Abstract:
Described herein is a mounting apparatus, comprising a receiving component, and an attachment component; the receiving component comprises a first magnetic component, a first arm, and a second arm; the attachment component comprises a second magnetic component; the receiving component is configured to hold a portable electronic device by the first arm and the second arm; the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are configured to connect through a magnetic interaction; the first magnetic component is continuously rotatable and continuously movable relative to the second magnetic component while the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are connected. The mounting apparatus provides mounting of any appropriately sized electronic device in an vehicle, at home, in an office, and at other private or public places, to allow convenient viewing and access to the device. The presently disclosed mounting apparatus also realizes a continuous rotation and continuous movement of the portable electronic device while it is held by the mounting apparatus, therefore facilitating user control of the device.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates to a mounting apparatus, in particular to a mounting apparatus with magnetic components for securing and displaying portable electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable electronic devices (PEDs) include, but are not limited to, any kind of electronic devices that may be carried with a user, such as tablets, laptops, MP3 players, cell phones, iPods, iPhones, iPads, e-readers, satellite radios, PDAs, GPSs or other digital devices. Given the rapid advance of technology in personal media and internet, a user may prefer to use various types of portable electronic devices at any time and at many places, therefore necessitating use of a mounting apparatus for mounting the PEDs. 
     The disclosure describes herein a mounting apparatus for the mounting any appropriately sized electronic device in a vehicle, at home, in an office, and at other private or public places. The presently disclosed mounting apparatus ensures the securing and displaying of a portable electronic device to allow convenient viewing and access to the device. The presently disclosed mounting apparatus also realizes a continuous rotation and continuous movement of the portable electronic device while it is attached to the mounting apparatus, therefore facilitating convenient and easy adjustment of the view of the user. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Described herein is a mounting apparatus, comprising a receiving component, and an attachment component; the receiving component comprises a first magnetic component; the attachment component comprises a second magnetic component; the receiving component comprises a first arm, and a second arm; the receiving component is configured to hold a portable electronic device by the first arm and the second arm; the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are configured to connect through a magnetic interaction; the first magnetic component is continuously rotatable and continuously movable relative to the second magnetic component while the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are connected; the receiving component comprises a first contact surface; and the attachment component comprises a second contact surface. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the first magnetic component comprises one or more pieces that are ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic; and the second magnetic component comprises one or more permanent magnets. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the first magnetic component comprises one or more permanent magnets; and the second magnetic component comprises one or more pieces that are ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the first magnetic component comprises one or more permanent magnets; and the second magnetic component comprises one or more permanent magnets. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the second magnetic component further comprises a second piece that is ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic; and the second magnetic component is sandwiched between the second piece and the second contact surface. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are configured to connect while the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are either partially or fully aligned. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the first magnetic component or the second magnetic component comprises an annular or circular plate. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the first arm and the second arm of the receiving component are movable relative to each other. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the first arm comprises a first arm piece, and a first member with a sliding slot; the second arm comprises a second arm piece and a sliding member; the sliding member of the second arm is configured to slide in the sliding slot of the first arm. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the first arm piece or the second arm piece comprises a cushion. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, adjustment of relative distance between the first arm and the second arm is continuous. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the receiving component further comprises a spring configured to urge the first arm piece and the second arm piece toward each other. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the attachment component comprises a base, and a mounting member; the base is configured to removably attach to a surface; and the mounting member is configured to support a connection to the second magnetic component. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the mounting member of the attachment component comprises an angle-adjusting knob configured to allow 360 degree rotation of the second magnetic component. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the mounting member of the attachment component further comprises a mount-adjusting knob configured to allow folding or unfolding of the mounting member. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the base comprises suction cup; the mounting member of the attachment component further comprises a suction cup lever configured to lock and unlock attachment of the suction cup of the base to a surface; and the suction cup is configured to be engaged in airtight suction to the surface by forming substantial contact to the surface. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the first contact surface and the second contact surface are of a pair with a concave surface and convex surface that have matching contours. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the attachment component further comprises a mount that is configured to be mounted on an air vent in a vehicle. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the attachment component further comprises a mount that is configured to be mounted on a CD slot in a vehicle. 
