Abstract:
A mount assembly for a personal entertainment device that, in various embodiments, may include a mount plate and a rotatable bracket element coupled to the mount plate. An enclosure is coupled to the rotatable bracket element. The enclosure includes a plurality of adjustable retention members slidably disposed in the enclosure. At least one retention member of the plurality of adjustable retention members is linearly adjustable to facilitate receipt of a personal device by the enclosure.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the priority to, and incorporates by reference for any purpose, the entire disclosure of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/002,594, filed May 23, 2014. This application claims priority to, and incorporates by reference for any purpose, the entire disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/096,278, filed Dec. 23, 2014. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present application relates generally to seats for commercial aircraft and more particular, but not by way of limitation, to a thermoplastic mounting device for securing a personal entertainment device to a seat back. 
         [0004]    2. History of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Many current airlines provide a seatback mounted screen for each seat that, for example, allow passengers in each seat to view the screen for entertainment purposes. Such permanently mounted screens may soon become obsolete given the proliferation of handheld personal devices. It may, therefore, be advantageous in the near future to remove the permanently mounted screens in aircraft while still allowing the option to have a mounted screen rather than having to hold their device during use. 
         [0006]    Additionally, in the commercial aircraft industry, weight and safety are important issues. Even non-structural and non-critical elements like a seat back on a commercial aircraft are designed with these issues in mind. For example, a weight savings on each seat back can add up to significant weight savings for the aircraft as a whole due, in no small part to the large number of seats. The weight saving in turn may reduce then fuel expenditure and provide a cost savings. In the specific case of seat backs, any such weight reduction must not adversely affect strength. Typically, governmental rules and regulations specify strength requirements for aircraft elements, and at the very least, strength issues may impact durability and expected lifespan of an element, such as a seat back. Cost is also a driving factor in the commercial aircraft industry, so low-cost manufacturing techniques may be important as well. Disclosed embodiments relate to improved entertainment device mount embodiments that may address one or more of these issues. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The present application relates generally to seats for commercial aircraft and more particular, but not by way of limitation, to a thermoplastic mounting device for securing a personal entertainment device to a seat back. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a mount assembly for a personal entertainment device that, in various embodiments, may include a mount plate and a rotatable bracket element coupled to the mount plate. An enclosure is coupled to the rotatable bracket element. The enclosure includes a plurality of adjustable retention members slidably disposed in the enclosure. At least one retention member of the plurality of adjustable retention members is linearly adjustable to facilitate receipt of a personal device by the enclosure. 
         [0008]    In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of mounting a personal entertainment device. In various embodiments, the method may include adjusting a retention member to facilitate receipt of the personal entertainment device into an enclosure and placing the personal entertainment device in the enclosure. In various embodiments, the method may further include adjusting the retention member such that the personal entertainment device is secured in the enclosure and adjusting, via a rotatable mounting bracket, a position of the enclosure to facilitate viewing. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention and for further objects and advantages thereof, reference may now be had to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a mounting assembly according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2A  is a side view of the mounting assembly in a collapsed state according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2B  is a side view of the mounting assembly in an extended state according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3A  is a rear view of a mounting enclosure according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3B  is a side view of the mounting enclosure according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a cutaway view of the mounting enclosure illustrating internal components thereof according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5A  is a side view of a mounting button according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5B  is an exploded perspective view of an interface between the mounting button and an aperture according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5C  is a cross-sectional view of the interface between the mounting button and an aperture according to an exemplary embodiment; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a cutaway view of the mounting enclosure having a plurality of levers illustrating internal components thereof according to an exemplary embodiment; 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. 
         [0021]    The following brief definition of terms shall apply throughout the application: 
         [0022]    The term “comprising” means including but not limited to, and should be interpreted in the manner it is typically used in the patent context; 
         [0023]    The phrases “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” and the like generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present invention (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment); 
         [0024]    If the specification describes something as “exemplary” or an “example,” it should be understood that refers to a non-exclusive example; 
         [0025]    The terms “about” or approximately” or the like, when used with a number, may mean that specific number, or alternatively, a range in proximity to the specific number, as understood by persons of skill in the art field; and 
         [0026]    If the specification states a component or feature “may,” “can,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “preferably,” “possibly,” “typically,” “optionally,” “for example,” “often,” or “might” (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or to have the characteristic. Such component or feature may be optionally included in some embodiments, or it may be excluded. 
