Patent Publication Number: US-2023158960-A1

Title: Vehicular mounted rail system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 17/027,603, filed Sep. 21, 2020, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 16/779,288, filed on Jan. 31, 2020, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     With the wide adoption of mobile electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, the use of the mobile electronic devices in everyday life has become pervasive. Mobile apps, such as mapping apps for driving directions, has become commonly used by drivers and vehicles, both for consumer and commercial uses. 
     One challenge for users of the mobile devices in vehicles is safety in using the mobile devices when driving because holding the device leaves only one hand to control the steering wheel, and placing the electronic device on a lap, seat, or center console pulls a driver&#39;s attention away from the road. To help with safety for drivers when using mobile devices, aftermarket electronic device mounting systems that are mounted onto a dashboard have been developed. Existing mounting systems, however, are often not easily connected to dashboards as a result of vehicular dashboards often having complex and/or compound shapes (e.g., surfaces that are not linear), and, thus, problematic for the mounting systems to be adapted to the dashboard and be sufficiently stable to support the mobile devices. As such, there is a need for a vehicular mobile device mounting system that offers ease of installation and stability in supporting mobile electronic devices. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     To overcome the shortcomings of existing dashboard mounting systems for supporting mobile electronic devices, a dashboard mounting system may include a rail defined by a pair of sidewalls with external walls having an inwardly acute angle relative to a bottom surface of a bottom wall of the rail. The sidewalls may each include top walls that extend over internal walls of the sidewalls, where a gap separates the top surfaces so as to form a rail feature. The bottom wall of the rail may define a pair of recessed openings that enable a user to directly or indirectly mount the rail to a dashboard of a vehicle. In an embodiment, the top walls may have semi-circles defined in each one directly above the recessed openings, thereby enabling a fastener to be extended therethrough and simplify mounting of the rail to the dashboard. Additionally, the recessed openings and spaces defined by the semi-circles in the top surfaces may enable the manufacturer to use a single tool to both carve the semi-circles into the top surface and form the recessed opening in the base. In an embodiment, internal walls of the sidewalls, top surface of bottom wall, and bottom surfaces of the top walls may form a channel with a defined shape, such as a geometric (e.g., star, triangle, etc.) or non-geometric shape (e.g., curvilinear with abstract shapes). A base of a ball mount that extends into the channel may have a reciprocal defined shape, thereby enabling the ball mount to slide into and along the channel and through the rail feature to a desired position along the rail to lock the ball mount. 
     In an alternative embodiment, rather than using a rail with a channel of the rail, a bar mount that defines one or more fixed positions for a bar mount adapter may be provided. The fixed position(s) may be configured to resist or prevent rotation of the bar mount adapter during use, for example. In an embodiment, one or more anti-rotation features may be included at the fixed position and base of the bar mount adapter, where the anti-rotation feature(s) may include, but not be limited to, shape of recess or seat for the base of the bar mount adapter to reside, one or more protrusions, one or more corresponding recesses, or any combination thereof, where the feature(s) are offset from an axial center location of the bar mount adapter and reciprocal to engage with one another. In an embodiment, the bar mount adapter may include a ball, stem, and base formed from a single material (i.e., a single unit). Alternative configurations of the bar mount adapter may be utilized (e.g., multiple components that are connected together). 
     One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a mounting system for supporting an electronic device. The mounting system may include a mount, an adapter, and a base component. The mount may include a first opening. The adapter may include a first feature configured to be supported by the mount. The first feature may be configured to mate with the mount to prevent relative rotation between the mount and the adapter. The base component may be configured to enable securing the mount to a structural feature of a system in which the mounting system is being transported while supporting the electronic device. 
     Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an adapter for use in a mounting system for supporting an electronic device. The adapter may include an adapter feature, a shaft, a base, and a feature coupled to the base. The shaft may include a first axial end and a second axial end. The first axial end of the shaft may be connected to the adapter feature. The base may be connected to the second axial end of the shaft. The feature may be configured to mate with a mount to prevent rotation of the base relative to the mount. 
     Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method of installing a mounting system for supporting an electronic device. The method may include mating a first feature of an adapter to a mount inclusive of a second feature that is shaped reciprocal to the first feature. The first feature may be configured to prevent relative rotation between the adapter and the mount when the second feature is mated with the first feature. The method may also include aligning a first opening of the mount with a second opening defined by a base component. The method may further include security the mount to a structural feature of a system in which the mounting system is to be transported while supporting the electronic device by connecting the base component to the mount using a fastening member that extends into the first opening and the second opening. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein and wherein: 
         FIG.  1    shows illustrations of a number of different illustrative embodiments of a rail that is part of a rail mount system for mounting to a dashboard of a vehicle so as to support an electronic device; 
         FIG.  2    shows illustrations of illustrative bases that define a recessed opening into which a fastener with a profile that is reciprocal to a profile of the recessed opening to secure the bases to a structural member of a vehicle; 
         FIG.  3    shows illustrations of illustrative retention or sub-base components configured to be disposed below a surface of a dashboard and be configured to enable a connection or fastening device, such as a bolt, to extend therethrough so as to retain the rail and sub-base component on respective sides of the surface of the dashboard; 
         FIG.  4    shows illustrations of an illustrative rail system that includes the rail, end bases, intermediate base(s), and rail adapter(s) to attach an arm or electronic mounting mechanism; 
         FIG.  5    shows illustrations of a rail adapter, in this case a trackball mounted to a base that includes a key portion that extends between top walls defined by or connected to sidewalls of a rail; 
         FIG.  6    shows illustrations of alternative configurations of rail a rail adapter, in this case a trackball, for mounting to a rail; 
         FIG.  7    shows illustrations of alternative embodiments of rail adapters that include anti-rotation members and regions for fastening members to be connected and/or retained by the rail adapters; 
         FIG.  8    shows illustrations of an illustrative bar mount; and 
         FIG.  9    shows illustrations of an illustrative rail. 
