Patent ID: 12241583

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the embodiments of the invention is not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments but rather to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use this invention.

1. Mounting System

As shown inFIGS.1-6B, a mounting system100includes a device case110and a mount120. The device case110includes: an insert112including a rectangular bore114and defining a set of undercut sections116about the rectangular bore114; and a first set of magnetic elements118arranged in a first pattern about the rectangular bore114. The mount120includes: a body122; a polygonal boss124extending from the inner face123of the body122and configured to insert into the rectangular bore114of the device case110; a set of locking jaws126arranged on the polygonal boss124configured to transiently mate with the set of undercut sections116to constrain the polygonal boss124within the rectangular bore114; a second set of magnetic elements128arranged in a second pattern about the polygonal boss124and configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic elements118of the device case110to align the polygonal boss124with the rectangular bore114of the insert112of the device case110, to transiently retain the mount120against a rear face of the device case110, and to draw the set of locking jaws126toward the set of undercut sections116of the insert112; and a locking control130configured to trigger a subset of locking jaws126(e.g., one of two locking jaws126or both of two locking jaws126), in the set of locking jaws126, to decouple from a subset of undercut sections116, in the set of undercut sections116responsive to compression.

In one variation, as shown inFIGS.1-7, the mounting system100includes a device case110and a mount120. The device case110includes: an insert112comprising a rectangular bore114; and a first set of magnetic elements118arranged in a first pattern about the rectangular bore114. The mount120includes: a body122; a polygonal boss124extending from an inner face123of the body122, configured to insert into the rectangular bore114, and configured to constrain the mount120in rotation about the device case110; a second set of magnetic elements128arranged in a second pattern about the polygonal boss124and configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic elements118of the device case110to align the polygonal boss124with the rectangular bore114of the insert112of the device case110and to transiently retain the mount120against a rear face of the device case110. In this variation, the mount120further includes a charging element150: housed within the body122; inset from the second set of magnetic elements128; and configured to inductively charge a device installed within the device case110.

In one variation, as shown inFIGS.1-6B, the mounting system100includes: a device case110; a first mount120; and a second mount120. The device case110includes: an insert112comprising a rectangular bore114; and a first set of magnetic elements118arranged in a first pattern about the rectangular bore114. The first mount120includes: a first body122; a first polygonal boss124extending from a first inner face123of the first body122and configured to insert into the rectangular bore114; a second set of magnetic elements128arranged in a second pattern about the first polygonal boss124and configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic elements118of the device case110to retain the first polygonal boss124with the insert112of the device case110; and a first backing coupled to the first body122opposite the first polygonal boss124configured to affix the first mount120to a first surface. The second mount120includes: a second body122; second polygonal boss124extending from a second inner face123of the second body122and configured to insert into the rectangular bore114; a third set of magnetic elements arranged in a third pattern about the second polygonal boss124and configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic elements118of the device case110to retain the second polygonal boss124with the insert112of the device case110; and a second backing couple to the second body122opposite the second polygonal boss124configured to affix the second mount120to a wallet.

2. Applications

Generally, the mounting system100includes a device case110and a mount120configured to transiently engage and retain the device case110. The device case110includes: an insert112defining a set of undercut sections116arranged about a rectangular bore114and configured to receive a set of locking jaws126from the mount120; a first set of magnetic elements118arranged about the rectangular bore114and positioned to guide the device case110into a locking arrangement with a mount120; all of which cooperate with features of the mount120to enable a user to quickly locate and passively lock (e.g., without manually screwing, tightening, etc.) the device case110onto the mount120with a single hand and in a single motion. More specifically, the mount120includes: a second set of magnetic elements128configured to transiently magnetically couple to the first set of magnetic elements118of the device case110; and a set of sprung mechanical jaws126configured to cooperate with the set of undercut sections116to constrain rotation of the device case110relative the mount120in order to—complementary to the magnetic locking force between the first set of magnetic elements118and the second set of magnetic elements128—mechanically secure the device case110to the mount120without necessitating manual tightening or locking by the user.

For example, the insert112can be formed of a rigid, substantially non-conductive material (e.g., a non-magnetic ceramic) to define a thin structure (e.g., three millimeters or less) that is (or can be) integrated into a backing plate of a mobile device case110. The insert112also includes: a rectangular bore114that defines a set of undercut sections116about the rectangular bore114; and a first set of magnetic elements118(e.g., neodymium magnets, ceramic magnets, ferrite magnets, electromagnets, ferrous elements, correlated magnets) arranged about the rectangular bore114in a first pattern with rotational symmetry of order “four.” The mount120can include a second set of magnetic elements128in a similar pattern and configured to magnetically couple to the first set of magnetic elements118in the device case110in order to draw the device case110toward the mount120while orienting the device case110relative to the mount120in one of four orientations (e.g., portrait, landscape, portrait-inverted, landscape-inverted). The mount120also includes a set of locking jaws126inset from the magnetic elements, configured to engage the undercut sections116of the device case110, and sprung in order to apply a lateral force against the undercut sections116and thus mechanically retain the device case110against the mount120. Furthermore, the first set of magnetic elements118of the insert112and the second set of magnetic elements128of the mount120are sized to yield a magnetic force that: orients the insert112relative to the mount120to align undercut sections116of the insert112to the set of locking jaws126of the mount120; engages the undercut sections116of the insert112against inclined surfaces on the set of locking jaws126; and draws the insert112toward the mount120to drive the inclined surfaces on the set of locking jaws126along the undercut sections116, thereby overcoming a spring force on the set of locking jaws126and displacing the set of locking jaws126around and behind the undercut sections116. A spring element inside the mount120then drives set of locking jaws126outwardly behind the undercut sections116to engage and mechanically retain the insert112—and thus the device case110.

Therefore, the mounting system100can enable a user to locate the device case110near the mount120, orient the device case110relative to the mount120, and mechanically (i.e., robustly) latch the device case110to the mount120with a single hand and in a single motion.

Furthermore, in one variation, the mount120can include an ejector configured to simultaneously release the set of locking jaws126from adjacent undercut sections116and to lift or pivot a portion of the insert112off of the mount120, thereby: separating a first set of magnetic elements118in the insert112from adjacent magnetic elements in the mount120; reducing magnetic coupling (or a “magnetic holding force”) between the insert112and the mount120; and enabling manual retrieval of the device case110from the mount120. For example, the ejector can include a lever or pushbutton extending laterally from the mount120such that the ejector is immediately accessible to a user's forefinger when the user grasps a mobile device coupled to the device case110, thereby enabling the user to access the ejector, trigger the ejector to disengage the mount120from the device case110, and remove the mobile device and device case110from the mount120in a single motion, with a single hand, and without looking directly at the mounting system100.

The device case110can interface with a suite of mounts120assembled in various configurations and configured to affix to various object or surface types, such as: a vehicle air vent; a vehicle dashboard; a bicycle frame; bicycle or motorcycle handlebars; a stroller; a golf cart; a wall; a desk; a table; an armband; a belt; a waistband; a wallet; or a tripod. Therefore, a user may: install a suite of such mounts120in common mobile device locations; install her smartphone (or tablet or other mobile device) in the mounts120; and thus seamlessly transition her smartphone between these mounts120in these common mobile device locations.

3. Example Applications

In one example, a user may: acquire an instance of the device case110; install her smartphone in the device case110; acquire a set of mounts120—such as in multiple configurations and/or with the same or different emplacement mechanisms140; and install or locate these instances of the mount120in various home, office, vehicle, and personal spaces (e.g., in her personal vehicle, over a food preparation area in her kitchen, on handlebars of her bicycle, on her office desk, on her nightstand, on her messenger bag, with her workout gear). During various activities or actions (e.g., driving, cooking, cycling, working, sleeping, traveling, exercising), the user may place the device case110on a nearby or corresponding mount120in order to reliably and robustly locate her mobile device in the user's preferred mobile device orientation (e.g., portrait, landscape) for this activity or action.

In this example, the user may—upon leaving work at the end of the day—bring the device case110near the mount120affixed to the strap of her messenger bag strap until the first set of magnetic elements118: engages with the magnetic elements of the mount120to automatically align the undercut sections116of her device case110to the set of locking jaws126of her bag-strap mount120(e.g., in a portrait orientation in line with the bag strap); and drives the locking jaws of the mount120into the rectangular bore114of the device case110to fully lock the mobile phone in place. Upon feeling the locking jaws automatically click shut—securing the mobile phone to the mount120—the user may let go of the mobile phone and walk confidently to a nearby networking event where she can then reach with one hand to remove the phone from the bag-strap mount120by feeling behind the device case110to engage the ejector with one finger while simultaneously pulling the device case110off of the bag-strap mount120. The user may then orient her phone to landscape mode; write her name in a drawing app; and snap her phone back into her bag-strap mount120—the phone in landscape mode—to use her mobile phone as a name-tag during the event.

