairs231c,230cand231g,230gmay provide that, in the engaged state, the correlated magnet pairs231c,230cand231g,230gmay be disengaged, respectively, via a substantially opposite rotational movement (e.g., counterclockwise) only, such that the respective correlated magnet pairs may not be able to be reasonably disengaged (e.g., disengaged by means other than by an extreme or unusual force) in a direction along the line of engagement Lein response to a disengaging force applied in a direction along the line of engagement Le. Thus, the object interface220may be able to be fully disengaged from the mounting apparatus210only after the substantially opposite rotational movement has occurred.

Therefore, being configured as described above, a user may mount an object to a mounting surface using system200shown inFIG. 7Cby rotating the object slightly counterclockwise when facing the mounting apparatus210such that magnets231aand231c, for example, of the object interface220are substantially aligned with magnets230hand230bof the mounting apparatus. The object may thus be placed into proximity of the mounting apparatus210and engaged with the mounting apparatus210, as described above. After engagement, the user may rotate the object clockwise, sliding the second object surface224against the intermediate surface212, until the correlated magnet pairs231c,230cand231g,230gare engaged. The user may know the correlated magnet pairs are engaged because the object may not be able to be further rotated in the clockwise direction as a result of the respective engagements and/or also because the object may be in the preferred mounted orientation. To disengage the object, the user may rotate the object counterclockwise until the correlated magnet pairs are disengaged and, correspondingly, the magnets adjacent the correlated magnets are engaged. The user may thus disengage the object by applying a disengaging force that is less than the total engagement force between the object interface220and the mounting apparatus210, as previously described. The configuration of the system200described with respect toFIG. 7Cis one of many possible configurations using correlated magnets, and configurations wherein the correlated magnet pairs are in closer proximity when fully engaged (e.g., supported on the facade285of the intermediate surface212rather than on the inner surface286, and configured in a like manner on the second object surface224, for example) may be even more advantageous in producing the desired result.

Furthermore, correlated magnets may be coded (e.g., programmed) such that they may only respond to other coded magnets. For example, in the embodiment described above, the correlated magnets may be configured to interact with permanent magnets in a substantially similar fashion as would a permanent magnet in the place of the correlated magnet (as described). Alternatively, embodiments may be configured such that the correlated magnets may effectively “ignore” some components of the embodiment, such as the permanent magnets described above, and may respond only to other coded magnets that may be configured specifically to interact with them magnetically. Thus, coded magnets may provide a substantial degree of customization with respect to the desired functionality of the system.

Configuring the mounting system200as described above may be very beneficial to a user in that the security and stability of the object may be greatly enhanced. For instance, in some embodiments, a user may be able to mount a television or other visual display to a wall in a boat, valuing the additional security that may be afforded the device against the unpredictable and sudden forces (e.g., yaw, etc.) that may act on the device when the boat is at sea. Additionally, a theatre company may value the system for being able to quickly and easily mount temporary lighting systems from the ceiling between performances and may use the mounting system knowing that the force of gravity may act in a direction substantially aligned with the line of engagement Leof the mounting apparatus210such that the lighting system is secure against the force of gravity when mounted to the ceiling.

Similar advantages may result from a system200, again with reference toFIG. 7C, that may be configured to use electromagnets in place of, or in addition to, the correlated magnets described above. For example, in a system200that is configured to use electromagnets for providing additional security to the mounting system, the magnets230c,230d,230f(not shown),230g(not shown),230hmay be electromagnets that may be managed by an electric current such that they may be strengthened or weakened in response to a signal. The magnets231of the second object surface224may be permanent magnets, and the system200may contain only seven third mounting magnets231such that the system does not contain the magnet231cshown inFIG. 7C. Additionally, component230bof the intermediate surface212inFIG. 7Cmay be a circuit that responds to magnetism by producing a signal, such as a Hall Effect sensor. The circuit may respond to the presence or absence of a magnet by producing one or more signals, and the circuit may be configured to effectively control the strength of the electromagnets230of the mounting apparatus210by sending a signal to an electrical device within the mounting apparatus (not shown) that may receive the signal from the circuit and may adjust the forces of the electromagnets230accordingly. Furthermore, the circuit may be configured to be adjustable such that it may be enabled or disabled by a user. When enabled, a user may mount an object to the mounting apparatus210in a slightly askew orientation, as described above, so that the magnets231aand231d, for example, of the secondary object surface224may be aligned with magnets230hand230c, respectively, of the intermediate surface212. When mounted in this way, the circuit may be aligned with the area of magnet231cshown inFIG. 7C(which, again, is not present in the described configuration) such that no signal is generated during mounting. Thus, the total engagement force resulting from the initial (e.g. skewed engagement may be of a level L. The user may rotate the object clockwise, as described above, and the clockwise movement may align the magnet231bwith the circuit such that the circuit sends a first signal to the electrical device. The electrical device may be configured to effectively strengthen the magnetic force of the electromagnets230in response to the first signal. The increased magnetic strength of the electromagnets230may increase the total engagement force of the system200to a level H. The level H total engagement force may prevent the object from being disengaged in a direction that may substantially correspond with a direction of the line of engagement Le. Thus, a user wishing to disengage the object may need to first rotate the object in a counterclockwise manner, as described above, and the force required to rotate the object may be less than the total engagement force H. The counterclockwise movement may move the magnet231bout of proximity of the circuit such that the circuit sends a second signal to the electrical device. The electrical device may be configured to effectively weaken the magnetic force of the electromagnets230in response to the second signal. The reduced magnetic strength of the electromagnets230may decrease the total engagement force of the system200to the level L. Thus, the user may be able to apply a disengaging force to dismount the object via successive stages of disengagement, as previously described.

