Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to a mounting assembly to secure a cellular phone, tablet, or other electronic device. The mounting assembly has channels that secure the electronic device by the edges, allowing unobstructed access to the touch screen and camera lens of the electronic device, such as a typical cellular phone or tablet. The mounting assembly contains an attachment mechanism that connects to a base and that also provides the ability to adjust the orientation of the electronic device. The mounting assembly allows hands-free operation of the electronic device.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Patent Application No. 61/834,932, entitled ELECTRONIC DEVICE MOUNTING ASSEMBLY, filed Jun. 14, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0003]    The following disclosure relates generally to a mounting assembly used to secure a cellular phone, electronic tablet, digital camera, or other electronic device for attachment to another object. An electronic device secured in the mounting assembly is attached to a harness, helmet, piece of equipment, vehicle, or any other object allowing hands-free viewing and operation of the device. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Users of electronic devices often find themselves in situations where hands-free access to the device is necessary. For example, a bicyclist may want to view GPS directions or utilize other functions of his electronic device while riding, requiring the electronic device to be visible to the rider. To accomplish this task, a bicyclist may use a mounting assembly to attach a cellular phone to the bicycle&#39;s handlebars, allowing the bicyclist to view GPS directions displayed on the phone&#39;s screen. 
         [0006]    Previously disclosed mounting assemblies have been used to secure electronic devices to an object to allow hands-free access. In one example, a mounting assembly is a plastic snap-on device that covers almost the entirety of one side of the device. By covering one side of the electronic device, the mounting assembly prevents the user from accessing the touch screen on the front side of the cellular phone during video recording use, or obscures the camera lens when mounted for touch screen operations. Given this design, during video recording use the user cannot view the video or access the camera controls on the touch screen as the video is being recorded without removing the device from the mounting assembly. Moreover, because the mount is a snap-on fitting, it must be sized for specific phones to ensure a tight fit. Other mounting assemblies have also been disclosed that totally encase the electronic device. As with previous examples of mounting assemblies, the cases are sized for a specific device and lack the ability to accept electronic devices of differing sizes. The present invention overcomes these obstacles by mounting the device in a manner that allows both the touch screen and camera lens to remain accessible and by being adjustable to mount different size devices. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0007]    One embodiment of the invention relates to a mounting assembly used to secure a cellular phone, tablet, or other electronic device to another object. The mounting assembly secures the electronic device in two channels that engage edges of the electronic device. Once the electronic device is secured, the mounting assembly is then attached to a harness, helmet, person, dashboard of a car, desk, or any other object desired by the user. 
         [0008]    The mounting assembly secures the electronic device in a manner that allows a built-in camera and the device&#39;s touch screen to remain unobstructed. Common electronic devices are designed with a touch screen on the front side of the device and a camera on the back side. Given this design, the mounting assembly of the present invention secures the device on its edges to provide unobstructed access to both sides of the device. Also, given the varying size and shape of popular electronic devices and the use of protective cases, the mounting assembly adjusts to accept many devices of differing width, length, and thickness. 
         [0009]    Additionally, one embodiment of the mounting assembly of the present invention has an attachment mechanism that allows a user to affix the electronic device to a variety of interchangeable bases. The bases are adapted to secure the entire mounting assembly to a bicycle, vehicle, person, helmet, or other object. The attachment mechanism further allows a user to selectively adjust the angle, in one direction, between the electronic device and the object to which it is attached. In a second direction, the attachment mechanism pivots to allow a user to rotate the electronic device while it is still secured in the mounting assembly. In other words, the attachment mechanism provides two degrees of freedom for the mounting assembly. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  depicts a partial view of an embodiment of the invention with a cellular phone secured in the mounting assembly. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is another view of the mounting assembly as depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is depicts another embodiment of the mounting assembly. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is another view of the mounting assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is another view of the mounting assembly shown in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  depicts another embodiment of the mounting assembly. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  depicts another embodiment of the mounting assembly with an adjustable base. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  shows another embodiment of the mounting assembly having a quick-release fastener. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  shows an adapter for the mounting assembly. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  shows the mounting assembly with a base that can be worn by a user. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]    The present invention relates to a mounting assembly used to secure an electronic device. The electronic device can be a cellular phone, electronic tablet, e-reader, GPS receiver, digital audio player, or any other portable electronic device. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mounting assembly has two channels  10 , disposed in a parallel orientation to each other. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the channels  10  engage the outer edges of an electronic device that is generally rectangular in shape. The mounting assembly can secure an electronic device of any shape if the device has two opposing edges that are relatively straight and substantially parallel. In one embodiment, the channels  10  have a center surface  11  and two adjacent side surfaces  12 , wherein the center surface  11  of the channel  10  is substantially flat, as shown in  FIG. 2 . Each of the side surfaces  12  form an obtuse angle at its intersection with the center surface  11 . That is, the center surface and adjacent side surfaces form a ‘V’ shape. It is not necessary for the device to contact the center surface  11  of the channel  10  having a ‘V’ shaped profile to be secured. As can be seen in both  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the side surfaces  12  slightly overlap the edge of the electronic device and prevent the device from moving in a direction perpendicular to the length of the channel  10 . In alternate embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the channels  10  are U-shaped and the side surfaces  12  form a right angle with the center surface  11 . In any of the embodiments, when the electronic device is placed in the mounting assembly, the channels substantially encompass the edge of the electronic device across its width. 
