Patent Publication Number: US-6663064-B1

Title: Multi-position articulating mounting apparatus for an electronic device

Description:
This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/452,409, filed Dec. 1, 1999 to the same inventors, entitled “Multi-Position Articulating Mounting Apparatus for an Electronic Device”. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a mounting apparatus for an electronic device. More specifically, the invention relates to a mounting apparatus for an electronic device for use in a vehicle, which allows the electronic device to be selectively rotated and placed in a number of positions, and which allows the electronic device to be placed within, and removed from, a mounted position with one hand. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Electronic devices are being used more and more frequently in vehicles. For example, global positioning satellite devices are currently being used in vehicles and elsewhere. These devices are used for navigational purposes and are either permanently installed in a vehicle, or mounted so as to be portable. Further, these devices have a screen which visibly communicates information to the user thereof. The portable device is advantageous in that it can be taken from the vehicle and used outside of the vehicle, thus adding value to the device. 
     The mounting of portable devices within vehicles does, however, present a number of disadvantages. First, it is more difficult to mount a portable device in a location within the vehicle that allows its screen to be easily viewed. Devices that are permanently installed in the vehicle can be mounted within the dashboard of the vehicle, easily within sight of the vehicle driver or passenger. Portable devices must, however, be mounted somewhere within the interior of the vehicle, such as on top of the dashboard. This mounting position presents the challenge of mounting the device in an orientation and position that can be seen and accessed. 
     Viewing the screen of a portable electronic device can be hampered if the angle of the viewing screen is fixed relative to the surface on which the device is mounted. A fixed viewing angle may limit the vehicles on which the device can be effectively mounted due to varying dashboard configurations as well as varying driver and passenger heights. In other words, a fixed viewing angle may impair the user&#39;s ability to effectively and comfortably view the screen. Second, these electronic devices are often under-utilized if they are only viewable by the driver of the vehicle, but not passengers riding therein. Often the passenger in the vehicle is acting as the navigator. In these situations, it is advantageous for the passenger to be able to view the global positioning satellite device. 
     Third, depending on the configuration of the dashboard surface on which the device is mounted, it may be necessary to either elevate or lower the device with respect to the mounting surface in order to get a clearer view of the device. A rigid mounting apparatus that does not offer the ability to manipulate the orientation of the device relative to the mounting surface is therefore disadvantageous. 
     As may be appreciated, it would also be advantageous to be able to place the electronic device into a mounted position using only one hand. Similarly, it would be advantageous to remove the electronic device from a mounted position using only one hand. 
     Therefore, a mounting apparatus is needed that can be used to mount a portable electronic device within a vehicle so that the device can be easily viewed and adjusted. Further, a mounting apparatus is needed that allows an electronic device to be mounted within a vehicle so that it is viewable by either the driver or the passenger riding therein. Still further, a mounting apparatus is needed that allows an electronic device to be mounted within, and removed from, a mounted position using only one hand. Finally, a mounting apparatus is needed that can be used to either elevate or lower, and manipulate the orientation of the device relative to the surface on which the apparatus is mounted. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a mounting apparatus for an electronic device within a vehicle so that the device can be easily viewed and that allows the angle of the device relative to the user to be adjusted. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide a mounting apparatus that selectively allows either the driver or the passenger of a vehicle in which the device is mounted to view the device. 
     It is another feature of this invention to provide a mounting apparatus that allows a device mounted therein to be either raised or lowered, and manipulated relative to the surface on which the apparatus is mounted. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a mounting apparatus for an electronic device that allows the electronic device to be mounted within, and removed from, a mounted position using only one hand. 