It is important to note that the corresponding mounting magnets in systems such as system200may act in a similar fashion to that of a controlling component, described previously. Systems are also contemplated and may be configured such that all of the mounting magnets and controlling components are electromagnets, correlated magnets, programmable correlated magnets, etc. These components may be configured to interact with one another and with other controlling components to move, reorient, or otherwise reposition the object mounted to the mounting apparatus. For example, referring again to the system200inFIG. 7A, magnets230,231,240,241may be configured to be electromagnets that may be adjustable via previously-described methods. Thus, the object itself, via the object interface, may be able to influence its own state of movement or position by being configured to send signals to the apparatus, either interactively (e.g. dynamically) by a user or in a pre-programmed fashion, to manipulate the magnetic forces in play for the benefit of the user. Thus, an apparatus210in a system may produce an apparatus controlling force, and an object interface may produce an object interface controlling force via the configured magnets. Therefore, an object interface may be able to eject itself by applying an interface controlling force to the apparatus. Additionally, the object interface may apply an interface controlling force to partially disengage the object so that the object may be adjusted. The depth of adjustment may be a depth from the intermediate surface, and the depth of adjustment may be less than the apparatus engagement depth such that the object is only partially disengaged from the apparatus when it is capable of being adjusted. To facilitate such functionality, any of the central object surface or the plurality of secondary object surfaces may be configured with at least one electromagnet, at least one correlated magnet, or at least one programmable magnet. In addition, the engagement member and/or the intermediate surface may be configured with at least one electromagnet, at least one correlated magnet, or at least one programmable magnet.

AlthoughFIGS. 7A-7Cdepict an object interface having two planes of engagement, the object interface may be configured (depending upon the number of planes of the mounting apparatus, for example) to have 3, 4, 5, or more planes of engagement to accommodate additional tiers of engagement/disengagement provided by the mounting apparatus.

For purposes of explanation, certain external components of the embodiments of the mounting apparatus10,210described above and illustrated inFIGS. 7A-7Care not shown to allow other described components to be shown. As such, the mounting apparatus10,210may be embodied in various ways. For example, one or more of the engagement member, intermediate surface, magnets, etc. may be disposed and/or movable within a housing. The housing itself may be configured in various ways to accommodate attachment of the mounting apparatus to various types and configurations of mounting surfaces.

Although the embodiments described above involve the use of two tiers of magnets (e.g., two planes P1, P2), the same principles may be applied to create a mounting apparatus10having 3, 4, 5, or more stages of engagement and/or disengagement. Indeed, the greater the number of planes that are provided for magnetic engagement, the smaller the required incremental engagement and/or disengagement force that is needed as the total engagement force may be distributed among a greater number of planes. In addition, the engagement/disengagement force required for each plane may be distributed substantially equally (e.g., by dividing the total engagement force required to support the intended object by the total number of planes), or may be distributed unevenly, such as, for example, in an embodiment in which the initial disengaging force required is greater than the subsequent incremental disengaging forces required for release of subsequent stages.

In some embodiments of the invention, the second mounting magnet may be movable, and a plurality of second mounting magnets may be supported in a plurality of respective second planes. In addition, the second mounting magnets may be arranged in a nested configuration and/or a telescoping configuration. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the engagement member may comprise a plurality of engagement member components, and at least one of the engagement member components may be configured to respond to magnetism. Referring now to the embodiment depicted inFIG. 8A, the engagement member14may comprise a plurality of engagement member components14′,14″, and each of the plurality of second mounting magnets40′,40″ may be supported in a respective second plane by a respective engagement member component.

Dividing the engagement force of a second mounting magnet40amongst a plurality of second mounting magnets40′,40″ in a plurality of respective second planes may allow the engagement force of the second mounting magnet to be overcome over a greater distance and via a greater number of respective engagement forces. Therefore, each engagement force associated with each respective second plane may be of a lesser force than that of the second mounting magnet supported in a single second plane, so the respective engagement forces may each require a lesser respective disengaging force such that the total engagement force may be overcome more gradually. Overcoming the total engagement force of the second mounting magnet more gradually over a greater distance may allow the object to be more easily and smoothly disengaged from the mounting apparatus while preserving substantially the same total engagement force for maintaining engagement of the object with the mounting apparatus when engaged.

The plurality of engagement member components (14′,14″) may be configured relative to one another such that, in the retracted state, the plurality of engagement member components are in a nested configuration that is substantially flush with the intermediate surface12, as illustrated inFIG. 8B. Thus, the embodiment depicted inFIG. 8Amay provide a smoother and more gradual release of an object while retaining the visually appealing aesthetic of the flush surface of the mounting apparatus.

In the extended state, the plurality of engagement member components14′,14″ may form a telescoping engagement member extending toward an object to be mounted along an engagement member axis (e.g., axis X). An additional benefit of arranging the engagement member components14′,14″ in a nested and/or telescoping configuration may be that the engagement member components14′,14″ may adapt to various surfaces that may have substantially differing depths. As such, embodiments such as the apparatus10depicted inFIGS. 8A-Dmay be used as mounting apparatuses and/or may be attached to objects for mounting the objects to other surfaces. Moreover, like apparatuses with nested configurations may attach to one another and may provide a high degree of flexibility and ease of detachment.

