Abstract:
An adaptor for supporting and connecting a portable electronic device, such as a portable phone, computer or other wireless communication device. The adaptor includes a pocket member and an interface module. The portable phone mechanically and electrically connects to the pocket member, and the pocket member mechanically and electrically connects to the interface module. The mechanical and electrical connections between the pocket member and the interface module are common between any interface module and any pocket member. In contrast, the receiving section of the pocket member is varied between different pocket members to accommodate portable electronic devices having different physical constructions. The pocket member attaches to the interface module with a limited, one-dimensional movement of the pocket member relative to the interface module to optimize use of space, particularly in vehicles. The pocket member and interface module may further include electrical components to enhance the functionality of the portable electronic device and the safety in operating the portable electronic device while driving by providing hands-free operation of the portable electronic device in addition to hands-free voice and data communication.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to portable electronic device interfacing systems and processes. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and system for providing a mechanical and electrical interface between a universal interface module and a plurality of portable electronic devices having different physical configurations. The interface module can be located in an automobile, at home, in an office or in any other location where a power supply is available to allow access to features not offered by the portable electronic device alone. The portable electronic device may be a portable phone, portable computer, wireless data terminal or other wireless communication device or personal data assistant. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Portable telephone systems have gained widespread acceptance as an efficient means of voice and data communications. While early mobile units were large and complex, miniaturization has made possible hand-held units with full functional telephony capabilities allowing the user freedom to use a phone in a mobile environment, such as in a vehicle or at a location remote from a hard wired connection to an existing telephony system. In addition, the cost of purchasing and using a portable phone has substantially declined and the quality and clarity of communication over a portable phone has increased causing increased and widespread demand for portable phones by the public and resulting in the proliferation of multiple configurations of portable phones by many different manufacturers. 
     Unfortunately, the mobility and miniaturization of portable phones, together with the widespread adoption by the general public, has created practical issues for use of such phones. For example, the very use of the phone itself by the driver of a moving vehicle, i.e., dialing and conversing while holding the phone proximate his ear and mouth, raises safety issues for not only the driver but any passenger in the driver&#39;s vehicle as well as the occupants of other vehicles. In an attempt to solve this safety and convenience problem, portable phone manufacturers have made available car kits to allow for partial hands-free use of the phone. These kits include physical hardware to retain or mount the phone in the vehicle and a power cord to access the electrical system of the car for power rather than use the phone&#39;s battery and, in some instances, may also include attachments for connecting between the phone and a user headset or the car&#39;s audio speakers, a microphone and antenna. However, while these kits allow hands-free conversation, they do not allow hands-free dialing or operation of the phone and, unless a headset is being used by the driver, even the communication may be difficult if the phone is mounted in a location sufficiently removed from the driver that the internal microphone and speaker of the phone are inadequate. Moreover, if a headset is being used, the driver may be unable to hear emergency vehicle sirens, car horns or other important audible noises that contribute to safe driving. 
     Additionally, because there is a large variety of portable telephones in existence, each with its own unique mechanical, electrical and control interface, no single car kit can provide any form of universal connection among different phones and the power supply offered by the electrical system of a vehicle. Thus, consumers must have a different kit for every different phone, a problem which is occurring with greater frequency due to rapidly increasing technical capabilities and performance in new phones and the decreasing cost of portable phones, and as different members of the same family acquire portable phones for their individual use. Similarly, automobile fleet users, such as large corporations, cannot provide a universal car kit connection for the variety of phones their employees may use and car rental companies cannot provide users with means to use their portable phones, or any other type of portable electronic device, in rented vehicles. Thus, users are forced to abandon their investment in the car kit when purchasing new models of telephones or users operate hand-held electronic devices while driving rather than purchasing an inadequate car kit for their car; an unsafe condition which is subject to increasing governmental concern and regulation. 