     Further described herein is a mounting apparatus, comprising a receiving component; the receiving component comprises a first magnetic component; the first magnetic component comprises one or more permanent magnet; the receiving component is configured to attach to a surface through a magnetic interaction between the first magnetic component and a material that is ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic in the surface; and the receiving component comprises a first arm, and a second arm; wherein the receiving component is configured to hold a portable electronic device by the first arm and the second arm. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the first arm and the second arm of the receiving component are movable relative to each other. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, adjustment of relative distance between the first arm and the second arm is continuous. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the first arm comprises a first arm piece, and a first member with a sliding slot; the second arm comprises a second arm piece and a sliding member; and the sliding member of the second arm is configured to slide in the sliding slot of the first arm. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the mounting apparatus further comprises a spring configured to urge the first arm piece and the second arm piece toward each other. 
     The presently disclosed mounting apparatus ensures the holding and securing of a portable electronic device on the mounting apparatus and attachment to a surface to allow convenient viewing and access to the device. The presently disclosed mounting apparatus also realizes a continuous rotation and continuous movement of the portable electronic device while it is held by the mounting apparatus, therefore facilitating user control of the device. 
     Other objects and advantages of the mounting apparatus will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the following drawings and detailed description. It also is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and not restrictive of the scope of the embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1A-H  is an illustration according to an embodiment of a mounting apparatus for a portable electronic device, showing the receiving component and the attachment component being connected to each other;  FIG. 1A  is a left side view thereof;  FIG. 1B  is a right side view thereof;  FIG. 1C  is a front view thereof;  FIG. 1D  is a back view thereof;  FIG. 1E  is a top view thereof;  FIG. 1F  is a bottom view thereof,  FIGS. 1G and 1H  are a left side views thereof showing angle adjustments of attachment component and the receiving component achievable by a user. 
         FIG. 2A-F  is an illustration according to the embodiment of a mounting apparatus for a portable electronic device in  FIG. 1 , showing only the attachment component;  FIG. 2A  is a left side view thereof;  FIG. 2B  is a right side view thereof;  FIG. 2C  is a front view thereof;  FIG. 2D  is a back view thereof;  FIG. 2E  is a top view thereof; and  FIG. 2F  is a bottom view thereof. 
         FIG. 3A-D  is an illustration according to an embodiment of a mounting apparatus for a portable electronic device in  FIG. 1 , showing only the receiving component;  FIG. 3A  is perspective view thereof;  FIG. 3B  shows the second arm of the receiving component being pulled away from the first arm;  FIG. 3C  is an explosion view thereof; and  FIG. 3D  is a bottom view thereof. 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration according to an embodiment of a mounting apparatus for a portable electronic device in  FIG. 1 , showing an explosion view of the second magnetic component. 
         FIG. 5A-D  is an illustration according to an embodiment of a mounting apparatus for a portable electronic device in  FIG. 1 , showing components or assembly of the first arm, and second arm;  FIG. 5A  is a bottom view of assembly of the first arm, springs and second arm;  FIG. 5B  is a bottom view of assembly of the first arm, springs and second arm with the second arm being pulled away from the first arm;  FIG. 5C  is a bottom view of only the second arm;  FIG. 5D  is a front view of only the second arm. 
         FIG. 6A-B  is an illustration showing a second embodiment the attachment component of a mounting apparatus;  FIG. 6A  is a front view thereof; and  FIG. 6B  is a back view thereof. 
         FIG. 7A-B  is an illustration showing a third embodiment the attachment component of a mounting apparatus;  FIG. 7A  is a front view thereof; and  FIG. 7B  is a back view thereof. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment, a mounting apparatus  10  may comprise a receiving component  1 , and an attachment component  2 . The receiving component  1  comprises a first magnetic component  3 . The attachment component  2  comprises a second magnetic component  4 . The receiving component  1  comprises a first arm  34 , and a second arm  35 ; the receiving component  1  is configured to hold a portable electronic device by the first arm  34  and the second arm  35 . 