Furthermore, a nested configuration of engagement member components may be configured to selectively extend in response to differing attraction forces. For example, the embodiment depicted inFIG. 8Amay be configured to accommodate a relatively smaller object with the smaller engagement member14′ and may be configured to accommodate a relatively larger object with engagement member14″. As such, the components may be configured with differing weights with respect to one another and with respect to the apparatus10such that the smaller engagement member14′ may extend in response to relatively lesser attraction forces, and the larger engagement member14″ may require a stronger attraction force to be extended from the apparatus10. Thus, in one example, a user may wish to use one mounting apparatus for mounting two devices, a mobile phone and a tablet computer. The user may accomplish this with the apparatus10as shown inFIG. 8A, as the smaller engagement member14′ may be configured to extend in response to a magnetic attraction brought about by proximity of the mobile phone for mounting the mobile phone, but the attraction force between the phone and the mounting apparatus may not be strong enough to move the larger engagement member14″ as configured. However, the larger engagement member14″ may be configured to extend when the larger tablet computer is brought into proximity, as the tablet computer may apply a larger attraction force (either due to the metal content of the device as compared to the mobile phone, or because the device may be fitted with an object interface). Correspondingly, object interfaces may be configured for use with the nested apparatuses so as to produce the selective tier mechanism consistently as an added benefit of the device.

In some cases, the mounting apparatus10may be configured such that at least one of the engagement member components is configured to respond to magnetism (e.g., at least one of the engagement member components comprises a respective second mounting magnet40), as noted above. The plurality of engagement member components may be configured relative to one another, however, such that, in the retracted state, the plurality of engagement member components (three engagement member components14′,14″,14′″ in the embodiment ofFIGS. 9A-9C) are in a nested configuration that forms a telescoping receptacle190that is configured to receive at least a portion of an object to be mounted, as shown inFIG. 9A. In the extended state, the plurality of engagement member components14′,14″,14″ may form a telescoping engagement member14extending toward the object to be mounted, as shown inFIG. 9B. An exploded view of the embodiment ofFIGS. 9A and 9Bis shown inFIG. 9C.

Accordingly, the planes, strengths, sizes, arrangement, distances, depths, allowable movements, etc. associated with the first and second mounting magnets with respect to each other, other components of the mounting apparatus, and the object may be configured in various ways to achieve particular desired functions, capabilities, and/or aesthetics. For example (with reference toFIGS. 2-4), in some embodiments, the respective limit positions of the at least one of the mounting magnets that is moveable may be configured such that the first and second mounting magnets are movable to a position in which the first and second planes substantially coincide.

Moreover, as shown inFIG. 10, although embodiments of the engagement member14,214described above are depicted as having a flat outer face (e.g., face88ofFIG. 6A), embodiments of mounting apparatus10are contemplated in which the outer face45is curved or otherwise angled. In this regard, in some embodiments, one or more of the planes of engagement (e.g., one or more of the first or second planes) may be defined by a curved surface. Said differently, one or more of the intermediate surface or the engagement member may be defined by a curved surface, as shown inFIG. 10with respect to the engagement member14. In this way, the engagement member14may be configured to engage a correspondingly curved component of an object interface. Moreover, curvature of the engagement member14(or intermediate surface, in some embodiments) may allow for an additional degree of freedom in the engagement of the object interface with the mounting apparatus, such as to allow the object interface to be attached at an angle (e.g., not necessarily aligned with the central axis of the engagement member).

Referring now toFIG. 11A, a system300is provided that may include a mounting apparatus310comprising an intermediate surface312that may be configured to respond to magnetism and an engagement member314that may also be configured to respond to magnetism. The intermediate surface312may define a first plane, and the engagement member314may define a second plane and may be configured to move along a line of engagement Lethat intersects the first plane. As shown, the second plane may be defined by a curved surface. The system300may further include an object interface320configured to be attached to an object (not shown) to be mounted and to the mounting apparatus310, and the object interface may comprise a central object surface322that may define a third plane. The central object surface322may be configured to respond to magnetism and may be configured to agree with the engagement member314.

The engagement member314may be configured to move between an outer limit position OL and a base limit position BL. Additionally, the engagement member314may comprise an extension398and a face388joined to the extension398and may support a second mounting magnet340in the second plane. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 11A, the face388of the engagement member314may be the curved surface of the second mounting magnet340. The extension398may provide a stop feature350by means of an outward protrusion of the extension398that has a greater diameter than the opening394of the intermediate surface. A portion of the extension398may be slideably received by the guide surface396of the intermediate surface312such that the stop feature350may limit the engagement member314in a direction away from the intermediate surface312along the line of engagement Le by contacting an inner surface386of the intermediate surface312and, thus, may define the outer limit position OL of the engagement member314. When the engagement member314is in the outer limit position, the distance between the first and second planes may define an apparatus engagement depth da.

The intermediate surface312may support the first mounting magnet330in the first plane, and the first mounting magnet330may limit the engagement member314in a direction away from the central object surface322by contact with the second mounting magnet340of the engagement member314and, thus, may define the base limit position of the engagement member314.