     Yet another issue raised by currently available phone mounting kits for cars is the adequacy of the mounting mechanism. Because space is a premium commodity in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, a phone mounting mechanism cannot be too large or too cumbersome. Depending upon where the mounting mechanism may be installed, i.e., on or under the dashboard or on the console between the front seats, space constraints may preclude certain types of mounting mechanisms. Moreover, vehicle safety requirements, such as have been promulgated by governmental agencies and telephone industry associations, require that any mechanism for mounting a portable phone in a vehicle be able to withstand impact forces up to twenty-five pounds in order to minimize the danger of the phone being dislodged in an accident and causing damage to an occupant of the vehicle. Additionally, the mounting mechanism, whatever its configuration, must be able to withstand normal road vibrations without failure. 
     One attempt to address the foregoing problems is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,535,274 entitled Universal Connection For Cellular Telephone Interface. Therein, the inventors describe a mounting kit for a car which includes a common interface module and a pocket adapter. A portable phone mounts in the pocket and the pocket attaches to the interface module with a sliding movement along the longitudinal axis of the interface module. The pocket further includes an electrical connector which connects the internal electronics of the phone to the pocket. The interface module is electrically connected to the pocket by a flexible cord. Power for operating the phone and charging its battery is provided through the cord as is a connection to an external antenna. In addition, the interface module may include a microprocessor for managing communications with the phone and a memory device for storing operating parameters relating to the phone being used with the device. While this invention addresses certain of the foregoing issues, the interconnection between the pocket and the interface module can be improved. The sliding action for engagement of the retaining clip on the interface module by the latching assembly on the pocket member uses too much space. Moreover, it is unlikely that this mechanism dampens road vibrations or adequately secures the phone and pocket to the interface module during an impact. 
     Other efforts have been made to provide a latching mechanism that will withstand impact as well as road vibration, but these devices are also lacking. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,189,358, entitled Adapter For Mounting Portable Radio Apparatus To Moving Body And Charger For Portable Radio Apparatus, describes a portable phone mount for use in a vehicle where a retaining slot in the base of the phone first engages a lug in the adapter device and the phone is then rotated clockwise until the upper portion of the phone body engages a pair of ratchets in the mounting mechanism. While this mechanism may adequately secure the phone in the mount, the motion required to mount the phone is inefficient. It fails to minimize the use of space in the vehicle. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an improved mounting system for use with portable electronic devices, as well as an enhanced support system which not only facilitates use of the portable electronic device, but advantageously expands the features available to the user via the portable electronic device. As used herein, the term portable electronic device is intended to refer to not only portable phones, but portable computers, ham radio devices, other types of wireless communication devices, wireless data terminals and other types of personal data assistants (PDAs) . 
     The system includes a pocket member and an interface module. The interface module may be mounted in a vehicle or at any other location where it can be attached to a power source. The interface module connects to a pocket member through a universal or common mounting mechanism. The pocket member includes a receiving section for supporting and connecting to a portable electronic device such as a portable phone. Thus, while the receiving sections of pocket members will vary from one pocket member to another to accommodate portable electronic devices of different types and manufacturers, the mechanism for connecting a pocket member to the interface module will be common. In this way, all pocket members can interface with an interface module, regardless of the type of portable electronic device and receiving section embodied in the pocket member. As a result, an interface module may be mounted at a single location, such as within a single vehicle, but used with a plurality of pocket members which support different portable electronic devices. In addition, a user may acquire multiple interface modules and place them at convenient locations, such as in a car, at home and at the office, and use a single pocket member in combination with each interface module. 
     The common mounting mechanism between the pocket member and the interface module is designed to optimize space utilization requirements. Rather than employing a sliding or rotational engagement between the pocket member and the interface module or some other complex motion which requires critical open space surrounding the mounting unit to accomplish a secure mounting of the portable electronic device in the vehicle, the present invention utilizes a limited, one dimensional motion to engage a latch mechanism between the pocket member and the interface module. As the pocket member is seated in the interface module using a short one dimensional movement of the pocket member, the latching mechanism moves from a first unengaged position to a second engaged position to secure the pocket member to the interface module. The latching mechanism includes one or more tabs which extend out of the interface module and into the pocket member to attain securement of the two components. In the preferred embodiment the tabs are offset such that they engage the pocket member sequentially rather than simultaneously. This reduces the amount of force needed to engage the tabs in the pocket member without compromising the strength of the engagement. The overall result is an improved latching mechanism that requires a minimum amount of space to use and one that fully satisfies all government safety requirements regarding vehicle impact tests. 
