Clamping mount for vehicle dashboard

A removable mounting device configured for mounting accessories to an air vent in a vehicle and methods for installing such a mounting device. The mounting device includes a coupler disposed on a front plate that has a profile sized such that the front plate will overlay a frame surrounding an air vent in the vehicle; and a back plate configured to clamp the frame to the front plate. An elastomeric compression strip is disposed in a groove in a back side of the front plate, and the elastomeric compression strip has a non-uniform thickness including a thicker portion in a region of the groove adjacent to an end of the groove and thinner portions in regions of the groove not adjacent to the end of the groove.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to systems for mounting items within a vehicle and, in particular, to mounts for electronic devices used in automobiles.

BACKGROUND

Vehicle drivers of all types have become accustomed to keeping electronic devices readily accessible within their vehicles. These electronic devices may include navigation units, displays for back-up cameras, stereo equipment, dashboard cameras, cellular phones, and pocket computing devices such as smartphones that perform many or all of these functions. Many mounting systems are now available to mount such electronic devices to the interior of cars, trucks, and other such vehicles. Such mounting systems are commonly designed to be mounted in nearly any vehicle, by mounting the electronic device to the vehicle windshield, within a cupholder, or clipping to some portion of the dashboard or other interior surface. Such “universal” mounting systems serve adequately for many drivers, who engage in ordinary driving activities such as commuting to and from work, shopping, visiting friends and relatives, or shuttling children from place to place on paved roadways.

Drivers in more extreme conditions, however, are not well-served by the existing universal mounting devices. For example, off-road travel causes vibration and impacts that tend to shake loose known mounting systems. First responders, such as fire fighters, emergency medical services, and law enforcement officers similarly require mounts that securely hold electronic devices, such as during high-G maneuvers.

Rigid, semi-permanent mounts are desirable in such extreme conditions, but such mounts often require fasteners that damage the dashboard of vehicles in which they are installed. Known solutions include using adhesives (glue or tape) or using threaded fasteners to attach a mounting point to the vehicle dashboard or other interior surface. In some cases, the vehicle dashboard must be disassembled to access a hard mounting point on which to attach the semi-permanent mount. These approaches are problematic, however because installing or removing the mount may damage the vehicle. For example, glued mounting points are not readily removed because they tend to leave glue behind or may tear portions of the vehicle dashboard or interior. Threaded fasteners require pre-drilling holes, either as a pilot for a self-tapping screw or as a through-hole to be used with a machine screw and nut. When a mount secured with a threaded fastener is removed, it leaves behind screw-holes that are unsightly and reduce the value of the vehicle. These approaches may also require significant effort, which is also true if the dashboard must be disassembled once again to remove the mount. Many vehicle owners and users are therefore reluctant to use such semi-permanent mounting systems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A removable mounting device is provided for mounting accessories to an air vent in a vehicle. The mounting device includes a front plate having a profile sized such that the front plate will overlay a frame surrounding the air vent in the vehicle, and a back plate removably fastened to the front plate. The back plate is configured to clamp the frame to the front plate. In addition, the back plate has a profile that allows motion of louvers within the air vent. A spacing flange is between the front plate and the back plate. A coupler is affixed to the front plate for mounting the accessories. A groove is formed in a back side of the front plate, configured to substantially match a profile of the frame. An elastomeric compression strip is installed in the groove. The elastomeric compression strip has a non-uniform stiffness including a first stiffness in a region of the groove not adjacent to an end of the groove and a second stiffness greater than the first stiffness in a region of the groove adjacent to the end of the groove.

In some examples, the elastomeric compression strip has an uncompressed length greater than a length of the groove. This creates a greater thickness of the elastomeric compression strip in regions near ends of the groove.

In some examples, the mounting device further includes a threaded fastener securing the coupler to the front plate. The coupler may further include a substantially spherical portion, a shaft extending from the spherical portion, a knurled portion at a distal end of the shaft, a shoulder portion on the shaft adjacent to the knurled portion, and a threaded hole in the distal end of the shaft receiving the threaded fastener. The front plate may further include a pocket disposed on a front side of the front plate for receiving the knurled portion of the coupler at the distal end of the shaft.

In some examples the removable mounting device may include a lip extending from a back side of the front plate and disposed along an edge of the front plate.

