Abstract:
A GPS/sonar display mounting assembly is provided which is mountable to a dashboard console of a vehicle, which may include but is not limited to boat, automobile, aircraft or the like. The mounting structure provides that mounting assembly may be utilized with displays and GPS/sonar equipment of various manufacturers while being adjustable in at least three directions to allow for comfortable use of the display by a user. Further, the mounting assembly provides for retention of the display in a desired position once set by the user despite choppy conditions which typically cause prior art mounting assemblies to slip and move from a preferred position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED DOCUMENTS 
     None. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Present embodiments relate generally to a GPS/sonar display mounting assembly. More specifically, present embodiments relate to an adjustable mounting assembly for a sonar display utilized on marine craft. 
     BACKGROUND 
     GPS/Sonar displays, typically utilized in marine vessels, for example “bass fishing boats,” are flush mounted on dashboard consoles of most fishing boats. There are various problems associated with such flush mounting. First, displays are not adjustable to vary the glare created by sunlight shining on the display module. Second, such flush mounted displays are generally not removable from the boat and therefore when a boat is stored in a parking lot, for example a hotel or boat launch parking lot prior to a day of fishing, there is a likelihood of attempted theft as a GPS/sonar display may be visible to a potential thief. Third, current mounting configurations typically position the display partially behind the steering wheel which may block the view of the user depending on the position of the steering will relative to the display. Finally, with flush mounted devices, there is a lack of adjustability of the display which leads to uncomfortable or difficulty in use of the device. 
     It would be desirable to overcome these and other deficiencies in known GPS/sonar display mounting arrangements so as to provide an adjustable mounting system which allows for removal of the display from the boat and which may accommodate sonar displays of various manufacturers. It would further be desirable to provide an adjustment system which is rigid when mounted so that the sonar display does not move from a desired position once it is set. 
     SUMMARY 
     A GPS/sonar display mounting assembly is provided which is mountable to a dashboard console of a vehicle, which may include but is not limited to boat, automobile, aircraft or the like. The mounting structure provides that mounting assembly may be utilized with displays and GPS/sonar equipment of various manufacturers while being adjustable in at least three directions to allow for comfortable use of the display by a user. The mounting assembly also provides for easy removal of the GPS/sonar display from the boat when the boat is not in operation, which will reduce attempted thefts of the display. Further, the mounting assembly provides for retention of the display in a desired position once set by the user despite choppy water conditions which typically cause prior art mounting assemblies to slip and allow movement of the display from a preferred position. 
     According to some embodiments, a GPS/sonar mounting assembly comprises a console plate for positioning on a marine craft dashboard, a first mounting arm connected to the console plate, a second mounting arm removably connected to the console plate, the second mounting arm being adjustable in a lateral direction, the console plate and the first and second mounting arms being movable to various positions in a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction, the second mounting arm having a quick disconnect fastener, the mounting arms allowing tilting adjustment of a display. 
     Optionally, the first and second mounting arms may receive replaceable washers. The replaceable washers may include one of a fitment for engaging the first and second mounting arms and a receiver for engaging the first and second mounting arms for inhibiting rotation of the replaceable washer relative to the mounting arms. The replaceable washers may include one of a fitment for engaging the display and a receiver for engaging the display. The replaceable washer may have a plurality of teeth inhibiting rotation of the display relative to the washer. The replaceable washers allow connection of displays of different manufacturers with the first and second mounting arms. The GPS/sonar mounting assembly further comprises a quick release connect for retaining the display between the first and second mounting arms. The first and second mounting arms may space the display from the console plate. The tilting adjustment may allow reduction of glare on the display. The mounting assembly may be adjustable in two planar directions and rotatable about an axis parallel to the planar directions. The GPS/sonar mounting assembly may further comprise a wire port passing through the plate for sonar system wires. 