     A further advantage of the present invention is that the interface module may be mounted to a vehicle dashboard or center console solely through access to the exposed surface of the interface module. In many existing portable phone mounts, the installer must gain access to the backside of the mounting surface. The interface module of the present invention is designed with multiple apertures that extend through its body to allow easy mounting through the exposed or outer mounting surface. The design conforms to new industry standards for portable phone mounting in vehicles. 
     In addition to the foregoing improved mounting mechanisms, a need also exists to provide enhanced features to portable phone users as more and more people seek ways to improve productivity in their business and personal lives. Because many people spend a significant amount of time in their cars, improving the functional capabilities of portable phones as used in automobiles will potentially make people more productive while simultaneously making use of the phones more safe. The present invention provides solutions to these problems. First, the vehicle mounting mechanisms allow for hands-free use in an automobile, making driving safer during phone conversations. Hands-free use can be further optimized by connecting the portable phone to a power source to preserve battery life, to simultaneously charge the battery while the phone is in use, and to amplify the audio capabilities of the portable phone by connecting it to external speakers, such as the speakers in the vehicle stereo system, to an external microphone to enhance reception of the user&#39;s voice and to an external antenna for improved reception and less dropped calls. All of these capabilities can be achieved through the electronics provided in the interface module. 
     In still other embodiments of the present invention other improved capabilities and features can be offered. For example, the interface module can include a microprocessor and memory which can store voice recognition software. Thus, the phone and all of its features can be operated by voice commands rather than manual activation of buttons on the phone key pad. Rather than manually dialing the phone while driving, the user can simply activate the phone through voice commands. This can include accessing a phone number from a phone book stored in the phone&#39;s memory, or some other portable electronic device or PDA, and instructing the phone to call the number. The memory can also be used for voice dictation to create letters, memos or to store notes and other thoughts while driving. This kind of memory feature can also be included in the pocket member and function like a portable dictation device. Because the phone and pocket member are detachable from the interface module and therefore portable, the pocket member can be detached from the car and moved to another interface module at home or the office where the memory can be transferred to another device, such as a computer, for further use. 
     It is also contemplated that the interface module can further include software and processing capabilities for converting voice into text and text into voice. For example, the portable phone can be used for Internet access and information received in an analog or digital text format can be converted into an audio format for the convenience of the user. More specifically, the user could access and receive e-mail messages that can be converted into audio messages while driving. The user could also receive any other information from the Internet or perform transactions such as buying and selling stock, accessing bank accounts and obtaining credit information., etc. The interface module can also be used to communicate with, or between, PDAs located near and/or remote from the interface module including Internet protocol (IP) capable PDAs. The interface module can also communicate with a data connector port associated with the adaptor or pocket. In the context of vehicle usage, the interface module can operate in the vehicle to obtain or execute vehicle bus diagnostic information. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a front three-quarter perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in its fully-assembled form. 
     FIG. 2 is a front three-quarter perspective view of an embodiment of a portable phone, pocket member and interface module of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a front three-quarter exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a pocket member of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a rear three-quarter exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a pocket member of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a front three-quarter perspective view of an embodiment of an interface module of the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a front three-quarter exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an interface module of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a rear three-quarter exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an interface module of the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a rear three-quarter perspective view of an embodiment of a front shell of an interface module of the present invention. 
     FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pocket member and an interface module of the present invention, with the latch release mechanism in the unlocked position. 
     FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pocket member and an interface module of the present invention, with the latch tab in an unlocked position. 
     FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the latch release mechanism portion for the pocket member and an interface module of the present invention, with the pocket member and interface module fully engaged and locked together. 
     FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pocket member and an interface module of the present invention, with the latch tab positioned in the fully locked position. 
     FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial front three-quarter perspective view of an embodiment of a pocket member of the present invention, showing the inside surface of the rear shell of the pocket member engaged by an interface module. 
     FIG. 14 is a front three-quarter perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, showing a rear shell of a pocket member fully engaged by an interface module. 
     FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pocket member and an interface module of the present invention, further showing offset latch tabs. 
     FIG. 16 is a partial rear view of an embodiment of the release mechanism of the present invention for releasing the latching mechanism of an interface module. 
     FIG. 17 is an enlarged partial front perspective view of an embodiment of the release mechanism of the present invention for releasing the latching mechanism of an interface module. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The following description of the preferred embodiment is made with reference to a portable phone. It should be understood that a portable phone is one example of the type of portable electronic device that can be used with the present invention and that other portable electronic devices could be substituted for the portable phone. 
     Turning to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of the present portable phone interface system  10  is shown. The primary components are a portable phone  12 , a pocket member  14  and an interface module  16 . The pocket member  14  has a front shell  18  and a rear shell  20 , more easily seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. The interface module  16  is also assembled from a front shell  22  and a rear shell  24 , as is more easily seen in FIGS. 6 and 7. 
     The portable phone  10  sits within a recess  26  in the front shell  18  of the pocket member  14 . In turn, the rear shell  20  of the pocket member  14  is configured to attach to the front shell  22  of interface module  16 . Although not shown in the figures, the interface module  16  is primarily intended to be mounted in an automobile where it can be attached to the car&#39;s power supply and, perhaps other peripheral devices, including a separate or remote antenna, a microphone, the vehicle audio system, a head set having a microphone and ear phones, the vehicle ignition, a remote keypad, a control interface or vehicle bus for data access, or any other type of device consistent with enhancing the functionality of the phone for the benefit and safety of the user and others. The present interface system, however, is not solely limited to use in vehicles, but can be utilized in any location where portable electronic devices, including communication devices or portable phones, can be used and primarily in locations with access to a power supply such as home or office. Moreover, the interface module  16  is a universal adapter; it is designed to interface with every pocket member  14  even though the pocket members  14  are designed to interface only with a specific type of portable electronic device, portable phone or other device  12  due to differences in physical design and electrical operation. Thus, even though a pocket member  14  is designed solely to accept a single manufacture&#39;s phone and a second pocket member  14  is designed to only accept a different type phone, both pocket members  14  will connect with any interface module  16  due to a common interface. 
     As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the front shell  18  of the pocket member  14  includes a pocket or receiving section  26 , primarily defined by the side walls  28 , the back wall  30  and the base  32 , in which a specific type of portable phone is mounted. The side walls  28 , back wall  30  and base  32  are designed to receive the body of a specific type of portable phone and therefore would be configured differently for different portable phones. The receiving section  26  further includes a latching mechanism  34  to secure the portable phone when it is seated within the pocket member  14  and a release mechanism (not shown) to disengage the latching mechanism  34  and release the phone  12  from the pocket member  14 . Electrical contacts  38  and  40 , positioned in the base  32 , are designed to mate with the particular electrical contacts (not shown) of the intended phone  12 . As should be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the electrical contacts are configured differently for each different portable phone configuration. 
     The pocket member  14  serves at least two purposes. First, it mechanically engages the phone and second, it creates an electrical connection between the phone and the interface module  14 . The mechanical connection between the phone and the pocket member is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The electrical connection is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. 