     According to the present invention, the foregoing and other objects are obtained by an apparatus for removably mounting an electronic device to a surface and for positioning the device with respect to the surface. The apparatus includes a cradle that is adapted to be releasably secured to the electronic device and a pivot link, which has a first end and a second end. The first end being pivotally coupled to the cradle. The apparatus also includes a support having a mounting pedestal coupled thereto. The second end of the pivot link is pivotally coupled to the support. The apparatus has a base which has a lower face that can be coupled to the surface and an upper face. The upper face has a receiving slot for the pedestal, the slot having a shoulder extending thereabove to engage the pedestal. The slot further has an open end to allow the pedestal to be moved within the slot. The base further includes a releasable locking arm having a retaining ridge located in line with the open end of the slot to selectively hold the pedestal within the slot. The pedestal of the apparatus can be placed within the slot and held within the slot by the retaining ridge of the locking arm. Further, the electronic device can be positioned with respect to the surface by pivoting the cradle and the link, and by rotating the pedestal within the slot. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, an alternate base portion of the mounting bracket is employed. In particular, the base portion of this alternate embodiment is a suction cup mount. The suction cup mount has a housing which includes upwardly, angularly extending arms for connection to the linkage, which in turn is connected to the cradle into which an electronic device is secured. A flexible suction cup has a plunger molded therein, such that a portion of the plunger is potted into the flexible suction cup during formation of the suction cup, and a post of the plunger extends upwardly from the suction cup. The upwardly extending suction cup extends through an aperture proximate the center of the housing, such that the housing is placed at least substantially over the suction cup. An upper end of the post is threaded, and a correspondingly threaded cap is screwed onto the post, thereby assembling the suction cup mount. Additionally, in accordance with a preferred aspect of the present invention, one or more springs are placed in recesses beneath the cap, and are thus positioned between the housing and the cap. 
     Accordingly, the suction cup mount may be utilized to mount the mounting apparatus on a surface, such as a vehicle window or dashboard, or any other suitable surface. In use, the suction cup mount is located on a surface, and the cap is pressed downwardly, thus causing the connected plunger to push the suction cup downwardly onto the surface and create a vacuum mount. In such a position, the cap engages an upper portion of the housing. Particularly, when the suction cup is in its fully seated position, and the cap is thus resting on a top portion of the housing of the mount, a peripheral rim portion of the cap is preferably hidden by a peripheral wall of a recess in the upper portion of the housing. Additionally, the one or more springs provided between the upper portion of the housing and the cap bias the cap upwardly, thus placing an upward force on the cap, the plunger, and the suction cup. This upward force assists in retaining the suction cup in a seated position. As the suction cup begins to lose its vacuum mount, a central portion of the suction cup will begin to rise upwardly as its outer edges draw inwardly. Accordingly, the post of the plunger, which is positioned proximate the center of the suction cup, correspondingly begins to move upwardly, thus also causing the cap to move upwardly from its seated position on the top of the housing. In accordance with the preferred aspect of the invention, the peripheral rim portion of the cap is preferably marked or colored differently from the remainder of the mount, such that as the cap moves upwardly, a user can readily visually discern the fact that the cap is moving upwardly, and that the suction cup requires reseating. 
     Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The objects and features of the invention noted above are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which: 
     In the accompanying drawings which form a part of the specification and which are to be read in conjunction therewith and in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in the various views: 
     FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of the mounting apparatus according to the present invention, with a different orientation being shown in phantom lines; 
     FIG. 2 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 1, showing the mounting bracket in a different orientation; 
     FIG. 3 is another side elevation view of the mounting device shown with the mounting bracket rotated and in an extended position; 
     FIG. 4 is a view taken along line  4 — 4  of FIG. 3 with different rotational orientations shown in phantom lines; 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting device shown with an electronic device mounted therein and parts being broken away to show particular details of construction; 
     FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 shown without the electronic device; 
     FIG. 7 is a partial view of the mounting apparatus taken along line  7 — 7  of FIG. 5, showing the latching mechanism with parts being broken away to show particular details of construction; 
     FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 but taken along line  8 — 8  of FIG. 6 with lines being broken away to show particular details of construction; 
     FIG. 9 is a view taken along line  9 — 9  of FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 10 is a view taken along line  10 — 10  of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the base shown in FIG. 10, with parts being broken away to show particular details of construction; 
     FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 showing the locking tab in a different orientation; 
     FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the mounting bracket of the present invention; 
     FIG. 14 is an exploded, perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the base portion of the mounting bracket of the present invention; 
     FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the base portion of the alternative embodiment of the present invention, and the suction cup thereof is in a seated position; 
     FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the base portion of the alternative embodiment of the present invention in a position in which the suction cup thereof requires reseating; 
     FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the alternate base portion of the mounting bracket of the present invention in a fully seated position; and 
     FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the alternate base portion of the mounting bracket of the present invention, wherein the base portion requires reseating. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a mounting apparatus embodying the principles of this invention is broadly designated in the drawings by reference numeral  10 . Apparatus  10  is used to hold an electronic device  12  on a surface, such as a vehicle dash. Electronic device  12  can be, for example, a global positioning satellite device. Such a device normally includes some type of viewing screen, which visually conveys information to the user of the device. Apparatus  10  includes a base  14  and a mounting bracket  16 . As described below, base  14  is coupled to the desired surface and is used to releasably hold mounting bracket  16 . Bracket  16  is releasably coupled to the electronic device and is constructed to be releasably held within base  14 . 