As mentioned above, the central object surface322may be configured to agree with the engagement member314by way of a surface opening304and a contact surface302of the surface opening304that may be configured (e.g., shaped) to substantially flushly engage the face388of the engagement member314and, correspondingly, the second mounting magnet340. The diameter of the surface opening304may be less than the diameter of the face388of the engagement member314(and, correspondingly, may be less than the diameter of the second mounting magnet340). The diameter of the surface opening304and the depth (e.g., thickness) of the central object surface322may be configured relative to the object (not shown) and relative to the diameter of the face388(and e.g., the diameter of the second mounting magnet340) such that the contact surface302substantially flushly engages the face388of the engagement member314. For example, a substantially flat object, or a substantially flat portion of the object, that may attach to the object interface320on the surface of the central object surface322that is furthest from the mounting apparatus310and may block or otherwise occupy a portion of the opening304that may be occupied by the engagement member314when engaged with the central object surface322, may require a greater depth e.g., thickness of the central object surface322than would an object that does not block or otherwise occupy the portion of the opening304.

The intermediate surface312may be attached to a mounting surface (e.g., a wall) via fasteners by way of countersunk holes307. The central object surface322may attach to an object (not shown) to be mounted via fasteners by way of countersunk openings355. The intermediate surface312may apply an attraction force (via the first mounting magnet330) to the engagement member314such that the engagement member314is in the base limit position (e.g., retracted) when the mounting apparatus310is disengaged (e.g., idle).

Therefore, an object to be mounted to the mounting surface may be put in proximity of the mounting apparatus310, and an attraction force between the engagement member314and the central object surface322may be greater than the attraction force applied to the engagement member314by the intermediate surface312such that the engagement member is moved toward the outer limit position OL. If the central object surface322is not within the apparatus engagement depth da, the engagement member314may reach the outer limit position OL and be held in the outer limit position by the attraction force between the central object surface322and the engagement member314until the central object surface322may be moved within the apparatus engagement depth da. When the central object surface322is within the apparatus engagement depth da, the engagement member314may engage the central object surface322(e.g., a first stage of engagement). Proximity of the central object surface322to the intermediate surface312may result in an attraction force between the central object surface322and the intermediate surface312. The engagement member314, the central object surface322, and the object may move toward the intermediate surface312, and the overall engagement force between the mounting apparatus310and the object interface320may increase by degrees until such time that the engagement member314may move to the base limit position BL. In the base limit position BL, an engagement force between the central object surface322and the intermediate surface312may be produced (e.g., a second stage of engagement) such that the overall engagement force becomes a total engagement force for mounting the object to the mounting surface.

As shown inFIG. 11A, the central object surface may not physically engage the facade385of the intermediate surface312, and the engagement force produced between the intermediate surface312and the central object surface322may be a magnetic engagement force. As such, the object may be free to move about the face388of the engagement member314(e.g., rotationally, pivotally, etc.) such that the object may be manipulated to a preferred orientation (FIG. 11B) when securely mounted via the total engagement force of the mounting apparatus10.

The mounting apparatus310may be configured such that a disengaging force that may be less than the total engagement force and that may be applied to the object attached to the object interface320may be capable of disengaging the object interface from the mounting apparatus in stages by successively overcoming the respective engagement forces associated with the engagement member and the intermediate surface.

With respect to the embodiment depicted inFIG. 11A, a disengaging force applied to the object may be of a sufficient strength to disengage the mounted object if the disengaging force is greater than the engagement force between the intermediate surface312and the central object surface322because the total engagement force may be overcome by degrees over the distance defined by the apparatus engagement depth daas the disengaging force first overcomes the engagement force between the intermediate surface312and the central object surface322which may begin movement of the engagement member314and the object toward the outer limit position OL. In the outer limit position, the disengaging force may need to be of a strength greater than the engagement force between the central object surface322and the engagement member314to disengage the object from the mounting surface.

Turning now toFIG. 12, an embodiment of a mounting apparatus10is shown. The mounting apparatus10shown inFIG. 12may comprise a first mounting magnet30supported in a first plane and a second mounting magnet40supported in a second plane. The first mounting magnet30may be comprised of six magnets30supported by an intermediate surface12, and the second mounting magnet40may be comprised of one magnet40supported by an engagement member14.

The engagement member14may be configured to be moved along a line of engagement Lethat intersects the first and second planes. The engagement member14may comprise an extension98and a face88joined to the extension.

The intermediate surface12may be in a fixed position. The intermediate surface12may be configured to receive a portion of the extension98of the engagement member14via a guide surface96of an opening94defined by a portion of the intermediate surface12, and two protrusions of the inner surface86of the intermediate surface12may encroach on the opening94and may be received by a groove58of the extension98of the engagement member14which may further guide movement of the engagement member14and may prevent rotation of the engagement member14as the engagement member14is moved between the extended state and the retracted state.

The engagement member14may be configured to move between a base limit position BL and an outer limit position OL. Movement of the engagement member14may be limited in the direction of the outer limit position OL by a stop feature50that may be provided by an outward protrusion of the extension98of the engagement member14, and the stop feature50may contact an inner surface86of the intermediate surface12by way of the groove58when the engagement member14is in the extended state. When in the retracted state, an inner face59of the engagement member14may be in contact with a guide stop87that may limit movement of the engagement member14toward the base limit position BL. When in the retracted state, the facade85of the intermediate surface and the face88of the engagement member14may be substantially flush, as the depth between the facade85and the guide stop87may be substantially the same as the depth between the face88and the inner face59of the engagement member14.