Later, the user may walk to her bicycle; remove her mobile phone from her bag-strap mount120; and place her mobile phone onto her bicycle's handlebar mount120, where the device case110can automatically align to the magnetic elements of the bicycle mount120and automatically lock into place with the locking jaws of the bicycle mount120. Upon arriving home, the user may: remove the mobile phone from the bicycle mount120with one hand; walk into her apartment; bring up a recipe for her dinner on her mobile phone; and place her mobile phone onto her wall mount120in her kitchen. The user may then remove the mobile phone from her wall mount120and place her larger tablet mobile device—also equipped with tablet case including an insert112and a first set of magnetic elements118—onto the same wall mount120such that the first set of magnetic elements118of the tablet case engage with the magnetic elements of the wall mount120to automatically align the tablet into a landscape orientation and automatically lock that tablet in place with the set of locking jaws126. The user may then watch a video playing on the larger tablet mobile device locked into the wall mount120and—when the video is finished—engage an ejector extension integrated into the tablet case to mechanically actuate the ejector of the wall mount120to remove the tablet mobile device with a single motion and a single hand.

The user may then: place the mobile phone on her vehicle mount120as she drives to the store; remove the mobile phone from her vehicle mount120; attach her mobile phone to her armband mount120as she shops; remove her mobile phone from her armband to wave her mobile phone at a touchless payment kiosk to enable a financial transaction via her mobile phone; and replace the mobile phone onto her armband mount120all while using only one hand.

4. Device Case

The mounting system100includes a device case110configured to accept and retain a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a smartwatch). Generally, the device case110includes: an insert112integrated into the device case110and defining a rectangular bore114; and a first set of magnetic elements118arranged about the rectangular bore114configured to transiently couple to a second set of magnetic elements128of a mount120. The device case110can be configured to accept and retain the mobile device within a cavity on an interior face of the device case110and retain a boss of the mount120within the rectangular bore114on an exterior face of the device case110, such that a user may couple her mobile device, within the device case110, to the mount120in order to affix her mobile device to a particular surface and continue viewing and/or interacting with a display of the mobile device.

In one implementation, the device case110includes a polymer housing configured to accept and retain the mobile device and a non-polymer insert112configured to transiently couple with a mount120. The device case110can be machined such that the non-polymer insert112is securely attached to the polymer housing, such that the insert112can support both the polymer housing and a mobile device retained within the polymer housing when coupled to a mount120. For example, the device case110can be machined via bonding the non-polymer insert112to the polymer housing. In another example, the device case110can be machined via press-fitting the insert112into the polymer housing.

4.1 Insert

As shown inFIGS.4A and4B, the device case110includes an insert112configured to couple the device case110with the mount120. The insert112includes a rectangular bore114configured to accept the polygonal boss124of the mount120and defines a set of undercut sections116about the rectangular bore114. Generally, the insert112can be formed of a rigid non-magnetic material, such as machined titanium, sintered ceramic, or tungsten carbide. In one implementation, the insert112includes a rigid plate formed of a substantially non-magnetic (e.g., non-conductive) material (e.g., a non-magnetic ceramic, aluminum, alumina, titanium, carbon fiber, fiberglass, polymers, reinforced polymers, composites, etc.). The insert112can include this rigid plate in order to enable coupling of the insert112to the mount120while supporting both the device case110and a mobile device retained within the device case110. In one implementation, the device case110includes: a polymer housing configured to accept and retain the mobile device; and an insert112including a ceramic structure (e.g., a ceramic rigid plate). Further, by including an insert112of a non-magnetic material, the first set of magnetic elements118of the device case110can couple to the second set of magnetic elements128of the mount120without interference by the insert112, thus enabling the insert112to properly align with the mount120(e.g., the polygonal boss124of the mount120).

The insert112defines an outer surface—configured to mate with the mount120—that is substantially flush with a back surface of the device case110. For example, the device case110can define a thickness of a back surface of the device case110, the back surface defining an inner wall configured to couple with a mobile device and an outer wall opposite the inner wall. The insert112can be configured such that the outer surface of the insert112falls within a threshold distance of the inner wall of the back surface of the device case110corresponding to the thickness of the back surface. In this example, the user may remove her mobile phone—housed within the device case110—from her pocket in a single swift motion without the device case110and/or insert112snagging on fabric in her pocket. In one variation, the insert112defines a thickness approximating a thickness of the back surface of the device case110(e.g., less than three millimeters, less than five millimeters, etc.). In this variation, the device case110can exhibit a consistent thickness across the back surface—including across an area corresponding to the insert112—while the insert112is sufficiently strong to couple to the mount120and support a mobile device housed within the device case110.

4.1.1 Undercut Sections of the Insert

The insert112also defines a rectangular bore114(or recess, cavity, etc.) that forms a set of undercut sections116. Each undercut section defines an undercut bevel that forms an angle offset from the insert112(e.g., 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees). Generally, the set of undercut sections116can be configured to engage locking jaws of the mount120in order to mechanically retain the insert112—and therefore the device case110contained therein—to the mount120.

In one implementation, the rectangular bore114exhibits rotational symmetry of order four (i.e., is symmetric about a horizontal axis, a vertical axis, and orthogonal diagonal axes) such that rectangular bore114sof the insert112can set over locking jaws of the mount120in four discrete, 90-degree-offset orientations, such as including portrait, landscape, portrait-inverted, and landscape-inverted orientations. For example, the rectangular bore114can define a square opening with filleted (i.e., internally-radiused) corners to form a “superellipse” or “squircle.”

In another implementation, the rectangular bore114can exhibit a rectangular, hexagonal, circular, or other geometry—such as with stops or locating features—characterized by a limited number of rotation orders of symmetry that enable the rectangular bore114to be set around the locking jaws of the mount120in a small number of discrete orientations, such as landscape and portrait orientations parallel to primary axes of a display of a mobile device installed in the device case110.

4.2 Magnetic Elements of the Device Case

The device case110can include a first set of magnetic elements118(e.g., a set of four magnetic elements or Halbach arrays) arranged in a pattern—relative to the rectangular bore114of the insert112. Furthermore, the pattern of first set of magnetic elements118in the device case110can be substantially identical to a pattern of a second set of magnetic elements128(e.g., passive magnetics/ferrous elements, active magnetics/first set of magnetic elements118, etc.) within the mount120such that the first set of magnetic elements118in the device case110magnetically couple to the second set of magnetic elements128in the mount120in each of the orientations supported by the rectangular bore114of the insert112and a polygonal boss124of the mount120.

Generally, the first set of magnetic elements118can apply a magnetic force to the set of magnetic elements on the mount120to automatically align the device case110to a nearest orientation relative to the mount120when the device case110is brought near the mount120. For example, the first set of magnetic elements118can apply a magnetic force to the magnetic elements of the mount120to align the set of undercut sections116of the rectangular bore114of the device case110to the set of locking jaws126of the mount120to drive the set of locking jaws126into the rectangular bore114, thereby enabling the locking jaws to mechanically engage the undercut sections116and thus retain the device case110against the mount120.

In one implementation shown inFIGS.1,3A,4A, and4B, the insert112defines a square external section with chamfered corners and is molded, bonded, or mechanically fastened to an opening in the back side of the device case110. In this implementation, a first set of magnetic elements118are molded or bonded into the back side of the device case110proximal and offset from each chamfered corner of the insert112such that the insert112minimally interferes with (e.g., minimally shields) a magnetic field of these first set of magnetic elements118. Alternatively, the insert112can be formed of a non-conductive material (e.g., non-magnetic)—such as a cast, machined, or sintered ceramic—and first set of magnetic elements118can be potted or bonded into bores across the insert112(or across an inner face of the insert112). In another alternative, the first set of magnetic elements118can be overmolded in the case (e.g., coplanar with the case).

In one implementation, the first set of magnetic elements118can include a single magnetic element embedded within one side of the insert112. The single magnetic element can engage with a single magnetic element positioned on a first side of a mount120, the first side including an operable locking jaw. The single magnetic element can define a substantially rectangular profile and extend the length of the first side of the mount120to magnetically couple with a similarly sized magnetic element in the first side, such that the single magnetic element can apply a magnetic force along the entirety of the first side of the mount120to fix the device case110to the mount120. In another implementation, the single magnetic element can engage with each of a set of magnetic elements of the mount120, such that the device case110can affix to the mount120in multiple orientations. By including a single magnetic element instead of multiple magnetic elements, a manufacturer can produce the device case110with fewer parts (e.g., fewer magnets), fewer production costs (e.g., material costs for the magnets, assembly stations), and fewer steps (e.g., placing additional magnets, orienting each additional magnet according to polarity).