     Base  14  is constructed and assembled as described in a co-pending patent application, filed Nov. 16, 1998 entitled Mounting Apparatus For An Electronic Device, the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference. As best seen in FIGS. 10-12, base  14  has a lower section  18  with an exterior surface  20 , which has an inset  22  formed therein. Inset  22  is used to attach exterior surface  20  to the desired surface, such as a vehicle dash. In use, an adhesive material may be applied within inset  22 , which can then be placed on the desired surface. Alternatively, a suitable adhesive putty may be used to attach base  14  to the desired surface, with inset  22  controlling the location of the putty. 
     Base  14  further has a locking tab  24  held between lower section  18  and an upper section  26 . Tab  24  has an outwardly extending handle  28  that is connected to an operative key section  30 . Preferably, handle  28  and key section  30  are integrally formed from one piece. Handle  28  may be equipped with an enlarged head  32  for easier grasping by the user thereof. Key section  30  has a unshaped slot  34  formed therein which is used to either prevent or allow bracket  16  to be removed from base  14 , as is more fully described below. Located about one portion of the outer perimeter of key section  30  is an arcuate slot  36 . As best seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, the outermost wall  38  defining slot  36  is relatively thin and has a depression  40  formed in each end thereof. 
     Upper section  26  has a first gap  42  and a second gap  44  formed therein. First gap  42  allows clearance for handle  28  of locking tab  24 , and allows clearance for rotational movement of handle  28  about an axis in the center of key section  30 . Second gap  44  allows clearance for a locking arm, as is more fully described below. Located within upper section  26  are a number of threaded columns  46 . A screw  48  is placed through lower section  18  and is threaded into each column  46 , thereby securing lower section  18  to upper section  26 . 
     Also located within the interior of upper section  26  is a series of arcuate retaining walls  50 . As best seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, there are preferably three walls  50 , with one wall being longer than the other two. Walls  50  are located to form a perimeter that is slightly larger that the outer perimeter of key section  30 , and act to retain key section  30  within walls  50 . The two shorter walls  50  are spaced from one another to allow clearance for handle  28 , and to allow clearance for rotational movement of the handle. Generally, the two shorter walls  50  are spaced a corresponding distance to match the size of first gap  42 . The space between each of the shorter walls  50  and longer wall  50  allows clearance for a locking arm, as is more fully described below. Longer wall  50  has a detent  52  formed therein. Detent  52  is flexibly mounted within upper section  26 , so that it can move toward and away from locking tab  24 . In use, as is more fully described below, detent  52  is located within one of the two depressions  40  to hold locking tab  24  in either an open or a closed position. Upper section  26  further has a c-shaped cut-out  54  extending therethrough. Cut-out  54  is generally located between one of the shorter walls  50  and the longer wall  50 . Cut-out  54  allows clearance for a locking arm  56 . 
     Locking arm  56  is secured within upper section  26  at a location distal from second gap  44 . Arm  56  is secured to upper section  26  with a suitable attaching mechanism, such as a screw or rivet, as shown at  58 . Other suitable attaching mechanisms could be used, so long as one end of arm  56  is secured to upper section  26 . Arm  56  has an elongated portion terminating at a button  60 . The elongated portion has a width that is slightly less than the width of slot  34  in key section  30 , so that it may pass between slot  34 , when slot  34  is in alignment with arm  56 . Button  60  is shaped to fit within cut-out  54  so that it may travel within the cut-out, and is sized to extend beyond the perimeter of upper section  26 . As best seen in FIG. 12, button  60  is preferably generally oval in shape and has a spring chamber  62  formed in the bottom thereof. As best seen in FIG. 5, chamber  62  is used to locate and retain a spring  64  between button  60  and lower section  18 . Spring  64  operates to bias arm  56  upwardly, the importance of which is described below. As best seen in FIG. 10, on the upper surface of button  60 , a hollow  66  is presented to assist the user in comfortably depressing arm  56 . Also on the upper surface of button  60  is an arcuate retaining ridge  68  and a pawl surface  70 . Both ridge  68  and pawl surface  70  are distal from hollow  66 . Ridge  68  is arcuate in shape and is formed by a vertical wall terminating at the upper-most surface of button  60 . As best seen in FIG. 10, pawl surface  70  is a series of ridges, extending from ridge  68  to the end of button  60 , and is located below the upper-most surface of button  60 . 