         FIGS.  10 - 14    show illustrations of an illustrative rail adapter, in this case a trackball, for mounting to a rail. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     With regard to  FIG.  1   , a number of different embodiments of a rail  100   a - 100   d  that is part of a rail mount system for mounting to a dashboard of a vehicle so as to support an electronic device are shown. The rails  100   a - 100   d  are shown along a top row to include a number of channels with different internal rail profiles  102   a - 102   d  defined by a bottom wall  104   a - 104   d  having bottom surfaces  104   a ′- 104   d ′ and inner surfaces  104   a ″- 104   d ″, sidewalls  106   a - 106   d  having outer surfaces  106   a ′- 106   d ′ and inner surfaces  106   a ″- 106   d ″, and top walls  108   a - 108   d  (if included) having outer surfaces  108   a ′  108   d ′ and inner or bottom surfaces  108   a ″- 108   d ″. In each of the embodiments, the side walls  106   a - 106   d  have outer surfaces  106   a ′- 106   d ′ that are angled inward or are acute relative to a plane X along which the bottom surface  104   a ′- 104   d ′ of the bottom wall  104   a - 104   d  extends. In an embodiment, an angle θa-θd defines the acute angle. The external or outer profile of each rail  100   a - 100   d  may be trapezoidal or generally trapezoidal, where being generally trapezoidal may mean that the walls  106   a - 106   d  may have other features or angles that deviate from being a perfect trapezoid. For example, a feature  110   a - 110   d  may extend upwards along and/or from the respective bottom wall  104   a - 104   d  so as to meet the respective side wall  106   a - 106   d  at a defined angle αa-αd. The side wall  106   a - 106   d  thereafter may be angled upward and inward. By using acute angles, rotation of the bottom wall  104   a - 104   d  may be minimized when engaged or attached to base(s), such as outer base(s) and intermediate base(s) (collectively base(s)), that mount to a surface of a dashboard. 
     It should be understood that non-trapezoidal profiles of the rail  100   a - 100   d  may be utilized, but provide for the same or similar functionality as a rail with a trapezoidal profile. In an embodiment, the non-trapezoidal profile may have a hexagonal or other geometric profile (e.g., spline profile). The outer profile of the rail  100   a - 100   d  may be symmetric or non-symmetric across hemispheric axes (i.e., side-to-side or top-to-bottom). Although the rail  100   a - 100   d  is shown to be longitudinally or axially linear, it should be understood that the rail may be curved (e.g., semi-circular, s-shaped, triangular, or otherwise). If the rail  100   a - 100   d  is not linear or not completely linear, then the base(s) (e.g., bases  200   a - 200   c  shown in  FIG.  2   ) may be shaped (e.g., curved, curved in part, straight in part) to be able to slide at least partially along the rail for installation or movement. Similarly, any rail adapters (e.g., track balls  300   a - 300   c  ( FIG.  5   ),  900   a - 900   b  ( FIG.  6   ),  1300   a - 1300   b  ( FIG.  7   )) to be utilized with the non-linear rail may be shaped to be able to mount to or at least partially slide along the rail. 
     The outer base(s) and intermediate base(s) (collectively “bases”) may define reciprocal profiles to the profile of the bottom and outer surfaces of the rail so as to provide a friction fit that resists or prevents relative rotation between the base(s) and rail. By using outer base(s) and intermediate base(s) that have internal profiles that may reciprocally match a standard external rail profile, but have different external profiles that may match the profile of a dashboard, a common rail may be utilized for different surface shapes of vehicles, thereby minimizing or eliminating the need to produce a rail with different shaped profiles (i.e., the external sides of the base and/or sidewalls may be common for different structural features of vehicles). It should be understood that the internal profile of the base(s) may be reciprocal to the outer profile of the rail, thereby enabling the base(s) to resist relative rotational motion between the base(s) and the rail. 
     The outer base(s) and intermediate base(s) may be formed of any material, such as plastic, epoxy, steel, aluminum, or otherwise, and be sufficiently rigid or resistant to bending when engaged with the rail to maintain the rail in a fixed position when in use in a vehicle. The intermediate base(s) may be used when the rail is long and additional support along the rail is desired. An opening  120   a - 120   d  (see  FIG.  4   ) defined by the bottom wall  104   a - 104   d  of the rail between the recessed openings  118   a - 118   d  may be threaded so as to enable a fastening member, such as a screw, to secure the intermediate base to the rail. The opening  120   a - 120   d  may be recessed or not recessed because the rail adapter may not need to slide past the intermediate base. 
     The bottom wall  104   a - 104   d  and sidewalls  106   a - 106   d  of the rail  100   a - 100   d  may be monolithic and formed from the same material at the same time using an extrusion or other process to forge or produce the rail. Alternatively, different processes may be used to form the rail  100   a - 100   d , where the bottom wall  104   a - 104   d  and sidewalls  106   a - 106   d  may be made of the same or different materials. The material of the rail  100   a - 100   d  may be metal, such as steel, aluminum, or otherwise, plastic, ceramic, or otherwise. 
