WO2011032091A2

WO2011032091A2 - Rear view mirror mounting device

Info

Publication number: WO2011032091A2
Application number: PCT/US2010/048632
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dou Zhang
Original assignee: Dou Zhang
Priority date: 2009-09-11
Filing date: 2010-09-13
Publication date: 2011-03-17
Also published as: WO2011032091A3

Abstract

A vehicle rear view mirror mounting device provides a reliable, stable and safe support for a variety of electronic devices, including Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Personal Digital Assistants(PDA), and cellular phones. The device enables a hands-free use by a driver while operating the vehicle. The device is hung from the neck of the rear view mirror by using a elongated clamp system of thin profile to ensure minimal interference with the driver's view. A flexible adaptor is supported by the clamp system and includes both a multifunctional mounting plate and ball mount to provide a secure support for a variety of electronic devices.

Description

REAR VIEW MIRROR MOUNTING DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001] The present invention claims priority based on US provisional patent application No. 61 ,276,399, filed on September 11 , 2009. The subject matter of this priority document is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

[002] The use of cellular phones, global positioning systems (GPS), personal digital assistants (PDAs), music players and other electronic devices within an automobile are well known as providing a convenient means of communication, easy navigation, and enjoyable driving experience. Hands-free use of these devices increases driving safety, but a need exists to provide an electronic device mounting device that is reliable and stable, and that positions the electronic device so that it can easily be manually and visually accessed without also being a distraction to the driver or a safety hazard.

SUMMARY

[003] The present mounting device addresses the problems of how to provide a practical means for mounting an electronic device such as a GPS, cellular phone, PDA, etc, to a vehicle rear view mirror. The novel mounting device especially addresses a need in the marketplace among drivers who desire a convenient, reliable, secure, and safe way to mount an electronic device within their vehicle.

[004] In some aspects, a mounting device is provided that is configured to secure an electronic device to a rear view mirror of a vehicle. The mounting device includes a clamp including opposed jaws configured to connect to the rear view mirror, a coil portion, and an elongated arm connecting each jaw to the coil portion. The mounting device further includes a connector including a connector first end configured to engage the coil portion and a connector second end opposed to the connector first end, and an adaptor that is adjustably and detachably connected to the connector second end, the adaptor configured to receive and support the electronic device.

[005] The mounting device may include one or more of the following features: The adaptor is configured to receive and support one of an electronic device selected from a group including a global positioning system, personal digital assistant, portable music player, and cellular phone. The adaptor is configured to receive and support more than one electronic device, each electronic device selected from a group of devices including a global positioning system, personal digital assistant, portable music player, and cellular phone. The adaptor includes a cylindrical adaptor body having an adaptor first end and an opposed adaptor second end, the adaptor first end including a spherical mounting ball, and the adaptor second end including a planar mounting plate. The planar mounting plate includes an elongated, radially extending slot disposed between the plate center and the plate periphery, the planar mounting plate being selectively rotatable relative to a longitudinal axis of the rod such that the location of the slot relative to the rod can be adjusted. The planar mounting plate includes four radially extending slots, the four slots being equidistantly spaced. The connector first end includes a conical head, the head including a circumferential groove dimensioned to receive a portion of the coil portion. The connector further includes a ball joint disposed between the connector first end and connector second end, and the connector second end comprises an adjustable clamp dimensioned to receive a portion of the adaptor.

[006] The mounting device may also include one or more of the following features: The arms have a length such that the distance between the coil portion and the jaw portion is in a range of 6 inches to 15 inches. The arms have a length to diameter ratio in a range of 20 to 150. The arms have a length to diameter ratio in a range of 30 to 95. The arms have a length to diameter ratio of 42. The arms are formed of a transparent material. Each jaw includes a concave surface, the jaws being oriented such that the respective concave surfaces face each other. One of the opposed jaws is connected to a first end of the coil portion through a first one of the arms, the other of the opposed jaws is connected to a second end of the coil portion through a second one of the arms, and wherein the jaws are urged toward each other by the resiliency of the coil portion. The mounting device further comprises a jaw securing device configured to maintain the jaws in a desired configuration. The mounting device further includes a support member configured to maintain an engaged configuration of the opposed jaws.