         [0027]    Some disclosed embodiments may generally relate to an extension of concepts of embodiments previously disclosed in related provisional U.S. patent application 61/711,567 and related U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/048,840, entitled Thermoplastic Injection Molded Element with Integral Thermoplastic Positioning System for Reinforced Composite Structures, filed respectively Oct. 9, 2012 and Oct. 8, 2013, and related U.S. provisional patent application 61/988,080 entitled “Seat Back” and filed May 2, 2014, which are co-owned and hereby incorporated by reference to the extent it does not contradict the express disclosure herein. More specifically, disclosed embodiments may relate to personal entertainment device mount assembly embodiments, which may in some instances be formed using composite materials and/or thermoplastic molded materials such that disclosed embodiments might be a specific application and/or modification of the previous provisional patent technology. 
         [0028]    Disclosed embodiments may relate to a seat back mounted thermoplastic personal entertainment device mount, utilized in the commercial aerospace industry, comprised of an injection molded assembly with integral device dimension adjustment to allow the retention of numerous dimensioned personal entertainment devices. 
         [0029]    In various embodiments, such device mount assembly embodiments may further be comprised of thermally formed thermoplastic encapsulated unidirectional or weave carbon or glass reinforced composite structures with integral homogeneous injection molded thermoplastic support elements that provide a portion of the structural requirements and reduce device mount assembly weight. Such device mount assembly embodiments may further be comprised of integral thermoplastic injection molded elastomeric elements that provide damage-free personal device retention. Typically, such device mount assembly embodiments may further be comprised of integral thermoplastic injection molded elements that provide user selected device dimension adjustment feature. 
         [0030]    In various embodiments, the device dimension adjustment feature may further be comprised of an integral rotatable locking user adjustment to maintain the user selected device dimension during initial device installation. Such device dimension adjustment integral rotatable locking feature may additionally permit the removal of the personal entertainment device upon the completion of use. 
         [0031]    In various embodiments, the device mount may further be comprised of injection molded attachable rotatable elements that provide a user selectable field and distance of view during reclining of the forward facing seat assembly. Such attachable rotatable elements may further be comprised of integral restrictive rotational pivot bearings that permit retention of the user selected position during use and during the environment of air travel. 
         [0032]    In various embodiments, the attachable rotatable elements may further be comprised of at least one element with integral device mount-to-seat back mounting buttons for the installation and retention of the device mount to a commercial seat back assembly. Said mounting buttons of device may be operable to mount interface with suitable located mounting button apertures located on a forward positioned commercial airline seat back. 
         [0033]    In some embodiments, the mounting button apertures may further be comprised of pivoting spring-loaded aperture covers, which displace rotationally during installation of the device mount mounting button, and return to an initial position upon removal of said device mount. Such aperture covers, in various embodiments, may further be comprised of integral thermoplastic injection molded spring deflecting elements that provide resistive pressure to permit the aperture cover to return to the initial position upon removal of the device mount. 
         [0034]    Typically, disclosed embodiments may further be comprised of materials that comply with FAR 25.853 and OSU 55/55 when applicable. For example, personal entertainment device mount assembly embodiments (which comply to FAR 25.853 and OSU 55/55), may be comprised of integral injection molded thermoplastic elements and thermoplastic reinforced composite structures, providing damage free locking user selectable dimension device retention and user selectable field of and distance of view, and a plurality of integral mounting buttons which mate and install into a commercial airline seat back assembly with rotatable integral spring actuated closable mounting button aperture covers to eliminate user pinch injury. 