The stop feature50of the engagement member14may support a plurality of controlling components60(six, in this embodiment) which may substantially align with the first mounting magnet30(equally six, in this embodiment) supported by the intermediate surface. Thus, the controlling component60may be movable, and the movement of the controlling component60may substantially correspond with the movement of the second mounting magnet40. Said differently, the plurality of controlling components60may be supported in a third plane that is movable with respect to the engagement member14that may be substantially parallel to the second plane.

The controlling component60may apply a force to the mounting magnet30(six magnets inFIG. 12) that may bias the engagement member14toward the retracted state (e.g., a repelling force). Movement of the engagement member14toward the retracted state may be stopped by guide stop87of the intermediate surface12as the inner face59of the engagement member14contacts the guide stop87. Thus, the target mounting area (described previously) may be flush when the mounting apparatus10is disengaged (e.g., idle), as described above.

The mounting apparatus10may be configured to attach to a mounting surface (not shown) via four attachment supports107. An object to be mounted to the mounting surface may be put in proximity of the mounting apparatus10which may produce at least one attraction force between the object and at least one of the mounting magnets30,40. The at least one attraction force may be greater than the controlling force applied to the intermediate surface12by the controlling component60such that the engagement member14moves toward the object to engage the object. The object and the second mounting magnet40may produce an engagement force (e.g., a first stage of engagement), and the object may be in such proximity to the intermediate surface12that the object moves toward the intermediate surface12. The object may engage the first mounting magnet30(and, correspondingly, the intermediate surface12) for a second stage of engagement that may produce a total engagement force for mounting the object to the mounting surface.

The object may be disengaged from the mounting apparatus10by application of a disengaging force that is less than the total engagement force, as the total engagement force may be overcome in stages by successively overcoming the respective engagement forces associated with the first and second mounting magnets to disengage the object.

The controlling component60may also be configured to apply a force to the intermediate surface12that may bias the engagement member14toward the extended state. In fact, the engagement member14may be positioned at any point along the line of engagement Lethat may be between the outer limit position OL and the base limit position BL by configuring the controlling component60(e.g., size, strength, shape, type, etc.) and the first mounting magnet30relative to one another such that a desired position of the engagement member14is achieved. Various magnets may be chosen for the mounting apparatus to facilitate this or other desired functionality of the apparatus and/or its components, and any of the first mounting magnet30, the second mounting magnet40, and/or the controlling component60may be an electromagnet, a programmable magnet, a correlated magnet, etc.

Referring again toFIG. 12, in some embodiments of the mounting apparatus10, the second mounting magnet40may be a correlated magnet. Additionally, an object interface (not shown) may comprise a corresponding correlated magnet that may substantially align with the second mounting magnet40during engagement. The correlated magnets may be configured such that, once engaged (i.e. mounted via a total engagement force, as described previously), rotation of the object interface (e.g. clockwise rotation) causes the pair of correlated magnets to interact to produce a locking engagement force such that the object may not be disengaged from the mounting apparatus10in a direction corresponding to the line of engagement Le. The locking engagement force may be an engagement force in addition to the total engagement force achieved during mounting of the object interface to the mounting apparatus. Correspondingly, when the user wishes to disengage the object from the mounting apparatus, the user may rotate the object in a substantially opposite fashion (e.g. counterclockwise) to release the locking engagement force, and the user may then go about applying a disengaging force to the object that may be less than the total engagement force to disengage the object in stages, as previously described.

Embodiments using pairs of correlated magnets in this way may be very beneficial to the user due to the degree of additional security and functionality provided.

Turning now toFIG. 13, a system400is shown for mounting an object interface420to a mounting apparatus410. The system400may include a mounting apparatus410which may comprise an intermediate surface412configured to respond to magnetism and an engagement member414configured to respond to magnetism. The intermediate surface412may define a first plane, and the engagement member414may define a second plane. Additionally, the engagement member414may be movable along a line of engagement Lethat intersects the first plane and may support a second mounting magnet440in the second plane. The intermediate surface may support a first mounting magnet430in the first plane, and the first mounting magnet430may be comprised of six magnets30. The system400may also include an object interface420that may be configured to be attached to an object to be mounted (not shown) and to the mounting apparatus410. The object interface420may comprise a central object surface426that may be configured to respond to magnetism and may define a third plane. And the object interface420may also comprise a secondary object surface424that may be spaced from the central object surface426and may define a fourth plane. The secondary object surface424may support a respective third mounting magnet431(which may be one of a plurality of third mounting magnets in a plurality of third planes in this embodiment), and the third mounting magnet431may be comprised of two magnets431supported in a respective third plane. The central object surface426may support a respective third mounting magnet441, which may be comprised of one magnet441, in a respective third plane.

At least one of the engagement member414or the intermediate surface412may be movable between an outer limit position OL and a base limit position BL. An apparatus engagement depth damay be defined by a distance between the first and second planes when the at least one of the engagement member414or the intermediate surface412that is movable is in the respective outer limit position.

In the depicted embodiment ofFIG. 13, the engagement member414may be movable between an outer limit position OL and a base limit position BL and may be slideably received by the intermediate surface412along a guide surface496by way of an opening494, and extension498may slide along the guide surface496of the intermediate surface412. The intermediate surface412may have a fixed position. The engagement member414may further comprise an extension498and a face488joined to the extension, and movement of the engagement member414may be limited in the direction of an object to be mounted by a stop feature450formed by an outward protrusion of the extension498. The stop feature450may contact the inner surface486of the intermediate surface and, thus, may serve to define the outer limit position of the second mounting magnet440. Additionally, the stop feature450may support a plurality of apparatus controlling components460(six magnets460in this embodiment) in a plane that moves relative to the second plane. Movement of the engagement member414toward the retracted state may be limited by the inner face459of the engagement member414by contact with a facade485of the intermediate surface.

