MOUNTING APPARATUS
A mounting apparatus and system and method for making the same are provided. The mounting apparatus allows an object to be mounted to a mounting surface via magnetic attractions between different planes of engagement. Through the movement of planes of magnets, an object that is brought in proximity to the mounting apparatus may engage one of the magnetic planes and then be moved further to engage the other magnetic plane, with the combined magnetic force being configured to support the particular object for which the mounting apparatus is designed. The engagement and/or disengagement of the object from the mounting apparatus can thus occur in stages, by degrees, and/or in a tiered manner.
The present invention relates generally to methods, systems, and apparatuses for releasably engaging multiple bodies. In particular, various mechanisms for attaching and releasing objects in stages are described.
BACKGROUNDNumerous solutions exist for attaching, connecting, or otherwise joining two or more objects, as there are many reasons objects may need to be attached. Fewer solutions also provide mounting functionality.
Potentially mountable objects make up a variety of sizes, shapes, and weights, so common mounting methods vary widely in form and function. Generally, available mounting means require mechanical fasteners for attaching an object—particularly for relatively large or heavy objects—and often also require tools and installation time. Toolless mounting methods, such as those that rely on a snap-in mechanism, are faster but may require a user to apply precise and, often, concentrated pressure to the object during mounting. Similar intervention may also be required for release of the object. Quick-mount solutions, such as suction mounts and magnetic mounts, are typically useful for relatively light objects, but these mounts are often relatively insecure and are more prone to unintentional disengagement than are the aforementioned means. Additionally, if configured for heavier objects or to provide greater security, quick-mount solutions require a greater holding force than is necessary for attachment alone in order to bear the weight of the object, and such strong holding forces may cause users unnecessary difficulty in releasing or dismounting the object.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for simple, scalable, and cost-effective apparatuses and systems for attaching and/or mounting objects of various sizes, shapes, and weights to different mounting surfaces that allow for quick and easy attachment and release of the objects.
Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, various and diverse embodiments are feasible within the scope and spirit of the invention and may be applied broadly in many technical fields across several industries for uses other than those outlined herein. Thus, the invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.
The following disclosure generally describes a method for releasably engaging one physical body with another, as well as associated systems and apparatuses. For the purposes of explanation, the invention will be described in terms of a mounting process. While terminology within this context (e.g., mounting, mounting apparatus, etc.) is useful for explanatory purposes, the chosen course of explanation should not be construed to limit the scope of the described method or embodiments.
Accordingly, it should be noted that an embodiment termed a mounting apparatus in this disclosure may be functional for purposes other than mounting. For example, some mounting apparatuses described herein may be applied separately to two or more bodies (e.g., like embodiments of the invention applied to each body), and the apparatuses may be attached one to another to join the bodies together. In such a scenario, the invention may be regarded as an attachment interface.
Additionally, the like embodiments (described above) may be configured with connectors that are compatible when joined one to the other so that joining the apparatuses may facilitate a connection between the bodies. Consequently, the invention may be thought of as a connection interface in certain contexts.
Moreover, some embodiments of the invention, which may be configured in a like or similar manner to some embodiments described herein, may themselves be mounted to other mounting apparatuses not described herein, thus enhancing the functionality of the known mounting apparatuses. Thus, in some situations, the invention may be considered to be a mounting interface.
In consideration of the variations outlined above, which are not exhaustive and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention but instead are meant to illustrate the broad application and usefulness of the applied method, further description herein will use terminology within the context of a mounting process to facilitate explanation of the invention. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “object” is used to refer to any physical body that is meant to engage a mounting apparatus. The term makes no reference to the role of the object in the mounting process. For example, a wall may be an object (e.g., it is meant to engage a mounting apparatus), but a wall cannot be, itself, mounted as an object in the traditional sense. In such contexts, the object may be described as an object interface that is capable of attaching to the wall so that the wall may engage the apparatus. In some contexts, the meaning of the term object may be extended to include an item or device a user ultimately wishes to mount (e.g., a television, painting, mobile phone, tablet computer, shelving unit, etc.).
The term “engagement” refers to the magnetic hold established between two or more components when a stage of attachment is complete (continuing until a corresponding stage of disengagement occurs) or when an object has attached to an apparatus via at least one completed stage of attachment (this may be referred to as, e.g., partial engagement), and the term may also refer to physical contact between two surfaces in some cases. The term “total engagement force” refers to a targeted (e.g., sought, required, etc.), and substantially peak, net magnetic force achieved between an object (or object interface) and an apparatus. The terms “attraction” or “attraction force” and “repel,” “repulsion,” or “repelling force” will refer to magnetic influence or interaction that may occur as part of a process of engagement (e.g., magnetic forces that are deemed to be in progress and are not engagement, as described above). The term “overall engagement force” is a sum of the respective engagement forces (of various stages of engagement) and/or attraction forces that may occur or be present during the mounting or dismounting process that leads up to (e.g., an increasing overall engagement force) or away from (e.g., decreasing), but does not include, a total engagement force, as described above (e.g., it is always less than a total engagement force).