     The exterior portion of upper section  26  includes an elevated shoulder  72  that defines a receiving slot  74 . Slot  74  is generally c-shaped and has a generally semi-circular portion and an extending portion which is tapered outwardly. The outward taper is used to guide bracket  16  into place, as is more fully described below. As best seen in FIG. 10, shoulder  72  extends outwardly over slot  74  and defines a receiving channel that is shaped as is slot  74 . 
     In assembling base  14 , locking tab  24  is placed on lower section  18  and within arcuate retaining walls  50  of upper section  26 . Tab  24  is located such that detent  52  is within one of the depressions  40 , with handle  28  protruding from upper section  26  through first gap  42 . Locking arm  56  is secured to upper section  26  and spring  64  is placed within chamber  62  to bias arm  56  upwardly. Upper section  26  and lower section  18  are then secured together by placing screws  48  through lower section  18  and threading them into columns  46 . With this construction, tab  24  may be rotated between two positions, and held in one of two positions by locating detent  52  within one of the two depressions  40 . When rotating tab  24  between the two positions, detent  52  slides along the thin portion of wall  38  and forces it slightly inwardly, due to an inward bias of detent  52 . In one position, slot  34  is placed in alignment with the elongated portion of arm  56 . In this position, arm  56  can be moved downwardly by depressing button  60 . Button  60  is allowed enough clearance to place retaining ridge  68  below the adjacent surface of upper section  26 . In the other position, slot  34  is oriented at an angle relative to the elongated portion of arm  56 . In this position, arm  56  and button  60  are prevented from moving downwardly. If button  60  is pressed when locking tab  24  is in this position, arm  56  is prevented from downward movement by key section  30 , because slot  34  is not aligned with arm  56 . In this position, retaining ridge  68  and pawl surface  70  are both positively held above the adjacent surface of upper section  26 . 
     Base  14  is used to secure electronic device  12  in place on a surface, in cooperation with bracket  16 . As best seen in FIGS. 5,  6  and  13 , bracket  16  includes a support  76  which is preferably made from a molded plastic. Support  76  has a pedestal  78  extending downwardly therefrom. As best seen in FIGS. 5 and 9, pedestal  78  is preferably cylindrical and includes a platform  80 . Platform  80  has a slightly larger radius than the adjacent portion of pedestal  78 . Further, platform  80  has a lower ratchet surface  82 , as best seen in FIG.  9 . As is more fully described below, pedestal  78  and platform  80  are placed within slot  74  of base  14 . In this orientation, a portion of ratchet surface  82  engages pawl surface  70  of locking arm  56 . 
     Support  76  further has a pair of outer legs  84  and a number of braces  86  extending from its upper surface. At the outer most end of legs  84  and braces  86  are a pair of pivot bushings  88 . As best seen in FIG. 13, pivot bushings  88  are arranged so that a gap extends therebetween. Preferably, bushings  88  are integrally formed with legs  84  and braces  86  to be an integral part of support  76 . Extending through both bushings  88  is a hole  90 . Both bushings  88  are therefore similar in many respects. However, a threaded insert is inserted in the outer end of one pivot bushing  88 . The insert is threaded to receive the threaded end of a pivot rod, as is more fully described below. An end cap  92  is inserted into this pivot bushing  88  to hide the threaded insert from view. Surrounding hole  90  on the surface of bushings  88  nearest the gap between the bushings is an annular toothed surface (not shown). 