In another implementation, the first set of magnetic elements118can include two magnetic elements118embedded within the insert112. The two magnetic elements118can be arranged within undercut sections116on opposite sides of the insert112(or on adjacent sides of the insert112) to engage with two magnetic elements128in a complementary arrangement on the mount120. The two magnetic elements118can further define a set of device case110orientations with respect to the mount120by defining a second magnetic anchor point for each orientation. In yet another implementation, the first set of magnetic elements118can include four magnets embedded at each corner of an insert112forming a rounded square to apply a magnetic force at each corner of the insert112to reduce jostling and vibration of the device case110.

In one example, the first set of magnetic elements118can include a set of linear Halbach arrays (e.g., wherein each magnet in each linear Halbach array exhibits a polarity distinct from any adjacent magnet in the array to nearly cancel the magnetic field on a first side and to amplify the magnetic field on a side opposite the first side) arranged around the inner bore. The amplified magnetic field can increase magnetic coupling of the first set of magnetic elements118with the magnetic elements in the mount120while reducing magnetic interference with the mobile phone.

In one variation, the device case110(or the mount120) includes a set of electromagnets in place of the first set of magnetic elements118(or in place of the set of magnetic elements) described above. In this variation, the device case110(or the mount120) can selectively activate the set of electromagnets responsive to detected proximity of the mount120(or vice versa) in order to guide the device case110onto the mount120and otherwise remain inactive, such as to avoid interfering with items susceptible to magnetic interference (e.g., magnetic strips on credit cards, hotel keycards). In another implementation, the device case110can deactivate the electromagnets responsive to electrical contact between the insert112and the mount120in order to avoid interference with wireless charging while the device case110is docked in the mount120proximal or including a wireless charging circuit.

5. Mount

The mount120includes: the body122including the inner face123configured to mate with a rear face of the device case110; a polygonal boss124extending from the inner face123of the body122and configured to insert into the rectangular bore114of the device case110; a set of locking jaws126arranged on the polygonal boss124and configured to transiently mate with the set of undercut sections116of the insert112of the device case110; and a second set of magnetic elements128arranged about the polygonal boss124in a second pattern and configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic elements118of the device case110to align the polygonal boss124with the rectangular bore114of the insert112of the device case110, to transiently retain the mount120against a rear face of the device case110, and to drive the set of locking jaws126toward the set of undercut sections116of the insert112.

The mount120can also include a spring configured to drive the set of locking jaws126into a closed position to mechanically engage the (subset of) undercut sections116and thus transiently retain the mount120against the rear face of the device case110. The mount120can further include a locking control130manually operable to release all or a subset of the locking jaws from adjacent undercut sections116in the insert112.

The mount120can be assembled in multiple configurations, as further described below. For example, a mount120in a first configuration can be configured to mount a device to a bicycle handlebar. Alternatively, a mount120in a second configuration can be configured to mount a device to a wall.

5.1 Polygonal Boss

The mount120includes a polygonal boss124extending from the inner face123of the body122of the mount120and configured to insert into the rectangular bore114of the device case110. The polygonal boss124can be configured to fit into the rectangular bore114to couple the mount120with the device case110and thus constrain movement of the polygonal boss124within a plane defined by the polygonal boss124relative to the device case110and constrain rotation of the mount120relative to the device case110.

In one implementation, the mount120includes the polygonal boss124defining a square cross-section with radiused corners. In this implementation, the device case110can include the insert112defining the rectangular bore114defining a square frustrum tapering inwardly toward the rear face of the device case110and comprising radiused corners. The polygonal boss124with square cross-section and radiused corners can therefore insert into the rectangular bore114defining the square frustrum to couple the device case110with the mount120.

In one variation, the mount120includes an elastic guard125arranged about the polygonal boss124and configured to abut surfaces of the polygonal boss124to surfaces of the insert112(in order to stabilize the polygonal boss124within the insert112. By abutting surfaces of the polygonal boss124and the insert112and thus eliminating gaps between these surfaces, the elastic guard125can prevent wear and tear on the polygonal boss124and the insert112by limiting movement (e.g., rattle) of the polygonal boss124and the insert112when coupled and limiting grinding of the polygonal boss124and insert112against one another. Further, the elastic guard125can limit noise generated by movement of the polygonal boss124within the insert112. For example, the mount120can include a rubber guard arranged about a perimeter of the polygonal boss124configured to fill any gaps between the polygonal boss124of the mount120and the insert112of the device case110when the mount120and device case110are coupled. When a user couples her mobile device to a mount120in her car, the rubber guard125around the polygonal boss124can prevent noise generation caused by the polygonal boss124rattling within the rectangular bore114of the insert112while the user drives her car. In another example, the mount120includes a rubber landing pad arranged about the polygonal boss on the inner face123of the body122configured to abut surfaces of the polygonal boss124and the inner face123of the body122to surfaces of the device case110, including surfaces of the insert112.

5.1.1 Square Boss

In one implementation, the mount120includes a polygonal boss124defining a square cross-section with radiused corners. In this implementation, the device case110can include an insert112defining a rectangular bore114defining a square frustrum including radiused corners. The polygonal boss124with square cross-section (or “square boss”) can be configured to define a cross-sectional area approximately equivalent or slightly less than a cross-sectional area of an outer face of the rectangular bore114of the insert112, the outer face bordered by a lip of the rectangular bore114and corresponding to a smallest cross-section of the rectangular bore114, such that the square boss can insert into and fit within the rectangular bore114with minimal gaps between the square boss and the outer face of the rectangular bore114. The square boss can therefore insert into the rectangular bore114defining the square frustrum to couple the device case110with the mount120and constrain rotation of the device relative to the mount120. This square boss can constrain rotation of the mount120relative to the device case110when inserted into the rectangular bore114of the insert112of the device case110. However, the square boss does not constrain lateral translation of the mount120outward from the device case110. Therefore, in one configuration, the mount120includes a set of locking jaws126arranged on the square boss in order to constrain lateral translation of the mount120outward from the device case110.

5.1.2 Octagonal Boss

In one implementation, the mount120includes a polygonal boss124defining an octagonal cross-section. In this implementation, the device case110can include an insert112defining the rectangular bore114defining a square frustrum tapering inwardly toward the rear face of the device case110, such that the insert112defines a set of undercut sections116about the rectangular bore114. The polygonal boss124with octagonal cross-section (or “octagonal boss”) can: be configured to insert into the rectangular bore114of the insert112of the device case110in a first orientation and rotate to a second orientation to lock the octagonal boss within the rectangular bore114; define a set of non-beveled faces (e.g., 4 non-beveled faces) approximately perpendicular to the device case110; and define a set of beveled faces (e.g., 4 beveled faces) configured to mate with the set of undercut sections116about the rectangular bore114when the octagonal boss is in the second orientation. Therefore, when inserted into the rectangular bore114of the device case110, the octagonal boss can constrain the mount120in translation relative to the device case110.

For example, a mount120can include an octagonal boss defining eight faces about the octagonal boss, these eight faces including four non-beveled faces and four beveled-faces, each beveled face bordering two non-beveled faces and visa versa. A user may align her mobile phone housed within a device case110with the mount120to insert the octagonal boss of the mount120into the rectangular bore114of the insert112of the device case110in the first orientation, such that the four non-beveled faces of the octagonal boss approximately align with a lip of the rectangular bore114and the non-beveled faces of the octagonal boss are arranged in corners of the rectangular bore114. Then, to lock the polygonal boss124into the rectangular bore114, the user may turn her mobile phone 45-degrees (e.g., clockwise) to orient the octagonal boss in the second orientation such that the four non-beveled faces of the octagonal boss are arranged in corners of the rectangular bore114and the four beveled-faces mate with the set of undercut sections116of the rectangular bore114.

Further, the second set of magnetic elements128in the mount120arranged about the octagonal boss can couple to the first set of magnetic elements118in the device case110to further lock the octagonal boss within the rectangular bore114. For example, the mount120can be configured such that the second set of magnetic elements128in the mount120magnetically couple with the first set of magnetic elements118in the device case110upon rotating the octagonal boss into the second configuration. Therefore, when the user rotates the octagonal boss from the first orientation to the second orientation, the user may feel the magnetic pull between the sets of magnetic elements in the device case110and the mount120and thus receive feedback that the device case110is securely coupled to the mount120. Magnetic forces between the first and second set of magnetic elements128may also assist the user in rotating the octagonal boss from the first orientation toward the second orientation. For example, once the user has inserted the octagonal boss of the mount120into the rectangular bore114of the insert112of the device case110in the first orientation, the second set of magnetic elements128in the mount120can cooperate with the first set of magnetic elements118in the device case110to drive the octagonal boss toward the second orientation.