     According to some embodiments, a GPS/sonar mounting display assembly, comprises a console plate positionable on a console of a vehicle, a first mounting arm and a second mounting arm connected to the console plate, at least one of the first and second mounting arms being adjustable in two directions relative to the console plate, a gimble mount at each end of said first and second mounting arms, the gimble mounts allowing rotatable adjustment of a display disposed between the first and second mounting arms. 
     Optionally, ends of the first and second mounting arms may be spaced from the console plate. The display may be pivotable at the ends of the first and second mounting arms. The GPS/sonar mounting assembly may further comprise an interchangeable washer at the ends of the first and second mounting arms. 
     All of the above outlined features are to be understood as exemplary only and many more features and objectives of the structures and methods may be gleaned from the disclosure herein. Therefore, no limiting interpretation of the summary is to be understood without further reading of the entire specification, claims and drawings included herewith. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS 
       The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of these embodiments, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the embodiments will be better understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle dashboard console including an exemplary sonar display mounting assembly; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary GPS/sonar mounting display of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of a console plate including various mounting positions for adjustable mounting arms; 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a mounting display disposed in a first position relative to the mounting arms; 
         FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of the mounting display disposed in a second position relative to the mounting arms; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an exemplary sonar display being mounted to the mounting arms; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an exemplary washer which may be utilized to allow connection of various display manufacturers to the mounting assembly; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view from an alternate side of the exemplary washer of  FIG. 6 ; and, 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternative washer design. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The depicted embodiments are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Each example is provided by way of explanation, not limitation of the disclosed embodiments. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made in the present embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to still yield further embodiments. Thus it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. 
     Embodiments of a GPS/sonar display mounting assembly are depicted in  FIGS. 1-8 . The sonar display mounting assembly allows for adjustment in at least three directions in order to improve the usability of the display for a user. The mounting assembly also allows easy removal of the display from a vehicle, for example when the boat may be stored or located in a public parking lot or other outdoor location making the display an easy target for theft. The display mounting assembly further allows for mounting of various displays and therefore, providing easy interchangeability and usability in various types of boats and with various types of displays. 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a vehicle dashboard console  10  is depicted having a sonar display mounting assembly  12  thereon. The term vehicle is meant to include, but not necessarily be limited to, a boat, automobile or aircraft. The GPS/sonar display mounting assembly  12  includes a console plate which is fastened to the boat dashboard console  10 . The GPS/sonar display mounting assembly  12  raises the position of the display  14  so that a steering wheel  16  does not interfere with use of the display  14 . Additionally, the display mounting assembly  12  is spaced from the steering wheel  16  and the console  10  in order to allow or adjustment of the display  14  in multiple directions and/or dimensions. The display may be for GPS, sonar or a combination therefore depending on the application. 
     The display mounting assembly  12  includes a console plate  20  which is positioned on the marine craft dashboard console  10 . The display mounting assembly  12  further comprises at least one mounting arm  30  which is adjustably positioned on the console plate  20 . The sonar display  14  is adjustably connected to the at least one mounting arm  30 . The assembly  12  provides for two directions of adjustment between the mounting arm  30  and the console plate  20 . A third adjustment is provided between the display  14  and the mounting arm  30 . The display  14  may therefore be moved in a generally vertical direction, a generally horizontal direction and may be rotated relative to the mounting arm  30 . 
     It should be understood that the vehicle dashboard console  10  will vary. For example in boats, shape may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and across various lines of boats from a single manufacturer. Therefore, the console plate  20  will vary in shape and size according to the type of boat for which the console plate  20  and display mounting assembly  12  will be utilized. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an exploded perspective view of the GPS/sonar display mounting assembly  12  is depicted. The console plate  20  is shaped to match a boat dashboard console  10  ( FIG. 1 ). As previously indicated, the shape of the console  10  may vary across different lines of boats from the same manufacturer. Therefore, the console plate  20  may be formed in various shapes to accommodate the various manufacturers and models of boats or other type vehicles. 
