Patent ID: 12247610

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of one or more embodiments are described below, the disclosed assemblies, systems and methods may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not yet in existence. The disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques described below, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

The following brief definition of terms shall apply throughout the application: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);If the specification describes something as “exemplary” or an “example,” it should be understood that refers to a non-exclusive example;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 field of the art;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 embodiment, or it may be excluded.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the figures, in which like numerals reflect like elements throughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any restrictive or limited way, simply because it is being utilized in conjunction with the detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may include several novel features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or which is essential to practicing the invention described herein.

Referring toFIGS.1-4, one embodiment of a magnetic-assisted suction cup (MASC) mounting assembly100is shown. Preferably, the MASC mounting assembly100comprises a retaining assembly102having a generally circular central frustoconical portion104having a planer upper surface104sand a plurality of uniformly spaced fingers106extending downwardly and radially from the lower end of the frustoconical portion104and defining an opening106obetween adjacent fingers106. In an alternate embodiment, the retaining assembly102may comprise a single finger106. Preferably, the retaining assembly102is made of a durable elastomeric polymer, as for example silicone, and molded into shape. The fingers106include a distal portion106dand a proximal portion106pjoined by a hinge106h. The hinge106hmay be a flex hinge formed in the molding process. The distal portion106dpreferably has a substantially smooth planer lower surface106s.

Preferably, the distal portion106dof each finger106includes one or more receptacles106rfor receiving a magnet107. The receptacles106rmay include a cover for enclosing the magnet107within the receptacle106r. A tab106tis preferably located at the distal end of each finger106.

The MASC mounting assembly100also preferably includes a suction cup108, a storage plate110, a suction pump112, and a pump bracket114. The suction cup108is received within the frustoconical portion104and the downward radially extending proximal portions106pof the fingers106. The suction cup108may include one or more lift tabs108tadjacent the outer perimeter or peripheral edge surface of the suction cup108. The lift tabs108tmay be used to pull up on the suction cup108to release the pressure or suction between the suction cup108and a surface to which it is attached. Preferably, the lift tabs108tare positioned within the openings106obetween adjacent fingers106for ease of access.

The storage plate110comprises a base110band a plurality of ears110e. The base110bis adapted to be positioned on the planer upper surface104sof the frustoconical portion104. The ears110epreferably extend upwardly and outwardly from the base110b. The ears110e, or at least a portion of the ears110e, are made of a ferromagnetic metal or include a ferromagnetic metal.

Preferably, the suction pump112includes a pump rod112r, check valve and tubular insert112t. The pump rod112ris pumped to draw a vacuum between the suction cup108and the surface to which it is attached or being attached. The tubular insert112tis in sealed engagement with the suction cup108. The suction pump112may be used to provide and maintain the vacuum between the suction cup108and the surface to which it is attached and the check valve allows repumping without the loss of remaining vacuum.

The pump bracket114secures the suction pump112in place. Fasteners114fmay be used to secure the MASC mounting assembly100together. As one example, a pair of fasteners114fmay extend through holes in the pump bracket114, storage plate110, upper surface104sof the frustoconical portion104, and into the suction cup108to secure the components together. It is to be understood that other fastening arrangements are possible and within the scope of the present invention. Additionally, the pump bracket114includes an accessory mount114madapted for the attachment of or to other devices as will be discussed in detail later. The accessory mount114mmay be a threaded member, such as a nut or stud, or a clamp device.

It is to be understood that the suction pump112is preferred, but optional, in an alternate embodiment of the MASC mounting assembly100.

As shown inFIGS.3and4, the number of ears110eof the storage plate110is preferably the same as the number of fingers106of the retaining assembly102. Referring toFIGS.1,2and4, the angle and placement of the ears110eof the storage plate110in the assembled condition of the MASC mounting assembly100is such that the upper end of the magnet receptacles106ris allowed to contact or be adjacent to the ears110ewhen the distal portion106dof the fingers106are rotated upwardly about the hinge106h. As shown inFIG.4, the distal portion106dof the fingers106will remain in this “parked” or raised position as a result of magnetic attraction between the magnets107and the ferromagnetic ears110e.