In some examples the removable mounting device may include at least two screws, and the back plate fastens to the front plate using at least two screws. In further examples, the at least two screws are disposed on a first axis that substantially bisects the back plate in a direction perpendicular to the first axis. The coupler is disposed on a second axis that substantially bisects the front plate in a direction perpendicular to the first axis, and the at least two screws and the coupler are symmetric with respect to the front plate in the direction perpendicular to the first axis.

In some examples the removable mounting device may include at least one channel between segments of the back plate, wherein the at least one channel is sized to permit a louvre to move when the mounting device is attached to the air vent.

In some examples the removable mounting device may include a plurality of threaded fasteners disposed in holes in the front plate and configured to removably fasten the back plate to the front plate with the frame clamped therebetween.

In some examples the spacing flange is integrated with and extending rearwardly from the front plate. In some examples the spacing flange is integrated with and extending forwardly from the back plate. In some examples the coupler is a standard ball coupler or a standard socket coupler.

A method is provided for mounting a removable mounting device on a frame of an air vent in a vehicle. The mounting device includes a front plate having a profile sized such that the front plate will overlay the frame, and a back plate configured to clamp the frame to the front plate. The method includes a step of loosening a plurality of threaded fasteners used to fasten the front plate to the back plate such that a gap between the front plate and the back plate is sufficient to receive the frame. The method also includes a step of placing the mounting device on the frame such that the frame is disposed between the front plate and the back plate. The method also includes a step of tightening the plurality of threaded fasteners such that the frame is clamped between the front plate and the back plate. In this step, a clamping force is developed by compressing an elastomeric compression strip installed in a groove formed in a back side of the front plate, wherein the groove is configured to substantially match a profile of the frame. The elastomeric compression strip has a non-uniform stiffness including a first stiffness in a region of the groove not adjacent to an end of the groove and a second stiffness greater than the first stiffness in a region of the groove adjacent to the end of the groove.

In some examples the method includes a step of orienting the frame of the air vent at a desired orientation before tightening the plurality of threaded fasteners.

The disclosed mounting devices can advantageously be customized to provide a rigid mounting solution for a variety of vehicles, with air vents having different shapes and sizes. Features of the examples provided herein can be modified to fit these different vehicles without departing from the scope of the disclosed invention. As discussed below, certain features of the disclosed devices are expected to be modified to make the mounting devices suitable for use in particular vehicles or with particular air vents. Compared to existing mounting devices, the disclosed devices provide a more rigid connection between the mounting device and the vehicle. The air vent frame is sometimes a large, rigid portion of a vehicle dashboard, making it a robust attachment point for securing electronic and other devices. Even in vehicles where the frame is merely a modular dashboard insert, the shape and attachment mechanisms of the frame provides rigidity needed to secure the air vents and consequently also provide a rigid attachment point for electronic devices. Mounting to the air vent frame advantageously allow the disclosed devices to be used in vehicles designed for off-road and extreme performance, which may subject the vehicle to high-G or jerking movements.

By customizing the device for a variety of vehicles, the disclosed invention advantageously simplifies installation of the device. Each mounting device disclosed herein is designed so that it can be installed without removing the back plate from the mounting device. The size, shape, and orientation of the back plate (e.g.,30) are all adjusted to simplify installation. The person installing the mounting device (e.g.,10) in their vehicle can simply slide the mounting device into place and they do not have to hold the back plate in position or risk losing screws while assembling the device. As would be recognized by a skilled designer, various mechanisms could also be used to fully capture the screws (e.g.,22), making it difficult or impossible to completely remove the screws from the back plate even when fully loosened.

Advantages of the disclosed invention further include providing a mounting system that is rigidly attached within the vehicle, but which can be easily removed and which will not damage the interior surfaces of the vehicle. First responders such as law enforcement officers, emergency medical services, or fire fighters, for example, may favor the disclosed device because it can be mounted within a publicly-owned vehicle by the individual, but subsequently removed without damaging the vehicle. This frees the individuals from ordinary channels of procurement, and allows first responders to mount personal devices within their vehicles in a secure manner.

First Embodiment

A first mounting device10is shown inFIGS.1-9, designed for use with air vents that have a circular or arcuate frame. As shown, the preferred embodiment of the mounting device10includes a ball coupler40that a number of devices can mount to, including devices suitable for holding a variety of electronic devices, such as navigation units, displays for back-up cameras, stereo equipment, dashboard cameras, cellular phones, and pocket computing devices such as smartphones that perform many or all of these functions. The ball coupler40may include grooves (as shown inFIG.1) or be coated with a non-slip material. The ball coupler40includes a neck42. In alternate designs, the ball coupler40can be replaced by known ball or socket mounting interface, or a similar universal coupling device. Preferred mounting devices will include a standard mounting interface that can be used with corresponding off-the-shelf components.