5.2 Magnetic Elements in the Mount

The mount120can include a set of magnetic elements arranged about the polygonal boss124(e.g., within the body122)—arranged in a pattern corresponding to the pattern of the first set of magnetic elements118in the device case110—configured to magnetically couple to the first set of magnetic elements118in the device case110. Generally, the second set of magnetic elements128can cooperate with the first set of magnetic elements118to: align the polygonal boss124with the rectangular bore114of the insert112; align the set of locking jaws126with the set of undercut sections116in the rectangular bore114, and engage the set of undercut sections116against the set of locking jaws126to transiently transition the set of locking jaws126into the open position and displace the set of locking jaws126around the set of undercut sections116. In particular, the second set of magnetic elements128magnetically couple with the first set of magnetic elements118to engage the set of locking jaws126into a closed (locked) position, such that the device case110is fixed to the mount120via complementary mechanical and magnetic forces.

5.2.1 Ejector

In one variation, the mount120can include an ejector operable in a retracted position and an advanced position and configured to transiently engage surfaces of the insert112in the advanced position to drive a portion of the device case110away from the mount120. The ejector can transition from the retracted position to the advanced position to elevate surfaces of the insert112away from surfaces of the mount120to separate a first subset of magnetic elements—in the first set of magnetic elements118—from a second subset of magnetic elements—in the second set of magnetic elements128—to a first magnetic separation distance defining a disengagement configuration of the mounting system100. In one implementation, the ejector—in the advanced position—can trigger separation of the device case110from the mount120to a first magnetic separation distance defined by the strength of the magnetic force between the first subset of magnetic elements and the second subset of magnetic elements (e.g., a distance at which the magnetic force is equal to less than 50% of the maximum magnetic force at the retracted position).

In one implementation, the ejector can include a user interface (e.g., a lever, paddle) actuatable in a direction orthogonal to a plane defined by the insert112and the mount120surface (e.g., in the same direction that the device case110disengages from the mount120). For example, the user may—using a single motion—actuate an ejector lever from the retracted position toward the device case110into the advanced position to simultaneously eject and remove the device case110.

In one implementation, the ejector can define a lever extending beyond a perimeter defined by the device case110, such that the user may visually locate the ejector from the front of the device case110. In another implementation, the ejector (and/or locking control130) can extend to a distance less than the perimeter defined by the device case110and engage with an ejector extension that—when coupled to the ejector—extends beyond the perimeter defined by the device case110.

5.2 Locking Jaws

Generally, the set of locking jaws126can be operable in a closed position and an open position. In particular, the set of locking jaws126can interface with a set of undercut sections116of the insert112to mechanically secure the device case110to the mount120. In particular, the set of locking jaws126can actuate via a spring mechanism configured to drive the set of locking jaws126into the closed position to latch the set of locking jaws126against the set of undercut sections116to retain the insert112proximal the mount120surface. In one implementation, the set of locking jaws126can actuate via a locking control130to drive the set of locking jaws126into the open position to release the set of locking jaws126from the set of undercut sections116to remove the insert112from the mount120surface.

5.2.1 Jaw Geometry

In one implementation, a locking jaw can pivot about a pivot axis (e.g., a pin) in the mount120to maneuver a curved hook section of the locking jaw around an undercut section to engage a flat face of the curved hook section with the undercut section. The flat face of the curved hook section can—when the locking jaw is in the closed position—define a complementary angle to the offset angle of the undercut section such that the flat face of the curved hook section and the undercut section can mate along a shared plane (or parallel planes).

In a similar implementation, a first undercut section, in the set of undercut sections116of the insert112, can be configured to mate with a first beveled face of a first locking jaw, in the set of locking jaws126, on the mount120. In this implementation, the first jaw is mounted to and pivots about a pivot (e.g., a pin) arranged under the polygonal boss124. A spring is laterally offset from the pivot and drives the first jaw upward to mate the first undercut section against the first beveled face of the first jaw and thus retain the polygonal boss124within the rectangular bore114of the insert112.

In particular, in this implementation, the pivot can be located along (or near) a vector that intersects and is normal to the first undercut section of the first locking jaw and the first beveled face of the insert112when coupled to the device case110. Because the pivot is located along this vector: the effective lever arm length of the insert112applied to the first locking jaw is null (or nearly null) a lever arm; and the effective torque applied on the first locking jaw by the insert112—such as when the device case110is pulled or rotated—is null (or nearly null) and (nearly) decoupled from the magnitude of the force or torque applied to the device case110. Furthermore, because the spring is laterally offset from the pivot, this effective torque applied on the first locking jaw by the insert112is less than the opposing torque applied to the first locking jaw by the spring such that the first locking jaw remains engaged to the insert112despite the magnitude of the force or torque applied to the device case110. Thus, when a user pushes, pulls, or pivots the device case110, the resulting torque to open the first locking jaw is (approximately) null, and the first locking jaw therefore does not rotate away from the insert112. Therefore, the first locking jaw remains fixed in its closed position and retains the mount120in place over the device case110despite forces applied to the device case110.

Furthermore, responsive to a downward force on the top of the first locking jaw over the first undercut section by the device case110during installation of the device case110onto the mount120, the first locking jaw can pivot downward about the pivot, thereby withdrawing the first undercut section away from the mount120and enabling the device case110—including the insert112—to move downward toward the mount120. In particular, the user may align the polygonal boss of the mount120with the rectangular bore114of the insert112of the device case110and press down. The force of the first undercut section of the insert112on the first locking jaw counters the spring and applies a torque to the first locking jaw, thereby rotating the first locking jaw downward about the pivot to open the first locking jaw to accept the first undercut section of the insert112. The first undercut section of the insert112slides along the apex of the first locking jaw, over the first beveled face as the first locking jaw opens, and eventually drops past the apex of the first locking jaw to seat under the first locking jaw with the first undercut section of the insert112positioned against the first beveled face of the first locking jaw and with the base of the polygonal boss124now in contact with the base of the insert112. The spring then automatically drives the first locking jaw upward to positively clutch the insert112.

As described above in this implementation, the mount120can include a single locking jaw. Alternatively, the mount120can include multiple locking jaws (e.g., two locking jaws), each locking jaw defining the geometry and operable as described above for the single locking jaw.

Because of this geometry, tips of the set of jaws only move away from a device housed within the device case110when retracted from the insert112. Therefore, the set of jaws can clear the insert112and the device case110when actuated without any gaps between the insert112and a back surface of the device. Therefore, the insert112can be configured to sit approximately flush with a back surface of a device housed within the device case110, thus minimizing the thickness of the device case110by eliminating a gap between the insert112and the back surface of the device.

5.3.2 Single Locking Jaw

In the foregoing implementations, the set of locking jaws126includes one operable jaw (e.g., a spring-loaded jaw operable via the locking control130) and one non-operable jaw (e.g., a fixed or spring-loaded jaw isolated from the locking control130) such that the mount120can define a single release direction of the device case110(e.g., in the direction of the one non-operable jaw). The single release direction can be defined in a particular direction with respect to the mount120(e.g., toward the top of the mount120(or “up”) when the mount120is in an installed position). For example, if the single release direction is up, the user may engage the locking control130to actuate the one operable jaw to the open position and the device case110will remain held in place by the one non-operable jaw until the user removes the device case110from the mount120by lifting the device case110upwards. Furthermore, since the locking control130need only engage with one locking jaw, a less complex locking control130can be used, allowing for a simpler manufacturing process.

5.2.2 Two Locking Jaws

In another implementation, the set of locking jaws126includes two operable jaws, such that the mount120can define multiple release directions of the device case110(e.g., in any direction). For example, the locking control130can engage both operable jaws simultaneously via a force applied symmetrically to both jaws to overcome the spring force—actuating both operable jaws to the open position—such that the device case110can be released from the mount120in any direction.

In another implementation, the set of locking jaws126includes three locking jaws (e.g. two operable jaws and one non-operable jaw, or three operable jaws, etc.). For example, the set of locking jaws126can include two operable jaws to mechanically retain the device case110to the mount120and one non-operable jaw to define a single release direction. In yet another implementation, the set of locking jaws126includes four operable jaws and a locking control130that enables release in a particular direction (e.g., releases three jaws opposite the locking control130).

5.2.2 Multiple Locking Jaws

In another implementation, the set of locking jaws126includes multiple jaws on each side of the rectangular bore114, such that partial locking of the device case110to the mount120occurs prior to full insertion of a full side of the set of locking jaws126(e.g., only one jaw of three on a side engages, so partial mechanical force locks the device case110to the mount120prior to full insertion of all jaws into the rectangular bore114).

