Releasable mount for an electronic device

• US 6,529,381 B1
• Filed: 01/22/2002
• Issued: 03/04/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 09/16/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Garmin Corporation (Garmin Limited)
• Original Assignee: Garmin Corporation (Garmin Limited)
• Inventors: Schoenfish, Brian G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Martin, David
• Assistant Examiner(s): BUI, HUNG S
• Application Number:
  US10/054,132
• Time in Patent Office: 406 Days
• Field of Search: 361/800, 361/686, 361/725, 361/825, 361/715, 361/754, 361/759, 361/798, 361/801, 211/71.01, 248/128, 439/573, 439/538, 438/138
• US Class Current: 361/725
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/02 for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0235 of flat type, e.g. LCD
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0241 for telephones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0258 for navigation systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0005 Dashboard
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0015 Back-rests
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0045 with visible part, e.g. flush mounted
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0078 Quick-disconnect two-parts mounting means
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0204 Mounting supporting structures on the outside of casings

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for removably mounting an electronic device to the dashboard of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a mount securable to the electronic device and a cradle fixed to the vehicle for receipt of the mount. The mount includes a plate for attachment to the electronic device and at least one flexible locking arm extending from said plate. The outwardly biased arm engages the cradle when the mount is secured to the cradle. The arm is deflected inwardly to allow the electronic device to be quickly and easily removed from the dashboard of the vehicle in a single motion.

Claims

1. A mounting apparatus operable to releasably secure an electronic device adjacent to a receptacle, said apparatus comprising:

a latching member positioned on a rear face of said electronic device, said latching member having at least one flexible latching arm;

a receiving member operable to be secured to the receptacle and operable to retain said electronic device by releasably securing with said flexible latching arm; and

wherein said flexible latching arm extends beyond said receiving member once releasably secured with said receiving member.

2. The mounting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said receiving member includes a pair of opposing sidewalls, said sidewalls defining at least one elongated slot for receipt of said flexible latching arm.