The mounting device10includes a front plate20, including an arcuate outer edge25. The front plate includes holes24for receiving mounting screws22. The holes24may be countersunk to receive the head of a socket head cap screw or other machine screw, as shown. The neck42of the ball coupler40is secured to the front plate20.

The mounting device10also includes a spacing flange26, which as shown is unitary or structurally integral with the front plate20. In some examples the spacer may be a separate component with holes to receive the fasteners22. The thickness of the spacing flange26depends on the specific shape and thickness of the frame to be clamped by the mounting device. With respect to the frame, the spacing flange is designed to be thin enough such that when the mounting device10is clamped onto the frame, the mounting device10will develop preload by compressing the elastomeric compression strip28enough that screws22are retained without the use of threadlocking compounds or specialty washers. The spacing flange is also designed to be thick enough to prevent over-compression of elastomeric compression strip28, i.e., to prevent the mounting device10from “bottoming out” by fully compressing the elastomeric compression strip28. The spacing flange may also be designed to be thick enough to prevent the mounting device10from clamping the frame of the air vent with a force that could damage (e.g., crack) the frame of the air vent.

The mounting device10includes a back plate30. With reference toFIG.4, the fasteners22may extend into or through the back plate30. With reference toFIG.5, the back plate30may have holes32. In the preferred embodiment, the holes32are threaded to receive the fasteners22. Alternative embodiments include separate hardware such as a nut and washers, but this approach is less favored because it increases the overall thickness of the mounting device10and may interfere with louvers of an air vent when the mounting device10is installed on the air vent. In addition, separate nuts and washers are easily dropped during installation of the mounting device10. The fasteners22serve to clamp the back plate30to the front plate20.

The screws22and the ball coupler40are positioned on the mounting device10such that they substantially balance forces imposed on the frame when an electronic device is mounted on the coupler40. As shown inFIG.3, two screws22are disposed on an axis X1and the screws22are used to clamp the front plate20to the back plate30. To achieve this balancing of forces, the screws22and the axis X1are placed where they substantially bisect the back plate30, along the Y-axis perpendicular to the axis X1, as illustrated by the distances y1and y2onFIG.4, which are preferably selected such that the ratio y1/y2is between 0.7 and 1.25. Locating the screws22according to these design principles effectively provides a uniform clamping force along in the Y-axis direction between the front plate20and the back plate30.

To achieve the desired balancing of forces with respect to the ball coupler40, the coupler is disposed on the axis X2, placed where it substantially bisects the front plate20along the Y-axis, as illustrated by the distances y3and y4onFIG.4. The distances y3and y4are preferably selected such that the ratio of y3/y4is between 1.5 and 1.75. Locating the coupler40according to these design principles effectively balances the reactive forces provided by the extreme ends of the front plate in the Y direction. The balanced forces maintain consistent clamping forces between the front plate20and the back plate30even when substantial load is placed on the coupler40.

FIG.5also illustrates an elastomeric compression strip28disposed within the groove29formed in the back side of the front plate20. The groove29follows the profile of the outer edge25and corresponds to the shape of a frame of an air vent (components of which are illustrated inFIGS.7-9). The elastomeric compression strip28is preferably a rubber having durometer of 60-75 Shore A medium, or other similarly resilient material. Suitable materials include Viton, Buna N, and Neoprene. The compression strip28may be cut to length from a strip of material having a square cross-sectional profile. The width of the elastomeric compression strip28is preferably nearly the same as the width of the groove29, so the groove29retains the strip28without the use of adhesive glue, tape, or backing.

For cosmetic reasons it is desirable for the groove29to have ends27contained within the front plate20. Although the groove29could be extended all the way to the edge of the front plate20, this would leave the elastomeric compression strip28exposed and visible to the occupants of the vehicle. The preferred mounting device10therefore has a hidden groove29. In mounting devices10with a hidden groove, however, it was discovered that edges present at the ends27of the groove29may scratch the frame to which they are attached. To eliminate such scratching, the elastomeric compression strip28preferably provides greater resistance to compression at the ends27of the groove29. This greater resistance can be achieved by means of providing a non-uniform stiffness, as described herein.