     The first arm  34  and the second arm  35  may be arranged symmetrically on the receiving component  1 . Alternatively the first arm  34  and the second arm  35  may be arranged asymmetrically on the receiving component  1 . The receiving component may also comprise more than two arms for securing a portable electronic device. 
     Furthermore, the first magnetic component  3  and the second magnetic component  4  are configured to connect through a magnetic interaction. As used herein, a magnetic interaction refers to a magnetic dipole-dipole interaction, also called dipolar coupling, which is direct interaction between two magnetic dipoles. Examples of magnetic interactions include, but are not limited to, interactions between a north pole of a magnet and a South pole of a magnet, between a permanent magnet and a material that is ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic. 
     During use, when the first magnetic component  3  is within a close distance of the second magnetic component  4 , the first magnetic component  3  and the second magnetic component  4  are drawn toward each other due to magnetic interaction. Such magnetic interaction allows the first magnetic component  3  and the second magnetic component  4  to connect or attach stably, and to stay connected or attached; therefore the receiving component  1  may be connected to the attachment component  2  through the magnetic interaction and connection between the first magnetic component  3  and the second magnetic component  4 . During use, a user may choose between two operation methods. In a first operation method, a user may attach or connect the receiving component  1  to the attachment component  2 , and then may place a portable electronic device on the receiving component  1 . In a second operation method, a user may place a portable electronic device in the receiving component  1  first, and then attach or connect the receiving component  1  with the portable electronic device to the attachment component  2 . 
     Furthermore, the first magnetic component  3  is continuously rotatable and continuously movable relative to the second magnetic component  4  while the first magnetic component  3  and the second magnetic component  4  are connected. During use, a user may adjust his or her view of a portable electronic device held by the mounting apparatus, by either continuously rotating or continuously moving or sliding the portable electronic device relative to the attachment component  2 , while the receiving component stays connected to the attachment component through magnetic interaction between the first magnetic component  3  and the second magnetic component  4 . In addition, because the rotation or sliding movement does not interfere with the magnetic interaction when an appropriate force is applied, there is no need to either detach the portable electronic device from mounting apparatus, or to detach the receiving component  1  from the attachment component  2 . 
     Furthermore, the receiving component  1  comprises a first contact surface  31 ; and the attachment component  2  comprises a second contact surface  41 . Preferably, the first contact surface  31  and the second contact surface  41  contact each other while the first magnetic component  3  and the second magnetic component  4  are connected through magnetic interaction. In one example, the first contact surface  31  and the second contact surface  41  are substantially planar. In an alternative example, the first contact surface  31  and the second contact surface  41  are of a pair with matching surface contours, such as a pair with a concave surface and convex surface. In another alternative example, the first contact surface  31  and the second contact surface  41  do not have matching contours. 
     According to an embodiment, the first magnetic component  3  comprises one or more pieces  32  that comprise ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic material. The second magnetic component  4  may comprise one or more permanent magnets. As used herein, ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material include, but are not limited to Co, Fe, Fe 2 O 3 , FeO, Fe 2 O 3 , NiOFe 2 O 3 , CuOFe 2 O 3 , MgOFe 2 O 3 , MnBi, Ni, MnSb, MnOFe 2 O 3 , Y 3 Fe 5 O 12 , CrO 2 , MnAs, Gd, Dy, EuO. As used herein, a permanent magnet comprises a material that is magnetized and creates its own persistent magnetic field. The one or more pieces  32  may comprise any size, shape or number of pieces of ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic materials. 
     In one embodiment, for example, the one or more pieces  32  may be an annular plate housed in a receiving space  33  in a back piece  36  as shown in  FIG. 3C-3D . The back piece  36  may be provided to complete the assembly of the receiving component. Fasteners may be provided to fasten connection between the back piece  36  and the first arm  34  and the second arm  35 . 
     The one or more pieces  32  may be also of various sizes and shapes that include, but are not limited to, such as plate, block, column, prism, or any other regular or irregular shapes. 