     In an embodiment shown in  FIG.  1   , the bottom wall  104   a - 104   d  may have one or more bottom features  112  and/or  114  that may operate as keys or alignment features to engage with another portion of the rail system. The features  112  and/or  114  may be used to help reduce or minimize translation of the rail  100   a - 100   d  due to motion of a vehicle, as well. The bottom wall  104   a - 104   d  further includes one or more recessed openings  118   a - 118   d  disposed therethrough, and one or more intermediate openings  120   a - 120   d  (see  FIG.  4   ) disposed therethrough between the recessed openings  118   a - 118   d  for attaching the rail  100   a - 100   d  to a structural feature. A rail adapter, such as a trackball (e.g., trackballs  300   a - 300   c  of  FIG.  5   , trackballs  900   a - 900   b  of  FIG.  6   , or trackballs  1300   a - 1300   b  of  FIG.  7   ), may have a base feature (e.g., base  302   a - 302   c ,  902   a - 902   b ,  1302   a - 1302   b ) that extends into and is maintained by a channel with the internal rail profile  102   a - 102   d , where the rail adapter may slide along the rail  100   a - 100   d  when not in a locked state. When in a locked state, the rail adapter may be prevented from moving along the rail  100   a - 100   d . To insert the rail adapter into the rail  100   a - 100   d , the base of the rail adapter may be extended through a side opening  116   a - 116   d  of the rail. The base of the rail adapter may include either a male or female feature to operate as an anti-rotation feature that is reciprocal to a female or male feature of the rail such that when the base of the trackball engages the rail, the trackball is prevented from rotating, the details of which are discussed below with reference to the embodiments of  FIGS.  5 - 7   . 
     With regard to  FIG.  2   , illustrations of illustrative bases  200   a - 200   c  are shown to define a recessed opening  202   a - 202   c  into which a fastener (see, for example, bolt  600  shown in  FIG.  3   ) with a profile that is reciprocal to a profile of the recessed opening  202   a - 202   c . It should be understood that multiple recessed openings  202   a - 202   c  may be disposed along the base of the rail. The fastener, such as a screw, may extend into the recessed opening  202   a - 202   c  and through an opening in a dashboard so as to secure the rail to the dashboard (see, for example, base  200   a  coupling rail  100   b  to dashboard  400  in  FIG.  3   ). The recessed opening  202   a - 202   c  may have a variety of different profiles, such as frusto-conical (see, for example, recessed openings  202   a ,  202   b ), rectangular (see, for example, recessed opening  202   c ), or other profile shape, and fasteners may have reciprocal profiles. In any case, the fasteners may be configured to be fully disposed within the profile defined by the recessed opening  202   a - 202   c , thereby enabling a rail adapter (e.g., trackball  300   a - 300   c ) to slide through a channel defined by the rail without obstruction by the fastener. 
     The bases  200   a - 200   c  further include a bottom wall  204   a - 204   c  having a bottom surface  204   a ′- 204   c ′ and an inner surface  204   a ″- 204   c ″. The bases  200   a - 200   c  further include a side wall  206   a - 206   c  having an outer surface  206   a ′- 206   c ′ and an inner surface  206   a ″- 206   c ″. The inner surfaces  204   a ″- 204   c ″ of the bottom wall  204   a - 204   c  and the inner surfaces  206   a ″- 206   c ″ of the side walls  206   a - 206   c  collectively define an opening  208   a - 208   c  having a profile that is reciprocal to an outer profile of the rail  100   a - 100   d , such that the base  200   a - 200   c  can slide onto at least a portion of the rail  100   a - 100   d  from an end of the rail  100   a - 100   d . The recessed openings  202   a - 202   c  can then be aligned with corresponding openings  118   a - 118   d  in the rail  102   a - 102   d , so as to facilitate receiving a fastener therethrough for coupling the rail  102   a - 102   d  to, for example, a vehicle dashboard. In each of the embodiments, the inner surfaces  206   a ″- 206   c ″ are angled inward or are acute relative to a plane Y along which the bottom surface  204   a ′- 204   c ′ of the base  204   a - 204   c  extends. An angle ∂a-c defines the acute angle. The acute angle ∂a-c of the inner surfaces  206   a ″- 206   c ″ of the side walls  206   a - 206   c  and the complementary acute angle θa-d of the outer surfaces  106   a ′- 106   d ′ of the side walls  106   a - 106   d  can, advantageously, help to prevent relative rotational movement between the base  200   a - 200   c  and rail  100   a - 100   d  when the base  200   a - 200   c  is coupled to the rail  100   a - 100   d.    
     Because the mounting system may include the use of different attachment mechanisms for attaching the rail  100   a - 100   d  to the dashboard (e.g., dashboard  400  shown in  FIG.  3   ), a recess  210   a - 210   c  may be defined on the bottom surface  204   a - 204   c  of the base. For example, the recess  210   b - 210   c  may be defined to enable a head of a rivnut to be positioned on/in the dashboard and allow the base to be mounted directly or indirectly to the dashboard. 
     As further shown, the bottom surface  204   a ′- 204   c ′ of the base  200   a - 200   c  may be flat (as shown in the top row) or have different shaped profiles (as shown in the middle row). The bottom surface  204   a ′- 204   c ′ may have the different profiles so as to match different dashboard surface profiles to which the rail  100   a - 100   d  may be mounted. The different profiles may be linear (as shown in the top row), curved (as shown in the middle row), linear and curved, or otherwise depending on the profile of the dashboard. By reciprocally shaping the bottom surface  204   a ′ 204   c ′ of the base  200   a - 200   c , maximum contact of the bottom surface along the dashboard may be maintained. It should be understood that rather than the based  200   a - 200   c  being mounted directly to the dashboard, an intervening plate or component may be mounted directly to the dashboard and the rail  100   a - 100   d  may be mounted directly to the intervening plate or component. 
     In an embodiment, the base  200   a - 200   c  may be dynamic in that a curable fluid (e.g., epoxy) or set of fluids may be maintained or added to a flexible pouch, mixed within the pouch, and molded to the dashboard so as to have a reciprocal shape as the dashboard. By using a curable fluid and allow a user to shape the base  200   a - 200   c  to the dashboard, a generic rail may be provided to users for molding the rail to the various shapes of dashboards and locations on the dashboards to which the users decide to mount the rail. Rather than the rail having the curable fluid, another component to which the rail may mount may include the curable fluid. In such a configuration, the base of the rail may have a profile with a flat bottom and the top surface of the component may be flat so as to enable the rail to mount to the flat top surface of the component. 