5.4 Locking Control

The mount120can include a locking control130actuatable to transition a first locking jaw—in the set of locking jaws126—from the closed position to the open position to release the first locking jaw from a first undercut section in the set of undercut sections116. Generally, the locking control130can engage with a release interface of the first locking jaw to pivot the first locking jaw about the pivot axis and around the first undercut section such that the device case110is no longer mechanically fixed to the mount120(e.g., the device case110is secured only via magnetic force). In one implementation, the locking control130can actuate along the plane defined by the back of the device case110(e.g., orthogonal to the magnetic force) to maintain a lower profile for the mounting system100by keeping the actuation of the locking control130fully restrained to an envelope defined by the device case110and the mount120.

In another implementation, the locking control130(or a set of locking control130s) can engage with multiple jaws simultaneously (e.g., apply a force symmetrically across the set of locking jaws126to release the set of locking jaws126uniformly). For example, the locking control130can define a user interface (e.g., a button) on a first side of the mount120and—in response to the user depressing the button—engage with a set of release features on the set of locking jaws126to drive each of the locking jaws to the open position, allowing the user to remove the device case110from the mount120in the direction of any locking jaw in the open position.

In another implementation, the user interface of the locking control130can extend across an area defined by a first full side of the device case110, such that the user may engage with the locking control130at any point along the first full side of the device case110. In yet another implementation, the user interface of the locking control130can extend across an area defined by each full side of the device case110, such that the user may engage with the locking control130at any point along any side of the device case110.

In another implementation, the locking control130includes a release spring to define a locking control130stiffness, such that the stiffness of the locking control130is fully decoupled from the spring force required to drive the locking jaws to the open position. For example, the release spring can define a locking control130stiffness requiring an input force twice that of the magnetic force, such that overcoming the magnetic force to remove the device case110from the mount120can feel relatively easy compared to engaging the locking control130.

In another implementation, the ejector and the locking control130can form a single unit, such that the ejector can drive each of the locking jaws to the open position and simultaneously drive the device case110to a disengagement configuration in a single motion. For example, the ejector can define a lever coupled to a slidable release and—in response to engagement of the lever by the user—the lever can: actuate the slidable release to engage the release interfaces of the set of locking jaws126and drive the locking jaws into the open position; and pivot against an ejector pivot to drive the device case110to the disengagement position.

6. Inductive Charging

In one variation, as shown inFIG.7, the mounting system100includes a charging element150configured to inductively charge a device installed within the device case110. For example, the mounting system100can include an inductive coil arranged within the mount120and configured to inductively charge a smartphone installed within the device case110.

The charging element150within the mount120can be configured to align with a charge receiving element within a mobile device housed within the device case110via magnetic coupling of the first set of magnetic elements118in the device case110and the second set of magnetic elements128in the mount120. For example, the device case110can be configured to include a first set of magnetic elements118arranged in a first pattern about an area of the device case110corresponding to a charge receiving element in a mobile device transiently housed within the device case110. The mount120can include a charging element150(e.g., an RX coil) and a second set of magnetic elements128arranged about the charging element150in a second pattern, such that the first set of magnetic elements118in the device case110transiently couple to the second set of magnetic elements128in the mount120, thereby aligning a surface area of the device case110corresponding to the charge receiving element with a surface area of the mount120corresponding to the charging element150and enabling wireless charging of the mobile device.

In one implementation, the charging element150and the second set of magnetic elements128are housed within the body122of the mount120. The charging element150can be coupled to a printed circuit board (or “PCB”) housed within the body122. The body122can include a chassis configured to house the charging element150, the PCB, and the second set of magnetic elements128. For example, the body122can include a chassis formed of a substantially non-magnetic material (e.g., aluminum) and configured to house the charging element150, the PCB, and the second set of magnetic elements128. In this implementation, the body122can also include a landing pad formed of a polymer material (e.g., polyurethane), defining the inner face123of the body122, and configured to couple to a rear face of the device case110.

6.1 Inductive Charging: Insulator Insert

The mount120can include an insulator insert152configured to shield the charging element150from the second set of magnetic elements128in the mount120and focus the magnetic field output by the charging element150toward the polygonal boss124. In one implementation, the mount120includes a ferrite insert (e.g., a soft ferrite insert) configured to shield an induction coil from the second set of magnetic elements128surrounding the induction coil within the mount120.

The insulator insert152can be molded to fit the charging element150and the second set of magnetic elements128within the insulator insert152. For example, the mount120can include: a ferrite insert defining a central cavity154and a set of receptacles156arranged in a first pattern about the central cavity154; an induction coil arranged within the central cavity154; and a second set of magnetic elements128arranged within the set of receptacles156. By molding the insulator insert152to fit the charging element150and the second set of magnetic elements128, the insulator insert152acts as a barrier between the charging element150and the second set of magnetic elements128. Thus, the insulator insert152can shield the charging element150from the second set of magnetic elements128to: maximize retention between magnets in the first set of magnetic elements118in the device case110and the second set of magnetic elements128arranged within the insulator insert152; minimize interference of the second set of magnetic elements128with an induced magnetic field of the induction coil; and focus a magnetic field output by the inductive coil toward the polygonal boss124and toward a receiving coil on a mobile device housed within the device case110to maximize wireless power transfer.

The insulator insert152can define a first depth (e.g., less than 5 millimeters) such that the central cavity154defines a second depth (e.g., less than 4 millimeters) and the set of receptacles156define a third depth (less than 4 millimeters), the second depth and the third depth less than the first depth. The charging element150(e.g., the induction coil) can be configured to exhibit a cylindrical shape exhibiting approximately the second depth of the central cavity154when placed within the central cavity154. Similarly, the second set of magnetic elements128can be configured to exhibit a 3D-shape (e.g., a 3D trapezoidal shape) exhibiting approximately the third depth of the set of receptacles156. Because the second set of magnetic elements128are configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic elements118in the device case110, the second set of magnetic elements128—arranged in a pattern corresponding to the first set of magnetic elements118—define a maximum area corresponding to the second set of magnetic elements128and the charging element150. Therefore, by including a charging element150and magnetic elements exhibiting 3D geometry, a volume of the charging elements150and a volume of these magnetic elements are increased, thus increasing inductive charging output by the charging element150and magnetic attractive forces between the second set of magnetic elements128in the mount120and the first set of magnetic elements118in the device case110.

6.2 Inductive Charging: Magnetic Elements in the Mount

Magnetic elements in the device case110and the mount120can be configured to minimize interference with inductive charging and maximize magnetic forces between magnetic elements in the first set of magnetic elements118and the second set of magnetic elements128. To maximize magnetic attraction between the first set of magnetic elements118in the device case110and the second set of magnetic elements128in the mount120, each magnetic element in the second set of magnetic elements128can be configured to sit in a particular position within the mount120such that a center of the magnetic element, in the second set of magnetic elements128, falls within a threshold distance of a center of a corresponding magnetic element in the first set of magnetic elements118in the device case110.

In one implementation, the device case110includes a second set of magnetic elements128arranged about the charging element150and configured to maximize an area (e.g., a circular area) corresponding to the charging element150to maximize inductive charging. Therefore, the second set of magnetic elements128can define a particular shape (e.g., trapezoidal, crescent-shaped) and exhibit a particular spacing between magnetic elements and the charging element such that the second set of magnetic elements128can transiently couple to the first set of magnetic elements118of the device case110and limit interference with inductive charging. For example, to maximize this area—configured to fit the charging element150—inset from the second set of magnetic elements128, each magnetic element in the second set of magnetic elements128can include relieved corners on an inner face of the magnetic element.

In one implementation, the mount120includes a second set of trapezoidal magnetic elements arranged about the charging element150, such that an area of these trapezoidal magnetic elements is maximized while distances between interior surfaces of the trapezoidal magnetic elements and the charging element150are also maximized.

For example, the mount120can include four trapezoidal magnetic elements arranged about a circular charging element150within a square body of the mount120, each trapezoidal magnetic element located within a corner of the square body. The mount120can be configured such that each trapezoidal magnetic element defines an inner face facing the charging element150and extending in each direction toward interior surfaces of the square body offset by 90 degrees, the inner surface of the trapezoidal magnetic element exhibiting a length greater than a length of a parallel outer surface of the trapezoidal magnetic element. Each of the four trapezoidal magnetic elements can include relieved inside corners about the inner face of the trapezoidal magnetic element to maximize a circular area corresponding to the charging element150. Thus, each trapezoidal magnetic element occupies a maximum area within each corner of the square body122while reducing proximity between inner surfaces of the trapezoidal magnetic elements and the charging element150.

In another implementation, the mount120includes a second set of crescent-shaped magnetic elements128arranged about the charging element150, such that distances between interior surfaces of the crescent-shaped magnetic elements and the charging element150are further increased.