     The one or more permanent magnets  42  may be of various sizes, shapes or numbers. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the one or more permanent magnets  42  may be six round permanent magnets, each embedded in a chamber  43  respectively. The one or more permanent magnets  42  may be also of various other sizes and shapes that include, but are not limited to, such as plate, block, column, prism, or any other regular or irregular shapes. 
     In one embodiment, the first magnetic component  32  or the second magnetic component  42  may be symmetrical in shape or in arrangement. In other embodiments, the first magnetic component  32  or the second magnetic component  42  may be asymmetrical in shape or in arrangement. 
     In addition, in an alternative embodiment, the first magnetic component  3  may comprise one or more permanent magnets, and the second magnetic component  4  may comprise one or more pieces that are ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic. In another alternative example, the first magnetic component  3  may comprise one or more permanent magnets, and the second magnetic component  4  may also comprise one or more permanent magnets. In the latter example, the magnetic poles of one or more permanent magnets of the first magnetic component  3  and the magnetic poles of one or more permanent magnets of the second magnetic component  4  are arranged during manufacturing, to provide alternating magnetic poles facing each other when first magnetic component  3  and the second magnetic component  4  are stacked or attached, such as to produce proper magnetic interaction between the first magnetic component  3  and the second magnetic component  4 . 
     The arrangement of permanent magnets  42  within the second magnetic component  4 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , is preferable, because in this arrangement the permanent magnets  42  is at a further distance away from the portable electronic device to be mounted on the mounting apparatus. Thus in this arrangement the permanent magnets  42  exerts little to less interference to the use of portable electronic device, comparing to the alternative arrangement of having the permanent magnets in the first magnetic component  3 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , while the second magnetic component  4  comprises one or more permanent magnets  42 , the second magnetic component  4  may further comprise a second piece  44  that is ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic; and the one or more permanent magnets  42  is sandwiched between the second piece  44  and the second contact surface  41 . The second piece  44  provides a magnetic attraction to the permanent magnets  42 , to provide stabilizing forces to the permanent magnets  42  which ensures the stability of the structure assembly of the second magnetic component  4 . 
     According to an embodiment, the first magnetic component  3  and the second magnetic component  4  are configured to connect while the first magnetic component  3  and the second magnetic component  4  are either partially or fully aligned. As described herein, the term “fully aligned” or “full alignment” is used to refer to a maximal overlap between the first magnetic component  3  and the second magnetic component  4 . As described herein, the term “partially aligned” or “partial alignment” is used to refer to a less than maximal overlap between the first magnetic component  3  and the second magnetic component  4 . A partial alignment between the first magnetic component  3  and the second magnetic component  4  is sufficient to provide the connection between the receiving component  1  and the attachment component  2 , because magnetic interaction during partial alignment is sufficient to support a stable connection. Since a full alignment between the first magnetic component  3  and the second magnetic component  4  is not required, the mounting apparatus may be used with greater flexibility. 
     According to an embodiment, when the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are connected, connection between the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component is greater than a predetermined threshold value. This ensures that the first magnetic component is configured to stay connected to the second magnetic component when the receiving component holds the portable electronic device. It is conceivable that more weight of a portable electronic device requires more magnetic interaction force to stabilize a magnetic connection. It is conceivable that testing of different portable electronic devices having different sizes and weight configurations may help to choose a predetermined threshold value. A predetermined threshold value may be determined when consideration of various factors are combined, such as the general type of portable electronic devices to be used on the mounting apparatus, needs of the users in the market, and variables or characteristics of conditions of use. 
     According to an embodiment, when the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are connected, connection between the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component is detachable by a hand of a user. 