In a preferred embodiment, the elastomeric compression strip28has an uncompressed length greater than the length of the groove29. When installed within the groove29, excess length of the elastomeric compression strip28must be compressed or squeezed into the groove29, causing ends of the strip28to bulge upwards and out of the groove29at the ends27A and27B of the groove29. As shown inFIGS.30A-30C, this creates a thickness t2adjacent to the ends27of the groove, which is greater than the thickness t1of the strip28within most of the groove29. Both the thickness t1and t2are greater than the depth d of the groove, as shown inFIG.30A. This difference in thickness provides a non-uniform stiffness in the elastomeric compression strip. In preferred embodiments the thickness t2is approximately 15% larger than the thickness t1. Compressing the strip28at the ends27of the groove29further helps hold the strip28in place within the groove29, by creating a spring force to bind the strip28in place. It also protects the frame of the air vent from damage from the edge at the ends27of the groove29. In a more preferred embodiment, the length of the elastomeric compression strip28is 5-7% greater than the length of the groove29. Outside of the range, there is either not enough of a preload in ends27, or the assembly becomes difficult.

Alternatively, the elastomeric compression strip28has different thicknesses formed by molding the elastomeric compression strip28having thickness of t1throughout most of the groove29and a greater thickness of t2in the ends27, as shown inFIGS.30B and30C. Again, this difference in thickness provides a non-uniform stiffness in the elastomeric compression strip. In one embodiment, the elastomeric compression strip28could extend outside of the groove29past the end27, as shown inFIG.30C. As discussed above, the thickness t1and t2are both greater than the depth d of the groove29. The elastomeric compression strip28in the embodiments shown inFIGS.30B and30Ccould be molded separately and later installed in the groove29, or the strip28could be molded in place. Tooling to create a molded elastomeric compression strip is expensive, and therefore this approach may be disfavored.

Alternatively, the elastomeric compression strip28includes a widened portion28A adjacent to the ends27of the groove29, as shown inFIG.30D. This difference in width provides a greater resistance to compression, resulting in a non-uniform stiffness in the elastomeric compression strip.

Alternatively, the elastomeric compression strip28includes regions having different material properties. Specifically, the strip28includes a portion adjacent to the ends27of the groove29comprised of stiffer material, i.e., higher durometer rubber.

The front plate20may include a lip21that extends away from the back side of the front plate20. The lip21follows the outer edge25of the front plate20. The lip21serves to secure mechanically constrain the mounting device10when it is installed on a frame of an air vent.

With reference toFIG.6, the mounting device10is installed on a frame50associated with the air vent (components of which are illustrated inFIGS.7-9) of a vehicle. The front plate20sits on an outer, front surface51of the frame50, and the back plate30clamps the frame50between the front plate20and the back plate30. The outer edge25of the front plate20aligns and mates with an outer edge55of the front plate.

With reference toFIGS.7and8, a method for installing the mounting device10is described. The mounting device10is preferably designed and installed on the air vent such that the mounting device10does not obstruct the louvers56A,56B,56C associated with the air vent. Installation of the mounting device10may require opening the louvers56A,56B,56C for full air flow, as shown inFIG.7. The screws22on the mounting device must be loosened to open the gap between the front plate20and the back plate30. In some embodiments the screws22could be retained such that they are difficult or impossible to completely remove from the back plate30, thus preventing a user from losing the screws. The mounting device10shown inFIGS.1-9is designed to fit through the larger gap between the louver56A and the frame50. The mounting device can then be placed onto the frame50such that the back plate30extends behind the frame50and the front plate20extends to the front of the frame50. As shown inFIG.8, the air vent may be rotated to a desired location while the mounting device10is loosely fit to the frame. To secure the mounting device10to the frame50, the screws24are tightened, which compresses the elastomeric compression strip28against the front surface51of the frame50.

The disclosed method of installation is simplified and provides a rigid mounting point for electronic devices without permanently damaging the dashboard or requiring disassembly of the dashboard to access hard mounting points in a vehicle. Vent frames in most vehicles advantageously provide a semi-rigid surface relative to most other dashboard surfaces, which are often formed from soft or padded plastic. Vent frames further provide a stiff shape because of their size and their desired function of holding the vent in place within the dashboard. Mounting to the vent frame therefore provides a substantially more rigid mounting point even when compared to known solutions such as using threaded fasteners to secure a mount on the soft or padded plastic of a dashboard. Where such threaded fasteners are used, they are prone to tearing out of the plastic in addition to leaving undesirable holes if the mounting device is removed.