         [0035]    Disclosed embodiments may, in various embodiments, be comprised of chemical and molecular compatible thermoplastics resins throughout the assembly, creating an infinite number of homogenous connective attachments that provide additional consistent strength, dimensional stability, and rigidity. 
         [0036]    Disclosed embodiments may, in various embodiments, provide increased mechanical load bearing capabilities provided by the integral formed thermoplastic carbon or glass reinforced composite element with the integral injection molded carbon or glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic support structure by the infinite number of homogeneous connective interfaces. 
         [0037]    In some embodiments, the integral formed thermoplastic encapsulated carbon or glass reinforced composite element may comprise multiple weave patterns, multiple layers and multiple layer orientations to provide optimum performance for the requirement load application. 
         [0038]    Disclosed embodiments may reduce the current weight of a comparable personal entertainment device mount assembly through the use of high strength to weight ratio thermoplastic materials and composites. Disclosed embodiments may, in various embodiments, eliminate the scrap rejections inherent to the current thermoset epoxy assemblies, including delamination and reinforcement disassociation. 
         [0039]    In various embodiments, disclosed embodiments generally relate to personal entertainment device mount assemblies to be used with seat backs for aircraft. In some embodiments, the personal entertainment device mount assembly may be removably attached to a seat back. Typically, disclosed elements of a device mount assembly may be formed of one or more layers of composite material. For example, the elements of the device mount assembly might comprise a composite structure having one or more layers of composite material. Each layer of composite material typically has reinforcing fibers such as, for example, a weave of reinforcing fibers located internally, with thermoplastic surrounding the reinforcing fibers atop and below the fibers. For example, the composite material typically would only have reinforcing fibers located internally, for example in a central plane. When multiple layers of composite material form the elements of assembly, the multiple layers of composite typically would be thermally or homogeneously joined together to form a unitary structure with a homogeneous connective interface throughout. Typically, the one or more layers of composite material may be shaped into the form of elements of the device mount assembly and configured to attach to a rear of an airline seat back assembly. 
         [0040]    In some embodiments, one or more of the elements of the device mount assembly are injection molded onto the composite material. Since the elements typically are formed of the same thermoplastic as the composite material, the elements typically are thermally or homogeneously attached to the composite material. Specific embodiments related to the figures will be discussed in more detail below. 
         [0041]    For example, the composite material typically comprises an array of reinforcing fibers such as, for example, carbon, graphite, glass, or aramid fibers. In a typical embodiment the fibers include carbon microscopic crystals aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the carbon fibers. In a typical embodiment, the fibers are aligned in a precise orientation and include a thermoplastic material such as, for example, a sheathing located about the array of reinforcing fibers. In various embodiments, the array of fibers is a weave pattern, for example, a five harness satin weave, in some embodiments, while in other embodiments the array of fibers may be aligned uni-directionally in a parallel linear pattern. In some embodiments, the composite is provided in pre-defined or pre-formed solid three dimensional geometries, such as a solid sheet, which sheet can then be shaped according to the needs of the specific element such as, for example, by heat forming or cutting. Since such a composite material typically may be a rigid solid at room temperature and only softens sufficiently to allow shaping such as bending or twisting at elevated temperatures, there would typically be no need for an external frame to hold the composite in the desired shape or position while forming encapsulating thermoplastic about the composite using injection molding in order to form any desired additional element. In other words, once the composite sheet material is shaped as desired for the particular device mount assembly and has cooled to room temperature, it is a rigid solid that will independently hold the shape in question, and should not need any framework to hold its shape within the mold for forming thermoplastic elements onto the composite. 
         [0042]    In other embodiments, the composite material is formed by layering thermoplastic film and reinforcing fiber cloth or weave, which layers would then be consolidated, for example via heat and/or compression, into a unitary composite material with reinforcing fibers located between two thermoplastic layers. For example, each composite material layer might comprise two thermoplastic film layers sandwiching or surrounding a layer of reinforcing fiber such as, for example a weave of reinforcing fiber. The one or more layers of composite might then be placed on a press mold for the shape of a personal entertainment device mount assembly element, with the press mold then being used to consolidate the one or more layers of composite such as, for example, the one or more layer of reinforcing fibers with the two or more layers of thermoplastic, thereby forming the composite device mount assembly element structure. 