     With regard to  FIG.  3   , sub-base components  500   a - 500   b  are shown to be configured to be disposed below a bottom side surface  400   b  of a dashboard  400  and be configured to enable a fastening device, such as a bolt  600 , to extend therethrough so as to retain the rail  100   a - 100   d  and sub-base component  500   a - 500   b  on respective sides  400   a ,  400   b  of the dashboard  400 . That is, the sub-base component  500   a - 500   b  may include a recess  502   a - 502   b  with threaded sides  502   a ′- 502   b ′, for example, that a threaded fastening device (e.g., bolt  600 ) engages, thereby tightening the sub-base component  500   a - 500   b  against the bottom side surface  400   b  of the dashboard  400  and tightening the rail  100   a - 100   d  to the upper side surface  400   a  of the dashboard  400 . As shown, the sub-base component  500   a - 500   b  may have an upper side surface  504   a - 504   b  with a profile that reciprocally matches the bottom side surface  400   b  of the dashboard  400 , while the bottom surface  204   a ′- 204   c ′ of the base  200   a - 200   c  and/or intervening component may have a profile that reciprocally matches the upper side surface  400   a  of the dashboard  400 . A nut  700  may be additionally and/or alternatively used to engage the fastening device (e.g., bolt  600 ) beneath or within the sub-base component  500   a - 500   b  such that the sub-base component  500   a - 500   b  does not need to be threaded. 
     With regard to  FIG.  4   , illustrations of an illustrative rail system  800  that includes the rail  100   a - 100   d , outer bases  200   a - 200   c , intermediate base(s)  200   a - 200   c , and rail adapter(s)  300   a - 300   c ,  900   a - 900   b ,  1300   a - 1300   b  to attach an arm or electronic mounting mechanism is shown. It should be understood that the rail system is generic in that may represent any of the rails  100   a - 100   d  of  FIG.  1   . The outer bases  200   a - 200   c  may have inside wall profiles that are reciprocal to the shape of the outer walls of the bottom of the base and sidewalls of the rail  100   a - 100   d . As shown in  FIG.  2   , the outer bases  200   a - 200   c  may include an end wall  212   a - 212   c  that is configured to cover an end of the rail  100   a - 100   d  so as to prevent a base  302   a - 302   c  of a rail adapter to slide out of the rail. The bases  200   a - 200   c  may be connected to the dashboard  400  using fastening members, such as screws, bolts, nuts, etc. Alternatively and/or additionally, an adhesive may be used to secure the base, rail, or other rail system components to the dashboard. 
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , sub-base component  500   a - 500   b  may be used to couple the outer bases  200   a - 200   c  to a substrate, shown as a vehicle dashboard  400 . One or more sub-base components  500   a - 500   b  are disposed on a bottom side surface  400   b  of the dashboard  400  and the outer bases  200   a - 200   c  are disposed on an upper side surface  400   a  of the dashboard  400  opposite the sub-base components  500   a - 500   b . A fastening device (e.g., bolt  600 ) may be inserted through an opening  118   a - 118   d  in the rail  100   a - 100   d  into the recessed opening  202   a - 202   c  of the base  200  and through an opening in the dashboard  400  (e.g., drilled opening, etc.), such that the fastening device threadably engages the sub-base component  500   a - 500   b  to secure the rail system  800  to the dashboard  400 . 
     The bottom surface  204   a ′- 204   c ′ of the base  200   a - 200   c  may define one or more recessed openings  202   a - 202   c  as previously described with regard to  FIG.  2   . To simplify the formation of the recessed openings  202   a - 202   c , the inner surface  204   a ″- 204   b ″ may define semi-circular regions or features directly above the recessed openings formed by a single tool a single tooling step. That is, a tool may be configured to drive or create an opening through portions of the inner surface  204   a ″- 204   b ″ and through the bottom wall  104   a - 104   d  of the rail. The semi-circular regions may thereafter be used by rail adapter (e.g., trackballs  300   a - 300   c ,  900   a - 900   b , or  1300   a - 1300   b ) and/or bases for positioning purposes. 
     With regard to  FIG.  5   , illustrations of a rail adapter, in this case a trackball  300   a - 300   c  mounted to a base  302   a - 302   c  that includes a key portion  304   a - 304   c  that is configured to extend between top walls  108   a - 108   d  defined by or connected to sidewalls  106   a - 106   d  of a rail  100   a - 100   d , are shown. The base  302   a - 302   c  may define various profiles that are reciprocal to an inner profile  102   a - 102   d  defined by the rail (see, for example, the top row of  FIG.  1   ). A clamp (not shown) may be mounted to the trackball  300   a - 300   c  and an arm or other electronic holding mechanism (not shown) may connect to the trackball  300   a - 300   c . The trackball  300   a - 300   c  and the base  302   a - 302   c  may have through-holes  306   a - 306   c  that enables a fastening member (e.g., a bolt) to extend through so as to cause the trackball  300   a - 300   c  and base  302   a - 302   c  to move towards each other, thereby operating as a clamp against opposite sides of top walls  108   a - 108   d  defined by side walls  106   a - 106   d  of the rail  100   a - 100   d.    
     With regard to  FIG.  6   , illustrations of alternative configurations of a rail adapter, in this case a trackball  900   a - 900   b , for mounting to a rail  1000   a - 1000   b  are shown. In this case, the rail adapter  900   a - 900   b  is formed of two elongated components  902   a - 902   b  and  904   a - 904   b  with a slot  906   a - 906   b  separating the two elongated components. The elongated components  902   a - 902   b  and  904   a - 904   b  may be attached separate or attachable to one another, respectively. In a first alternative embodiment, shown as rail adapter  900   a , the rail adapter  900   a  may have a base  902   a  to which a ball  906   a  is connected that includes a bottom surface  902   a ′ with an indentation  902   a ″, and a rail  1000   a  may have a protrusion  1002   a  that is reciprocal to the indentation  902   a ″. The indentation  902   a ″ and protrusion  1002   a  may engage with one another, thereby operating as a key that prevents relative rotation of the rail adapter  900   a  and rail  1000   a . In an embodiment, the protrusion  1002   a  of the rail  1000   a  may extend the entire length of the rail. Alternatively, the protrusion  1002   a  of the rail  1000   a  may be positioned at one or more defined locations along the rail  1000   a  such that the rail adapter  900   a  is slid along the rail  1000   a  and engaged at one of the defined location(s). The shape of the indentation  902   a ″ of the rail adapter  900   a  is shown to be angled inward. It should be understood that alternative geometric or non-geometric shapes may be utilized for the indentation  902   a ″. That is, the profile of the bottom surface  902   a ′ of the base  902   a  of the rail adapter may have any number of shapes, and the protrusion  1002   a  of the rail may have a reciprocal profile. 