The term “magnet” refers to any material or component that responds to a magnetic field, including a ferrous metal or other material that is configured to respond to magnetism, a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, a correlated magnet, a programmed/coded magnet, etc., or a combination of these.
The term “mounting magnet” may refer to a magnet or group of magnets, as defined above, or may reference a certain component of an apparatus or system that may be defined as a magnet, above.
Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “bottom,” “top,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” and similar terms are used for ease of explanation and refer generally to the position of certain components or parts of components of embodiments of the described invention at various points during the mounting or dismounting process. It is understood that such terms are not used in any absolute sense, and, as such, part of a component described as an “outer surface” at one point during the mounting process, for example, may be on an inner portion of the apparatus or system upon completion of the mounting process.
Objects of various types, sizes, shapes, weights, etc. have different mounting requirements. For example, a user may wish to mount a small, relatively lightweight object such as a GPS device to an irregular (e.g., sloped) surface of a vehicle dashboard. The user may further wish to mount the GPS device with one hand in one simple motion without necessarily having to concentrate on positioning the object with respect to the mounting apparatus. In a different scenario, however, the user may want to mount a large, heavy object to a relatively vertical surface, such as may be the case when the user wishes to mount a 52″ plasma television to a wall in the user's home. In this case, the user may need to support the object with two hands and may want to accomplish the mounting operation as quickly as possible, while at the same time ensuring that the television is properly secured and will not accidentally fall and be damaged once mounted. When the time comes to take the object off the mounting apparatus, whether the object is large or small, heavy or light, the user may again wish to accomplish the task in a relatively simple manner by exerting as little effort as possible.
Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide for a mounting apparatus that is configured for mounting an object to a mounting surface using magnetism. As described below, embodiments of the mounting apparatus provide at least two magnets arranged in two different planes, with at least one of the planes being configured to move with respect to the other one. Through the movement of the planes of magnets, an object that is brought in proximity to the mounting apparatus may engage one of the magnetic planes and then be moved further to engage the other magnetic plane, with the combined magnetic force (e.g., total engagement force) being configured to support the particular object for which the mounting apparatus is designed.
By dividing the total required magnetic force into two planes (or more, as described below), engagement and/or disengagement of the object from the mounting apparatus can occur in stages. As such, in some embodiments, a user bringing the object into proximity with the mounting apparatus during the mounting process may be able to gradually engage the object with the mounting apparatus. In other words, as the object is brought closer to the mounting apparatus, the magnetic force that is created between the object and the various magnetic planes of the mounting apparatus will, initially, be less than the total magnetic force that will ultimately provide support for the object and will gradually increase as the object fully engages the mounting apparatus.
Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, a user may be able to disengage the object from the mounting apparatus in stages by successively disengaging the object from each magnetic plane of engagement. Such a tiered release of the object may allow the user to apply a disengaging force to the mounted object that is less than the total engagement force that exists between the mounting apparatus and the object when the object is fully engaged (e.g., mounted to the surface). Thus, for example, in the case of a heavy object that is engaged with the mounting apparatus, the user need not pull the object off the mounting apparatus by applying an opposite force that is equal to the total (e.g., large) force that is used to keep the object engaged with the mounting apparatus. Rather, the user can apply a force that is sufficient to overcome the magnetic force between the object and one of the magnetic planes (e.g., less than the total engagement force of all the planes), such that the object is disengaged gradually (e.g., releasing from each plane separately).
In addition to the staged engagement and disengagement that is possible by way of embodiments of the invention described below, the mounting apparatus may be configured to provide other functions that facilitate a mounting and/or dismounting operation and/or functions that facilitate or enhance use of the mounted object. For example, in some embodiments, the mounting apparatus may be configured to allow the object to self-align with the mounting apparatus. The mounting apparatus may further be configured to structurally support objects of various weights and configurations (e.g., sizes and shapes), provide data and electrical connections with the object, and engage the object in different ways. Some embodiments may allow manipulation of an engaged object (e.g., various movements of the object) either by the user or by the apparatus acting on the object in a controlled manner. Further embodiments may provide an effective locking mechanism for the object. Other configurations may manage the functionality of an object by partially disengaging and re-engaging the object. Still other embodiments may ready the apparatus for engagement, change the appearance of the apparatus, and/or change the way the apparatus may be engaged. And in other configurations, the apparatus may remain unobtrusive or inconspicuous until it is meant to be used.