The central object surface426may have a lead face429and may be configured to engage the face488of the engagement member414during the mounting process. The secondary object surface424may comprise a frontage427and a hanger477attached to the frontage427. Additionally, the second object surface may have fastener holes479for attaching to the object to be mounted (e.g., a picture frame, etc.).

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 13, magnets431,441,430,440,460may be rare earth magnets. Mounting magnets431, supported by the secondary object surface424, may have north (N) poles facing the mounting apparatus410. Mounting magnets430, supported by the intermediate surface412, may have south (S) poles facing the object interface420and may have north (N) poles facing the controlling components460supported by the stop feature450of the intermediate member414. Controlling components460may have north (N) poles facing the object interface. Mounting magnet440may be supported by the face488of the intermediate surface and may have a south (S) pole facing the object interface420. Mounting magnet441may be supported by the central object surface426and may have a north (N) pole facing the mounting apparatus410.

Therefore, the controlling components460may be configured to be weakly repelled by the magnets430such that the engagement member414may be in the retracted position when disengaged (e.g., idle), and its movement in a direction away from the object interface420may be stopped by contact with the facade485of the intermediate surface by the inner face459of the engagement member. Magnets431may be configured to be moderately attracted to the magnets430, and the magnet441may be configured to be strongly attracted to the magnet440.

The object interface420may be brought into proximity with the mounting apparatus410by a user such that an attraction force between the magnet441of the central object surface426and the magnet440of the engagement member414moves the engagement member414against the repelling force of the magnets430of the intermediate surface and toward the object interface. The magnet440may engage the magnet441for a first stage of engagement. The depth between the first and second planes when the engagement member414is extended and engaged may be substantially equivalent to the depth between the lead face429of the central object surface426and the facade485of the intermediate surface such that the secondary object surface424of the object interface420may be pressed substantially flush against the facade485of the intermediate surface412as a result of the first engagement force. The hanger477may thus be positioned over the extension498of the engagement member414. The magnets430of the intermediate surface may be physically lower than magnets431(e.g., not aligned) in the engagement position for the magnets441,440. The user may let go of the hanger477to allow it to engage the extension498of the engagement member. The weight of the object may lower the object and object interface such that the magnets431are aligned with the magnets430, and a second stage of engagement may be produced for a total engagement force between the object interface420and the mounting apparatus410. However, the lowering of the object may disengage the magnets440,441and engagement of the magnets430,431may strengthen the repelling force applied to the controlling components460which may repel the engagement member414such that the engagement member414retracts in response to the repelling force issued by the magnets430,431. Thus, the inner face459of the engagement member may contact the hanger477of the secondary object surface424, effectively holding the hanger477against the facade485of the intermediate surface.

The user may apply a disengaging force by lifting the object which may slide the frontage427of the secondary object surface against the facade485of the intermediate surface412and disengage the magnets430,431. The lifting force may be less than the total engagement force between the magnets430,431if the magnets430,431were to have been pulled in a direction along the line of engagement Le. Disengaging the magnets430,431may cause the repelling force applied to the controlling components60to be reduced. Proximity of the magnet441upon the lifting of the object may cause the engagement member414to extend and release the hanger477. Thus, the object may be fully disengaged from the mounting surface.

For example, in some embodiments, the second mounting magnet may be moveable, and a plurality of second mounting magnets may be supported in a plurality of respective second planes. In this regard, turning toFIG. 14, in some embodiments, the engagement member14may comprise a plurality of engagement members, such as four engagement members14a,14b,14c,14din the depicted embodiment. At least one of the engagement members14a,14b,14c,14dmay be configured to respond to magnetism (e.g., one or more may support a respective second mounting magnet40a,40b,40c,40d), and each engagement member may be configured to move independently along a respective line of engagement with respect to other engagement members. Thus, each engagement member14a,14b,14c,14dmay be configured to move between a respective base limit position BL and a respective outer limit position OL that is substantially independent of the other engagement members.

Moreover, the second mounting magnets may be configured such that the respective base limit position BL of each second mounting magnet is in substantially the same plane. With respect to the embodiment ofFIG. 14, for example, a base surface80may be provided that includes stop features55a,55b,55c,55dcorresponding to a particular engagement member14a,14b,14c,14d. Each stop feature55a,55b,55c,55dmay have a height (e.g., length of extension away from the base surface80) substantially corresponding to the depth of its corresponding engagement member14a,14b,14c,14d. For example, the deepest engagement member14din the embodiment ofFIG. 14may be configured to correspond to the stop feature55dwith the smallest height, whereas the shallowest engagement member14amay be configured to correspond to the stop feature55awith the greatest height. By configuring the stop feature heights and the corresponding engagement member depths to add up to the same dimension across all of the engagement members, the respective base limit position BL of each of the second mounting magnets may lie in substantially the same plane (e.g., the assembled outer face of the plurality of engagement members may be substantially flush).

Each engagement member component14a,14b,14c,14dmay comprise an extension98a,98b,98c,98dand a face88a,88b,88c,88djoined to the extension, and each extension may be configured to limit movement of the object to a direction along a single axis in response to a disruptive or disengaging force applied to the object, as described above. Thus, the extension98a,98b,98c,98dof each engagement member component14a,14b,14c,14dmay define a depth, as noted above, and the depth of at least two of the engagement member components may be different, as illustrated in the embodiment ofFIG. 14.