[007] In some aspects, a mounting device is provided that is configured to secure electronic devices to a rear view mirror of a vehicle. In these aspects, the mounting device includes an adaptor, a first clamp configured to connect to the rear view mirror, a second clamp configured to connect to the adaptor, and an arm connecting the first clamp to the second clamp. The adaptor includes a plurality of device mount locations, each device mount location configured to receive and secure one of several different types of electronic devices.

[008] In some aspects, a mounting device is provided that is configured to secure electronic devices to a rear view mirror of a vehicle. In these aspects, the mounting device includes a clamp configured to connect to the rear view mirror, a mounting portion configured to receive and secure one of several different types of electronic devices, and an elongate, generally cylindrical arm, including a first end face and a second end face that is opposed to the first end face. The arm is detachably connected to the clamp at the first end face, detachably connected to the mounting portion at the second end face, and is flexibly adjustable along its length.

[009] The present invention provides a vehicle rear view mirror mounting device that is reliable, durable, stable and safe support for a variety of electronic devices, including but not limited to a GPS, PDA, music player and/or cellular phone, and which enables hands-free use of the mounted device by a driver while operating the vehicle. For example, the mounting device safely and stably supports the electronic device regardless of weather conditions and over long periods of time. This is in contrast to some conventional mounting devices which tend to detach from vehicle interior surfaces when used in extreme temperature conditions or due to component degradation over time. [010] The device is easily mounted to, and detachable from, the rear view mirror using a resilient clamp. When clamped to the mirror, the device positions the electronic device at a location which provides easy manual and visual access, while also reliably and safely securing the device to the mirror. This is in contrast to some conventional mounting devices that connect to the vehicle dash board or wind shield, and thus position the electronic device at a location that is hard to view and/or reach.

[01 1] In some aspects, the clamp may be further secured to the stem of the mirror by employing various locking mechanisms such as a hook lock design, a metal string ring lock, or a metal strap brace lock. This feature ensures a safe, stable and durable connection to the vehicle interior.

[012] In some aspects, a flexible positioning system combined with a multifunctional mounting plate or ball are attached to the clamp system, providing easy positioning and secure support for one or more of a variety electronic devices. Thus, the rear view mirror mounting device is not limited to use with one type or brand of electronics device, but can be used with a wide variety of devices. In addition, mounting device can support more than one electronic device, for example, enabling hands free use of a cellular phone and GPS system at the same time.

[013] Modes for carrying out the present invention are explained below by reference to an embodiment of the present invention shown in the attached drawings. The above-mentioned object, other objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the embodiment of the invention presented below in conjunction with the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[014] Fig. 1 is an interior view of a vehicle illustrating the mounting device connected to the stem of a rear view mirror and supporting a GPS.

[015] Fig. 2 is a view of the mounting device and GPS of Fig. 1. [016] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the clamp portion showing a hook lock securing the clamp jaws.

[017] Fig. 4 is an isolated view of the hook lock of Fig. 9.

[018] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the clamp portion showing a strap brace lock securing the clamp jaws.

[019] Fig. 6 is an isolated exploded view of the strap brace lock of Fig. 1 1.

[020] Figs. 7a-7c illustrate how the connector portion is secured to the coils of the clamp portion.

[021] Fig. 8 is a side view of the connector portion of the mounting device of Fig. 1.

[022] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the connector portion of Fig. 8 supporting a portion of the adaptor.

[023] Fig. 10 is an exploded view of the adaptor portion of the mounting device of Fig. 1.

[024] Fig. 11 is an exploded view of the mounting plate of the adaptor of Fig. 10.

[025] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment mounting device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[026] Referring to Fig. 1, a rear view mirror mounting device 20 is used to mount an electronic device 200 within a vehicle 2. The electronic device 200 is typically the size of an adult hand or smaller, includes a display and/or control switches, and is used by the driver while driving for obtaining information, communication, or entertainment. For example, the electronic device 200 may be a GPS, cellular phone, PDA or music player, but is not limited to these devices.

[027] The mounting device 20 connects to the stem 5 of the mirror 4, and is of sufficient length to position the electronic device 200 in a location which is easily viewed and manually accessed. In addition, the mounting device 20 is

sufficiently spaced apart from the rear view mirror 4 to minimize driver distraction as discussed further below. For example, in the illustrated

embodiment, the mounting device 20 is configured to position the electronic device 200 to one side of the steering wheel 8 at a height generally corresponding to the height of the vehicle dash board 6.

