Patent ID: 12242909

DESCRIPTION

Mounts10for securing devices12to flexible objects16are disclosed herein and schematically represented inFIG.1. Generally, inFIG.1, elements that are likely to be included in a given example are illustrated in solid lines, while elements that are optional to a given example or that correspond to a specific example are illustrated in broken lines. However, elements that are illustrated in solid lines are not essential to all examples of the present disclosure, and an element shown in solid lines may be omitted from a particular example without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Examples of devices12include wireless (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth™, GPS) tracking devices (e.g., Apple AirTag™, Tile™, Samsung Galaxy SmartTag™, Chipolo One™, CubePro™, Orbit™, and Baseus™ branded tracking devices); and examples of flexible objects16include apparel, bags, backpacks, purses, blankets, etc. That said, mounts10are not required to be utilized exclusively with flexible objects, and mounts10also may be utilized with rigid objects, such as sporting goods, automobiles, computers, mobile computing devices, toys, etc. Functionally, mounts10maybe used to secure a tracking device to an object that a user desires to keep track of.

As schematically represented inFIG.1, mounts10comprise a flexible substrate14that is configured to be operatively coupled to a flexible object16, and a housing18that is coupled to the flexible substrate14. The housing18has an internal void20that is sized and shaped to receive a device12. A flexible substrate14is a sheet material that will conform, or at least partially conform, to a flexible object16when operatively coupled to the flexible object16. The flexible substrate14also may be described as a flexible flat plate14and/or as a flexible sheet material14. The flexible substrate14maybe described as having a first side36and a second side38that is opposite the first side36. In some examples and as schematically and optionally represented inFIG.1, the flexible substrate14comprises an adhesive-backed film22that comprises a base layer24, an adhesive26adhered to the base layer24, and a removable backing28that is removably adhered to the adhesive26. The base layer24defines the first side36, and the removable backing28maybe described as defining the second side38when still attached to the adhesive26, and with the adhesive becoming the second side38when the removable backing28is removed. Accordingly, in such examples, the mount10maybe operatively coupled to a flexible object16by removing the removable backing28and adhering the base layer24to the flexible object16with the adhesive26. Additionally or alternatively, the flexible substrate14maybe configured to be sewn to the flexible object16. For example, the flexible substrate14maybe constructed of fabric, comprise a fabric layer, or otherwise be constructed of a material that facilitates secure sewing of the flexible substrate14to a flexible object16(e.g., that is constructed of a fabric, leather, canvas, etc.).

As schematically represented inFIG.1, the housing18maybe described as defining a central axis19, such as that passes through the center of volume of the housing18and through the flexible substrate14. Accordingly, the housing18maybe described as having a greatest lateral housing dimension21that is transverse, or perpendicular, to the central axis19; and the flexible substrate14maybe described as having a greatest lateral substrate dimension23that is transverse, or perpendicular, to the central axis19. As schematically represented inFIG.1, the greatest lateral substrate dimension23is greater than the greatest lateral housing dimension21. In other words, the flexible substrate14extends away from the housing18. As a result, the flexible substrate14provides an operative surface area for operative attachment to a flexible object16. In some examples, the housing18is centered relative to the flexible substrate14, although this is not required in all examples, such as depending on the specific desired location for installation of a mount10on a flexible object16.

The flexible substrate14maybe coupled to the housing18in a variety manners, such that the housing18does not detrimentally detach from the flexible substrate14at least when the flexible substrate14is operatively coupled to a flexible object16. In other words, the operative coupling of the flexible substrate14to a flexible object16also operatively secures the housing18(and any device12held therein) to the flexible object16. In some examples, as schematically represented inFIG.1, the flexible substrate14defines an aperture30, and the housing18extends through the aperture30. In some such examples and as schematically represented inFIG.1, the housing18comprises a body32and a flange34that extends from the body32. As schematically represented inFIG.1, the body32extends through the aperture30, and the flange34engages the second side38of the flexible substrate14. In some examples, the flange34extends fully around the body32, while in other examples, the flange34may comprise a plurality of flange tabs40that are spaced-apart around the body32. Functionally, the flange34restricts the body32from passing completely through the aperture30of the flexible substrate14. That is, the flange34has a maximum lateral dimension42that is greater than a maximum lateral dimension62of the aperture30.