         [0043]    Typically, the array of fibers of the composite material would be located (only) near the center (thickness) of the composite material in a central plane, with thermoplastic material located atop and beneath the array of fibers. In other words, the composite material would typically have all of the reinforcing fibers located in a single/central plane, with the rest of the thickness of the composite material being formed of thermoplastic material. Regardless, the composite typically might provide approximately consistent fiber distribution and orientation throughout the element, so that the composite can provide precise, consistent, and reproducible structural or mechanical support. While many embodiments may be formed of such composite material, with or without encapsulating thermoplastic, it should be understood that the specific material used to form on or more elements of exemplary mount embodiments is optional such that other material might also be used in various embodiments. 
         [0044]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded perspective view of an exemplary personal entertainment device mount assembly  100 , with a molded enclosure  10  coupled or mounted to a mount plate  12 . In a typical embodiment, the mount plate  12  attaches to a seat back via one or more mount buttons  14 ,  16 , and  18 . The mount plate  12  comprises rotatable bracket elements  20 . The rotatable bracket elements  20  include a first rotatable bracket  21  and a second rotatable bracket  22 . In a typical embodiment, the molded enclosure  10  mounts to the mount plate  12  via a bracket  11  that fits with the second rotatable bracket  22  via a mount  23 . For example, a bolt passes through the bracket  11  and the mount  23  to form a pivot attachment. In a typical embodiment, the mount  23  rotates within the bracket  11 . The molded enclosure  10  includes a device retention system  30  that comprises one or more elastomeric retention elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  operable to hold a personal entertainment device in place against the front face of the molded enclosure  10 . Typically, the retention elements include at least two retention elements, with at least one retention element located on opposing sides off the device retention system  30 . In a typical embodiment, the retention elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  are operable to move outward from the molded enclosure, for example by moving in a vertical direction as illustrated by arrows  35  and  36 , in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . Such vertical movement of the retention elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  is controlled by a dimension adjustment feature  40 . In a typical embodiment, the dimension adjustment feature  40  is located on the rear face of the molded enclosure  10 . In some embodiments, one or more of the elements of the device mount assembly  100  described above may comprise thermoplastic material or composite material. 
         [0045]    Thus, the molded enclosure  10  with retention elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  and dimension adjustment feature  40  operates to removably fix a personal device  200 . Further, the mount plate  12  with the rotatable bracket elements  20  allows for repositioning of such a mounted device  30 . In other words, the pivoting attachment of the molded enclosure  10  to the mount plate  12  may allow for a mounted device to be repositioned by a user such as, for example, if the seat back in front of the user is reclined. Typically, the molded enclosure  10  is coupled to the mount plate  12  in such a way as to provide at least three pivot points for position adjustment. 
         [0046]      FIG. 2A  illustrates an exemplary side view of the device mount assembly  100  of  FIG. 1  when the seat back  210  is in an upright position. In a typical embodiment, the device mount assembly  100  holds a personal entertainment device  200  via the retention elements  31 ,  32  and  33  (not shown). In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2A , the device mount assembly  100  may be in a “closed” position, wherein the rotatable bracket elements  20  may be in a first “closed” position. 