[028] Referring to Fig. 2, the mounting device 20 includes a clamp portion 22, an adaptor portion 82, and a connector portion 52 which connects the clamp portion 22 to the adaptor portion 82. The clamp portion 22 defines most of the extent of the vertical hanging length of the mounting device 20. It is formed of a coated wire 40 to provide sufficient strength and toughness to support relatively heavy electronic devices 200, while also having a very thin profile. Having a thin profile is an important safety feature since the mounting device 20, which hangs downward from the stem 5 of the rear view mirror 4, would otherwise impede the driver's view through the windshield 10. In some embodiments, the wire coating is transparent, and in other embodiments, both the wire and wire coating are transparent in order to further minimize view obstruction. The wire coating is further advantageous since it prevents the clamp portion from damaging the interior of the vehicle 10, particularly the mirror stem 5.

[029] The clamp portion 22 includes a pair of opposed jaws 24, 26, each including a concave surface 28, 29 configured to encircle a portion of the mirror stem 5. The jaws 24, 26 include portions of the wire 40 formed in a generally U- shape, where the first jaw 24 is slightly larger than the second jaw 26. This configuration permits the second jaw 26 to pass through the first jaw 24, providing a secure cross-hook engagement of the jaws about the mirror stem 5. The clamp portion 22 includes a coil portion 34 formed of several generally circular turns of the wire 40, and also includes elongated arms 30, 32. A first arm 30 connects the first jaw 24 to a first end 36 of the coil portion 34, and a second arm 32 connects the second jaw 26 to a second end 38 of the coil portion 34.

[030] Manually squeezing the two arms 30, 32 together opens the opposed jaws 24, 26 to permit the jaws 24, 26 to be placed around the mirror stem 5. The opposed jaws 24, 26 are urged toward each other by the resiliency of the coil portion 34, and thus securely grip the mirror stem 5 when mounted thereon. This spring bias of the clamping portion 22 also permits the device 20 to accommodate various sizes and shapes of the mirror stem 5. [031] Referring to Figs. 3-6, in some embodiments, the connection of the jaws 24, 36 to the mirror stem 5 can be further secured and stabilized by including supplemental support members. As seen in Figs. 3 and 4, in a first example the support member is a metal string ring lock 44 that loops through the jaws 24, 26. As seen in Figs. 5 and 6, a second example of the support member is a metal strap brace 46 secured with a wing nut 47, a washer 48, and a screw 49. In both examples, the jaws 24, 26 are secured together using the support member.

[032] Referring again to Fig. 2, the length of the arms 30, 32 is such that the distance between the coil portion 34 and the jaws 24, 26 is in a range of 6 inches to 15 inches. Moreover, to ensure that the arms 30, 32 minimally impede the driver's field of view, the arms 30, 32 are formed having a length to diameter ratio in a range of 20 to 150. In some embodiments, the arms 30, 32 are formed having a length to diameter ratio in a range of 30 to 95. In other embodiments, the arms 30, 32 are formed having a length to diameter ratio of 42.

[033] The connector portion 52 includes a connector first end 54 having a shape that facilitates engagement with the coil portion 34, and a connector second end 56 that is opposed to the connector first end 54.

[034] Referring also to Figs. 7a-7c, the connector first end 54 includes a head 60 that terminates in a conical portion 61. The head 60 is provided with one or more circumferential groove(s) 62 adjacent the conical portion 61. The conical shape of the head facilitates insertion of the connector portion between the turns of the coil portion 34 (Fig. 7b), while the groove 62 is dimensioned to receive and engage with the coil portion 34 whereby the connector portion 22 is securely connected to the clamp portion 22 (Fig. 7c).

[035] Referring again to Fig. 2 and also to Figs. 8-9, the connector portion 52 further includes a ball joint 64 disposed between the connector first end 54 and connector second end 56. The ball joint 64 permits rotation of the connector second end 56 relative to the connector first end 54 about three orthogonal axes. The connector second end 56 is an adjustable clamp, including a minor clamping member 72 which forms the socket portion of the ball joint 64, and a major clamping member 74 that is dimensioned to receive the body 84 of the adaptor portion 82. The major and minor clamping members are integrally formed and are disposed on opposed sides of a clamp adjusting member 76, and the spacing of both clamping members 72, 74 is adjusted through rotation of the clamp adjusting member 76. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamp adjusting member 76 is a bolt that extends between opposed clamping members and is secured by a wingnut. This configuration permits easy manual positional adjustment and securement of the connector second end 56 relative to the first connector end 54.