In some examples, the flange34is adhered to the second side38of the flexible substrate14. In some examples, the flange34is heat-sealed to the second side38of the flexible substrate14. In some examples, the flange34is welded to the second side38of the flexible substrate14.

In some examples, both the flange34and the body32are secured to the flexible substrate14. For example, as schematically and optionally represented inFIG.1, the body32may extend beyond the aperture30, such that the flexible substrate14extends and is secured between (e.g., is sandwiched between) the body32and the flange34. In some examples, the body32is welded to the first side36of the flexible substrate14opposite the flange34. In some examples, the flange34is welded to the second side38of the flexible substrate14.

In some examples, the flange34and the body32are monolithic. That is, they may be molded or otherwise constructed as a unitary, single piece of material. In other examples, the flange34and the body32maybe distinct structures that are coupled together. For example, the flange34maybe welded to the body32. In some examples, the flange34is welded to the body32with the flexible substrate14secured between the flange34and the body32.

In other examples, the flange34is not adhered or otherwise secured to the flexible substrate14, and the housing18is operatively retained with the flexible substrate14only when the flexible substrate14is operatively coupled to a flexible object16, with the flange34restricting the housing18from being removed from through the aperture30.

With continued reference toFIG.1, in some examples, the housing18further comprises a cover44that is removably coupled to the body32to permit for placement and removal of the device12in and from the internal void20. That said, a cover44is not required in all examples, and the housing18maybe configured to operatively retain a device12within the internal void20without the need of a cover44.

When present, the cover44maybe operatively and removably coupled to the body32using one or more of a variety of mechanisms. For example, the cover44maybe threadingly coupled to the body32. In other examples, the cover44has a snap-fit with the body32. Additionally or alternatively, the cover44maybe flexible and have a stretch fit with the body32. For example, the cover44maybe constructed of rubber, silicone, or other stretchable material. In some examples, as schematically represented inFIG.1, the cover44comprises a lip64that extends toward the central axis19, and the body32defines a channel66that is configured to mate with the lip64to operatively retain the cover44on the body32. In such examples, in which the cover44is flexible and has a stretch-fit with the body32, a user stretches the cover44to release the lip64from the channel66to remove the cover44, and stretches the cover44to mate the lip64with the channel66to attach the cover44.

In some examples, the body32is constructed of a material that is more rigid than a material from which the cover44is constructed.

In some examples, the cover44is hinged to the body32.

In some examples, as schematically represented inFIG.1, the cover44comprises a cover tab48that is sized to be engaged by a user's finger for operative removal of the cover44from the body32. For example, in examples in which the cover44is constructed of a stretchable material and has a stretch-fit with the body32, a user engages the cover tab48adjacent to the flexible substrate14and pulls the cover tab48, and thus the cover44, away from the flexible substrate14. In examples in which the cover44comprises a lip64, the pulling of the cover tab48causes the lip64to unseat, or unmate, from the channel66.

With continued reference toFIG.1, the housing18of some examples of mounts10defines a window46through which a device12maybe seen when the device12is operably received in the internal void20. Accordingly, in such examples, a user can readily determine if a device12is present within the housing without removing the cover44. In some such examples, as schematically represented inFIG.1, the window46is positioned on a lateral side50of the body32of the housing18, such as adjacent the flexible substrate14. In some examples, the cover44also may define the window46. Alternatively, in some examples, only the cover44comprises a window46for visually identifying the presence of a device12within the housing18.

In some examples and as schematically and optionally represented inFIG.1, the body32of the housing18defines a passage49, and the body32is configured to stretch to permit selective placement of the device12through the passage49and into the internal void20, such that the body32retains the device12within the internal void20. For example, the body32maybe constructed of rubber, silicone, or other stretchable material, so that the body32and the passage49are deformed when a device12is inserted through the passage49and then are biased back to a nominal configuration once the device12is operably received within the internal void20. In other words, a profile of the passage49maybe smaller than a profile of the device12. In some examples of mounts10that have a passage49, the housing18does not comprise a cover44, although in other examples, a cover44is included.