         [0047]      FIG. 2B  illustrates an exemplary side view of the device mount assembly  100  when the seat back  210  is in a reclined position. In a typical embodiment, the rotatable bracket elements  20  are in a second “expanded” position, wherein the first bracket  21  and the second bracket  22  are operable to rotate/pivot independently to provide a wide range of movement of the molded enclosure  10  to position the personal entertainment device  200  at a desired angle for the user to view. In some embodiments, the rotatable bracket elements comprises integral restrictive rotational pivot bearings that permit retention of the user selected position, such as, for example, the closed and expanded positions shown in  FIGS. 2A-2B , during use. 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIGS. 2A-2B , the device mount assembly  100  is attached to the seat back  210  via the one or more mount buttons  14 ,  16 , and  18  (not shown). In some embodiments, the seat back  210  comprises apertures  211  and  212  operable to interface with the one or more mount buttons  14  and  16 . It should be understood, however, that this exemplary mount button embodiment for attaching the mount plate  12  to the seat back  210  is merely one exemplary means to attach the mount plate  12  to the seat back  210 ; and other attachment means are also included within the scope of this disclosure. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 3A-3B  illustrate a detailed view of the molded enclosure  10  with the device retention system  30 . In some embodiments a dimension adjustment feature  40  is located above the mount  11  on a rear of the molded enclosure  10 , which location allows a user access to the adjustment feature  40  to control adjustment of the retention elements  31 ,  32 ,  33 . In a typical embodiment, the dimension adjustment feature  40  is operable to move rotationally, and comprises a handle  42 , which handle  42  is grasped by a user to rotate the dimension adjustment feature  40 . In an exemplary embodiment, a user may place a personal device  200 , such as a tablet, within the retention elements  31 ,  32 , and  33 . In a typical embodiment, the user rotates the dimension adjustment feature  40  to move the retention elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  inward such as, for example in a vertical direction, such that the retention elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  fit snuggly around the edges of the personal device  200 , as shown in  FIG. 3B . In a typical embodiment, the retention elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  are formed of a material that prevents damage to the personal device  200  when the personal device  200  is held by the retention elements  31 ,  32 , and  33 . For example, in some embodiments, the retention elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  comprise thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material or composite material. 
         [0050]      FIG. 4  illustrates a cut-away view of the molded enclosure  10  to show the inner workings of the retention system  30  within the molded enclosure  10 . The retention elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  are mounted to support pieces  402  and  404 . In a typical embodiment, the retention system  30  comprises a top support piece  402  and a bottom support piece  404 . The top and bottom support pieces  402  and  404  are operable to move vertically within the molded enclosure  10 , as shown by arrows  430 . In some embodiments, the top and bottom support pieces  402  and  404  move in opposite directions. That is, when the top support piece  402  is adjusted upward or away from the molded enclosure  10 , the bottom support piece  404  is moved downward and also away from the molded enclosure  10 . In other words, the top and bottom support pieces  402  and  404  may both move away from the molded enclosure  10  or toward the molded enclosure  10 . In other embodiments, however, one or more of the retention elements  31 ,  32 ,  33  and a corresponding one of the top and bottom support pieces  402  and  404  might be fixed, such that the adjustment only affects some of the retention elements, and their movements with respect to the fixed retention element(s) might allow for securement of the device. In some embodiments, one or more of the top and bottom support pieces  402  and  404  comprise teeth  412  and  414 , respectively, on at least a portion of their surface, which teeth  412  and  414  are operable to interact with teeth  410  located on an outer edge of the adjustment feature  40  such that the adjustment feature comprises a gear with teeth and the teeth of the support pieces interacts/intermeshes with the gear teeth  410 . For example, in various embodiments, a rack and pinion gear set might be formed to provide adjustment. Rotation of the adjustment feature  40  may cause the support pieces  402  and  404  to move vertically via the interaction of the teeth  410  of the adjustment feature with the teeth  412  and  414  of the top support piece  402  and the bottom support piece  404 . The top support piece  402  and the bottom support piece  404  are held in place with respect to one direction such as, for example, in a horizontal direction by guide bearings  420 , such that the only movement of the top and bottom support pieces  402  and  404  is in a single direction such as, for example, the vertical direction of  FIG. 4 . In some embodiments, the adjustment feature  40  comprises a locking element operable to hold the top and bottom support pieces  402  and  404  in a specific vertical position until the adjustment feature  40  is unlocked. In various embodiments, the locking element prevents the top and bottom support pieces  402  and  404  from moving. Therefore, the locking element also prevents the retention elements  31 ,  32  and  33 , from moving while a personal device is held by the retention elements  31 ,  32 , and  33 . In other embodiments, the adjustment feature  40  employs a resistance mechanism to securely hold a position such as, for example, when the device is seated and held by the retention elements. In some embodiments, the elements of the device retention system  30  may comprise thermoplastic material or composite material. 