[036] Referring to Figs. 2 and 10, the adaptor portion 82 includes a cylindrical adaptor body 84 having an adaptor first end 86, and an adaptor second end 88 opposed to the first end. The adaptor portion 82 also includes a first mounting member 94 that is secured to the adaptor first end 86, and a second mounting member 90 that is secured to the adaptor second end 88. The adaptor first and second ends 86, 88 are each provided with a threaded opening 87, 89 dimensioned to receive threaded portions of the mounting members 90, 94 as discussed further below.

[037] Referring also to Fig. 11, manufacturers facilitate device mounting by providing a bracket to which the electronic device 200 can be attached. Most electronic devices 200 have a dedicated mounting bracket of a design that is determined by the respective manufacturer, and thus the mounting brackets vary from device to device. Generally, most manufacturer-provided brackets fall into two types. A first type of manufacturer-provided bracket 104 includes a generally planar portion 106 which can be mounted to a suitable base using a fastener such as a screw 108. In a second type, the manufacturer-provided bracket 100 includes a spherical socket 102 for receiving a ball. Such socket-type brackets are provided, for example, by Garmin International of Olathe, Kansas, USA, for use with a GPS.

[038] The adaptor portion 82 is designed to accommodate both the planar-type bracket 104 and socket-type bracket 100. In particular, the adaptor portion 82 includes a plate mounting member 94 mounted to the first end 86 of the adaptor body 84. The plate mounting member 94 is a relatively thin circular plate having a central opening 97 dimensioned to receive a threaded fastener 95. The threaded fastener 95 extends through the central opening 97 and is received within the corresponding adaptor body threaded opening 87, whereby the plate mounting member 94 is adjustably secured to the first end 86 of the adaptor body 84. The plate mounting member 94 also includes elongated, radially extending slots 96 disposed between the center opening 97 and a peripheral edge 98 of the member 94. The described arrangement of slots 96 can accommodate various

configurations of corresponding fastener holes 110 provided on respective planar- type brackets 104, whereby the planar-type bracket 104 can be easily secured to the plate mounting member 94 using fasteners 108. In the illustrated embodiment, four equidistant slots 96 are provided, but the plate mounting member 94 is not limited to this number of slots, or to slots of the illustrated shape. The location of the slots 96 relative to the body 84 can be selected by slightly loosening the fastener 95, rotating the plate 94 to the desired position, and re-tightening the fastener 95. Likewise, the mounted orientation of the electronics device 200 relative to the mounting device 20 can also be adjusted in this manner.

[039] The adaptor portion 82 further includes a ball mount 90 connected to the second end 88 of the adaptor body 84. The ball mount 90 includes a spherical ball 92 and a threaded rod 93 extending radially from the ball 92. The threaded rod 93 is received within the corresponding threaded opening 89 formed in the second end 88 of the adaptor body 84, whereby the ball mount 90 is secured to the adaptor body 84. The ball 92 is sized to be received within the socket 102 of the socket-type bracket 100. In some embodiments, different ball sizes can be provided to accommodate variations in the size of the socket 102 as supplied by the manufacturers.

[040] The mounting device 20 can be used to support a single electronic device 200, or two electronic devices 200 at the same time. Because the mounting members 90, 94 are easily attached and detached from the adaptor body 84, one type of mounting member can be substituted for another type of mounting member. For example, the mounting device 20 could support two electronics devices 200, each having a socket type bracket 100. Moreover, the adaptor portion 82 can be easily adapted to accommodate a future manufacturer bracket design.

[041] Referring to Fig. 12, an alternative embodiment mounting device 300 is shown. The mounting device 300 includes a clamp portion 322 which secures the mounting device 300 to the stem 5 of the rear view mirror 4, a mounting member selected from mounting members 90 and 94 discussed above for receiving and supporting an electronics device 200, and a connector portion 352 that connects the clamp portion 322 to the adaptor portion 352.

[042] The clamp portion 322 includes strap clamp 324 that surrounds the mirror stem 5 and is adjustably secured to the mirror stem 5 using an adjustment bolt 326. The clamp portion 322 is secured to an end of the connector portion 352 using a threaded fastener 330.