In some examples of mounts10, the housing18is configured to receive a device12in the internal void20in a friction-fit arrangement or a snap-fit arrangement. In some such examples and as schematically represented inFIG.1, the internal void20comprises a body-portion54that is defined by the body32, and the body32comprises a terminal lip56. In some such examples, the internal void20may extend beyond the terminal lip56, such as with an optional cover44also defining a portion of the internal void20. The body-portion54of the internal void20maybe described as having a maximum body-portion dimension58, while the terminal lip56defines an inside lip-dimension60that is less than the maximum body-portion dimension58. In such examples, the body32and in particular, the terminal lip56maybe constructed of a rigid but resilient material, such as a plastic, that deforms when a device12is pushed past the terminal lip56and returns toward a nominal configuration to retain the device12in a friction-fit or snap-fit arrangement. Such embodiments may or may not include an optional cover44. When provided, the optional cover44acts as a secondary mechanism to ensure that the device12is not inadvertently knocked or bumped out of the internal void20, such as a result of a force that otherwise would overcome the friction-fit or snap-fit arrangement between the device12and the body32.

With continued reference toFIG.1, in some examples of mounts10, the body32of the housing18defines an opening52that is sized to restrict passage of the device12through the opening52, and sized to permit a user's finger (and/or at least a portion of the flexible object16) to extend through the opening52, to the device12within the internal void20, to urge the device12out of the internal void20opposite the opening52. That is, unlike the optional passage49, described above, the optional opening52is configured to prevent a device12from passing through the opening52. In some examples, the opening52, while defined by the body32, also extends through the flexible substrate14. In examples where the housing18is configured to receive a device12in the internal void20in a friction-fit arrangement or a snap-fit arrangement, the optional opening52provides a way for a user to release the device from the friction-fit or snap-fit arrangement, such as by pushing on the device through the opening52to overcome the friction between the device12and the terminal lip56. If the mount10is operatively coupled to a flexible object16, the user urges the portion of the flexible object16that overlays the opening52into the opening52to engage the device12for removal thereof.

Turning now toFIGS.2-13, illustrative, non-exclusive examples of mounts10in the form of a mount100(FIGS.2-7) and a mount200(FIGS.8-13) are illustrated. Where appropriate, the reference numerals from the schematic illustration ofFIG.1are used to designate corresponding parts of mount100and mount200; however, the examples ofFIGS.2-13are non-exclusive and do not limit mounts10to the illustrated embodiments of mount100and mount200. That is, mounts10are not limited to the specific embodiments of the illustrated mount100and mount200, and mounts10may incorporate any number of the various aspects, configurations, characteristics, properties, etc. of mounts10that are illustrated in and discussed with reference to the schematic representations ofFIG.1and/or the embodiments ofFIGS.2-13, as well as variations thereof, without requiring the inclusion of all such aspects, configurations, characteristics, properties, etc. For the purpose of brevity, each previously discussed component, part, portion, aspect, region, etc., or variants thereof may not be discussed, illustrated, and/or labeled again with respect to mount100and mount200; however, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the previously discussed features, variants, etc. may be utilized with mount100and mount200.

With reference toFIGS.2-7, mount100is an example of a mount10whose flexible substrate14comprises an adhesive-backed film22and whose housing18comprises a body32, a flange34that extends from the body32, and a cover44that is removably coupled to the body32. In particular, the cover44is constructed of a stretchable material and is an example of a cover44that comprises a lip64that extends into a channel66defined by the body32, as seen in cross-section inFIG.7. As also best seen inFIG.7, mount100is an example of a mount10whose flexible substrate14extends and is secured between the body32and the flange34. In addition, in mount100, the body32and the flange34are sonically welded together at an interface adjacent to the flexible substrate14. As also perhaps best seen inFIG.7, the body32comprises a terminal lip56, such that a device12is received within the housing18in a snap-fit arrangement. In addition, the body32of mount100defines an opening52to permit a user to engage a device12within the housing18and urge the device out of the friction-fit arrangement when the cover44has been removed.

Turning now toFIGS.8-13, mount200is an example of a mount10whose flexible substrate14comprises an adhesive-backed film22and whose housing18comprises a body32and flange34that are monolithic and constructed of a stretchable material. The body32of mount200defines a passage49to permit stretching of the body32for selective placement of a device12within the internal void20. The flange34of mount200is adhered to the second side38of the flexible substrate14via the adhesive layer of the adhesive-backed film22and restricts removable of the housing18through the aperture30of the flexible substrate14. The housing18of mount200also defines an opening52to permit a user to push a device12through the passage49for removal of the device12from the internal void20.

Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of inventive subject matter according to the present disclosure are described in the following enumerated paragraphs:

A. A mount (10) for securing a device (12) to a flexible object (16), the mount (10) comprising:a flexible substrate (14) configured to be operatively coupled to the flexible object (16); anda housing (18) coupled to the flexible substrate (14) and having an internal void (20) that is sized to receive the device (12).