6.3 Inductive Charging: Device Case

Furthermore, because the insert112is relatively thin (e.g., three millimeters or less), and/or is formed of a substantially non-conductive, non-ferromagnetic or low magnetic permeability material exhibiting minimal electromagnetic shielding, the insert112may interfere minimally with local electromagnetic radiation, thereby enabling a wireless charging signal (e.g., an electromagnetic field output by a wireless charging pad or station) to pass through the device case110and to reach a mobile device—housed in the device case110—with sufficient amplitude to recharge the mobile device. More specifically, because the insert112is relatively thin, the device case110may minimally offset the mobile device contained therein from an adjacent wireless charging pad and, because the insert112can be formed of a material exhibiting minimal electromagnetic shielding, the device case110may enable the mobile device to be recharged via the wireless charging pad or station even when housed in the device case110.

In this variation of the mounting system100configured to support wireless charging of the mobile device, the first set of magnetic elements118can also be arranged in a pattern relative to a wireless charging induction coil integrated into the mobile phone. For example, the first set of magnetic elements118can be located in the device case110such that the first set of magnetic elements118fall near or outside of a perimeter of an induction coil of a wireless charging circuit of the mobile device once the mobile device is loaded into the device case110. This arrangement of the first set of magnetic elements118outside of the wireless charging area of the mobile device may reduce interference of the device case110with an electromagnetic field generated by the induction coil of a wireless charging pad (or other wireless charging station), thereby enabling the mobile device to be recharged wirelessly even when installed in the device case110and allowing for compliance with wireless power specification standards (e.g. WPC QI).

7. Emplacement Mechanism

In one variation, the mount120also includes an emplacement mechanism140configured to affix the mount120to a surface such as: a vehicle air vent; a vehicle dashboard; a bicycle frame; bicycle or motorcycle handlebars; a wall; a desk; a table; an armband; a belt; or a waistband. For example, the emplacement mechanism140can be configured to permanently or transiently attach to a surface via a clamp, fasteners, a suction cup, an adhesive, or other surface anchor. In another example, the emplacement mechanism140can include a belt clip configured to couple the mount120to a belt or waistband or an armband configured to couple the mount120to a user's forearm.

The mount120can also be coupled to the emplacement mechanism140via a pivot mechanism (e.g., a ball and socket joint) or multiple pivot mechanisms to enable the mount120to be maneuvered relative to the emplacement mechanism140and the adjoining surface, such as by a user with a single hand and in a single motion immediately after locating the device case110on the mount120.

8. Mount Configurations

In one variation, the mounting system100includes a set of mounts120, each mount120assembled in a particular configuration. For example, a first mount120, in the set of mounts120, in a first configuration, can include: a first polygonal boss124extending from a first body122of the first mount120and configured to insert into a rectangular bore114of the device case110; a set of locking jaws126arranged on the first polygonal boss124configured to transiently constrain the first polygonal boss124within the rectangular bore114; and a second set of magnetic elements128configured to transiently couple to a first set of magnetic elements118in the device case110. Alternatively, a second mount120, in the set of mounts120, in a second configuration, can include: a second polygonal boss124extending from a second body122of the second mount120and configured to insert into the rectangular bore114of the device case110; and a third set of magnetic elements configured to transiently couple to the first set of magnetic elements118in the device case110. In both configurations, the first and second mount120can include the first and second polygonal boss124, respectively, to transiently constrain movement of the mounts120within a plane of each mount120. However, the first mount120in the first configuration can further constrain the first polygonal boss124within the rectangular bore114of the device case110by constraining movement of the first polygonal boss124outward from the rectangular bore114via the set of locking jaws126. Mounts120in the set of mounts120can be assembled in these different configurations based on a type of mount120(e.g., wall mount120, car mount120, bike mount120, desktop charging mount120) identified for each mount120. Each of these different types of mounts120—configured to mount the device case110to a particular surface—can include: the polygonal boss124; the second set of magnetic elements128; the set of jaws126; the charging element150; and/or a particular combination of these elements.

8.1 First Configuration: Polygonal Boss+Magnets

In a first configuration, as shown inFIG.8A, the mount120includes: a polygonal (e.g., octagonal) boss124extending from the inner face and configured to insert into a rectangular bore114of the insert112of the device case110; and a second set of magnetic elements128configured to transiently couple to a first set of magnetic elements118arranged within the device case110. In the first configuration, the device case110can couple to the mount120via insertion of the polygonal boss124into the rectangular bore114of the insert112and attraction of magnetic elements in the first set of magnetic elements118to magnetic elements in the second set of magnetic elements128.

In the first configuration, the polygonal boss124is configured to constrain the mount120in rotation relative to the device case110. The second set of magnetic elements128in the mount120can be configured to align with the first set of magnetic elements118in the device case110to strengthen the retention of the polygonal boss124within the rectangular bore114of the insert112by drawing the inner face of the mount120toward a back face of the device case110. Thus, when coupled to the mount120, the device case110—and any mobile device housed within the device case110—can be constrained in rotation relative to the mount120via the polygonal boss124and within a plane adjacent and parallel to a plane defined by the polygonal boss124via the first and second set of magnetic elements128. For example, a user may couple her device case110—including a mobile device housed within the device case110—to a mount120in the first configuration by roughly aligning the polygonal boss124with the rectangular bore114of the insert112of the device case110. The device case110can realign accordingly to insert the polygonal boss124into the rectangular bore114via attraction of the first and second set of magnetic elements128. Once inserted, the polygonal boss124can constrain the mount120in rotation relative to the device case110. The first and second set of magnetic elements128can cooperate to constrain the polygonal boss124within a plane parallel and intersecting a plane defined by the device case110. However, the user may remove her device case110from the mount120in the first configuration by exerting a force, greater than the magnetic force between the first and second set of magnetic elements128, on the device case110outward (e.g., orthogonal) from the mount120.

In one implementation, the mount120in the first configuration includes: a square boss extending from the inner face123of the body122and configured to insert into the rectangular bore114of the device case110; and a set of four magnets arranged about the polygonal boss124and configured to transiently couple to a first set of magnetic elements118of the device case110to transiently retain the mount120against a rear face of the device case110. In this implementation, the square boss of the mount120can define a square cross-section with radiused corners. Similarly, the rectangular bore114of the insert112can define a square frustum defining radiused corners to match the square boss of the mount120.

8.1.1 Variation: Vehicle Mount

In one variation, a mount120can be configured to couple the device case110to a surface in a vehicle, such as a dashboard, center console, and/or a vent. This mount120(or “vehicle mount120”) can be assembled in the first configuration including the polygonal boss124extending from the body122of the vehicle mount120and the second set of magnetic elements128configured to couple to the first set of magnetic elements118in a device case110. The car mount120in the first configuration can cooperate with the insert112of the device case110to retain the device case110and a device housed within the device case110while the vehicle is in motion.

For example, a user may couple her smartphone—housed within a device case110—to a vehicle mount120fixed to a dashboard in her car, by aligning a rear face of the device case110with the inner face123of the body122of the vehicle mount120. A second set of magnets in the vehicle mount120can cooperate with a first set of magnets in the device case110to enable the user to quickly attach her smartphone to the mount120by drawing the polygonal boss124of the mount120into a rectangular bore114of the insert112of the device case110. As the user drives her car, the polygonal boss124can prevent her smartphone from rotating about the polygonal boss124and falling off the mount120while the magnetic forces between the first and second set of magnets restricts lateral movement of the smartphone off of the mount120. Further, because the car mount120in the first configuration does not include a set of locking jaws126, the user may place her mobile phone on the mount120and remove her mobile device from the mount120with less force and without searching for and/or pressing a release button(s), thus enabling the user to rapidly attach and detach her smartphone from the mount120with minimal effort and/or distraction.

A vehicle mount120can include an emplacement mechanism140configured to affix the mount120to a surface of the vehicle. For example, as shown inFIG.8A, the vehicle mount120can include a pressure-sensitive adhesive backing configured to affix the vehicle mount120to a surface of a dashboard and/or console in a vehicle. A user may press the vehicle mount120onto a (flat) surface of the dashboard or console within her vehicle to semi-permanently affix the vehicle mount120to the vehicle. In another example, the vehicle mount120can include: an emplacement mechanism140defining a vent locking mechanism. The vent locking mechanism can include a set of vent jaws configured to spread to fill the area of a vent in a vehicle and pull the mount120inwards to securely lock the vehicle mount120in place to enable the mounting system100to remain in place if the car is subjected to turbulent conditions (e.g., a bumpy road or highway).