FIG.9provides a cross-sectional view of the mounting device10, installed on the frame50of the air vent. The frame, as described herein, is a portion of the dashboard of a vehicle, or a rigid piece inserted in the dashboard. The frame surrounds a movable air vent. The frame50is captured between the front plate20and the back plate30. The elastomeric compression strip28provides a resilient element that maintains force against the frame and provides a high friction element to hold the mounting device10rigidly in place. The shape of the mounting device10provides free movement for the louvers56on the air vent. Each of the louvers pivots about a pivot point59A,59B,59C, allowing motion illustrated by the arrows.

In the example illustrated inFIG.9, the ball coupler40is attached to the front plate20using threaded fastener44. In preferred embodiments a pocket23is provided in the front plate20, to receive a knurled portion47of the ball coupler40. A shoulder48is adjacent to the knurled portion47, such that when the threaded fastener44draws the knurled portion47into the pocket23the shoulder provides support for the ball coupler40against a front surface of the front plate20. The threaded fastener44screws into a blind threaded hole46that is substantially concentric within the neck42of the ball coupler40. Although other configurations could be used, this example is preferred because it holds the ball coupler40rigidly in place such that it will not rotate relative to the mounting device during use.

Second Embodiment

A second mounting device110is shown inFIGS.10-15, designed for use with air vents that have at least one substantially square corner in the frame. The components of the mounting device110are substantially similar to components of the mounting device10described above, except where differences are specifically described in the following paragraphs.

The mounting device110includes a ball coupler140with a neck142. The ball coupler140is mounted on a front plate120. In contrast to the mounting device10, the front plate120illustrated inFIGS.10-15includes straight outer edges125configured to substantially align with edges of a frame with a substantially square corner (e.g., the frame355shown inFIGS.28-29). The front plate120may include holes124for receiving mounting screws122. The holes124may be countersunk to receive the head of a socket head cap screw or other machine screw, as shown. The neck142of the ball coupler140is secured to the front plate120. The same features described above for mounting the ball coupler40to the mounting plate20in the first mounting device10may be used in mounting device110.

The mounting device110also includes a back plate130, which includes an integral spacing flange136, as shown inFIG.12. In some examples the spacer may be a separate component with through-holes to receive the fasteners122.

With reference toFIG.12, the fasteners122may extend into or through the back plate130. With reference toFIG.14, the back plate130may have holes132. In the preferred embodiment, the holes132are threaded to receive the fasteners122. Alternative embodiments include separate hardware such as a nut and washers, but this approach is less favored for the same reasons discussed above with mounting device10. The fasteners122serve to clamp the back plate130to the front plate120.FIG.14also illustrates an elastomeric compression strip128disposed within the groove129formed in the back side of the front plate120. The groove129substantially follows the profile of outer edges125including two straight-line segments corresponding to the shape of a frame of an air vent (e.g., the frame shown inFIGS.28-29). The elastomeric compression strip128is preferably cut to length from a strip of rubber, with features and characteristics described above for the elastomeric compression strip28.

As described above, the elastomeric compression strip128preferably has an uncompressed length greater than the length of the groove129. When installed within the groove, the elastomeric compression strip128is compressed to pre-load the elastomeric compression strip128against the ends127A and127B of the groove129. Compressing the strip128at the ends127A,127B of the groove129serves the same purposes as discussed above for the strips28in mounting device10. In a more preferred embodiment, the uncompressed length of the elastomeric compression strip128is 5-7% greater than the length of the groove129.

As described above, the elastomeric compression strip128may alternatively be provided with a non-uniform thickness by molding a molded elastomeric compression strip128having thicker regions in the ends.

The groove129illustrated inFIG.14includes two corner angles129A and129B. The corner angles129A and129B provide a more gradual corner for the elastomeric compression strip128, as compared to a simple right-angle intersection. This gradual corner improves assembly, avoiding the need to reshape the elastomeric compression strip128.

A lip may be provided on the back side of the front plate. The lip may serve to orient the mounting device110and to provide mechanical interaction with a frame of an air vent (e.g., frame355shown inFIGS.28and29). This mechanical interaction may secure the mounting device110more rigidly to minimize or eliminate the chance that jerking motion on the vehicle will shake the mounting device110loose from the air vent.