         [0021]    In the preferred embodiment, the length of the channels  10  is substantially the length of the electronic device, which is depicted in  FIG. 1 . However, the channels  10  may be shorter or longer than the electronic device, depending on the length of the device, and still provide sufficient support since the user can adjust the force exerted by the channels on the edge of the phone. To allow devices to extend pass the end of the channels  10 , the ends are left open, as depicted in  FIG. 3 . In other words, a plane defined by the ends of the center surface  11  and side surfaces  12  of the channel is not enclosed or covered. Otherwise, if the ends of the channels  10  were closed, the mounting assembly would only be capable of securing an electronic device that was equal to or shorter than the length of the channels  10 . 
         [0022]    With the ends of the channels  10  open, the mounting assembly relies on friction between the edge of the electronic device and the channels  10  to prevent the device from sliding along a line parallel to the length of the channels  10 . That is, a friction fit is created at the junction between the channels  10  and the electronic device. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the channels  10  are lined with a non-slip material to increase the static friction between the electronic device and the channels  10 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , a strip  14  on non-slip material is disposed along the length of the side surfaces  12  of the channels  10 . In a U-shaped channel, the non-slip strips  14  are disposed on the center surface  11  of the channels  10 . In yet another embodiment, non-slip strips  14  can be place on all surfaces of the channels  10 . The strips  14  are attached to the channels  10  with an adhesive. A person having skill in the art will appreciate that a variety of materials can be used for the non-slip strips  14 , such as rubber, foam, polymers, or other similar materials. 
         [0023]    When an electronic device is secured in the mounting assembly, each of the channels  10  are held in fixed position, which is adjustable, by at least one fastener  15  connecting each of the channels  10 . A person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any type of mechanical fastener can be used to hold the channels  10  in a fixed position. In the preferred embodiment, the fastener  15  is a screw having a threaded body and a head. 
         [0024]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a set of screws clamps the electronic device between the two channels  10 . By turning the fasteners  15  in one direction, the channels  10  are drawn towards each other and the clamping force is increased, securing the electronic device in the mounting assembly. By turning the fasteners  15  in the opposite direction, the channels  10  can be separated and the electronic device is released from the mounting assembly. 
         [0025]    In the preferred embodiment, a set of screws are positioned at each end of the channels  10  in an extension  13 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , an extension  13  protrudes from both ends of the channels  10 . The extensions  13  on a first channel  10  are hollow to allow the fastener  15  to pass through the length of the extension  13 . The top of the fastener  15  contacts the top of the extensions  13  on the first channel  10  to prevent the fastener  15  from passing all the way through the extensions  13 . For example, in the preferred embodiment, the body of the screw is contained within the interior of the extensions  13  of a first channel and the head of the screw contacts the top of the extension  13 . Consequently, the hole allowing the body of the screw to enter the extension  13  has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the screw head. 
         [0026]    The extensions  13  on a second channel  10  contain a portion adapted to receive the fastener  15 . In the preferred embodiment, a threaded insert is placed in the ends of the extensions  13  of the second channel. The threaded insert engages the body of the screw passing through the extensions  13  of the first channel  10 . The threads of the screw do not engage the extensions  13  of the first channel  10 , allowing the channels  10  to be drawn together as the screws are tightened. When the screws are loosened, the channels  10  can be moved apart by the user since the head of the screw is no longer exerting a force on the top of the extensions  13  of the first channel  10 . Consequently, the fasteners  15  can be adjusted to accommodate electronic devices of varying widths, where the range of adjustment is proportionate to the length of the fastener. To prevent the screws from being completely removed from the extensions  13 , a bushing is placed on the body of the screw. The bushing is not threaded and allows the screw to turn freely, but resists the screw from sliding out of the extension  13  of the first channel  10 . 