8.1.2 Variation: Wallet Mount

In one variation, the device case110can be configured to couple to a mount120(or “wallet mount120”) including the body122defining a wallet. In this variation, the body122of the wallet mount120can be configured to function as a wallet. For example, the body122can include a sleeve configured to store a user's cash, credit cards, and/or driver's license.

The wallet mount120can be assembled in the first configuration including a polygonal boss124extending from the inner face123of the body122and a second set of magnetic elements128configured to couple to the first set of magnetic elements118in a device case110. The wallet mount120in the first configuration can cooperate with the insert112of the device case110to retain the device case110and a device housed within the device case110while the user carries around and/or uses her mobile device throughout her day. Because the wallet mount120is relatively lightweight, the polygonal boss124and the second set of magnetic elements128may be sufficient to retain the polygonal boss124within a rectangular bore114of the insert112without a set of jaws126. Alternatively, the wallet mount120can also include a set of jaws126arranged on the polygonal boss124.

For example, a user may couple her smartphone—housed within a device case110—to a wallet mount120by aligning a rear face of the device case110with the inner face123of the body122of the wallet mount120. To prevent the wallet mount120from detaching from the device case110, the wallet mount120can include an octagonal boss, as described above, to enable the user to lock the octagonal boss to the device case110and thus constrain the wallet mount120in five degrees of freedom on the device case110. The wallet mount120can also include a second set of magnetic elements128configured to transiently couple to a first set of magnetic elements118in the device case110to prevent rotation of the wallet mount120about the device case110—and thus prevent rotation of the octagonal boss within the rectangular bore114of the insert112—thereby further constraining the wallet mount120to the device case110in a sixth degree of freedom.

The wallet mount120can be configured to minimize a gap between the back abutting surfaces of the sleeve(s) and device case110such that sleeves fall (nearly) flush with the device case110. Therefore, the wallet mount120can include only magnetic elements and the polygonal boss—with no set of jaws—for retention to the device case110, in order to limit thickness (or “profile”) of the wallet mount120. Therefore, by eliminating the set of jaws from the mount120, the total thickness of the assembly when loaded with credit cards, cash, etc., is minimized, thereby limiting obstruction when a user inserts and removes her phone from her pocket.

8.2.2 Variation: Tripod Mount

In one variation, a mount120can be configured to couple the device case110to a tripod (e.g., a camera tripod). This mount120(or “tripod mount120”) can be assembled in the first configuration including the polygonal boss124extending from the body122of the tripod mount120and the second set of magnetic elements128configured to couple to the first set of magnetic elements118in the device case110. The tripod mount120can cooperate with the insert112of the device case110to retain the device case110and a device housed within the device case110while the user rotates (e.g., in x, y, and z directions) a head of the tripod to adjust a camera view and/or while the user moves the tripod.

A tripod mount120can include: an emplacement mechanism defining an adapter to quickly lock the device case110to a camera tripod. The adapter can define a base configured to engage with the head of camera tripod such that the tripod mount120can be removed by the user via a tripod camera lock or the locking control of the tripod.

For example, a user may couple her mobile device (e.g., tablet)—housed within a device case110—to a tripod mount120set up outdoors on rough terrain. The user may couple her mobile device to the tripod mount120via aligning the rear face of the device case110with the inner face123of the body122of the tripod mount120. A second set of magnets in the tripod mount120can cooperate with a first set of magnets in the device case110to enable the user to quickly attach her mobile device to the mount120by drawing the polygonal boss124of the mount120into a rectangular bore114of the insert112of the device case110. The tripod mount120can include an adapter coupled to the body122opposite the polygonal boss124and configured to attach to the head of the tripod via a camera lock of the tripod.

8.2 Second Configuration: Polygonal Boss+Magnets+Jaws

In a second configuration, as shown inFIG.8B, the mount120includes: a polygonal boss124extending from the inner face and configured to insert into a rectangular bore114of the device case110; a second set of magnetic elements128configured to transiently couple to a first set of magnetic elements118arranged within the device case110; and a set of locking jaws126arranged on the polygonal boss124configured to transiently mate with a set of undercut sections116within the device case110to constrain the polygonal boss124within the rectangular bore114. In the second configuration, the device case110can couple to the mount120via insertion of the polygonal boss124—including the set of locking jaws126—into the rectangular bore114of the device case110. The second set of magnetic elements128of the mount120can cooperate with the first set of magnetic elements118of the device case110to align the polygonal boss124with the rectangular bore114and pull the device case110toward the mount120. Once inserted, the set of locking jaws126can latch around the set of undercut sections116of the insert112to constrain the mount120both in rotation and in orthogonal translation relative to the device case110.

In the second configuration, the polygonal boss124is configured to constrain the mount120in rotation relative to the device case110as in the first configuration. However, the mount120in the second configuration can further include the set of locking jaws126to constrain the mount120in orthogonal translation relative to the device case110. The first and second set of magnetic elements128can cooperate to draw the set of locking jaws126through the rectangular bore114of the insert112which can then latch onto the set of undercut sections116within the device case110, as described above. The first and second sets of magnetic elements can also strengthen retention of the polygonal boss124within the rectangular bore114by further constraining orthogonal translation of the mount120relative to the device case110.

In one variation, the mount120in the second configuration can further include a locking control130configured to trigger a subset of locking jaws126, in the set of locking jaws126, to decouple from a subset of undercut sections116, in the set of undercut sections116responsive to compression (e.g., by a user). For example, a user may compress a locking control130(e.g., release button) on the mount120to release a first locking jaw, in the set of locking jaws126, from a first undercut section, in the set of undercut sections116, triggering a side of the polygonal boss124, corresponding to the first locking jaw, to elevate away from the device case110. The user may then remove the device case110from the mount120by rotating the device case110about a pivot point on the polygonal boss124opposite the first locking jaw and lifting the device case110away from the mount120.

In one implementation, the mount120in the second configuration includes: a square boss extending from the inner face123of the body122of the mount120configured to insert into the rectangular bore114of the device case110; a set of locking jaws126arranged on the polygonal boss124and configured to transiently mate with a set of undercut sections116—defined by the insert112of the device case110—to constrain the polygonal boss124within the rectangular bore114, the set of locking jaws126including a first locking jaw and a second locking jaw arranged opposite the other on the polygonal boss124; and a second set of magnetic elements128arranged in a second pattern about the polygonal boss124and configured to transiently couple to a first set of magnetic elements118of the device case110to align the polygonal boss124with the rectangular bore114of the insert112of the device case110, to transiently retain the mount120against a rear face of the device case110, and to drive the set of locking jaws126toward the set of undercut sections116of the insert112, the second set of magnetic elements128including four magnetic elements evenly spaced about the polygonal boss124on the mount120.

8.2.1 Variation: Bike Mount

In one variation, a mount120in the second configuration can be configured to couple to a bike (e.g., a bicycle, a motorcycle) and thus mount a mobile device to the bike. This mount120(or “bike mount120”) can include the polygonal boss124extending from the body122of the bike mount120, the second set of magnetic elements128configured to couple to the first set of magnetic elements118in a device case110, and a set of locking jaws126configured to constrain the polygonal boss124within a rectangular bore114of the insert112. Because the mount120and the device case110may experience a significant amount of force while the bike is in motion, the magnetic forces between magnetic elements in the mount120and device case110may not be sufficient to retain the bike mount120against the rear face of the device case110. Therefore, the bike mount120includes the set of locking jaws126to mechanically constrain the polygonal boss124within the rectangular bore114of the insert112of the device case110.

For example, a user may couple a device case110—housing her mobile phone—to a bike mount120attached to a handlebar on her bicycle, by aligning the device case110with the mount120and gently pushing until the set of locking jaws126couple to the undercut sections116of the insert112of the device case110. As the user pushes down on the device case110, the magnetic elements in both the device case110and the mount120can cooperate to guide the polygonal boss124of the mount120including the set of locking jaws126into the rectangular bore114of the insert112of the device case110. The set of locking jaws126can slide along a set of undercut sections116defined by the insert112of the device case110and eventually drop past the apex of these undercut sections116to seat under the rear face of the device case110and positioned against the set of undercut sections116. Once the device case110is mechanically locked into the mount120via the set of locking jaws126, the user may ride her bicycle and view her mobile phone fixed relative to the handlebar, such as to track her ride via GPS.

In one implementation, as shown inFIG.8B, a bike mount120can include an emplacement mechanism140defining a clasp configured to attach to a surface (e.g., a handlebar, a stem, a top tube) of a bike; and an oversized jaw spring defining an increased spring stiffness configured to expand the locking jaws with greater force in order to retain the device case110against the mount120with greater force to compensate for road vibration during use.

Additionally and/or alternatively, the mount120in the second configuration can be configured to couple to surfaces of other vehicles. For example, the mount120in the second configuration can be configured to couple to a surface of a stroller. In another example, the mount120in the second configuration can be configured to couple to a surface of a golf cart.