     With respect to the electrical connection between the phone and the pocket member, as stated previously, electrical contacts  38  and  40  are positioned in the base  32  of the receiving section  26  of the front shell  18  to contact complementary electrical contacts in the body of the phone  12 . An internal flexible cable (not shown) connects the electrical contacts  38  and  40  to a printed circuit board  42  positioned between the front and rear shells  18  and  20 . A  30  pin connector  44  is mechanically and electrically mounted to the base of the printed circuit board  42  and a coaxial cable connector  46  is also mechanically mounted to the printed circuit board  42  proximate the  30  pin connector  44  to maintain alignment with the  30  pin connector  44 . As most easily seen in FIG. 3, the coaxial connector  46  includes a coaxial cable assembly  36  connected to the coaxial connector  46  at one end and coaxial connector  37  at the opposite end for interconnection to the phone  12 . If desired, the internal antenna of the phone can be connected to an external antenna (not shown), such as the antenna for the car radio, by accessing the internal antenna through the coaxial cable assembly  36  or, in some instances, through the electrical contacts  38  or  40 , which connection is routed through the coaxial connectors  46  and  48  into the interface module  16  and ultimately connected to the external antenna for enhancing the reception of the phone. The electrical contacts  38  and  40  and the  30  pin connector  44  provide electrical communication with the portable phone. The  30  pin connector  44  allows segregation of and access to various features of the phone such as the phone power supply, battery charge circuitry, serial/digital data transfer circuitry and audio data transfer circuitry, and further allows control signals to be sent to and from the phone for controlling different functions of the phone, such as battery charging, and for enhancing the capabilities of the phone, such as by incorporating voice recognition software and hardware into the interface module which would be activated by commands made into the phone. 
     As also seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, a rectangular aperture  50  is formed in the rear shell  20  of the pocket member in order that the  30  pin connector  44  can extend out of the rear wall of the pocket member  14  and connect to a complementary  30  pin connector  52  in the interface module  16 . Similarly, a second aperture  54  is formed in the rear wall of the rear shell  20  in order to allow the coaxial cable connector  46  to extend out of the pocket member  14  and connect to a complementary coaxial cable connector  56  in the interface module  16 . The printed circuit board  42  and/or electrical connectors  38  and  40  are further designed to move in both the x and y directions (horizontally and vertically as depicted in the Figures) relative to the apertures  50  and  54  to facilitate connection with the complementary connectors  52  and  56  in the interface module  16 . A cover panel  58  allows access to the printed circuit board  42  and is designed to be replaced by a data connector which will be electrically connected to the printed circuit board  42  to further enhance the functionality of the phone. Of course, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that other types of connectors than those disclosed can be used to accomplish the same results. 
     A further important feature is the mechanical latching mechanism between the pocket member  14  and the interface module  16 . FIGS. 3 and 4 show the elements of the pocket member  14  which are involved in the universal or common mechanical connection between the pocket member  14  and the interface module  16 . More specifically, in the preferred embodiment, four apertures  60  are formed in the rear wall  62  of the rear shell  20 . These apertures  60  are designed to receive four protuberances  64  formed on the face  66  of the front shell  22  of the interface module  16  (see FIG.  5 ). The protuberances  64  are designed to fit in the apertures  60  and to restrict lateral and longitudinal movement of the pocket member  14  and interface module  16  relative to each other. As illustrated in FIG. 3, on the inside surface  68  of the rear shell  20  of the pocket member  14 , each aperture  60  is covered on three sides by a cover or dome  70 . As is also shown in FIG. 3, as well as in FIGS.  10  and  12 - 15 , channels  72  are formed in the inside surface  68  of the rear shell  20  adjacent and below each aperture  64 . The domes  70  are open along the bottom edge, as depicted in FIGS. 10 and 12, to provide access to channels  72 . 
     In addition to the alignment provided by the four protuberances  64  engaging the four apertures  60  and domes  70 , the outer surface of the rear shell  20  of the pocket member  14  is also configured to assist in mating the pocket member  14  with the interface module  16 . As shown in FIG. 4, the rear shell  20  of the pocket member includes a mounting section  74 . The mounting section  74 , like the protuberances  64  and apertures  60 , is identical in all pocket members  14  and is designed to mate with a complementary receiving section  76  on the front shell  22  of the interface module  16 . Similarly, the rear wall  62  of the pocket member  14  includes an angled portion  75  and head portion  77  which cooperate with a raised surface  79  on the front face  66  of the interface module  16  for proper alignment of the two bodies during mechanical connection (FIGS. 2,  4  and  6 ). In this manner, the connection between any pocket member  14  and an interface module  16  will be universal and only one style of interface module will be needed to connect with any of a number of configurations of pocket members. 