     Bracket  16  further includes a pivot link  94 . As best seen in FIG. 13, link  94  is preferably generally Y-shaped. Link  94  has a first end  96  that is approximately the same width as the gap between bushings  88 . End  96  has a hole extending therethrough that can be placed in alignment with hole  90 . Surrounding the hole on each outer side of end  96  is an annular toothed surface. This toothed surface is preferably of the same diameter as the toothed surface surrounding hole  90  and is formed to engage and interlock therewith. 
     Link  94  has a second end  98  that is equipped with a pair of upwardly extending arms  100  that form a gap or opening extending between the two arms. Each arm  100  is equipped with a pivot bushing  102 . Preferably, bushings  102  are integrally formed with link  94 . Each bushing  102  has a hole  103  extending therethrough. Further, each bushing  102  has an annular toothed surface  104  extending about hole  103  on the side of arm  100  adjacent the gap between the two arms. One bushing  102  has a threaded insert (not shown) press-fit therein, that allows a pivot rod to be secured therein, as is more fully described below. The bushing  102  having the threaded insert therein has an end cap  106  inserted into the outside thereof to hide the threaded insert from view. 
     Link  94  is pivotally coupled to support  76  by placing a pivot rod  108  through pivot bushings  88  and the hole in end  96 . More specifically, rod  108  is threaded into the threaded insert in one bushing  88 . When this is done, the toothed surfaces of bushings  88  will be engaged and held against the toothed surfaces surrounding the hole in end  96  of pivot link  94 . This will prevent pivot link  94  from rotating with respect to support  76 . 
     As best seen in FIG. 13, bracket  16  further includes a cradle  110  which is used to hold and receive the electronic device  12  and which is pivotally connected to second end  98  of link  94 . Cradle  110  has a rear cover  112 , a latch mechanism  114  and a front cover  116 . Rear cover  112  includes a pair of integral pivot bushings  118  that extend away from the rear surface of cover  112 . Extending through bushings  118  is a hole  120 . Surrounding hole  120  on the outer surface of pivot bushings  118  is a toothed annular surface  122 , which is formed to matingly connect with toothed surfaces  104 . The distance between each toothed surface  122  is approximately equal to the gap formed between arms  100 . As best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, near pivot bushings  118  and extending through rear cover  112  are a pair of holes  124  which are used to couple rear cover  112  to front cover  116 , as is more fully described below. 
     The unexposed or interior side of rear cover  112  is formed to have a latch chamber  126  and a spring receiving chamber  128 , which accommodate latch mechanism  114 . Latch mechanism  114  is located between rear cover  112  and front cover  116 . Mechanism  114  includes a latch release  130  that is equipped with a push lever  132 , that extends outwardly of the interior of covers  112  and  116 . Extending from lever  132  into the interior of cradle  110  is an elongated portion  134  of release  130 . Portion  134  includes a pair of slide rails  136 , one surface of which rests upon and within latch chamber  126 . Portion  134  also includes a camming area  138 , extending through which is a camming opening  140 . As best seen in FIGS. 7,  8  and  13 , opening  140  is preferably triangular in shape and oriented so as to have a diagonal leg extending across portion  134 . Opening  140  has a follower retaining notch  141  located therein which acts to positively retain a cam follower, as is described below. Release  130  is allowed to travel back and forth within chamber  126 , sliding along rails  136 . 
     Latch mechanism  114  further includes a device latch  142 . Latch  142  has a cam follower  144  extending downwardly therefrom, as best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8. Preferably, follower  144  is cylindrically shaped and located to travel within camming opening  140 . In the closed position, follower  144  is retained within notch  141 , as shown in FIG.  7 . Also located on the lower surface of latch  142  is a spring retainer  146 . Retainer  146  includes a somewhat circular member  148  and a confining member  150 . Members  148  and  150  are located a selected distance from one another so that they fit within spring receiving chamber  128 . In use, latch  142  travels within latch chamber  126 . More specifically, cam follower  144  is located within cam opening  140 . Further, a spring  154  is placed within spring retainer  146  by locating it between members  148  and  150 . Extending from the upper surface of latch  142  is a catch  152  that is shaped to engage electronic device  12  and hold device  12  against and within cradle  110 . 