In a preferred embodiment, during the process of attaching the MASC mounting assembly100to a ferrous metal surface, the distal portion106dof the fingers106are in the “parked” position to allow for ease of movement in positioning the MASC mounting assembly100on the ferrous metal surface. With the suction cup108positioned at the desired location on the ferrous metal surface, the pump112may be used to draw a vacuum between the suction cup108and the ferrous metal surface. Alternatively, pressure may be applied to the suction cup108to sealingly engage the ferrous metal surface and create a vacuum therebetween in the event no pump is present. Once the vacuum is drawn, the distal portion106dof the fingers106are pulled away from the ears110eand partially rotated to the lowered position in which the magnets107surrounding the suction cup108are brought in proximity to and magnetically attached or attracted to the ferrous metal surface that the suction cup108is attached to. The steps may be reversed to remove the MASC mounting assembly100from the ferrous metal surface.

One of the aspects of the MASC mounting assembly100is the suction cup108with vacuum pump112in combination with securing assistance via the magnets107. It is known that suction cups108lose vacuum over time and need to be reinstalled or pumped to restore the vacuum for an additional period of time. The MASC mounting assembly100can be used to mount an object to a ferrous metal surface with the magnets107providing secondary and/or additional support to the suction cup108—whether the suction cup108is at full, partial or no vacuum. The MASC mounting assembly100has utility in many applications and markets that need additional support to suction-based mounting since suction can fail after some period of time.

It is to be understood that the MASC mounting assembly100may be used singly or in combination with one or more other MASC mounting assemblies100.

There are several other embodiments and variations of the MASC mounting assembly100. A few additional embodiments are shown inFIGS.5-10and described below. Many of the features of the additional embodiments of the MASC mounting assembly are the same or very similar to the features of the MASC mounting assembly100and such features are referred to by the same reference number. The following descriptions will primarily focus on the features, methods or principles that are modified, different or new with respect to the MASC mounting assembly100. It is to be understood that variations to the shown embodiments are contemplated by the inventors and within the scope of the present invention.

A second embodiment of the MASC mounting assembly, referred to generally as200, is shown inFIG.5. Preferably, the MASC mounting assembly200comprises a retaining assembly202having a generally circular central frustoconical portion204having a planer upper surface204sand a lower radially-extending circular ring204r. The circular ring204rincluding a plurality of spatially-separated hinged fingers206extending outwardly.

Preferably, the retaining assembly202is made of a durable elastomeric polymer, as for example silicone, and molded into shape. Each of the hinged fingers206has a magnet207connected to it, preferably to a lower surface of the hinged fingers206. Preferably, the hinged fingers206have a biased raised position in which the fingers206and the magnets207are above the remainder of the circular ring204ras shown inFIG.5.

The MASC mounting assembly200also includes a bracket114having an accessory mount114mand a suction cup (not shown) similar to the suction cup108shown inFIGS.1-4; however, preferably without the lift tabs108t. Alternatively, the retaining assembly202may comprise the suction cup. Optionally, the MASC mounting assembly200also includes a suction pump112. The suction cup is received within the frustoconical portion204. The pair of fasteners114fmay extend through holes in the bracket114, upper surface204sof the frustoconical portion204, and into the suction cup to secure the components together.

In a preferred embodiment, during the process of attaching the MASC mounting assembly200to a ferrous metal surface, the fingers206are in the biased raised position. With the suction cup positioned at the desired location on the ferrous metal surface, the pump112may be used to draw a vacuum between the suction cup and the ferrous metal surface. Alternatively, pressure may be applied to the suction cup to sealingly engage the ferrous metal surface and create a vacuum therebetween in the event no pump is present. Once the vacuum is drawn, the hinged fingers206are partially rotated or pivoted towards to a lowered position in which the magnets207surrounding the suction cup are brought in proximity to and magnetically attached or attracted to the ferrous metal surface that the suction cup is attached to. The steps may be reversed to remove the MASC mounting assembly200from the ferrous metal surface.