A1. The mount (10) of paragraph A, wherein the flexible substrate (14) comprises an adhesive-backed film (22) comprising a base layer (24), an adhesive (26) adhered to the base layer (24), and a removable backing (28) removably adhered to the adhesive (26).

A2. The mount (10) of any of paragraphs A-A1, wherein the flexible substrate (14) is configured to be sewn to the flexible object (16).

A3. The mount (10) of any of paragraphs A-A2, wherein the housing (18) defines a central axis (19), wherein the housing (18) has a greatest lateral housing dimension (21) transverse to the central axis (19), wherein the flexible substrate (14) has a greatest lateral substrate dimension (23) transverse to the central axis (19), and wherein the greatest lateral substrate dimension (23) is greater than the greatest lateral housing dimension (21).

A3.1. The mount (10) of paragraph A3, wherein the housing (18) is centered relative to the flexible substrate (14).

A4. The mount (10) of any of paragraphs A-A3.1, wherein the flexible substrate (14) defines an aperture (30), and wherein the housing (18) extends through the aperture (30).

A4.1. The mount (10) of paragraph A4, wherein the housing (18) comprises a body (32) and a flange (34) extending from the body (32), wherein the flexible substrate (14) has a first side (36) and a second side (38) opposite the first side (36), wherein the body (32) extends through the aperture (30), and wherein the flange (34) engages the second side (38) of the flexible substrate (14).

A4.1.1. The mount (10) of paragraph A4.1, wherein the flange (34) extends fully around the body (32).

A4.1.2. The mount (10) of paragraph A4.1, wherein the flange (34) comprises a plurality of flange tabs (40) spaced-apart around the body (32).

A4.1.3. The mount (10) of any of paragraphs A4.1-A4.1.2, wherein the flange (34) is adhered to the second side (38) of the flexible substrate (14).

A4.1.4. The mount (10) of any of paragraphs A4.1-A4.1.3, wherein the flange (34) is heat-sealed to the second side (38) of the flexible substrate (14).

A4.1.5. The mount (10) of any of paragraphs A4.1-A4.1.4, wherein the flange (34) is welded to the second side (38) of the flexible substrate (14).

A4.1.6. The mount (10) of any of paragraphs A4.1-A4.1.5, wherein the body (32) is welded to the first side (36) of the flexible substrate (14) opposite the flange (34).

A4.1.7. The mount (10) of any of paragraphs A4.1-A4.1.6, wherein the flexible substrate (14) is secured between the body (32) and the flange (34).

A4.1.8. The mount (10) of any of paragraphs A4.1-A4.1.2, wherein the flange (34) is not adhered to the flexible substrate (14).

A4.1.9. The mount (10) of any of paragraphs A4.1-A4.1.8, wherein the flange (34) and the body (32) are monolithic.

A4.1.10. The mount (10) of any of paragraphs A4.1-A4.1.8, wherein the flange (34) is coupled to the body (32).

A4.1.10.1. The mount (10) of paragraph A4.1.10, wherein the flange (34) is welded to the body (32).

A4.1.10.1.1. The mount (10) of paragraph A4.1.10.1, wherein the flange (34) is welded to the body (32) with the flexible substrate (14) secured between the flange (34) and the body (32).

A5. The mount (10) of any of paragraphs A-A4.1.10.1.1, wherein the housing (18) comprises a/the body (32) and a cover (44) removably coupled to the body (32) to permit for placement and removal of the device (12) in and from the internal void (20).

A5.1. The mount (10) of paragraph A5, wherein the cover (44) is threadingly coupled to the body (32).

A5.2. The mount (10) of paragraph A5, wherein the cover (44) has a snap-fit with the body (32).

A5.3. The mount (10) of paragraph A5, wherein the cover (44) is flexible and has a stretch-fit with the body (32).

A5.3.1. The mount (10) of paragraph A5.3, wherein the body (32) is more rigid than the cover (44).

A5.4. The mount (10) of paragraph A5, wherein the cover (44) is hinged to the body (32).

A5.5. The mount (10) of any of paragraphs A5.2-A5.4, wherein the cover (44) comprises a cover tab (48) that is sized to be engaged by a user's finger for operative removal of the cover (44) from the body (32).