8.2.2 Variation: Tablet

In one variation, a mount120in the second configuration can be configured to couple to a device case110configured to house a tablet. This mount120(or “tablet mount120”) can include the polygonal boss124extending from the body122of the bicycle mount120, the second set of magnetic elements128configured to couple to the first set of magnetic elements118in a device case110, and a set of locking jaws126configured to constrain the polygonal boss124within a rectangular bore114of the insert112. Because the tablet is larger and/or heavier than a smartphone, magnetic forces between the first of magnetic elements118in the device case110and the second set of magnetic elements128in the tablet mount120may not be sufficient to retain the mount120against the rear face of the device case110against the weight of the tablet. Therefore, the tablet mount120can include a set of locking jaws126to mechanically constrain the tablet mount120relative to the device case110.

A tablet mount120can include a release extension extending to proximal an edge of a tablet and configured to engage the locking control130, thereby enabling a user to release the tablet from the tablet mount120with a single hand and in a single motion when reaching for the tablet and without reaching behind the tablet.

8.2.3 Variation: Textile Mount

In one variation, a mount120in the second configuration can be configured to couple to a textile panel, such as an article of clothing worn by a user (e.g., an armband). This mount120(or “textile mount120”) can include the polygonal boss124extending from the body122of the textile mount120, the second set of magnetic elements128configured to couple to the first set of magnetic elements118in a device case110, and a set of locking jaws126configured to constrain the polygonal boss124within a rectangular bore114of the insert112.

In one example, the textile mount120can be configured to be worn as an armband. Thus, as the user exercises while wearing the armband, the set of jaws and magnetic elements can cooperate to constrain the user's mobile device to the armband. In this example textile mount120can include an emplacement mechanism140defining a cloth band for securing to the user's arm. The cloth band can be formed of an elastic material to enable the armband to secure tightly to the user's arm without causing discomfort to the user.

8.3 Third Configuration: Polygonal Boss+Magnets+Inductive Charging

In a third configuration, the mount120includes a second set of magnetic elements128configured to transiently couple to a first set of magnetic elements118arranged within the device case110; and a charging element150housed within the body122of the mount120, inset from the second set of magnetic elements128, and configured to inductively charge a mobile device installed within the device case110. The mount120in the third configuration can also include a polygonal boss124configured to insert into the rectangular bore114of the insert112of the device case110. The second set of magnetic elements128of the mount120can cooperate with the first set of magnetic elements118of the device case110to: align the charging element150within the body122of the mount120with a charge receiving element in the mobile device installed within the device case110; and to transiently retain the mount120against a rear face of the device case110. When the device case110is coupled to the mount120, in the third configuration, the first and second set of magnetic elements128in the device case110and the mount120can couple to retain the mount120against the rear face of the device case110and align the charging element150(e.g., an induction coil) to the charge receiving element in the mobile device housed within the device case110in order to charge a battery of the mobile device.

In the third configuration, the charging element150in the mount120can be configured to sit within a threshold distance of the charge receiving element in a mobile device housed within the device case110in order to transfer a maximum charge to the charge receiving element. Therefore, in the third configuration, the mount120can be assembled without the polygonal boss124such that the charging element150can supply charge to the charge receiving element without interference from the polygonal boss124.

In one implementation, as shown inFIG.7, the mount120in the third configuration includes: a ferrite insert defining a central cavity154and a set of receptacles156arranged in a first pattern about the central cavity154, the first set of magnetic elements118in the device case110also arranged in the first pattern; a second set of magnetic elements128arranged within the set of receptacles156within the ferrite insert; and an induction coil arranged within the central cavity154, inset from the second set of magnetic elements128, and configured to inductively charge a device installed within the device case110. The ferrite insert can be configured to shield the inductive coil from the second set of magnetic elements128and focus a magnetic field output by the inductive coil toward a charge receiving element in the device. Further, the induction coil can be coupled to a printed circuit board (or “PCB”). The ferrite insert—including the induction coil and the second set of magnetic elements128—and the PCB can be housed within the body122of the mount120. In this implementation, the body122can: include a chassis formed of a non-magnetic material and configured to house the ferrite insert and the PCB; and a landing pad formed of a polymer material (e.g., polyurethane), arranged on the inner face123of the body122, and configured to couple to a rear face of the device case110.

For example, a user may place her smartphone housed within a device case110on a thermoplastic polyurethane (or “TPU”) landing pad of a mount120such that a rear face of the device case110contacts the TPU landing pad. The user may shift her smartphone about the TPU landing pad until the first set of magnetic elements118in the device case110align with the second set of magnetic elements128in the mount120, thus securing the smartphone on the mount120and providing feedback to the user that the smartphone is properly secured to the mount120and in the correct position. While the smartphone housed within the device case110is coupled to the mount120, the induction coil in the mount120can cooperate with a charge receiving element in the mobile device and facing the induction coil in order to charge a battery of the mobile device. The user may easily remove her mobile device from the mount120by applying a force to her mobile device greater than the magnetic force between the first and second set of magnetic elements128.

Alternatively, the mount120in the third configuration can additionally include the polygonal boss124to strengthen coupling between the mount120and the device case110by constraining rotation of the mount120relative to the device case110. For example, the ferrite insert—including the charging element150and the second set of magnetic elements128—can be arranged adjacent the inner face123of the body122of the mount120, such that the charging element150falls within a threshold distance (e.g., less than five millimeters) of a charge receiving element in a mobile device housed within the device case110when the device case110is coupled to the mount120.

(In this configuration, the mount120can exclude the second set of magnetic elements to enable a larger charging element to fit within the mount120. Alternatively, the mount120can include the second set of magnetic elements for primary retention of the mount120to the device case110and exclude the polygonal boss. Alternatively, the mount120can include both the polygonal boss and the second set of magnets for mechanical and magnetic retention of the mount120to the device case110.)

8.3.1 Variation: Desktop Mount

In one variation, a mount120can be configured to couple the device case110to a flat surface (e.g., a desktop surface). This mount120(or “desktop mount120”) can also be configured to charge a mobile device housed within the device case110. The desktop mount120can be configured to include the second set of magnetic elements128configured to couple to the first set of magnetic elements118in the device case110and a charging element150inset from the second set of magnetic elements128. In one implementation, the wireless charging mount120can lock the mobile device using only the magnetic force (e.g., without a set of locking jaws) to enable a user to remove the device more quickly from the desktop mount120.

A desktop mount120can include an emplacement mechanism140defining a base configured to rest on a surface (e.g., a table or desk). For example, the desktop mount120can include a base configured to rest flat on a desktop surface and coupled on one end to the body of the mount120via a pin extending the width of the base, such that the body—and a mobile device housed within the device case110coupled to the body—can rotate about the pin while the base rests flat and motionless on the desktop surface.

8.3.2 Variation: Wall Mount

In one variation, a mount120can be configured to couple the device case110to a wall. The mount120(or “wall mount120”) can be assembled in the third configuration including the second set of magnetic elements128configured to couple to the first set of magnetic elements118in the device case110and a charging element150inset from the second set of magnetic elements128and configured to transiently inductively charge a mobile device installed within the device case110. Because the wall mount120is configured to couple to a surface of a wall, rotation of the wall mount120about the device case110(or visa versa) is unlikely. Therefore, the wall mount120—in some instances—may not include a polygonal boss124. For example, the wall mount120can be secured to a wall in the user's garage, such that the user may secure her mobile phone (or tablet) while playing a car-maintenance tutorial and thus keep her hands free while accessing tools.

A wall mount120can include an emplacement mechanism140defining an anchor bore for receiving a wall anchor (e.g., a screw, fastener, adhesive, double stick tape, etc.). In one example, the wall mount120includes a backing coupled to the body122of the wall mount120and including an adhesive coating applied to an outer face of the backing—opposite the body and configured to affix the mount120to a surface of a wall.

In one variation, the wall mount120also includes a polygonal boss124configured to insert into the rectangular bore114of the device case110, to constrain rotation of the wall mount120relative to the device case110and further strengthen the connection between the wall mount120and the device case110.

9. Variation: Adapter

In one variation, the mounting system100includes the insert112exclusive of the device case110and configured to couple—such as with an adhesive, tape, hook-and-loop strip, or suction—to a surface of a mobile device, a case, or other object. For example, the insert112can be affixed directly to a back surface of a user's mobile device or to a back surface of the user's existing mobile device case110to enable the mobile device or existing mobile device case110to transiently install on the mount120. In this variation, the insert112can therefore adapt any device case110, mobile device, or other object to interface with the mount120.

As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detailed description and from the figures and claims, modifications and changes can be made to the embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.