         [0051]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of a mount button  14  such as, for example, the type of mount button shown in  FIG. 2  for mounting the mount plate to the seat back. The mount button  14  is attached to a molded mount bracket  502 , which bracket  502  connects the mount button  14  to the mount plate  12 .  FIG. 5B  illustrates how a mount button  5 B may attach to the seat back  210  (of  FIGS. 2A-2B ). A mount button receptacle  504  is integrated into, or attached onto, the seat back  210 . The mount button receptacle  504  comprises an aperture  506  which aperture may be similar to the apertures  211  and  212  of  FIGS. 2A-2B . The aperture  506  is shaped such that a head portion of the button  14  fits through a portion of the aperture  506  and then slides down and be held in place by a narrower portion of the aperture  506 , as illustrated by arrows  510 . For example, the aperture  506  might have a key hole shape which is larger toward the top and narrower toward the bottom. The larger portion of the aperture  506  provides clearance for insertion of the head portion, while the narrower (lower) portion of the aperture  506  is too narrow for the head portion to pull out but wide enough for the neck of the button to extend outward. Such a button/aperture design allows for removable attachment of the mount device  30  to the seat back  210 , with the removable attachment being quick and easy to secure, but also providing secure attachment to fix the mount onto device  30  to the seat back  210 . In a typical embodiment, the elements of the button receptacle  504  comprises thermoplastic material or composite material. 
         [0052]      FIG. 5C  illustrates a button receptacle  520  that is formed into a seat back  521  and includes a pivoting door to guard against finger pinch. The button receptacle  520  comprises a door  522  and pivot  524  mechanism, wherein the button  14  pushes the door  522  in the direction indicated by arrow  530  about the pivot  524  when the button  14  is inserted into the button receptacle  520 . In some embodiments, the door  522  comprises a spring  526  operable to bias the door  522  towards a closed position, such that when the button  14  is removed from the receptacle, the door  522  pivots back to the position shown in  FIG. 5C . In a typical embodiment, the elements of the button receptacle  520  may comprise thermoplastic material and/or composite material. 
         [0053]    Though not specifically illustrated, in various embodiments, the mount device  30  may be secured to the seat back  210  via, for example, rare Earth magnets. In such an embodiment, the mount plate  12  includes, for example, three rare Earth magnets. The rare Earth magnets may be attached to the mount plate  12  via, for example, a pressure sensitive adhesive. The mount plate  12  would be removably attached to the seat back  210  through an attraction force between the rare Earth magnets and, for example, a ferromagnetic material in the seat back  210 . In various embodiments, the mount device may be secured to the seat back via, for example, suction cups. In such an embodiment, the mount plate  12  includes, for example, three suction cups. The suction cups may be removably attached to the seat back  210  on a smooth area of the seat back  210 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 6  illustrates a cut-away view of a molded enclosure  610  of an alternative embodiment of a retention system  630 , to better show the inner workings of the retention system  630  within the molded enclosure  610 . The retention system  630  comprises retention elements  631 ,  632 , and  633 , which may be similar to retention elements  31 ,  32  and  33  described above. The retention elements  631 ,  632  and  633  are mounted to support pieces  602  and  604 . In some embodiments, the retention system  630  comprises a top support piece  602  and a bottom support piece  604 . In a typical embodiment, the support pieces  602  and  604  are operable to move vertically within the molded enclosure  610 , as shown by arrows  603  and  605 . In some embodiments, the support pieces  602  and  604  move in opposite directions, i.e. when the top support piece  602  is adjusted upward or away from the molded enclosure  610 , the bottom support piece  604  is moved downward and also away from the molded enclosure  610 . In other words, the support pieces  602  and  604  may both move away from the molded enclosure  610  or toward the molded enclosure  610 . In other embodiments, however, one or more of the retention elements and its support piece might be fixed, such that the adjustment only affects some of the retention elements, and their movements with respect to the fixed retention element(s) might allow for securement of the device. 