The back plate130of mounting device110includes a series of segments130A,130B,130C,130D, and130E as illustrated inFIGS.14and15. Each of these segments130A-130E are integrally attached to the spacing flange136. Channels131A-131D exist between the respective segments130A-130E. Specifically, channel131A exists between back plate segments130A and130B. Channel131B exists between backplate segments130B and130C. Channel131C exists between back plate segments130C and130D. And channel131D exists between back plate segments130D and130E. The channels131A-131D provide space such that louvers (e.g., louvers356A,356B shown inFIGS.28-29) have freedom to pivot within the channels131A-131D. The back plate segments130A-130E are sized to minimize or eliminate obstructing movement of the louvers. The back plate segments130A-130E may be customized to optimize how they fit with air vents in certain models of vehicles. As shown inFIG.14, the mounting device110includes back plate segments130B and130D that are substantially square. Segments130A and130E are similarly substantially square but have rounded corners following the profile of the mounting device110. Segment130C includes a rounded portion to follow a shape of the inner surfaces of an air vent on which the mounting device110is to be installed. By shaping segments130A-130E to custom fit one or more air vents on a particular vehicle, the mounting device can avoid interfering with the air vent features of that particular vehicle. This approach provides robust clamping that is custom designed to match specific vehicles. When installed on an air vent, louvers are present in channels131A-131D on only one side125of the mounting device110. For example, depending on the orientation of the mounting device relative to the air vent, only channels131A and131B might receive louvers. In another orientation, only channels131C and131D might receive louvers. This allows use of the mounting device110on mirror image air vents (e.g., passenger's side versus driver's side of a vehicle) or on different corners within a substantially square or rectangular air vent.

Third Embodiment

A third mounting device210is shown inFIGS.16-21, also designed for use with air vents that have at least one substantially square corner in the frame. The components of the mounting device210are substantially similar to components of the mounting devices10and110described above, except where differences are specifically described in the following paragraphs. The mounting device210includes a more compact footprint than mounting device110, which desirably reduces how much of the air vent is obstructed when mounting device210is installed.

The mounting device210includes a ball coupler240with a neck242. The ball coupler240is mounted on a front plate220. In contrast to the mounting device10, the front plate220illustrated inFIGS.16-21includes straight outer edges225configured to substantially align with edges of a frame with a substantially square corner (e.g., the frame355shown inFIGS.28-29). The front plate220may include holes224for receiving mounting screws222. The holes224may be countersunk to receive the head of a socket head cap screw or other machine screw, as shown. The neck242of the ball coupler240is secured to the front plate220. The same features described above for mounting the ball coupler40to the mounting plate20in the first mounting device10may be used in mounting device210.

The mounting device210also includes a back plate230, which includes an integral spacing flange236. In some examples the spacer236may be a separate component with through-holes to receive the fasteners222.

Similar to the mounting devices10and120, the fasteners222may extend into or through the back plate230. With reference toFIG.20, the back plate230may have holes232to receive screws222. In the preferred embodiment, the holes232are threaded to receive the fasteners222. Alternative embodiments include separate hardware such as a nut and washers, but this approach is less favored for the same reasons discussed above with mounting device10. The fasteners222serve to clamp the back plate230to the front plate220.FIG.20also illustrates an elastomeric compression strip228disposed within the groove229formed in the back side of the front plate220. The groove229substantially follows the profile of outer edges225including two straight-line segments225corresponding to the shape of a frame of an air vent (e.g., the frame355shown inFIGS.28-29). The elastomeric compression strip228is preferably cut to length from a strip of rubber, silicone, or other resilient material having a square cross-sectional profile. The elastomeric compression strip228is preferably cut to length from a strip of rubber, with features and characteristics described above for the elastomeric compression strip28.

As described above, the elastomeric compression strip228preferably has an uncompressed length greater than the length of the groove229. When installed within the groove, the elastomeric compression strip228is compressed to pre-load the elastomeric compression strip228against the ends227A and227B of the groove229. Compressing the strip228at the ends227of the groove229serves the same purposes as discussed above for the strip28in mounting device10. In a more preferred embodiment, the uncompressed length of the elastomeric compression strip228is 5-7% greater than the length of the groove229.

As described above, the elastomeric compression strip228may alternatively be provided with a non-uniform thickness by molding a molded elastomeric compression strip228having thicker regions in the ends.

A preferred aspect of the groove229is illustrated inFIG.20, which includes an arcuate region229A. In contrast to the groove129shown inFIG.14, the arcuate region229A has a larger radius that eliminates corners129A and129B. The relatively larger radius in the region229A allows the elastomeric compression strip228to compress more uniformly throughout the length of the groove229, which improves the pre-load between the elastomeric compression strip228and the ends227A and227B of the groove229.