     The mounting section  74  includes a raised body portion  78  generally defined by a laterally extending ridge  80  formed by the side wall  82  of the rear shell  20 . The raised body portion  78  has a pair of side walls  84  which merge at a base member  86  extending longitudinally from the raised body portion  78 . A second ridge  88  extends outwardly from the base member  86 . The rear shell  20  of the pocket member  14  further includes an outwardly extending pin  90 . The pin  90  extends into a release hole  92  formed in the front shell  22  of the interface module  16  and, as will be explained in more detail below, activates the latching mechanism  94 . 
     The receiving section  76  of the interface module  16  is also shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The receiving section  76  includes a pair of raised flanges or side walls  96  which terminate at the lower portion of the interface module  16  to form a recess  98 . The raised flanges  96  are configured to engage the side walls  84  of the raised body portion  78  of the pocket member  14  such that the body portion  78  of the pocket member  14  nests inside the flanges  96  of the interface module  16  and the top edge  100  of the flanges  96  abut the ridge  80  (see FIGS.  1  and  4 ). In addition, the base portion  86  fits within the recess  98  such that the ridge  88  seats itself in the slot  102  formed in the outer surface  66  of the front shell  22  of the interface module  16 . This alignment of the mounting section  74  of the pocket member  14  and the receiving section  76  of the interface module  16  further aligns the protuberances  64  with the apertures  60  and the  30  pin connector  44  and coaxial connector  46  with the matching  30  pin connector  52  and coaxial connector  56  in the interface module  16 . 
     As shown in FIG. 6, a printed circuit board  104  is also disposed in the interface module  16 . The  30  pin connector  52 , which matches the  30  pin connector  44  in the pocket member  14 , is electrically and mechanically connected to the printed circuit board  104  at its base. The coaxial connector  56  is mechanically mounted adjacent the printed circuit board  104  by a mounting bracket  57  in the rear shell  24  of the interface module  16 . An external coaxial cable (not shown) interconnects an external antenna to the coaxial connector  56  through a port  59  in the rear shell  24  (FIG.  7 ). These two connectors  52  and  56  extend through a pair of complementary openings  106  and  108  in the front shell  22  of the interface module  16  to connect with the  30  pin connector  44  and coaxial connector  46  of the pocket member. Thus, unlike other portable phone mounts, no external or separate cable is needed to electrically connect the phone to the mounting device. 
     The configuration of the mechanical connection between the pocket member  14  and the interface module  16  also protects the integrity of the electrical connectors. As should be appreciated from the foregoing description and the accompanying Figures, the pocket member  14  engages the interface module  16  via a limited, one-dimensional movement. In other words, the two components are simply pressed together, without the need of any complex multi-dimensional or rotational movement of one component relative to the other. Indeed, if a rotational movement were used to separate the pocket member  14  from the interface module  16  once they are engaged, the electrical connectors could be damaged, i.e., the pins could be bent or broken. However, the engagement of the ridge  88  in the slot  102 , together with the engagement of the flanges  96  with the side walls  84  of the raised body portion  78  preclude any rotational or two-dimensional movement of the pocket member  14  and interface module  16  relative to each other during installation or removal. This preserves the integrity of the electrical connection and enhances the quality and life of the product. 
     The internal elements of the interface module  16  include the latching mechanism  94 , which locks the interface module  16  to the pocket member  14 , and the printed circuit board  104  (see FIGS. 6 and 7) which has been previously identified. The printed circuit board  104  includes various electronic componentry for enhancing the usefulness and capabilities of a portable phone. These electric components include, but are not limited to, a microprocessor  110 , a power supply  112 , a digital signal processor  114  and a cable connector  116  and cable harness  118  for interconnecting the electronics on the printed circuit board  104  with external devices, including a power supply (not shown). Louvered vents  105  are positioned in the rear shell  24  to provide air flow for cooling the various electronic components. The latching mechanism  94  includes a latch plate  120 , a plate spring  122 , a spacer  124 , a rotating lever  126  and a release rod  128 . As is explained in greater detail below, the latch plate  120  moves between a first (unlocked or disengaged) position and a second (locked or engaged) position in order to secure the pocket member  14  to the interface module  16 . 