     With latch mechanism  114  within latch chamber  126 , rear cover  112  is secured to front cover  116 . As best in FIG. 13, cover  116  has a pair of threaded columns  156  which are located to align with holes  124 . To secure rear cover  112  to front cover  116  a pair of screws  158  are threaded into columns  156  after being placed through holes  124 . Front cover  116  has extending from its lower surface a latch chamber that aligns with chamber  126  and is used to contain and guide latch mechanism  114 . More specifically, as best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the latch chamber is provided a pair of latch guide rails  160  and a pair of release guide rails  162 . Latch release  130  travels within rails  160  and latch  142  travels within rails  162 . Extending through front cover  116  is a catch opening  164 . Opening  164  is located to align with catch  152  of device latch  142 . Opening  164  is sized to be larger than catch  152  to allow catch  152  to travel longitudinally along opening  164 . 
     The upper surface of front cover  116  is shaped to receive the electronic device  12 . Device  12  can be coupled to cradle  110  with latch mechanism  114 . More specifically, the upper surface of front cover  116  has a pair of retaining ears  166  which cooperate with latch mechanism  114  to retain electronic device  12  within cradle  110 . Attached to the upper surface of front cover  116  adjacent catch opening  164  is a biasing mechanism  168 . Preferably, mechanism  168  is made from a resilient sponge rubber material which acts to exert an outward force on electronic device  12  after it has been placed in cradle  110 . 
     Cradle  110  is held within mounting bracket  16  by placing a pivot rod  170  through holes  103  of pivot bushings  102  and hole  120  on rear cover  112 . In this orientation, toothed surface  122  aligns with toothed surfaces  104 . Pivot rod  170  may be equipped with a knob on one end and has a threaded end which can be inserted into and threaded into the threaded insert in one bushing  102 . When the knob of rod  170  is fully tightened so that the threaded end is fully received within the threaded insert, surfaces  104  interlock with toothed surfaces  122 , preventing cradle  110  from moving with respect to pivot link  94 . 
     In use, electronic device  12  is placed within bracket  16  by coupling the device within cradle  110 . More specifically, catch  152  is placed within a receiving chamber on device  12 . Catch  152  is able to travel longitudinally within catch opening  164 . Catch  152  is cammed in one direction, against the bias of spring  154 , upon placing device  12  within cradle  110 . Once the catch is within the receiving chamber of device  12 , it is moved by spring  154  into a holding relationship with device  12 . To release device  12  from cradle  110 , latch release  130  is pushed inwardly by pushing on push lever  132 . This motion forces cam follower  144  to travel along the diagonal surface of camming opening  140 , which in turn forces latch  142  into a position which allows removal of the device. Apparatus  10  therefore allows the device to be quickly and easily removed from base  14  with one hand by depressing push lever  132  and therefore maintains the portability of device  12 . Device  12  therefore maintains portability, while allowing it to be mounted within a vehicle for optimal viewing. 
     To secure device  12  within a vehicle, the base  14  is first secured to the desired surface, such as a vehicle dash, by exposing an adhesive in the area of inset  22 , or by placing an adhesive putty in the area of inset  22 . To mount device  12  within base  14 , locking tab  24  is moved to an open position, such that slot  34  is aligned with the elongated portion of locking arm  56 . Pedestal  78  is then located within the base. More specifically, platform  80  is guided within the receiving channel of upper section  26 , being guided along slot  74 . Because locking tab  24  is in the open position, locking arm  56  is free to move downwardly. Thus, as platform  80  is placed on upper section  26 , it can depress locking arm  56  and platform  80  can be moved into slot  74 . 
     When platform  80  is moved completely within slot  74 , its outer perimeter will clear button  60  up to retaining ridge  68 . Spring  64  will then act to move locking arm  56  upwardly and pawl surface  70  will be placed in engagement with ratchet surface  82  of platform  80 . Retaining ridge  68  will then be in engagement with the outer perimeter of platform  80 . In this orientation, bracket  16  and device  12  are prevented from moving beyond base  14  by retaining ridge  68 . In order to remove device  12  from base  14 , button  60  of locking arm  56  must be depressed to release retaining ridge  68  from engagement with platform  80 . Further, in this orientation, device  12  can be rotated with respect to base  14 . In this rotation, enough rotational force must be applied to overcome the spring force acting upwardly on pawl surface  70 . Device  12  may be placed in any of a number of discrete rotational locations, as shown in FIG. 4, as pawl surface  70  is located along lower ratchet surface  82 . This rotational movement allows device  12  to be positioned for the driver or passenger of the vehicle, as desired. 