     According to an embodiment, the first arm  34  and the second arm  35  of the receiving component  1  are movable relative to each other. This allows a user to adjust the receiving component for holding different portable electronic devices. In one embodiment, only one of the two arms is configured to be moveable and the other one of the two arms is not. In another embodiment, both of the arms are configured to be moveable to allow adjustment of receiving component. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B  and  FIGS. 5A-D , the first arm  34  comprises a first arm piece  341 , and a first member  342  with a sliding slot  343 . The first arm piece  341  is provided at an end of the first member  342 . The sliding slot  343  is provided between two protruding ribs  3421  on a side of the first member  342 . The second arm  35  comprises a second arm piece  351  and a sliding member  352 . The second arm piece  351  is provided at an end of the sliding member  352 . The sliding member  352  is configured to slide in the sliding slot  343 , to allow adjustment of relative distance between the first arm piece  341  and the second arm piece  351 . Therefore, mounting apparatus is adaptable to different size configurations of different portable electronic devices. The sliding member  352  may be a rectangular shaped piece. The first member  342  further comprises a surface that may come in contact with and supports the portable electronic device mounted in the receiving component. Preferably, the surface may be substantially planar. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the receiving component further comprises a spring  37  configured to urge the first arm piece and the second arm piece toward each other. During manufacturing assembly, the first arm  34  and the second arm  35  are assembled first, as shown in  FIGS. 5A-5B , and springs  37  are provided respectively in two slots that are respectively formed by the sliding member  352  and two protruding ribs  3421  on the back of the first member  342 . When the second arm piece  351  is pulled away from the first arm piece  341 , springs  37  are compressed within the slots by end extension  353  of the sliding member  352  and end blocks  38  of the first member  342 . 
     During use, a user may pull the second arm piece  351  away from the first arm piece  341 , put a portable electronic device such as a cell phone in the opening between the first arm piece  341  and second arm piece  351 , and then release the second arm piece  351 . The second arm  35  swing back by the force of the springs  37 , and the portable electronic device is held between the second arm piece  351  and the first arm piece  341 . Preferably, the second arm piece  351  and the first arm piece  341  are arranged to be on different sides of the portable electronic device. The adjustment of relative distance between the first arm piece  341  and the second arm piece  351  is continuous. The second arm piece  351  or the first arm piece  341  may be of any size and shape that are sufficient to hold, secure, snap or grip the portable electronic device. The second arm piece  351  or the first arm piece  341  may be of a rectangular shaped piece, curved piece or claw shaped piece. The second arm piece  351  or the first arm piece  341  may have a surface contour that fits the overall contour of the receiving component. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , according to an embodiment, the first arm piece  341  comprises a cushion  3411  and the second arm piece  351  comprises a cushion  3511 . The cushion  3411  and cushion  3511  may help to provide a protection of the exterior surface of the portable electronic device from being scratched or otherwise damaged when secured on the mounting apparatus. The cushion  3411  and cushion  3511  may also comprise elastic materials. This helps to provide enhanced fit or grip of the portable electronic device during mounting. 
     According to an embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 1-2 , the attachment component  2  comprises a mounting member  5  and a base  6 . The base  6  is configured to removably attach to a surface. The base  6  comprises a suction cup  61  and a lift for suction cup  62 . The suction cup  61  may comprise elastic material. The suction cup  61  is configured to be engaged in airtight suction to the surface by forming substantial contact to the surface. This allows a stable attachment of the attachment component  2  to the surface. The suction cup  61  is substantially planar. The suction cup  61  may be of any shape and size appropriate for use. The lift for suction cup  62  may be provided as an extension at an end of the suction cup  61 , to allow a user to conveniently lift the suction cup  61 . 
     According to an embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 1-2 , the mounting member  5  of the attachment component  2  further comprises a suction cup lever  53  configured to lock and unlock attachment of the suction cup  61  to a surface. When attaching the mounting apparatus to a surface, a user may activate the suction cup lever  53  by holding down the suction cup onto a surface and push the suction cup lever  53  to lock position; the suction cup  61  is lifted upward at a center of the suction cup away from the surface to be attached, creating a vacuum seal between the suction cup  61  and the surface. This ensures attachment of mounting device to the surface to be locked. When detaching the mounting apparatus from a surface, a user may push the suction cup lever  53  to unlock position, the center of the suction cup is released, and a user may further disassociate the suction cup  61  from the surface by pulling the lift for suction cup  62  away from the surface. 