In other embodiments, however, such as the embodiment depicted inFIG. 15, each engagement member14nmay define substantially the same depth. For example, a plurality of engagement members14ncomprising a plurality of second mounting magnets40nin a plurality of second planes may be arranged in relatively close proximity to form a set140, as shown. Each engagement member14nmay comprise an extension98nand a face88njoined to the extension, and each engagement member14nin the set140may be configured to move independently of the other engagement members. Thus, each engagement member14nmay be slideably received by an intermediate surface12by way of an opening94nand may move along a guide surface96nof the opening94n. As such, movement of the engagement member14nmay be limited between a base limit position BL and an outer limit position OL, and movement of the engagement member14nin a direction toward the object to be mounted may be limited by a stop feature50nformed by an outward protrusion of the extension98nthat contacts an inner surface86of the intermediate surface12. The base limit position BL of the engagement member14nmay be defined by the depth of the extension98nof the engagement member14nrelative to the base surface80.

Additionally or alternatively, the base limit position BL of each respective engagement member14nmay be defined by a controlling component60that may be configured to apply a controlling force to the set140or, in some embodiments, separate controlling forces specific to each engagement member14n. For example, the controlling component60may be comprised of a programmable magnet which may have an array of magnets corresponding in number to the number of engagement members14n. Thus, the controlling component60may be able to produce multiple attraction and repulsion forces simultaneously that may act separately on each engagement member14nin the set140and may cause some engagement members14nto be retracted while other engagement members14nare extended. Furthermore, the extended engagement members14nmay be extended by degrees (e.g., at differing lengths depending on the configuration of the programmable magnet) such that the set140may be able to take a variety of shapes. As such, the set140may be adapted to the shape of an object or may accommodate a mounted object in a particular way.

Additionally, in some embodiments which may or may not include a controlling component60, the set140may allow for engagement of the mounting apparatus10with an object having an irregular surface (e.g., non-perpendicular or sloped lines or curves), such that the pin set140conforms to the shape of the object (or an object interface) and may mount the object and/or support at least a portion of the weight of the object without having been configured for the object. Thus, an apparatus10comprising a set140may be able to accommodate the mounting of objects that other embodiments could not.

The apparatus10comprising the set140, as shown inFIG. 15, may engage an object in stages, as described above, such that a portion of the object is engaged with the intermediate surface12. The portion of the object engaged with the intermediate surface12may compress (e.g., fully retract) the engagement members14nin contact with the portion of the object, and the non-compressed engagement members14nmay be attracted to multiple depths of the object to substantially “fill in” cavities of the object not engaged with the intermediate surface12such that the object may be engaged and supported over a larger surface area in proportion to the object's overall surface area as compared to other embodiments.

Furthermore, the mounting apparatus10comprising the set140of engagement members14nmay be attached to mountable objects so that those objects may engage irregularly-shaped surfaces that may be configured to respond to magnetism.

FIGS. 16A and 16Bshow an embodiment of a mounting apparatus that may use a minimal number of components to apply the method of invention. In the embodiment shown, a controlling component may be suspended from a structure that may comprise the intermediate surface in other embodiments, and the controlling component may be movable with respect to the apparatus and to the engagement member. The engagement member may be configured in a similar manner to the engagement member14inFIG. 12.

InFIGS. 17A-17B, a housing500is shown with respect to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus10similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 1. The housing500is defined by a front portion510and a rear portion520. The front portion510and the rear portion520may fit together in a clamshell configuration, as shown inFIG. 17B. In addition, the front portion510may accommodate movement therethrough of the engagement member514, while the rear portion520may be configured to attach to a mounting surface comprising a ball joint-type attachment member550via a socket component540of the mounting apparatus (shown inFIG. 17A). The socket component540may, for example, be defined by a component of the rear portion520of the mounting apparatus500, as depicted. In such embodiments, the ball and socket attachment550-540may allow the mounting apparatus500to be movable with respect to the mounting surface, such as rotationally (e.g., pitch, yaw, roll, etc.). For example, the ball joint-type attachment member550may allow the mounted object (not shown) to be manually adjusted by a user (up, down, left, right, etc.) as desired. In this regard, the ball joint-type attachment member550may be provided as an extension from a wall, a table, or other surface, and adjustment by the user of the ball and socket attachment550-540may facilitate a user's viewing angle of a screen (for example) of the mounted object via adjustment of the position of the mounting apparatus with respect to the ball joint-type attachment member550.

With respect toFIG. 17B, for example, the rear portion520may serve as the base surface in the embodiment ofFIG. 1, the front portion510may serve as the intermediate surface, and the engagement member514may be configured to be movable therebetween. The front and rear portions510,520may be configured to be attached to each other via corner flanges530and fasteners (not shown).

Referring now toFIG. 18, another embodiment of a mounting apparatus10is shown for engaging and attaching to an object. In the depicted embodiment ofFIG. 18, the object is an object interface20that is configured to be attached to the object to be mounted.

The mounting apparatus10may be configured such that a first mounting magnet is supported in a first plane P1and a second mounting magnet is supported in a second plane P2. The first plane P1may be a nominal plane that is defined by an intermediate surface12of the mounting apparatus10, whereas the second plane P2may be a nominal plane that is defined by an engagement member14of the mounting apparatus, as described previously. Accordingly, the intermediate surface12and the engagement member14may each be configured to respond to magnetism.