         [0055]    Still referring to  FIG. 6 , the movement of the support pieces  602  and  604  is controlled by one or more levers  640  operable to interact with one or both of the support pieces  602  and  604 . The levers  640  comprise bell crank style levers that, when pushed, rotate about a pivot  641 , wherein the pivot  641  may be fixed within the molded enclosure  610 . The motion of the lever  640  about the pivot  641  is utilized in many ways, one of which is to push or pull a component that is in contact with the lever. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , the movement of the lever(s)  640  may push the top support piece  602  upwards, or outward from the molded enclosure  610 , as indicated by arrow  603 . 
         [0056]    In some embodiments, the top support piece  602  is biased by one or more springs  650  in a downward direction, such that if the levers  640  are released, the top support piece  602  moves downward, or toward the molded enclosure  610 . Such a configuration ensures that any device mounted within the retention elements  631 ,  632 , and  633  is securely held until the lever(s)  640  are pressed to move the retention elements outward to release the device. In other embodiments, the direction of motion of the levers  640  or springs  650  may be different, wherein the springs  650  may bias one or both of the support pieces against the movement of the lever(s)  640 . In other words, when the lever(s)  640  are pushed, the lever(s)  640  may move the support piece(s) to compress the spring(s)  650 , and when the lever(s)  640  are released, the spring(s)  650  may bias the support piece(s) back to a resting position. In some embodiments, the levers  640  comprise rollers  642  that contact the top support piece  602 . In other embodiments, the rollers  642  are part of at least one of the support top support piece  602  and the bottom support piece  604 . 
         [0057]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the top support piece  602  comprises teeth  612  that interface with one or more round gear  620 , wherein the teeth  621  of the round gear(s)  620  interface with the linear teeth  612  of the top support piece  602 . In some embodiments, the gear(s)  620  and/or lever(s)  640  may be considered to be part of a dimension adjustment feature (similar to dimension adjustment feature  40  described above). Additionally, the bottom support piece  604  comprises teeth  614 , wherein the teeth  621  of the round gear  620  interfaces with the linear teeth  614  of the bottom support piece  604 . In other words, the gear  620  are typically located between the top support piece  602  and the bottom support piece  604  such that the gear  620  contacts the portion of the top support piece  602  and bottom support piece  604  having teeth). 
         [0058]    The round gear  620  rotate and provide a reverse motion of the top support piece  602  to the bottom support piece  604 . In other words, whenever the top support piece  602  is moving outwardly  603  such as, for example, when the top support piece  602  is moved by the lever  640 , the bottom support piece  604  is also moving outwardly but in an opposite direction  605 . For example, pressing the lever(s)  640  moves the top support piece  602  upward, while moving the bottom support piece  604  downward due to interaction with the gear  620 . In some embodiments, the movement of the bottom support piece  604  is guided by a guide bearing  615  (which might ensure linear motion along a specific path). 
         [0059]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , there are two round gears  620 . The bottom support piece  604  includes a vertical element  606  that extends along a line from a bottom of the molded enclosure  610  toward a top of the molded enclosure  610 , typically the vertical centerline, which has teeth  614  on either side and engages with a slot  607  the guide bearing  615  to fix motion of the support pieces  602  and  604  upward and downward. In other embodiments, the guide bearing  615  interacts with the top support piece  602 . Also, in  FIG. 6 , the top support piece  602  includes two wing portions  608  on its lower end/side, with a gap in between the wing portions  608 . Each wing portion  608  interacts with a lever  640  via, for example, contacting a roller  640 , and may have teeth  612  on an inner wing surface. The gap between the wing portions  608  are sized to fit the gears  620  and the vertical element  606  of the bottom support piece  604 , while also allowing movement of the bottom support piece  604  during use. 