     As further shown, the ball  906   a , shaft  908   a , and base  902   a  may define an opening  910   a  that extends longitudinally from the top of the ball  906   a  through the bottom of the base  902   a , and be configured to enable a fastening member or fastener, shown as a bolt  1100 , to extend therethrough. The base  902   a  may be configured to enable the fastening member to extend through a top surface  1002   a ′ and bottom surface  1004   a  of the rail  1000   a . A retention member, such as a nut  904   a , may be configured to extend across a channel  1006   a  defined by the rail  1000   a , thereby preventing the fastening member from retracting from the rail  1000   a . The fastening member and retention member, when tightened, may cause the rail adapter  900   a  to be retained in a releasably fixed position along the rail  1000   a . It should be understood that the rail may alternatively be a bar mount (e.g., bar mount  1300 ), as further described hereinbelow with regard to  FIG.  8   . The ball  906   a  is shown to define a head portion  906   a ′ that is recessed within the top of the ball  906   a , thereby allowing a head  1100   a  of the fastening member to be recessed beneath the top of the ball  906   a  and prevent the ball  906   a  and rail adapter  900   a  from pulling away from the base. 
     In an alternative embodiment, shown as a rail adapter  900   b  in  FIG.  6   , the rail adapter  900   b  includes a ball  906   b , shaft  908   b , and base  902   b . The base  902   b  has a bottom surface  902   b ′ with a protrusion  902   b ″ that extends downwards to pass through top walls  1008   b  that extend inwards from side walls  1006   b , thereby operating as a key that prevents rotation of the base  902   b  of the rail adapter  900   b  relative to the inside surfaces  1008   b ′ of the top walls  1008   b . A fastening member, shown as bolt  1100 , may extend through the rail adapter  900   b  in the same manner as rail adapter  900   a , but rather than extending through a bottom surface of the rail, the fastening member may have a length that is above a bottom surface  1004   b ′ of the rail  1000   b  and allows for a retention member, shown as the nut  904   b , to be disposed on the fastening member and within a channel portion  1002   b  defined by the bottom surface  1004   b ′, inner surfaces  1006   b ′ of sidewalls  1006   b , and bottom surface  1008   b ′ of top walls  1008   b  that are spaced apart from one another. 
     With regard to  FIG.  7   , illustrations of alternative embodiments of rail adapters  1300   a - 1300   b  that include anti-rotation members and regions for fastening members (e.g., bolt  1100 ) to be connected and/or retained by the rail adapters are shown. In a first embodiment, a rail adapter  1300   a  is shown to include a region  1308   a  (shown with dashes) that extends from a bottom  1302   a ′ of a base  1302   a , through a shaft  1304   a , and into a ball  1306   a . The region  1308   a  is sized to enable a fastening member, such as a bolt  1100 , to extend into the rail adapter  1300   a  to retain the rail adapter  1300   a  with a rail. The base  1302   a  is shown to include an upper surface  1302   a ″ on a flange portion  1302   aa  and a protrusion  1302   ab  that may operate as a key that prevents rotation of the base  1302   a  and rail mount relative to a rail. The rail adapter  1300   a  may alternatively be configured to mount to a fixed position bar mount, plate, or otherwise. In an embodiment, and as shown, the region  1308   a  may be configured to enable a head  1100   a  of a fastening member  1100  to be recessed therein. The bottom profiles of the flange portion  1302   aa  and protrusion  1302   ab  are also shown, where the protrusion  1302   ab  may be configured to have an ovular or elongated shape with rounded ends such that a slot or indentation into which the protrusion extends may be formed by a conventional rotating tool. Beneath the rail adapter  1300   a  is a bottom view showing a protrusion  1302   ab  that is used as an anti-rotation feature. 
     In a second embodiment shown in  FIG.  7   , a rail adapter  1300   b  includes a region  1308   b  for a fastening member (e.g., bolt  1100 ) that may extend through a top surface of the ball  1306   b , and extend through a bottom surface  1302   b ′ of a base  1302   b  and protrusion  1302   ba . The protrusion  1302   ba  may be elongated with rounded tips, as shown. It should be understood that the specific shapes of the two embodiments may vary, but provide the same or similar functionality. In an alternative embodiment, for example, both protrusion(s) (e.g., protrusions  1302   ab ,  1302   ba ) and recession(s) may be used to maintain the rail adapter (or bar mount adapter) to be aligned with a structure (e.g., rail, bar mount, plate, etc.) and prevented from rotating. In yet another embodiment, multiple features may be used for alignment and anti-rotation purposes. For any of the embodiments of the rail adapter, the rail adapter may be formed from a single monolithic material so as to be a single element or multiple elements formed of the same or different materials may be utilized. Beneath the rail adapter is a bottom view showing a protrusion  1302   ab - 1302   ba  that is used as an anti-rotation feature. It should be understood that rather than using a protrusion, the feature may be an indentation and the rail may have a reciprocal protrusion, thereby acting as an anti-rotation feature, as described further herein. 