Lips221A,221B are provided on the back side of the front plate220, along the outer edges225. The lips221A,221B serve to orient the mounting device210and to provide mechanical interaction with a frame of an air vent (e.g., frame355shown inFIGS.28and29). This mechanical interaction may secure the mounting device210more rigidly to minimize or eliminate the chance that jerking motion on the vehicle will shake the mounting device210loose from the air vent. Although providing one or more retainer lip is preferred, some vehicle dashboard shapes do not include the minimum recess to allow retainer lips to exist.

The back plate230of mounting device210includes a series of segments230A,230B, and230C as illustrated inFIGS.20and21. Each of these segments230A-230C are integrally attached to the spacing flange236. Channels231A and231B exist between the respective segments230A-230C. Specifically, channel231A exists between back plate segments230A and230B. Channel231B exists between backplate segments230B and230C. As discussed above, the channels231A,231B provide space such that louvers (e.g., louvers356A,356B shown inFIGS.28-29) have freedom to pivot within the channels231A,231B. The back plate segments230A-230C are sized to minimize or eliminate obstructing movement of the louvers. The back plate segments230A-230C may be customized to optimize how they fit with air vents in certain models of vehicles. As shown inFIG.20, the mounting device210includes somewhat rectangular back plate segments230A and230C, and the segment230B includes a notched corner to avoid interfering with a particular air vent. The advantages and reasons for customizing back plate segments230A-230C are the same as those discussed above for mounting device110. When installed on an air vent, a louver is present in the channel231A,231B on only one side225of the mounting device210. For example, depending on the orientation of the mounting device relative to the air vent, only channel231A might receive a louver. In another orientation, only channels231B might receive a louver. This allows use of the mounting device210on mirror image air vents (e.g., passenger's side versus driver's side of a vehicle) or on different corners within a substantially square or rectangular air vent.

Fourth Embodiment

A fourth mounting device310is shown inFIGS.22-29, also designed for use with air vents that have at least one substantially square corner in the frame. The components of the mounting device310are substantially similar to components of the mounting devices10,110, and210described above, except where differences are specifically described in the following paragraphs. The mounting device310includes a compact footprint similar to mounting device210, which desirably reduces how much of the air vent is obstructed when mounting device310is installed.

The mounting device310includes a ball coupler340with a neck342. The ball coupler340is mounted on a front plate320. In contrast to the mounting device10, the front plate320illustrated inFIGS.25-29includes straight outer edges325configured to substantially align with edges of a frame with a substantially square corner (e.g., the frame355shown inFIGS.28-29). The front plate320may include holes324for receiving mounting screws322. The holes324may be countersunk to receive the head of a socket head cap screw or other machine screw, as shown. The neck342of the ball coupler340is secured to the front plate320. The same features described above for mounting the ball coupler40to the mounting plate20in the first mounting device10may be used in mounting device310, as described below with respect toFIG.29.

The mounting device310also includes a back plate330, which includes an integral spacing flange336. In some examples the spacer336may be a separate component with through-holes to receive the fasteners322.

Similar to the mounting devices10,120, and220the fasteners322may extend into or through the back plate330. With reference toFIG.26, the back plate330may have holes332to receive screws322. In the preferred embodiment, the holes332are threaded to receive the fasteners322. Alternative embodiments include separate hardware such as a nut and washers, but this approach is less favored for the same reasons discussed above with mounting device10. The fasteners322serve to clamp the back plate330to the front plate320.FIG.26also illustrates an elastomeric compression strip328disposed within the groove329formed in the back side of the front plate320. The groove329substantially follows the profile of outer edges325including two straight-line segments325corresponding to the shape of a frame of an air vent (e.g., the frame355shown inFIGS.28-29). The elastomeric compression strip328is preferably cut to length from a strip of rubber, silicone, or other resilient material having a square cross-sectional profile. The elastomeric compression strip328is preferably cut to length from a strip of rubber, with features and characteristics described above for the elastomeric compression strip28.

As described above, the elastomeric compression strip328preferably has an uncompressed length greater than the length of the groove329. When installed within the groove, the elastomeric compression strip328is compressed to pre-load the elastomeric compression strip328against the ends327A and327B of the groove329. Compressing the strip328at the ends327of the groove329serves the same purposes as discussed above for the strip28in mounting device10. In a more preferred embodiment, the uncompressed length of the elastomeric compression strip328is 5-7% greater than the length of the groove329.