The first mounting magnet may comprise a plurality of magnets in some embodiments. Likewise, the second mounting magnet may comprise a plurality of magnets. In the depicted embodiment ofFIG. 18, a first mounting magnet comprised of one magnet30and a second mounting magnet comprised of four magnets40arranged as shown are provided. The quantity, type, strength, arrangement, spacing, etc. of the mounting magnets with respect to each other and with respect to other components of the mounting apparatus may be selected to accommodate the object to be mounted and the requirements of the user.

At least one of the mounting magnets (or group(s) of magnets comprising the mounting magnet(s), as is the case in the depicted embodiment) may be configured to move independently of the other mounting magnet along a line of engagement Lethat intersects the first and second planes P1, P2. In this regard, the movement of the mounting magnet(s) that is moveable (which, in some embodiments, may be both the first and second mounting magnets) may be limited, such that each mounting magnet that is moveable is only able to move between a respective outer limit position OL and a respective base limit position BL.

The outer limit position OL may be defined, for example, by stops56that extend from a component of the mounting apparatus10. In the depicted embodiment ofFIG. 18, the engagement member14is configured to be movable with respect to a fixed intermediate surface12. The engagement member14is slideably received by cylinder35of the intermediate surface12via contact with block surface36, and stops56are provided as inward extensions from a sidewall52of the intermediate surface. The stops56are, in turn, configured to contact a corresponding ledge51defined by the engagement member14to stop movement of the engagement member14. Thus, the outer limit position OL is defined by the position of the second mounting magnet40when the ledge51is in contact with the stops56. In other embodiments, however, the stops56, base limit position BL, outer limit position OL, and length of the line of engagement Lemay be defined by other components of the mounting apparatus10and/or other structures of those components.

The mounting magnets30,40may be configured to cooperate to engage the object to be mounted (e.g., the object interface20), such that a total engagement force is produced between the mounting magnets and the object interface that serves to hold the object to the mounting apparatus. Accordingly, the respective outer limit positions of the mounting magnets that are moveable (e.g., the second mounting magnet40in the depicted embodiment ofFIG. 18) may be configured such that a disengaging force that is less than the total engagement force and that is applied to a mounted object overcomes the total engagement force in stages by successively overcoming the respective engagement forces associated with the first and second mounting magnets to disengage the object.

As illustrated inFIG. 18, at least one of the engagement member14or the intermediate surface12may be configured to be moved between an extended state and a retracted state. In the retracted state, the at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface that is moveable may be biased away from the object to be mounted (e.g., may be biased toward the base limit position BL). In the extended state, the at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface that is movable may be biased toward the object to be mounted (e.g., may be biased toward the outer limit position OL). In this way, proximity of the object (e.g., the object interface20) to the engagement member14may produce an attraction force between the object and the engagement member that causes engagement of the object with the engagement member. Likewise, proximity of the object (e.g., the object interface20) to the intermediate surface12may produce an attraction force between the object and the intermediate surface that causes engagement of the object with the intermediate surface, such that the mounting apparatus10may be configured to engage the object to be mounted in stages via the respective attraction forces.

In the depicted embodiment ofFIG. 18, for example, the object interface20may include a first object magnet31and a second object magnet41(or, as in the illustrated example, the second object magnet may be comprised of a plurality of magnets). The first object magnet31and the second object magnet41may be configured (e.g., positioned and sized) to attract or be attracted to a corresponding one of the first or second mounting magnets30,40of the mounting apparatus10. In the depicted embodiment, the first object magnet31is configured to respond to and interact with the first mounting magnet30, and the second object magnets41are configured to respond to and interact with the magnets comprising the second mounting magnet40. Although inFIG. 18the first and second object magnets31,41are positioned in substantially the same plane (e.g., are arranged on a central object surface22), in some embodiments, the object interface20may comprise a central object surface configured to respond to magnetism and a secondary object surface spaced from the central object surface and configured to respond to magnetism. In such embodiments, the central object surface may define a third plane, and the secondary object surface may define a fourth plane, as described previously.

As noted above, the structures and components depicted in the figures have been simplified for clarity and ease of explanation. As such, one or more of the components, such as housings, fasteners, stands, swivels, etc., although described above, may not be shown in the figures. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate that the method, systems, and apparatuses provided herein may also describe means for joining, coupling, attaching, or otherwise magnetically associating one body with another, and that numerous alternate embodiments and adaptations may be executed as guided by the full content of this disclosure.

For example, although particular configurations and relative dimensions and spacings are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the particular configurations are depicted for purposes of explanation, and multiple other configurations are possible. As an example, although embodiments of the mounting apparatus are shown as having an engagement member with a circular cross-section, embodiments may include engagement members having a square, rectangular, triangular, etc. cross-section. In addition or alternatively, the configuration of the outer face of the engagement member may include additional features for enhancing the interaction between the engagement member and the object interface. In this regard, the outer face of the engagement member may be keyed (e.g., defining openings configured and arranged to receive corresponding protrusions of the object interface) such that only particular object interfaces may be engaged and/or the object interfaces may be engaged at only certain angles or orientations with respect to the mounting apparatus. The outer face may, in other embodiments, include holes or other openings for allowing wires or other components to be passed through from the mounting apparatus to the object interface or vice versa.