     According to one exemplary embodiment, the console plate  20  may be formed of one-quarter inch aluminum with a finish which is resilient and durable. For example, the aluminum may be finished with a hammertone powder coat paint in order to increase the durability while providing an attractive finish to the aluminum material. However, this is merely exemplary and other materials and finishes may be utilized. The console plate  20  may include a plurality of fastening apertures  22  which may vary in location and size again according to the corresponding connection hardware within the dashboard console  10 . The plate  20  has an outer edge  24  and includes a forward surface  26  and a rear surface which is on the opposite side of the plate  20  and therefore not depicted. 
     The console plate  20  further comprises a plurality of apertures  23 ,  25  which allow for adjustment in the lateral direction of the at least one mounting arm  30 . This provides a first direction of adjustment between the at least one mounting arm  30  and the console plate  20 . A plurality of adjustment apertures  27 ,  29  are also located on the console plate  22  and provide adjustment which is in a substantially vertical direction or alternatively, perpendicular to the adjustment provided by apertures  23 ,  25 . It should be understood that the term “substantially vertical” does not necessarily mean absolutely vertical. One skilled in the art will understand that dashboard consoles are typically oriented at an angle which is not perfectly vertical and therefore, the term vertical as used herein merely means perpendicular or generally perpendicular to the lateral direction, side to side or substantially horizontal, movement of the mounting arms  30 . 
     Also positioned on the console plate  20  is a wiring conduit aperture  28 . The aperture  28  allows various power and signal conductors from sonar equipment mounted on or below the boat to communicate with the display  14 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 2 , the at least one mounting arm  30  is shown exploded above the console plate  20 . While at least one mounting arm  30  may be utilized, where displays are all of a known size, an embodiment is depicted wherein two mounting arms  30 ,  32  are shown. The use of two mounting arms  30 ,  32  allows for variation of width in order to accommodate displays  14  of varying size, in the horizontal or lateral direction. This is useful because various manufacturers of sonar display equipment manufacture displays of varying size either between manufacturers or across varying lines of equipment from a single manufacturer. According to the instant exemplary embodiment, the mounting arms  30 ,  32  are generally L-shaped and include a first segment  34  which is mounted to the console plate  20  and a second segment  36  which extends from the console plate  20  and retains the display  14 . The first segments  34 ,  36  include a first slot  38  and a second slot  40 . The slots  38 ,  40  allow for lateral adjustments of the mounting arms  30 ,  32  relative to the console plate  20 . The movement may be more finite than the distance of the separations provided between the apertures  23 ,  25 . Otherwise stated, the apertures  23 ,  25  allow for adjustment at fixed intervals and the slots  38 ,  40  provide for improved adjustability between such distances of the apertures  23 ,  25 . The spacing between the slots  38 ,  40  corresponds to the spacing between the apertures  27 ,  29 , in the substantially vertical direction. 
     Depicted above the second arm  32  are a plurality of fasteners  42  which pass through the second segment  34  of the second arm  32  and through the console plate  20  in order to be fastened on the rear surface of the console plate  20 . A lock nut or other structure may be utilized at the rear surface of the console plate  20  in order to receive the fasteners  42 . It is desirable, according to one exemplary embodiment, that the fasteners  42  be intended to not require further adjustment of the second arm  32  once the assembly  12  is established. Accordingly, a plurality of locking nuts may be utilized at the rear surface of the plate  20  so that once tightened, the fasteners  42  are generally difficult to remove. Alternatively, a plurality of easily removable thumbscrews  44  are shown corresponding to the slots  38 ,  40  of the first arm  30 . 
     It may be desirable that a first arm  30  include some ease of adjustment and not be of the more permanent nature as described with the second arm  32  mounting. The adjustability of the first arm  30  in the lateral direction, toward or away from the second arm  32 , allows for easier disconnection of the display  14  from the display mounting assembly  12 , for example when it may be desirable to disconnect the display  14  from the boat. Also such adjustability will allow for easy reconnection and wiring connection at the time of the repositioning of the display  14  and the first and second arms  30 ,  32 . 