[043] As in the previous embodiment, the connector portion 352 is relatively long and thin so as to minimally interfere with the driver's view, and so as to place the electronics device at a location spaced apart from the rear view mirror 4. The connector portion 352 is flexibly adjustable along its length in the manner of a "goose neck" or "snake arm" support member. The connector portion 352 includes a connector first end face 354 that receives the threaded fastener 330 of the clamp portion 322, and a connector second end 356 that receives a mounting member 90, 94 thereon.

[044] As described above, the mounting devices 20, 320 will enhance the hand free use of electronic devices 200 within a vehicle, while also providing convenient visual and manual access to the electronic device 200.

[045] A selected illustrative embodiment of the invention is described above in some detail. It should be understood that only structures considered necessary for clarifying the present invention have been described herein. Other conventional structures, and those of ancillary and auxiliary components of the system, are assumed to be known and understood by those skilled in the art. Moreover, while a working example of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the working example described above, but various design alterations may be carried out without departing from the present invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:

1. A mounting device configured to secure an electronic device to a rear view mirror of a vehicle, the mounting device comprising

a clamp including opposed jaws configured to connect to the rear view mirror, a coil portion, and an elongated arm connecting each jaw to the coil portion,

a connector including a connector first end configured to engage the coil portion and a connector second end opposed to the connector first end,

an adaptor that is adjustably and detachably connected to the connector second end, the adaptor configured to receive and support the electronic device.

2. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the adaptor is configured to receive and support one of an electronic device selected from a group including a global positioning system, personal digital assistant, portable music player, and cellular phone.

3. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the adaptor is configured to receive and support more than one electronic device, each electronic device selected from a group of devices including a global positioning system, personal digital assistant, portable music player, and cellular phone.

4. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the adaptor includes a cylindrical adaptor body having an adaptor first end and an opposed adaptor second end, the adaptor first end including a spherical mounting ball, and

the adaptor second end including a planar mounting plate.

5. The mounting device of claim 4, wherein the planar mounting plate includes an elongated, radially extending slot disposed between the plate center and the plate periphery, the planar mounting plate being selectively rotatable relative to a longitudinal axis of the rod such that the location of the slot relative to the rod can be adjusted.

6. The mounting device of claim 5, wherein the planar mounting plate includes four radially extending slots, the four slots being equidistantly spaced.

7. The mounting device of claim 1 , wherein the connector first end includes a conical head, the head including a circumferential groove dimensioned to receive a portion of the coil portion.

8. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the connector further includes a ball joint disposed between the connector first end and connector second end, and the connector second end comprises an adjustable clamp dimensioned to receive a portion of the adaptor.

9. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the arms have a length such that the distance between the coil portion and the jaw portion is in a range of 6 inches to 15 inches.

10. The mounting device of claim 1 , wherein the arms have a length to diameter ratio in a range of 20 to 150.

11. The mounting device of claim 1 , wherein the arms have a length to diameter ratio in a range of 30 to 95.

12. The mounting device of claim 1 , wherein the arms have a length to diameter ratio of 42.

13. The mounting device of claim 1 , wherein the arms are formed of a transparent material.

14. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein each jaw includes a concave surface, the jaws being oriented such that the respective concave surfaces face each other.

15. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein one of the opposed jaws is connected to a first end of the coil portion through a first one of the arms, the other of the opposed jaws is connected to a second end of the coil portion through a second one of the arms, and wherein the jaws are urged toward each other by the resiliency of the coil portion.

16. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the mounting device further comprises a jaw securing device configured to maintain the jaws in a desired configuration.

17. The mounting device of claim 1 , wherein the mounting device further includes a support member configured to maintain an engaged configuration of the opposed jaws.

18. A mounting device configured to secure electronic devices to a rear view mirror of a vehicle, the mounting device comprising

an adaptor,

a first clamp configured to connect to the rear view mirror,

a second clamp configured to connect to the adaptor, and

an arm connecting the first clamp to the second clamp,

wherein the adaptor includes a plurality of device mount locations, each device mount location configured to receive and secure one of several different types of electronic devices.

19. A mounting device configured to secure electronic devices to a rear view mirror of a vehicle, the mounting device comprising

a clamp configured to connect to the rear view mirror, a mounting portion configured to receive and secure one of several different types of electronic devices, and

an elongate, generally cylindrical arm, including a first end face and a second end face that is opposed to the first end face, the arm detachably connected to the clamp at the first end face, and detachably connected to the mounting portion at the second end face,

wherein the arm is flexibly adjustable along its length.