A third embodiment of the MASC mounting assembly, referred to generally as300, is shown inFIGS.6and7. Preferably, the MASC mounting assembly300utilizes a single ring magnet307that is embedded or attached to a retaining assembly302surrounding a suction cup (not shown). Alternatively, the retaining assembly302may comprise the suction cup. Alternatively, the retaining assembly302may be made of a magnetic elastomer in place of the ring magnet307. As discussed with previous embodiments, optionally the MASC mounting assembly300also includes a suction pump112. The suction cup is received within the frustoconical portion304. The pair of fasteners114fmay extend through holes in the bracket114, upper surface304sof the frustoconical portion304, and into the suction cup to secure the components together. In this embodiment, the ring magnet307is magnetically attracted to the ferrous surface upon placement of the MASC mounting assembly300on the ferrous surface.

A fourth embodiment of the MASC mounting assembly, referred to generally as400, is shown inFIG.8. Preferably, the MASC mounting assembly400utilizes a single magnet407that is attached to a suction cup408in a central upper receptacle408r. As discussed with previous embodiments, optionally the MASC mounting assembly400includes a suction pump112and a pair of fasteners114fmay extend through holes in the bracket114, and into the suction cup408to secure the components together. Upon placement of the MASC mounting assembly400on the ferrous surface, the central portion of the suction cup408with the magnet407is drawn and attached to the ferrous surface and then the pump112may be used to develop the vacuum between the suction cup408and the ferrous surface.

A fifth embodiment of the MASC mounting assembly, referred to generally as500, is shown inFIGS.9and10. Preferably, the MASC mounting assembly500utilizes a plurality of magnets507uniformly spaced in a circular pattern and attached to an upper retaining assembly502. The upper retaining assembly502includes a central opening502hfor receiving a central hub503having a plurality of exterior slanted grooves503gadapted to receive and cooperate with a plurality of follower members502fof the retaining assembly502. The retaining assembly502with magnets507is allowed to partially rotate relative to the suction cup508and central hub503. Preferably, the suction cup508includes a radially-extending ring508r.

Optionally the MASC mounting assembly500includes a suction pump112and a pair of fasteners114fmay extend through holes in a pump bracket514and the central hub503, and into the suction cup508to secure the components together.

When placing the MASC mounting assembly500on a ferrous surface, the retaining assembly502with magnets507is preferably in a raised position in which the magnets are not in contact with the suction cup508. This is accomplished by partially rotating the retaining assembly502relative to the central hub503in the counter-clockwise direction. Upon placement of the suction cup508in contact with the ferrous surface and drawing a vacuum therebetween, the retaining assembly502with magnets507is rotated in the clockwise direction to the lower position as shown inFIG.9with the magnets in contact with the suction cup508.

It is to be further understood that this invention has numerous applications that may not require one or more of the numerous features described below and such embodiments remain within the scope of the present invention.

NOMENCLATURE

magnetic-assisted suction cup (MASC) mounting assembly100retaining assembly102frustoconical portion104planer upper surface104sfingers106distal portion106dhinge106hopening106oproximal portion106preceptacles106rplaner lower surface106stab106tmagnet107suction cup108lift tabs108tstorage plate110base110bears110esuction pump112pump rod112rtubular insert112tpump bracket114fasteners114faccessory mount114mMASC mounting assembly200retaining assembly202frustoconical portion204circular ring204rplaner upper surface204shinged fingers206magnets207MASC mounting assembly300retaining assembly302frustoconical portion304upper surface304sring magnet307MASC mounting assembly400magnet407suction cup408upper receptacle408rMASC mounting assembly500retaining assembly502follower members502fcentral opening502hcentral hub503exterior slanted grooves503gmagnets507suction cup508radially-extending ring508rpump bracket514

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the size, shape and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrated construction, may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The present embodiment is, therefore, to be considered as merely illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

While the invention has been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood that modifications and alterations in the embodiments disclosed may be made by those practiced in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such modifications and alterations are intended to be covered. In addition, all publications cited herein are indicative of the level of skill in the art and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each had been individually incorporated by reference and fully set forth.