     Spaced apart from the second segment  36  are washers  60 ,  62  which provide for the ability to connect displays  14  of differing manufacturers to the first and second arms  30 ,  32 . The washers generally have a connection feature  64  which connects with a mating feature  66 , such as a slot disposed on outer ends of the second segment  36 . The connection feature  64  of the instant embodiment is a male structure which is sized to fit within the mating feature  66  and inhibit rotation of the washers  60 ,  62  relative to the first and second arms  30 ,  32 . The washers  60 ,  62  also include structure for engaging the display  14  which may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer of the different displays usable with the mounting assembly  12 . Accordingly, the washers  60 ,  62  enable positioning of any of various manufactured displays to be used with the assembly  12 , inhibit rotation of the display  14  once the assembly  12  is locked in a desired position and provide interchangeability for mounting of differing display types and sizes within the arms  30 ,  32 . The washers  60 , 62  allow the use of multiple monitors or displays and therefore provide a means of easily upgrading electronics rather than requiring a new vehicle, for example a new boat. 
     Spaced apart from the second segment  36  opposite the washers  60 ,  62  are quick release knobs  70 . These knobs provide a fastening structure to extend through the slots  66  and washers  60 ,  62  for engagement with the display  14 . The knobs  70  may differ in structure and will be dictated by the manufacturer of the display  14 . The knobs  70  provide for tightening of the washers  60 ,  62  into the display sides or opposing washer structures in order to fix the display  14  in position and inhibit unintended rotation of the display  14  relative to the mounting arms  30 ,  32 . When desirable, the knobs  70  may be loosened in order to provide for removal of the display  14  from between the mounting arms  30 ,  32 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a front view of the console plate  20  is depicted with the arms  30 ,  32  shown in various views. The arms  30 ,  32  are shown in both solid line and broken line in order to depict adjustability in both the vertical direction and in the horizontal or lateral direction relative to the console plate  20 . The adjustability is provided in two parts. First, the rows of apertures  27  provide adjustability for the arms  30 ,  32  in the substantially vertical direction. Additionally, the console plate  20  includes multiple apertures  25  defining each row  27  providing lateral adjustment for the arms  30 ,  32 . Even further, more fine adjustment capability is provided by utilizing slots  38 ,  40 . 
     As depicted on the left-hand side of the figure, arm  30  is shown in a first position at an uppermost adjustment location in solid line and further is shown moved toward the center of the console plate  20 . Broken line depictions of the arm  30  show the arm moved downwardly relative to the console plate and moved toward the left, or outward, away from the center position. 
     As shown on the right hand side of the figure, arms  32  shown in solid line in an uppermost position corresponding to the position of arm  30 . The second arm  32  is shown in broken line in this uppermost position and moved outwardly from the center of the console plate  20 . Thus the first and second arms  30 ,  32  may be moved to various positions in order to accommodate for size of display  14 , positioning on the console plate  20  and ease of usability by the user, such as clearing the display from visual interference by the steering wheel of the boat. Additionally, the location of the display relative to the steering wheel preludes the user from having to extend a hand through an opening between steering wheel spokes to touch the display. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the mounting assembly  12  is shown including the display  14 . A further advantage of the instant embodiments provides that in addition to the adjustability of the mounting arms  30 ,  32  relative to the console plate  20 , the display  14  is also rotatably adjustable relative to the arms  30 ,  32 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4A , the display  14  is generally parallel to the console plate  20 . However, in certain lighting conditions, and depending on the position of the boat relative to the sun, the sunlight may reflect from the display  14  causing glare and rendering the display hard to view and difficult to use. In such situation, the display  14  may be rotated as depicted in  FIG. 4B , either downwardly or in the opposite direction from that which is depicted. Accordingly, the rotate ability of the display provides further adjustment for improved use of the GPS/sonar display equipment. Such adjustment is not available with a display which is flush mounted, or partially mounted into a boat console. In order to adjust the display  14  in the manner depicted in  FIGS. 4A, 4B , the knobs  70  on each of the arms  30 ,  32  are rotated to loosen the washers  60 ,  62  ( FIG. 2 ). Once the washers are loosened from engagement with the display  14 , the display  14  may be rotated as depicted. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the GPS/sonar display mounting assembly  12  is depicted in perspective view with the display or team partially connected to the assembly  12 . The first arm  30  is loosened by loosening the fasteners  44  to allow slidable movement of the first arm  30  relative to the console plate  20 . The slots  38 ,  40  allow for fine adjustment of the arm movement  30  toward and away from the display  14 . The washer  60  is chosen by determining a specific size washer which is needed to correspond with manufacturer specs of the display  14 . In the exemplary embodiment, the washer  60  includes a plurality of teeth  65  which engage corresponding teeth  15  on the display. The teeth  65  and teeth  15  engage one another when the arm  30  is properly positioned relative to the display  14  and upon tightening of the knob  70  and engage one another therefore inhibiting rotation of the display relative to the arm  30 . Similar structure is used in the second arm  32  and opposite side of the display  14 , both of which are not shown in this view. The washer  60  includes a male component  64  which is positioned within the slot  66  provided in the segment  36  of arm  30 . The male engagement between washer  60  and slot  66  provides a locking arrangement inhibiting rotation of the washer  60  relative to the arm segment  36 . Next, by connecting the teeth  15  of the display  14  to the washer  60 , the display  14  is also inhibited from rotation. The washer  60  and slot  66  provide a pathway for a fastener extending from the knobs  70  to engage and be received by the display  14  for tightening of the display to the assembly  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the washer  60  is depicted in a side perspective view. The washer includes the plurality of teeth along one side engagement of corresponding anti-rotation features on the display or on a corresponding washer structure engaging the display. On an opposite surface of the washer  60  is a male feature  64  which extends into the slot  66  of the arms  30 ,  32 . The feature  64  allows passage of knob  70  through the washer  60  and into engagement with the display  14 . The exemplary washer  62  is of similar construction to the washer  60  depicted herein. 
     In manufacturing these washers, the mating feature  64  need only be manufactured to mate with the slot  66  designed into the first and second arms  30 ,  32 . The teeth or other engagement structure  65  may then be formed in different forms to match the mating structure provided by the display manufacturers. Thus, washers may be provided in a kit or sold independently for the various manufacturers of displays  14 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a perspective view of the washer  60  is depicted from an opposite side of that depicted in  FIG. 6 . In this view, the teeth  65  are depicted having a plurality of peaks and valleys. Alternatively, the teeth may be formed of arcuate segments of raised and lowered portions, but which do not have the peaks and valleys depicted in the instant embodiments. The washer  60  is generally C-shaped or U-shaped to provide a slot or opening  67  which matches the slot  66  size and location. This opening  67  may be sized so that when the washer  60  is seated within the slot  66 , the knobs  70  and fastener  72  fit through the washer opening or slot  67 . With brief reference again to  FIG. 2 , the arm  32  includes a notch or cutaway area wherein the washer  62  may be seated. This feature may be slightly seen in the first arm  30  in the depicted view. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , alternative washer  160  is depicted. In this embodiment, the washer does not comprise a male structure  64  as in the previous embodiment, but instead has a female notch  164  to receive a male mating feature which may be formed on the first and second arms  32 . Additionally, teeth  165  are shown on the washer  160 . The large number of teeth provide for additional fine adjustment of the angle of the display  14  during rotational adjustment. However, other teeth structures or rotational inhibiting features may be utilized which provide more or less adjustment while retaining the display at a desired angular position relative to the console plate  20 . 
     The foregoing description of several embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise steps and/or forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention and all equivalents be defined by the claims appended hereto.