         [0027]    The extensions  13  of channels  10  further serve to keep the two opposing channels  10  aligned in a parallel orientation to each other. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the extension  13  of the second channel  10  is cylindrical in shape and substantially the diameter of an opening in the bottom of the extensions  13  of the first channel  10 , which is also cylindrical in shape. In this embodiment, the extensions  13  of the second channel  10  are located within the hollow of the extensions  13  of the first channel  10 . This configuration allows a telescoping action of the extensions  13  and keeps the cylindrical extensions  13  concentric. 
         [0028]    In an alternative embodiment, fasteners  15  are disposed on the rear of the mounting assembly, as shown on  FIG. 5 . In this embodiment, s screw passes through an opening in the extensions  13  of the first channel  10 , wherein the opening is large enough to accommodate the body of the screw but smaller than the diameter of the head of the screw. The body of the screw engages a nut or threaded insert disposed in the interior of the extensions  13  of the second channel  10 . By tightening the screws, the extensions  10  of both channels  10  are forced together, creating static friction between the extensions  13  to prevent movement. To adjust the distance between the two channels  10 , a user manually slides the channels  10  to the correct position then tightens the screws to fix the channels  10  in position, rather than continuing to tighten the screws. To remove an electronic device, the screws or other fasteners are loosened and the channels are manually separated. 
         [0029]    To allow a full range of adjustment, in this embodiment a slot  16  is created on the extensions  13  of the second channel  10 . The width of the slot  16  is substantially the size of the body of the screw or fastener  15 . The threaded insert, on the other hand, is larger than the slot  16  to prevent it from pulling through the slot  16 . When the fastener  15  is tightened, the threaded insert is forced against the interior of the extensions  13  of the second channel  10 . When the fastener  15  is loosened, the threaded insert is able to slide freely along the inside of the extension  13  of the second channel  10 . 
         [0030]    In yet another embodiment, the fastener  15  is a ratchet-like device. As shown in  FIG. 8 , a set of teeth is disposed on an extension  13  of a first channel  10 . A pawl is located on an extension  13  on the second channel  10  that spans the width of the channel  10 . The pawl only allows the channels  10  to be moved closer together, securing the electronic device. When the pawl is released from the teeth, the channels  10  can be separated to remove the device. 
         [0031]    In order to mount the electronic device to another object, an attachment mechanism  20  extends from at least one of the channels  10  and connects the parts of the mounting assembly to a base  30 .  FIG. 10  shows an example of a mounting assembly including a base  30 , wherein the base is a plate and harness used to allow a user to wear the mounting assembly. The base  30 , by way of further example, can be a suction cup that is mounted to a windshield of a car, a clamp that attaches to the handlebars of a bike or ski pole, or an adhesive-backed plate that is stuck to a helmet or other solid surface. In the preferred embodiment, the attachment mechanism is a buckle adapted to mate with various bases  30 , wherein the attachment mechanism  20  includes a thumb screw for being secured to the channel  10 . The attachment mechanism  20  is connected to the channel  10  near its midpoint and extends from a surface of the channel  10  opposite from the center surface  11 . That is, the attachment mechanism  20  extends from the bottom side of a channel  10 , where the top side is in contact with the electronic device. The location of the attachment mechanism  20  relative to the channel is depicted in  FIG. 4 . In an alternative embodiment, the attachment mechanism  20  is a post that is inserted into a corresponding receiver on the base, which is shown on  FIG. 6 . 
         [0032]    In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 7 , a base  30  is comprised of a first circular joint  31 , which is attached to a receiver  32  adapted to mate with the attachment mechanism  20 , and a second circular joint  33 , which is fixed to a base plate. A set of gear teeth are disposed on the inner circumference of the second circular joint  33 . A cogwheel  34  meshes with the teeth of the second circular joint  33  and is contained on each side by each of the circular joints. The cogwheel  34  further contains rods  35  extending from one of its sides. The rods  35  align with holes on the first circular joint  31 . When the rods  35  pass through the holes on the first circular joint  31 , the teeth of the cogwheel  34  are meshed with the gear teeth on the second circular joint  33 , preventing rotation between the two circular joints. A cap  36  is provided on one side of the first circular joint  31  to allow the rods  35  to be depressed and disengaged from the holes of the first circular joint  31 . As a result of depressing the cap  36 , the cogwheel  34  is pushed past the teeth of the second circular joint  33  into a cavity contained adjacent to the gear teeth, allowing free rotation between the two circular joints. After the cap  36  is released, a spring located adjacent to the cogwheel  34  pushes the cog  34  back into engagement with the teeth of the second circular joint  33 , preventing rotation. 
         [0033]    In the preferred embodiment, the channels, extensions, attachment mechanism, and base are constructed of ABS plastic and are formed by an injection molding process. The screw or fastening member is made of metal, such as brass. A person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any combination of materials can be used for the mounting assembly, depending on the desired characteristics of the mounting assembly, such as weight or strength.