As described above, the elastomeric compression strip328may alternatively be provided with a non-uniform thickness by molding a molded elastomeric compression strip328having thicker regions in the ends.

The groove329illustrated inFIG.26includes two corner angles329A and329B. The corner angles329A and329B provide a more gradual corner for the elastomeric compression strip328, as compared to a simple right-angle intersection. This gradual corner improves assembly, avoiding the need to reshape the elastomeric compression strip328.

Lips321are provided on the back side of the front plate320, along the outer edges325. The lips321serve to orient the mounting device310and to provide mechanical interaction with a frame of an air vent (e.g., frame355shown inFIGS.28and29). This mechanical interaction may secure the mounting device310more rigidly to minimize or eliminate the chance that jerking motion on the vehicle will shake the mounting device310loose from the air vent. Although providing one or more retainer lip is preferred, some vehicle dashboard shapes do not include the minimum recess to allow retainer lips to exist.

The back plate330of mounting device310includes a series of segments330A,330B, and330C as illustrated inFIGS.26and27. Each of these segments330A-330C are integrally attached to the spacing flange336. Channels331A and331B exist between the respective segments330A-330C. Specifically, channel331A exists between back plate segments330A and330B. Channel331B exists between backplate segments330B and330C. As discussed above, the channels331A,331B provide space such that louvers (e.g., louvers356A,356B shown inFIGS.28-29) have freedom to pivot within the channels331A,331B. The back plate segments330A-330C are sized to minimize or eliminate obstructing movement of the louvers. The back plate segments330A-330C may be customized to optimize how they fit with air vents in certain models of vehicles. As shown inFIG.26, the mounting device310includes somewhat triangular back plate segments330A and330C, and the segment330B includes a notched corner to avoid interfering with a particular air vent. Relative to back plate segment130B, discussed above, the back plate segment330B is larger and takes up a greater fraction of the back plate. The advantages and reasons for customizing back plate segments330A-330C are the same as those discussed above for mounting device110. When installed on an air vent, a louver is present in the channel331A or331B on only one side325of the mounting device310. For example, depending on the orientation of the mounting device relative to the air vent, only channel331A might receive a louver. In another orientation, only channel331B might receive a louver. This allows use of the mounting device310on mirror image air vents (e.g., passenger's side versus driver's side of a vehicle) or on different corners within a substantially square or rectangular air vent.

With reference toFIGS.28and29, the mounting device310is installed on the air vent350such that the mounting device310does not obstruct the louvers356A,356B associated with the air vent350. The mounting device310can be installed by opening the louvers356A,356B and then sliding the mounting device310along the top-most louver356A. The mounting device310can then be placed onto the frame355such that the back plate330extends behind the frame355. The mounting device310shown inFIGS.22-29is designed to fit in a corner of the frame355.FIGS.28and29show only a portion of the frame355and only a portion of the corresponding parts of an air vent. To secure the mounting device310to the frame355, the screws324are tightened, which compresses the elastomeric compression strip328against the front surface351of the frame355.

FIG.29provides a cross-sectional view of the mounting device310, installed on the frame355of the air vent. The frame355is captured between the front plate320and the back plate330. The elastomeric compression strip328provides a resilient element that maintains force against the frame and provides a high friction element to hold the mounting device310rigidly in place. The shape of the mounting device310provides free movement for the louvers356A,356B on the air vent. Each of the louvers pivots about a pivot point359A,359B, allowing motion illustrated by the arrows.

In the example illustrated inFIG.29, the ball coupler340is attached to the front plate320using threaded fastener344. In preferred embodiments a pocket323is provided in the front plate320, to receive a knurled portion347of the ball coupler340. A shoulder348is adjacent to the knurled portion347, such that when the threaded fastener344draws the knurled portion347into the pocket323the shoulder348provides support for the ball coupler340against a front surface of the front plate320. The threaded fastener344screws into a blind threaded hole346that is substantially concentric within the neck342of the ball coupler340. Although other configurations could be used, this example is preferred because it holds the ball coupler340rigidly in place such that it will not rotate relative to the mounting device during use.

Uses of singular terms such as “a,” “an,” are intended to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms. It is intended that the phrase “at least one of” as used herein be interpreted in the disjunctive sense. For example, the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to encompass A, B, or both A and B.

While there have been illustrated and described particular embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept.