Multi-positional mount for personal electronic devices with a magnetic interface

• US 8,602,376 B2
• Filed: 05/31/2012
• Issued: 12/10/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 05/31/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nite Ize Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Nite Ize Incorporated
• Inventors: Vogel, Frank, Turner, Paul
• Primary Examiner(s): McKinnon, Terrell
• Assistant Examiner(s): MILLNER, MONICA E
• Application Number:
  US13/485,894
• Publication Number:
  US 20120305733A1
• Time in Patent Office: 558 Days
• Field of Search: 248/371, 248/181.1, 248/181.2, 248/187.1, 248/288.31, 248/288.51, 396/198, 396/544, 403/56.X, 403/76.X, 403/90.X, 403122-144, 403/122.X, 403/DIG.1 X
• US Class Current: 248/371
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 1/00 Devices for securing together, or preventing relative movement between, constructional elements or machine parts
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 2200/83 Use of a magnetic material
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/04 Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/041 Allowing quick release of the apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/14 with ball-joint ball-jointed hinges F16C11/06 ; adjustable mountings employing universal joints for lighting devices F21V21/26 - F21V21/30
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/22 with approximately constant height, e.g. with constant length of column or of legs F16M11/42 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 13/00 Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles heads thereof F16M11/02 ; undercarriages thereof F16M11/20 ; adapted to be stuck in the ground A45F3/44 ; sockets or holders for poles or posts E04H12/22; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles supports for measuring instruments G01D11/30; supports for casings of remote control switching devices H01H9/025
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 13/022 repositionable
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/022 by friction
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0204 Mounting supporting structures on the outside of casings
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/32631 Universal ball and socket

Abstract

A stand assembly for holding handheld electronic devices in a multitude of positions or locations having a first section with a curved end magnetically attached to second section having and indented surface. The first section also attaches to a surface, the second section either is contiguous with a portable electronic device, a carrying case, or other item; or has a means to attach to another surface. A high-friction elastomeric material, or similar friction producing material, helps to secure the first and second sections together, or the second section against another flat magnetic surface.

Claims

1. A stand assembly comprising:

a first section shaped at one end to lay stably on a flat surface and shaped on another end with a curved surface, said curved surface of said first section constructed of a magnetic material; and

a second section having a front surface, said front surface having an indentation, said indentation capable of receiving said curved end of said first section and being of a size which can encompass a portion, but less than the whole diameter, of said curved end of said first section, said second section having magnetic material capable of holding said first and said second sections together, wherein the second section includes a first piece of high-friction elastomeric material, the first piece of high-friction elastomeric material disposed of in the indentation of said second section and the magnetic material positioned such that the magnetic material of the second section radially surrounds the first piece of high-friction elastomeric material.

2. The stand assembly of claim 1, wherein said second section further comprises a back surface with a means for attaching to a surface.

3. The stand assembly of claim 1, wherein said second section further comprises being contiguous with a protective cover.

4. The stand assembly of claim 1, wherein said second section further comprises being contiguous with a handheld device.

5. The stand assembly of claim 1, wherein a second high-friction elastomeric material is disposed of on an outer contact surface of said second section.

6. The stand assembly of claim 1, wherein said first section further comprises a high-friction elastomeric material.

7. The stand assembly of claim 1, wherein said first section further comprises a means for attaching to a flat surface.

8. The stand assembly of claim 1, wherein said first section further comprises a means for attaching to irregular surfaces.

9. The stand assembly of claim 1, wherein said first section further comprises a means for attaching to car cigarette lighter sockets.

10. The stand assembly of claim 1, wherein said first section further comprises magnetic material capable of holding said first and said second sections together.

11. A stand assembly comprising:

a first section shaped at one end to lay stably on a flat surface and shaped on another end with a curved surface, said curved surface of said first section constructed of a magnetic material; and

a second section having a front surface, said front surface having an indentation, said indentation capable of receiving said curved end of said first section and being of a size which can encompass a portion, but less than the whole diameter, of said curved end of said first section, said second section having magnetic material capable of holding said first and said second sections together, wherein the second section includes a first piece of high-friction elastomeric material, the first piece of high-friction elastomeric material disposed of in the indentation of said second section and the magnetic material positioned such that the magnetic material of the second section radially surrounds the first piece of high-friction elastomeric material, and the magnetic material of the second section has a ring shape.

12. A stand assembly comprising:

a first section shaped at one end to lay stably on a flat surface and shaped on another end with a curved surface, said curved surface of said first section constructed of a magnetic material; and

a second section having a front surface, said front surface having an indentation, said indentation capable of receiving said curved end of said first section and being of a size which can encompass a portion, but less than the whole diameter, of said curved end of said first section, said second section having magnetic material capable of holding said first and said second sections together, wherein the second section includes a first piece of high-friction elastomeric material, the first piece of high-friction elastomeric material disposed of in the indentation of said second section and the magnetic material positioned such that the magnetic material of the second section radially surrounds the first piece of high-friction elastomeric material, and the magnetic material of the second section has a shape complementary to the curved surface such that the magnetic material of the second section contacts the curved surface when the first and second sections are engaged.