     Once device  12  has been rotated to the desired location, locking tab  24  can be rotated to a closed position. In this position, slot  34  is not aligned with the elongated portion of locking arm  56 . Therefore, in this position, pawl surface  70  is positively held against ratchet surface  82 . The engagement of pawl surface  70  and ratchet surface  82  prevents further rotation of device  12  with respect to base  14 . Further, in this position, retaining ridge  68  is positively held against platform  80 , holding device  12  within base  14 . 
     Device  12  can be pivoted upwardly and downwardly through bracket  16 , as well as inwardly and outwardly. More specifically, if it is desired to reposition device  12 , pivot rods  108  and  170  can be loosened. This allows cradle  110  to be pivoted with respect to link  94 , and allows link  94  to be pivoted with respect to support  76 , because the respective toothed surfaces are not held positively against one another. Such repositioning may be necessary, for example, depending on the slope of a vehicle&#39;s dashboard. Once cradle  110  and link  94  are moved into the desired orientation, pivot rods  108  and  170  can be tightened, securing device  12  and mounting bracket  16  in position by positively holding mating toothed surfaces against one another. 
     From the above movements, the viewing screen of device  12  can be optimally positioned for viewing by the user thereof. Apparatus  10  allows the device to be repositioned into a number of different orientations to optimize this viewing and allows the device to be secured in the desired orientation. As seen in FIG. 1, device  12  can be placed relatively close to and parallel with base  14 . In this orientation, base  14 , bracket  16  and electronic device  12  form a relatively compact assembly. As best seen in FIG. 2, device  12  can be raised to an angled position. This is accomplished by loosening rods  108  and  170 . Pivot link  94  is therefore allowed to pivot about both rods into a desired orientation for electronic device  12 . Thereafter, rods  108  and  170  can be tightened, thus securing the electronic device  12  in the desired orientation. Moreover, as best seen in FIG. 3, support  76  can be rotated to a different position from that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This is accomplished by releasing locking tab  24  which allows support  76  to pivot within base  14 . FIG. 3 also shows a more fully extended orientation for bracket  16 . Once in the desired orientation, rods  108  and  170  can be secured and locking tab  24  may be rotated to prevent support  76  from rotating out of position. 
     With reference now to FIGS. 14-18, an alternative embodiment of a support or base portion of the present invention is illustrated and described. 
     With reference to FIG. 14, a suction cup mount of the present invention is illustrated generally by reference numeral  810 . Suction cup mount or support  180  has a flexible suction cup  182  having a tab  184  (for releasing the mount) at a peripheral edge thereof, as illustrated. Plunger  188  has a rigid post  186  (with threaded area  187 ) extending upwardly proximate the center location of the suction cup  182 . In particular, with additional reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. Plunger  188  includes the upwardly extending post  186 , as well as a lower plate  190 . As illustrated, the plunger  188 , and particularly the entirety of plate  190  of plunger  188  is molded within the flexible suction cup  182 . In this regard, during construction of the suction cup  182 , the plunger  188 , preferably formed of rigid plastic or metal, is positioned within the mold such that the lower portion of the plunger  188 , and particularly the plate  190 , is potted within the flexible suction cup  182 , which may be made of any suitable plastic or rubber material. 
     Suction cup mount  180  further includes a housing  192 , preferably formed of rigid plastic. Housing  192  has a pair of arms  194 ,  196  extending upwardly and angularly outwardly from a main body portion  198  of the housing  192 . The housing  192  further has a recessed area  200  at an upper portion of the housing  192 . The recessed area  200  is defined by a peripheral wall  202 . Additionally, the housing has an opening  204  located at a central position of the recessed area  200 . 
     Suction cup mount  180  additionally includes a cap  206 . With additional reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, the cap  206  is preferably constructed so as to have a domed top  208  and a downwardly depending portion  210 , as illustrated. It should be understood that the cap  206  is intergrally formed of plastic. As illustrated, an upper dome portion  208  of cap  206  has an outer periphery  212  having a dimension that is greater than the dimension of the recessed area  200  in the housing  192 . Additionally, the downwardly depending portion  210  of the cap preferably has a dimension so as to snugly or closely fit within the recessed area  200  of base  192 , as illustrated in FIG.  17 . 