     With regard to  FIGS.  10 - 14   , illustrations of alternative embodiments of a rail adapter  1800  that includes anti-rotation features and regions for fastening members to be connected and/or retained by the rail adapters are shown. The rail adapter  1800  is shown as a trackball or ball mount that includes a ball  1802 , a shaft  1804 , and a base  1806 . The base  1806  and/or shaft  1804  may define an opening  1808  that extends longitudinally therethrough, and be configured to enable a fastening member or fastener, shown as a bolt  1900 , to extend therethrough. In other embodiments, the opening  1808  may be at least partially threaded to enable a fastening member to threadably engage the rail adapter  1800 . In yet another embodiment, a threaded stud or bolt may extend directly from a bottom surface  1806   a  of the base  1806 , and may be configured to receive a retaining member thereon, such as a nut, so as to attach the rail adapter to a rail (e.g., rails  100   a - 100   d ). 
     Still referring to  FIGS.  10 - 14   , the base  1806  includes a bottom surface  1806   a , an upper surface  1806   b , first side surface  1806   c , and second side surfaces  1806   d . The first side surface  1806   c  extends from the second side surfaces  1806   d  to the upper surface  1806   b . The first side surface  1806   c  has a generally frusto-conical shape and tapers inwardly from the second side surfaces  1806   d  to the upper surface  1806   b . It should be appreciated, however, that the first side surface  1806   c  may be oriented differently or have a different profile or shape than depicted. The second side surfaces  1806   d  are arranged to define a plurality of facets or flat edges extending along an outer periphery of the base  1806 . The base  1806  may include any number of facets arranged to define a geometric cross-sectional shape, such as a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon, a heptagon, a decagon, or any other geometric shape that is defined by one more straight/flat edges or defined by linear, curved (e.g., oval, circular with a sine wave profile), or any curvilinear shape. The second side surfaces  1806   d  extend in a generally upright or vertical direction from the bottom surface  1806   a  to the first side surface  1806   c , although it should be appreciated that the second side surfaces  1806   d  may be oriented at an acute angle or an obtuse angle relative to a plane defined by the bottom surface  1806   a.    
     The orientation of the second side surfaces  1806   d  is such that the second side surfaces  1806   d  collectively define an outer surface profile that is reciprocal to an internal surface profile of a rail channel (e.g., internal profiles  102   a - 102   d  of rails  100   a - 100   d ) or any other mechanism that interfaces with the base  1806 . In this manner, the second side surfaces  1806   d  can act as a key or anti-rotation feature that can help to prevent rotation of the rail adapter  1800  relative to a rail when the rail adapter  1800  is inserted into the rail channel, thereby eliminating the need for any additional components or sub-components to couple the rail adapter  1800  to the rail. 
     In another embodiment, the rail (e.g., rails  100   a - 100   d ) itself may have a protrusion that defines a plurality of facets similar to the outer profile of the second side surfaces  1806   d , and the base  1806  of the rail adapter  1800  may have a cavity or recess that is defined by an internal surface profile that is reciprocal to the outer profile of the protrusion, such that the protrusion and cavity function as an anti-rotation feature for the rail adapter  1800 . It should be appreciated that the rail adapter and rail may include any combination of cavities and/or protrusions with any geometric or non-geometric shape that cooperate to function as anti-rotation features. It should also be understood that the faceted shape of the base  1806  may further provide for an interesting ornamental appearance as compared to conventional bases that are circular. 
     One embodiment of a rail mount system may include a rail  102   a - 102   d  defined by a first side wall  106   a - 106   d  and a second side wall  106   a - 106   d  that opposes the first side wall. The first and second side walls  106   a - 106   d  may define respective external wall surfaces  106   a ′- 106   d ′ and internal wall surfaces  106   a ″- 106   d ″. The first side wall  106   a - 106   d  may define a first top wall  108   a - 108   d  and second side wall  106   a - 106   d  may define a second top wall  108   a - 108   d , where each of the top walls  108   a - 108   d  have bottom surfaces  108   a ″- 108   d ″ that extend inward from the first and second internal surfaces  106   a ″- 106   d ″ of the side walls. A bottom wall  104   a - 104   d  may be monolithic with the first and second side walls  106   a - 106   d . The external side wall surfaces  106   a ′- 106   d ′ may form opposing, inwardly acute angles θa-θd relative to a bottom surface  104   a ′- 104   d ′ of the bottom wall. The bottom wall  104   a - 104   d  may define multiple recessed openings  112  to enable first fastening members to secure the rail to a structural feature (e.g., dashboard, side wall, roof, etc.) of a vehicle. A rail adapter  300   a - 300   c ,  900   a - 900   b ,  1300   a - 1300   b , may include a feature that retains and enables sliding of the rail adapter within a channel defined by the internal surfaces  106   a ″- 106   d ″ of the sidewalls  106   a - 106   d , bottom surfaces  108   a ″- 108   d ″ of the top walls  108   a - 108   d , and inner surface  104   a ″- 104   d ″ of the bottom wall  104   a - 104   d . One or more base components (e.g., bases  200   a - 200   c ) may each have a bottom surface  204   a - 204   c  and sidewalls  206   a - 206   c  with reciprocal profiles of the external surfaces (e.g., outer side wall surfaces  106   a ′- 106   d ′, bottom surfaces  104   a ′- 104   d ′, top surfaces  108   a ′- 108   d ′) of the rail. In an embodiment, the base components may include a pair of outer bases (e.g., outer bases  200   a - 200   c  shown in  FIG.  4   ). The bottom surface  204   a - 204   c  may define openings  202   a - 202   c  to be aligned with the recessed openings of the bottom wall  104   a - 104   d  of the rail  100   a - 100   d  to enable the fastening members to extend through the aligned openings to secure the outer base components  200   a - 200   c  disposed beneath the rail  100   a - 100   d  to the structural feature of the vehicle. 