     As further seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the front shell  22  and rear shell  24  of the interface module  16  include four apertures  130  for purposes of receiving screws or other connectors (not shown) for assembling the interface module  16  and which can also be used for attaching the interface module  16  to the dashboard or seat console in a car. Because the apertures  130  extend through the front and rear shells  22  and  24  of the interface module  16 , the interface module  16  may easily be mounted to the dashboard or console with access only to the front shell  22 . Therefore, unlike other devices, the interface module  16  is not mounted solely via access to the rear shell  24 . 
     The inside surface  132  of the rear shell  24  has an inwardly extending hollow rear post  134  adjacent each aperture  130 . Each aperture  130  in the front shell  22  similarly has an adjacent hollow front post  136  extending into the interface module  16 . The rear posts  134  extend through four apertures  138  in the printed circuit board  104 . The four front posts  136  extend around the latch plate  120 , through the bushings  140  in the spacer  124 , through an opening  142  in the rotating lever  126  and seat inside the rear posts  134 . The spacer  124  separates the latching mechanism  120  from the printed circuit board  104  and secures the latching mechanism against the front shell  22 . 
     As also seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the latch plate has four latch tabs  144 , a release tab  146  and a spring tab  148 . The plate spring  122  is positioned between the upper edge  150  of the latch plate  120  and a spring restraint  152  formed on the inside surface of the front shell  22  (see FIG.  8 ). When fully assembled, the spring tab  148  sits inside a plate spring  122 . Because the plate spring  122  is in compression, it applies a downward force against the latch plate  120 , as depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7. The inside surface of the front shell  22  of the interface module  16  also includes a release tab shelf  154 . The release tab shelf  154  is positioned adjacent the pin release hole  92  formed in the front shell  22 . The latching tabs  144  extend forward from the plane of the latch plate  120  and, although not readily discernable from the Figures, in the preferred embodiment each latching tab  144  is separated or offset from the latch plate  120  at a different distance than the others (see FIG.  15 ). When the interface module  16  is fully assembled, the latch tabs  144  are positioned in the protuberances  64 . 
     To activate the latching mechanism  94  and lock the interface module  16  to the pocket member  14 , the latch plate  120  moves between a first and second position. In the first position or the unlocked position, the release tab  146  rests against the release tab shelf  154  and the protuberances  64  are seated inside the recesses  60  and domes  70  of the pocket member  14  so that the latch tabs  144  are positioned adjacent and above the opening  156  in the protuberances  64 . The latch plate  120  is moved to the second position, or the locked position, by the pin  90  extending into the pin release hole  92  as the pocket member  14  is moved into physical engagement with the interface module  16  (FIGS.  9  and  11 ). This limited, one-dimensional motion forces the release tab  146  off of the release tab shelf  154  (FIG.  11 ). When the release tab  146  is no longer engaged by the release tab shelf  154 , the plate spring  122  forces the latch plate  120  downwardly as depicted in the Figures to a second or locked position. In moving to the second position, the latch tabs  144  move out of the openings  156  and engage the channels  72  in wall  68  of the rear section  20  of the pocket member  14  (FIGS.  10  and  12 - 14 ). 