A5.6. The mount (10) of any of paragraphs A5.2-A5.5, wherein the housing (18) defines a/the central axis (19), wherein the cover (44) comprises a lip (64) extending toward the central axis (19), and wherein the body (32) defines a channel (66) configured to mate with the lip (64) to operatively retain the cover (44) on the body (32).

A6. The mount (10) of any of paragraphs A-A5.6, wherein the housing (18) defines a window (46) through which the device (12) may be seen when the device (12) is operably received in the internal void (20).

A6.1. The mount (10) of paragraph A6, wherein the window (46) is positioned on a lateral side (50) of the housing (18).

A7. The mount (10) of any of paragraphs A-A6.1, wherein the housing (18) comprises a/the body (32), wherein the body (32) defines a passage (49), and wherein the body (32) is configured to stretch to permit for selective placement of the device (12) through the passage (49) and into the internal void (20), such that the body (32) retains the device (12) within the internal void (20).

A8. The mount (10) of any of paragraphs A-A7, wherein the housing (18) comprises a/the body (32), and wherein the body (32) defines an opening (52) sized to restrict passage of the device (12) through the opening (52), and sized to permit a/the user's finger to extend through the opening (52), to engage the device (12) within the internal void (20), to urge the device (12) out of the internal void (20) opposite the opening (52).

A8.1. The mount (10) of paragraph A8, wherein the opening (52) extends through the flexible substrate (14).

A9. The mount (10) of any of paragraphs A-A8.1, wherein the housing (18) is configured to receive the device (12) in the internal void (20) in a friction-fit arrangement or a snap-fit arrangement.

A9.1. The mount (10) of paragraph A9, wherein the housing18comprises a/the body (32), wherein the internal void (20) comprises a body-portion (54) defined by the body (32), wherein the body (32) comprises a terminal lip (56), wherein the body-portion (54) of the internal void (20) has a maximum body-portion dimension (58), and wherein the terminal lip (56) defines an inside lip-dimension (60) that is less than the maximum body-portion dimension (58).

A10. The mount (10) of any of paragraphs A-A9.1, wherein the device (12) is a tracking device.

A11. The mount (10) of any of paragraphs A-A10, wherein the flexible object (16) is an article of clothing or a bag.

A12. The mount (10) of any of paragraphs A-A11 in combination with the device (12).

A12.1. The combination of paragraph A12, wherein the device (12) is positioned within the internal void (20).

A13. The mount (10) or combination of any of paragraphs A-A12.1 in combination with the flexible object (16).

A14. An assembly (300), comprising:the mount (10) of any of paragraphs A-A11; andthe flexible object (16), wherein the mount (10) is operatively coupled to the flexible object (16).

A15. The assembly (300) of paragraph A14, further comprising the device (12) positioned within the internal void (20) of the housing (18).

As used herein, the terms “selective” and “selectively,” when modifying an action, movement, configuration, or other activity of one or more components or characteristics of an apparatus, mean that the specific action, movement, configuration, or other activity is a direct or indirect result of user manipulation of an aspect of, or one or more components of, the apparatus.

As used herein, the terms “adapted” and “configured” mean that the element, component, or other subject matter is designed and/or intended to perform a given function. Thus, the use of the terms “adapted” and “configured” should not be construed to mean that a given element, component, or other subject matter is simply “capable of” performing a given function but that the element, component, and/or other subject matter is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the function. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that elements, components, and/or other recited subject matter that is recited as being adapted to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being configured to perform that function, and vice versa. Similarly, subject matter that is recited as being configured to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being operative to perform that function.

As used herein, the term “and/or” placed between a first entity and a second entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entries listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same manner, i.e., “one or more” of the entities so conjoined. Other entities optionally may be present other than the entities specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B,” when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising,” may refer, in one example, to A only (optionally including entities other than B); in another example, to B only (optionally including entities other than A); in yet another example, to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities may refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values, and the like.

The various disclosed elements of apparatuses and steps of methods disclosed herein are not required to all apparatuses and methods according to the present disclosure, and the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements and steps disclosed herein. Moreover, one or more of the various elements and steps disclosed herein may define independent inventive subject matter that is separate and apart from the whole of a disclosed apparatus or method. Accordingly, such inventive subject matter is not required to be associated with the specific apparatuses and methods that are expressly disclosed herein, and such inventive subject matter may find utility in apparatuses and/or methods that are not expressly disclosed herein.