     In accordance with an additional aspect of the invention, suction cup mount  180  employs one or more springs  214 . Each spring  214  is positioned within a corresponding recess  216  beneath cap  206 . As such, each spring  214  rests on an upper surface of the recessed area  200  of base  192 , and also contacts an underside surface of the cap  206 . The cap has a threaded socket on its underside proximate the center and is adapted for screwing onto the threads of a post  186 . 
     In use, suction cup mount  180  is mounted to a surface. It will be understood that the surface to which the suction cup is mounted may be any desired surface, preferably is relatively smooth so as to obtain a secure vacuum mount with the surface. For example, the surface may be a dashboard or windshield or window within a vehicle. The linkage and cradle for holding an electronic device is pivotally coupled to the mount  180  in arms  194 ,  196  and corresponding openings on the linkage, by a pin (not shown) positioned through openings  191 ,  193 . When the suction cup mount  180  is loosely resting on a surface (such as in FIG.  18 ), the cap  206  may be pressed downwardly to seat the suction cup on the surface, and effect the necessary vacuum mount. In particular, by placing manual pressure in a downward direction on cap  206 , the plunger  188 , which is attached to the cap  206 , is forced downwardly. As will be understood, the post  186  of the plunger  188  moves downwardly through the opening  204  in the housing  192  of mount  180 . Correspondingly, the suction cup  182 , to which the plunger  188  is affixed, is pressed downwardly, and thereby seated on the surface, thereby creating a vacuum beneath the suction cup for holding the suction cup mount  180  to the surface. As the cap  206  is pressed downwardly for seating the suction cup mount  180 , springs  214  are compressed from their outwardly biased position illustrated in FIG. 18, to their compressed position as illustrated in FIG.  17 . Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 17, which is an illustration of the suction cup mount  180  in its fully mounted position, the cap  206  is fitted within the recess  200 , such that the downwardly depending periphery  210  (and particularly outer wall  211  thereof) of the cap is hidden from the view of a user by the peripheral wall  202  of the recessed area  200  of the housing  192 . Additionally, a lowermost portion of the cap rests on the upper surface of recessed area  200 , all as illustrated in FIG.  17 . 
     In accordance with operation of the invention, as the suction cup  182  begins to loose its vacuum mount over time, the suction cup  182  will draw inwardly in a conventional fashion, thus causing the center of the suction cup  182  to raise upwardly, as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 18. As this occurs, the plunger will correspondingly move upwardly, thereby raising the cap  206 . As the cap  206  raises, the downwardly depending periphery  210  comes into view above the housing  192 . In accordance with a particular aspect of the invention, the outer periphery wall  211  of the downwardly depending portion  210  is marked or colored  213  differently from the remainder of the mount  180 , including the upper dome portion  208  of the cap, so as to be readily discernable to the user. In this regard, the visual indication of the cap moving upwardly indicates to a user that the suction cup needs to be reseated, and thus the user can again apply downward pressure to the cap  206  for reseating the suction cup  182 . As illustrated in FIG. 18, upward motion of the suction cup  180 , plunger  188 , and cap  206  are restrained by the housing  192  once the vacuum releases a sufficient amount to cause the top of the suction cup  182  to abut up against a bottom surface of the housing  192 . 
     In accordance with a particular aspect of the invention, with the suction cup  182  in its fully seated position, as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 17, springs  214  are compressed and bias outwardly, thus applying upward pressure on cap  206 . This upward pressure on cap  206  and correspondingly on plunger  188  of suction cup  182 , assists in maintaining the vacuum mount effected by suction cup  182 . 
     In accordance with an additional aspect of the invention, the upwardly and outwardly extending arms  194 ,  196  are positioned such that cap  206  is readily accessible to a user. In this regard, even with the mounting bracket  16 , and corresponding linkage or assembly, connected to arms  194 ,  196 , the mounting bracket may be moved away from a location in which it touching cap  206 , or directly over cap  206 , thus permitting the cap  206  to be readily accessible. 
     From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with the other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure. 
     It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. 
     Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.