     In an embodiment, the base component(s)  200   a - 200   c  may be configured to slide onto an end of the rail  100   a - 100   d  and along the rail to align the openings of both the bottom wall  104   a - 104   d  of the rail and the bottom wall  204   a - 204   c  of the base component(s)  200   a - 200   c . The base component(s) may have an end wall  212   a - 212   c  perpendicular to the side walls  206   a - 206   c , and be configured to engage respective ends of the rail  100   a - 100   d  such that when the base component(s)  200   a - 200   c , such as the outer base component(s)  200   a - 200   c , are engaged to the rail with end walls  212   a - 212   c  of the base component(s) that are perpendicular to the axial shape of the rail are in contact with the ends of the rail that the openings  202   a - 202   c  defined by the base component(s) are aligned with respective recessed openings  118   a - 118   d  defined by the bottom wall  104   a - 104   d  of the rail. In an embodiment, rather than the outer base component(s)  200   a - 200   c  being used to prevent the rail adapter from sliding off the rail, a stopper (not shown) that is configured to be positioned within the channel of the rail may be utilized. The stopper may have any shape and be formed of any material. For example, the stopper operate as a cork at the end of the rail. Alternatively, the stopper may be extended into a channel of the rail. The stopper may be fully or partially within the channel, and be capable of preventing the rail adapter from sliding off of the rail. The stopper may be formed of any material, including rubber, plastic, metal, silicon, and/or any other material. 
     The bottom surface  104   a ′- 104   d ′ of the bottom wall  104   a - 104   d  may define at least one groove  112  that extends parallel to the channel. The base(s)  200   a - 200   c  may include at least one protrusion  212   a - 212   b  that aligns with and extends into the groove(s)  112  so as to operate as an alignment feature when mating the base component(s)  200   a - 200   c  and rail  100   a - 100   d . In an alternative embodiment, rather than the bottom surface  104   a ′ 104   d ′ of the bottom wall  104   a - 104   d  including a groove, the bottom wall  104   a - 104   d  may include at least one protrusion  114  and the base component(s)  200   a - 200   c  may have at least one groove  214   a . Still yet, the bottom surface  104   a ′ 104   d ′ of the bottom wall  104   a - 104   d  may include both a groove and protrusion, and the base component(s)  200   a - 200   c  may have reciprocal protrusion(s) and groove(s). Other alignment or key features may also be included on the bottom surface  104   a ′- 104   d ′ of the bottom wall  104   a - 104   d  and base component(s)  200   a - 200   c . Although the base  200   a - 200   c  is shown to be circular, it should be understood that alternative shapes may be utilized. 
     The bottom wall  104   a - 104   d  may further define an intermediate opening  120   a - 120   d  between the recessed openings  118   a - 118   d . An intermediate base component  200   a - 200   c  having an inner surface  204   a ″- 204   c ″ and inner sidewall surfaces  206   a ″- 206   c ″ with reciprocal profiles of the external sidewalls of the rail  100   a - 100   d . The bottom wall  204   a - 204   c  of the intermediate base component  200   a - 200   c  may define an opening  202   a - 202   c  that aligns with the intermediate opening  120   a - 120   d  when the intermediate base  200   a - 200   c  is engaged with the rail  100   a - 100   d  and positioned at the intermediate opening. 
     In an embodiment, the intermediate opening  120   a - 120   d  defines a threaded sidewall. 
     The bottom surfaces  204   a ′- 204   c ′ of each of the base component(s)  200   a - 200   c  may have a recess section  210   a - 210   c  that maintains a gap between a top surface  400   a  of a dashboard  400  on which the base component(s)  200   a - 200   c  are positioned, thereby enabling a head of a fastening component that is mounted to the dashboard surface to be covered by a bottom surface  204   a ′- 204   c ′ and within a space defined by the recess section  210   a - 210   c  of the base component(s)  200   a - 200   c  and top of the dashboard surface. In an embodiment, the fastening component includes a rivnut. 
     In an embodiment, the base component(s)  200   a - 200   c  are linear. In an alternative embodiment, the base component(s)  200   a - 200   c  are at least partially non-linear. The base components  200   a - 200   c  may be reciprocally identical. Alternatively, the base components  200   a - 200   c  may be reciprocally different from one another. 
     The system may further include a sub-surface base component  500   a - 500   b  that is at least partially non-linear and configured to receive a fastening member via a connection socket defined by a recess  502   a - 502   b  with threaded sides  502   a ′- 502   b ′ of the sub-surface base component  500   a - 500   b  that vertically aligns with a connection socket defined by a recessed opening  202   a - 202   c  of the base component(s)  200   a - 200   c  through which the fastening member extends from a top side of the dashboard. 
     In an embodiment, a base plate  500   a  onto which the rail may be attached. The base plate  500   a  may be configured (e.g., shaped) to connect to a surface  400   a  of the structural feature of the vehicle. 
     The structural feature may be a dashboard  400  or any other structural feature of a vehicle or non-vehicle. 
     It should be understood that various processes for manufacturing, assembling, and installing the vehicular mounted rail system using the hardware components described herein. 
     Bar Mount 
     As an alternative to a rail,  FIG.  8    is an illustration of an illustrative bar mount  1400 . The bar mount  1400  may be configured with one or more fixed positions for bar mount adapter(s) (e.g., trackballs  300   a - 300   c ,  900   a - 900   b ,  1300   a - 1300   b ) to be positioned. In contrast to a rail that has a slide for a rail adapter to be selectively positioned by a user using fastening member(s), the bar mount  1400  may be configured with one or more fixed positions  1402  for a bar mount adapter to be positioned. A fixed position  1402  may be a location or seat adapted to receive a base (e.g., base  302   a - 302   c ,  902   a - 902   b ,  1302   a - 1302   b ) of the bar mount adapter. The fixed position  1402  may include one or more features that enable the bar mount adapter to be held in position and prevented from rotating. As shown, the bar mount  1400  may be an elongated piece of material, such as metal, plastic, ceramic, aluminum, and/or any other rigid material with position(s) disposed at a top surface. The rails described hereinabove may be formed of any of the materials, as well. 