     Premature activation of the latching mechanism prior to the pocket member  14  being seated squarely in the interface module  16  is avoided because of the alignment provided by the mounting section  74 , angled portion  75  and head portion  77  of the pocket member, the receiving section  76  and raised portion  79  of the interface module. Each of the involved members compel proper alignment of the pocket member relative to the interface module such that the protuberances  64  are fully positioned in the apertures  60  prior to the release pin  90  activating the locking mechanism  94 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, because each latch tab  144  is slightly offset from the others relative to the plane of the latch plate  120 , they engage the channels  72  consecutively rather than simultaneously. In this way, less force needs to be applied to fully engage the latch tabs  144  with the channels  72  and to lock the pocket member  14  to the interface module  16  (FIG.  15 ). Moreover, the plate spring  122  only has to have sufficient force to move the latch plate  120  to the locked position. Once the latch plate  120  and latch tabs  144  are in the locked position, the latch tabs  144  maintain the engagement between the pocket member  14  and interface module  16 . Indeed, the latch tabs  144  are designed and configured to draw the pocket member into the interface module and substantially eliminate any manufacturing tolerances which would cause either component to move relative to the other. The fact that the latch tabs  144  are offset in the preferred embodiment also allows the latching mechanism  94  to eliminate manufacturing tolerances. It will also be observed that the latch tabs  144  have a curved profile. This shape enhances the ability of the latch tabs  144  to secure the pocket member  14  to the interface module  16 , although persons of skill in the art will appreciate different shapes that can be utilized. In addition, the latch tabs  144  are designed with sufficient resiliency that should the pocket member be physically pulled from the interface module without disengaging the latching mechanism, overcoming the safety force designed to hold the two components together, the latch tabs will return to their normal shape and continue to function properly. 
     FIGS. 6,  7 ,  16  and  17  illustrate the various components that comprise the release mechanism for moving the locking mechanism  94  from the locked position to the unlocked position in order to disengage the pocket member  14  from the interface module  16 . The release rod  128  slides along the side wall  158  of the rear shell  24  of the interface module  16  and within an aperture  160  formed by the front shell  22  and rear shell  24 . A pair of outwardly biased springs  162 , having enlarged ends  164 , are formed in opposite sides of the release rod  128  and contact the inside surface  158  of the rear shell  24  to dampen any rattling of the release rod  128 . As best seen in FIGS. 16 and 17, the release rod  128  is attached to the lever  126  by a pin  166  positioned at one end of the lever  126 . The pin  166  sits in a slot  168  formed in the base of the release rod  126 . The lever  126  has a central aperture  142  which allows it to pivot about one of the posts  136  formed on the inside surface of the front shell  22  of the interface module  16 . Also mounted to the lever body  126 , opposite the pin  166 , are a pair of posts  170  and  172  with a gap formed between them. A release flange  174  formed along the upper edge of the latch plate  120  is positioned in the gap between the posts  170  and  172  when the interface module  16  is assembled (see FIGS.  16  and  17 ). 
     To move the latch plate  120  and disengage the latching mechanism  94  from the pocket member  14 , the release rod  128  is pressed. This action causes the lever  126  to rotate about the post  136 , which in turn forces the lower post  172  to engage the release flange  174  and move the latch plate  120  to the unlocked position. Because the release tab  146  is biased toward the release tab shelf  154 , when the release tab  146  is adjacent the shelf  154 , the release tab  146  will move into engagement with the shelf  154 , will push the pin  90  out of the pin release hole  92 , and secure the latch plate  120  in the unlocked position. This action will also cause the plate spring  122  to compress. By moving the latch plate  120  from the second (locked) position to the first (unlocked) position, the latch tabs  144  will retract from the channels  72  in the rear shell  20  of the pocket member  14  and into the protuberances  64  of the front shell  22  of the interface module  16  allowing the pocket member  14  to be removed from the interface module  14  with a limited, one-dimensional motion. 
     It should also be noted that the release rod  128  may have a hollow configuration for ventilation purposes. As a hollow member, it acts as a chimney, in combination with louvered vents  105 , to remove heat from inside the interface module thereby cooling the internal electronic components. 
     As should be appreciated, the present invention provides a mounting and support system for portable phones which optimizes the space needed to achieve mounting. With a one-dimensional, limited motion the phone and pocket member can be attached to the interface module. Moreover, while an exemplary and preferred embodiment has been described, those having skill in the art will recognize various changes, modifications, additions and applications other than those expressly identified. Such changes, additions, modifications and additional applications are within the scope of the present invention.