         [0060]    This configuration allows movement for full extension of the retention elements  631 ,  632  and  633  to allow for installation and removal of a personal entertainment device and account for different device sizes. When a personal entertainment device is installed and the lever  640  released, the springs  650  bias the retention elements  631 ,  632 , and  633  against the edges of the personal entertainment device, and provide secure retention of the device. To remove the device, the lever(s)  640  are pushed to extend the support pieces  602  and  604  and therefore the retention elements  631 ,  632  and  633  (allowing removal of the device). 
         [0061]    In some embodiments, one or more of the thermoplastic elements might be formed simply of thermoplastic (e.g. the same thermoplastic material as the composite material) without any reinforcing fibers, but in other embodiments the elements might be molded with thermoplastic resin (e.g. the same thermoplastic material as the composite material) while having reinforcing fibers dispersed throughout the resin to provide additional strength. It should be noted, however, that any such fibers in thermoplastic resin during injection molding would not have the same precision of orientation and location as the weave of reinforcing fibers located in the composite material. 
         [0062]    In some embodiment, some or all of the composite material optionally used in the device mount assembly may be multi-layered (for example, formed of two or more layers of composite). This layering of composites may provide for additional structural support for the element. While some embodiments may require multi-layered composite support throughout the element, in other embodiments one or more layers of composite may be used for most of the element, with additional layer(s) used only in critical areas of the element requiring greater structural support. Typically, the multiple layers of composite may be securely affixed (for example, fused together, as by ultrasonic welding, thermal staking, thermal welding, consolidation, homogeneously affixed, or other such joining means). And in some embodiments, the multiple layers of composite may be oriented so that the reinforcing fibers of each layer are oriented differently. By altering the fiber orientation of the layers, the joint composite may provide additional strength in some embodiments. 
         [0063]    While various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosed herein have been shown and described above, modifications thereof may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the teachings of the disclosure. The embodiments described herein are representative only and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations, combinations, and modifications are possible and are within the scope of the disclosure. Alternative embodiments that result from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features of the embodiments) are also within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above, but is defined by the claims which follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. In the claims, any designation of a claim as depending from a range of claims (for example #-##) would indicate that the claim is a multiple dependent claim based of any claim in the range (e.g. dependent on claim # or claim ## or any claim therebetween). Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification and the claims are embodiment(s) of the present invention(s). Furthermore, any advantages and features described above may relate to specific embodiments, but shall not limit the application of such issued claims to processes and structures accomplishing any or all of the above advantages or having any or all of the above features. 
         [0064]    Additionally, the section headings used herein are provided for consistency with the suggestions under 37 C.F.R. 1.77 or to otherwise provide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure. Specifically and by way of example, although the headings might refer to a “Field,” the claims should not be limited by the language chosen under this heading to describe the so-called field. Further, a description of a technology in the “Background” is not to be construed as an admission that certain technology is prior art to any invention(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the “Summary” to be considered as a limiting characterization of the invention(s) set forth in issued claims. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to “invention” in the singular should not be used to argue that there is only a single point of novelty in this disclosure. Multiple inventions may be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claims issuing from this disclosure, and such claims accordingly define the invention(s), and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In all instances, the scope of the claims shall be considered on their own merits in light of this disclosure, but should not be constrained by the headings set forth herein. 
         [0065]    Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of. Use of the term “optionally,” “may,” “might,” “possibly,” and the like with respect to any element of an embodiment means that the element is not required, or alternatively, the element is required, both alternatives being within the scope of the embodiments). Also, references to examples are merely provided for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to be exclusive. 
         [0066]    While several embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The present examples are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention is not to be limited to the details given herein. For example, the various elements or components may be combined or integrated in another system or certain features may be omitted or not implemented. 
         [0067]    Also, techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods described and illustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, or methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other items shown or discussed as directly coupled or communicating with each other may be indirectly coupled or communicating through some interface, device, or intermediate component, whether electrically, mechanically, or otherwise. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein. 
         [0068]    Although various embodiments of the method and system of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Specification, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth herein. It is intended that the Specification and examples be considered as illustrative only.