     In the embodiment shown, there are three fixed positions  1402  at which bar mount adapters may be attached to the bar mount  1400 . Each of the positions may define a feature, such as a recess, into which a base of the bar mount adapter may be aligned and positioned. Alternatively, rather than the features being a recess, the features may include protrusion(s) that engage recess(es) on bar mount adapters. The features may be the same or different at each position. To restrict or prevent rotation of the bar mount adapter, the feature may be as a slot, indentation, and/or protrusion, and be disposed at the position (e.g., extending into or from a surface of the position). To retain a bar mount adapter with the bar mount  1400 , the bar mount may define an opening  1408  partially or entirely through the bar mount  1400  so that fastening member(s) may be used to temporarily attach the bar mount adapter(s) to the bar mount. The opening  1408  may be configured with a recess(es)  1408   a  so that heads of fastening members or bases may be positioned below or above the surface of the respective top surface or bottom surface of the bar mount. 
     Base members  1500  that are adapted to retain the bar mount  1400  may be configured to be shaped and connected to a surface of a structural feature of a vehicle (or non-vehicle). Two base members  1500 , one at each end of the bar mount  1400 , are shown. It should be understood that more or fewer than two base members  1500  may be utilized. The bar mount  1400  may be shaped so that the base member  1500  may have reciprocal shapes to retain the bar mount  1400  from vertical, horizontal, and/or axial directions. The bar mount  1400  may define an opening  14010  through which fastening member(s) (e.g., bolt  600 ) may extend to connect the bar mount  1400  to the base members  1500  or through the bar mount  1400  and through a surface of a structural feature (e.g., dashboard) on which the base members  1500  are positioned. The bar mount  1400  may have the same or similar bottom and/or external side wall shapes, as previously described. Again, to maintain the bar mount  1400  in position when mounted to a structural feature, the base members  1500  may have a reciprocal shape, as described above. 
     A retention member (e.g., nut  700 ) may be positioned on an opposite side of the structural feature, thereby preventing the bar mount  1400  from separating from the structural feature (e.g., dashboard  400 ) and maintaining a strong connection (e.g., prevent relative rotation or translation) between the bar mount  1400  and the structural feature. As shown in the bottom row, the bar mount  1400  may have inwardly angled sidewalls  1406 , and base member(s)  1500  may have inside walls  1506  that are reciprocally inwardly angled, such that when the bar mount  1400  and base member(s)  1500  are engaged, the bar mount  1400  is unable to separate vertically from the base member(s)  1500 . The base member(s)  1500  may have a bottom wall  1504  that defines any external surface profile to be mounted to a surface of a structural feature, such as a vehicle dashboard. Similarly, a bottom wall  1404  of the bar mount may have any shape to be mounted to a surface of a structural feature. 
     With regard to  FIG.  9   , illustrations of an illustrative rail  1600  are shown. The illustrations show a top view, side view, and end view of the rail  1600 . The rail  1600  is shown to be an elongated member having a channel  1602 , which is a region defined by sidewalls  1606 , top surface  1604   a  of a bottom wall  1604 , and bottom surfaces  1608   a  of top walls  1608  extending inwards from the sidewalls  1606 . A space  1610  between inside surfaces  1608   b  of the top walls  1608  may enable a rail adapter shown as a trackball  1700 , which has the same configuration as the trackballs  300   a - 300   c ,  900   a - 900   b , or  1300   a - 1300   b  disclosed herein, to extend through to allow the rail adapter  1700  to slide along the rail  1600 . As previously shown with reference to track balls  300   a - 300   c ,  900   a - 900   b ,  1300   a - 1300   b , the rail adapter may be configured to be secured at any location along the rail  1600 . The rail adapter  1700  may have a ball  1702  disposed thereon, but alternatively shaped adapters may be used, as well. 
     An embodiment of a vehicular mounting system for supporting an electronic device may include an elongated member defined by a bottom surface and sidewalls, the sidewalls having external surfaces being inwardly angled or curved. An adapter may include a feature that is configured to be supported by the elongated member. One or more base components may each have a bottom surface and sidewalls with reciprocal profiles of external surfaces of the sidewalls of the elongated member. The respective bottom surfaces of the base component(s) may define openings to be aligned with openings of the bottom wall of the elongated member to enable fastening members to extend through the aligned openings to secure the base component(s) disposed beneath the elongated member to a structural feature of the vehicle. 
     The elongated member may be a rail. The elongated member may be a bar mount. A profile of the bottom surface and external surfaces of the sidewalls of the elongated member may be trapezoidal. The adapter may include a ball, a shaft connected to and extending from the ball, and a base connected to an opposite end of the shaft. The base may be configured to mate with at least one feature defined by the elongated member. 
     The elongated member may include a protrusion and the base of the adapter may include a recess that is a reciprocal with the protrusion such that when the adapter is mated with the base, the adapter is prevented from rotating. The protrusion may be elongated with curved ends. 
     The elongated member may include a recess and the base of the adapter may include a protrusion that is a reciprocal with the recess such that when the adapter is mated with the elongated member, the adapter is prevented from rotating. The protrusion may be elongated with curved ends. The elongated member may define one or more locations at which the adapter is connectable. The location(s) may include a recess into which a bottom wall of the adapter is positioned. 
     A method of manufacturing the elongated member, adapter, and base components may be performed in a number of ways described herein. If the elongated member is a bar mount, then discrete locations may be formed to mate with a base of the adapter. The discrete locations may include a recess, protrusion, or both, and be configured to be reciprocal to features on a bottom surface of the adapter. In an embodiment, a tool may be used to form an elongated recess with curved ends that is reciprocal to a protrusion of a bottom surface of a base of the adapter. 
     The previous description is of a preferred embodiment for implementing the invention, and the scope of the invention should not necessarily be limited by this description. The scope of the present invention is instead defined by the following claims.