     According to an embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 1-2 , the mounting member  5  is connected to the second magnetic component  4 . The mounting member  5  further comprises an angle-adjusting knob  51 , a first arm  54 , a second arm  55  and a mount-adjusting knob  52 . The angle-adjusting knob  51  allows changing the angle of the mounted portable electronic device. As shown in  FIGS. 1G and 1H , the mount-adjusting knob  52  allows folding or unfolding of the first arm  54  relative to the second arm  55 , and the angle-adjusting knob  51  allows rotation of the second magnetic component together with the attached receiving component relative to the attachment component, thereby changing the angle of the mounted portable electronic device. During use, viewing angle of the mounted portable electronic device may be adjusted by a user either through mount-adjusting knob  52 , and/or through the angle-adjusting knob  51 , therefore realizing the 360 degree rotation of the mounted portable electronic device. 
     According to another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the attachment component comprises the second magnetic component  4 , and a mount  7  that is configured to be mounted on an air vent. In one example, the mount  7  comprises a plurality of clips  71  that may be inserted into the opening of an air vent of a vehicle. The clips  71  may be arranged to be perpendicular to the second magnetic component  4 . The clips  71  may be equally spaced relative to each other. This ensures a sturdy and cradle-less attachment of the mounting apparatus. The portable electronic device is then mounted on the attachment component through magnetic interaction between the receiving component  1  and the attachment component  2 . The strong-powered magnetic interaction ensures that the portable electronic device is securely held by the mounting apparatus, while the cradle-less feature enables a user to completely view his or her electronic device without any distracting views of arms and holders. 
     According to another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the attachment component comprises the second magnetic component  4 , and a mount  8  that is configured to mount on a CD slot in a vehicle. In one example, the mount  8  comprises a plurality of flattened extension  81  that may be inserted into the opening of a CD slot of a vehicle. The flattened extension  81  may be arranged at a suitable angle to the second magnetic component  4  by adjusting a knob  82  which is configured to allow 360 degree rotation of the second magnetic component  4 , such that when the portable electronic device is then mounted on the mounting apparatus through magnetic interaction between the receiving component  1  and the attachment component  2 , the portable electronic device is displayed at an easy viewing angle. The mount  8  does not block any other controls in the vehicle and does not interfere with the functioning of the CD player. A fastening means such as a mounting screw  83  is configured to fasten the contact between the mount  8  and the CD slot. The mount  8  is also configured to be easily rotated, tilted, or fixed to any angle that best assists the user. 
     Further described herein is a mounting apparatus, according to an embodiment, comprising a receiving component; the receiving component comprises a first magnetic component; the first magnetic component comprises one or more permanent magnet; the receiving component is configured to attach to a surface through a magnetic interaction between the first magnetic component and a material that is ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic in the surface; and the receiving component comprises a first arm, and a second arm; wherein the receiving component is configured to hold a portable electronic device by the first arm and the second arm. According to this embodiment, the mounting apparatus may attach directly to the surface; and the receiving component is continuously rotatable and continuously movable relative to the surface while it is attached. 
     According to an embodiment, the first magnetic component may be symmetrical in shape or arrangement. The first magnetic component may be an annular or circular plate. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the magnetic connection is greater than a predetermined threshold value so that the first magnetic component is configured to stay connected to the contact surface while the receiving component holds the portable electronic device. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the connection between the first magnetic component and surface is detachable by a hand of a user. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the first arm and the second arm of the receiving component are movable relative to each other. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the first arm comprises a first arm piece, and a first member with a sliding slot; the second arm comprises a second arm piece and a sliding member; and the sliding member of the second arm is configured to slide in the sliding slot of the first arm to allow adjustment of relative distance between the first arm piece and the second arm piece so that the mounting apparatus is adaptable to different size configurations of the portable electronic device. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the adjustment of relative distance between the first arm piece and the second arm piece is continuous. 
     According to an embodiment of the mounting apparatus, further comprising a spring configured to urge the first arm piece and the second arm piece toward each other. 
     While the mounting apparatus has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made, and equivalents employed, without departing from the scope of the appended claims.