Accordingly, as will become apparent in light of the description below and with reference to the figures, the method disclosed herein may be embodied in multiple ways. A self-contained (e.g., standalone) apparatus may be constructed and configured to be affixed to a portable or fixed body (e.g., a mounting surface), some embodiments hereinafter described being examples of such. Additionally, the method may be applied to an existing body (e.g., a wall, a television, a frame for artwork), or a portion of an existing body, such that the body is modified to achieve the desired functionality of the invention (e.g., to incorporate embodiments of the invention), wherein existing components or features of the body are used as components or features of embodiments of the invention, so that such embodiments are partially or fully embedded within the body. Described another way, components that may be necessary for embodiments of the invention and that are absent in the body may be added to the body, and components or features of the body already suitable for carrying out the needed roles may be used as-is or may be altered as necessary; all components together being configured to achieve an apparatus comprised of both existing components and added components and residing at least partially within the body. The latter practice may be particularly beneficial, as modifying an existing body may often be less expensive and/or less invasive than embedding a self-contained apparatus, and an integrated embodiment may be more aesthetically appealing than would a self-contained apparatus affixed to the body. One example is that of a wall being modified, wherein the method is applied to a portion of the wall so that an object may be mounted to the wall, and wherein most of the components configured to create the invention are hidden within the wall so that the impact on the visual aesthetic of the wall is minimal as compared to affixing a self-contained apparatus to the wall. Moreover, in addition to the practices cited above, a system is provided, wherein an apparatus and an object interface (or two apparatuses) may be created for the bodies (by either construction or modification, as explained above) that are configured to agree with one another during the mounting process.
The method provided for mounting an object to a mounting surface comprises supporting a first mounting magnet in a first plane; supporting a second mounting magnet in a second plane; allowing at least one of the mounting magnets to move independently of the other mounting magnet along a line of engagement that intersects the first and second planes; limiting movement of the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable between a respective outer limit position and a respective base limit position; configuring the mounting magnets to cooperate to engage the object to be mounted to produce a total engagement force; and configuring the respective outer limit position of the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable such that a disengaging force that is less than the total engagement force and that is applied to a mounted object overcomes the total engagement force in stages by successively overcoming the respective engagement forces associated with the first and second mounting magnets to disengage the object.
At least one of the first or second planes may be defined by a curved surface. Also, one of the mounting magnets may have a fixed position. For example, the first mounting magnet may have a fixed position, and the second mounting magnet may be movable.
The first mounting magnet may comprise a plurality of magnets. Likewise, the second mounting magnet may comprise a plurality of magnets.
A controlling force may be applied to the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable to control at least the movement or functionality of the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable. The controlling force may be configured to bias the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable away from the object to be mounted. The controlling force may be configured to bias the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable toward the object to be mounted. Furthermore, the controlling force may be configured to move the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable between its respective outer limit position and its respective base limit position.
The controlling force may be removable, may be configured to be adjustable, and/or may be configured to be dynamically adjusted so as to define a respective holding position of the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable between the respective outer limit position and the respective base limit position of the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable.
The controlling force may be configured to be managed remotely. Also, an interface may be configured for managing the controlling force. The controlling force may comprise a plurality of controlling forces, and each respective controlling force may be configured to control a corresponding mounting magnet.
At least one of the mounting magnets may be configured to receive a portion of the object to be mounted. And receiving the portion of the object to be mounted may comprise structurally supporting the object.
Structurally supporting the object may comprise limiting movement of the object to a direction along a single axis relative to the mounting apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, structurally supporting the object may comprise at least partially supporting a weight of the object. Moreover, receiving the portion of the object to be mounted may comprise guiding engagement of the object.
At least one short-range wireless data transfer device may be positioned proximate a target mounting area, and the at least one short-range wireless data transfer device may be configured to be within a communication range of a communication component associated with the object when the object is mounted. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one short-range wireless data transfer device may be within a communication range of a communication component associated with the object when the object is fully engaged and may be outside the communication range of the communication component when the object is partially disengaged or fully disengaged.
At least one wireless charging device may be positioned proximate a target mounting area, and the at least one wireless charging device may be configured to be within a charging range of a compatible wireless charging component when the object is partially or fully engaged with the mounting apparatus.
Furthermore, at least one connection interface may be supported in at least one of the first or second planes. The connection interface may be an electrical connector.
The first mounting magnet may be configured to have a first magnetic force, and the second mounting magnet may be configured to have a second magnetic force that is substantially opposite the first magnetic force.
The second mounting magnet may be movable, and a plurality of second mounting magnets may be supported in a plurality of respective second planes. The second mounting magnets may be configured such that the respective base limit position of each second mounting magnet is in substantially the same plane. The second mounting magnets may be arranged in a nested configuration. Also, the second mounting magnets may be arranged in a telescoping configuration.
The respective limit positions of the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable may be configured such that the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable is movable to a position in which the first and second planes substantially coincide.
In some embodiments, the second mounting magnet may be movable and the first mounting magnet may be in a fixed position.
The second mounting magnet may be configured such that the base limit position of the second mounting magnet substantially coincides with the first plane. Alternatively, the second mounting magnet may be configured such that the outer limit position of the second mounting magnet substantially coincides with the first plane.
In some embodiments, the first mounting magnet and the second mounting magnet may be movable.
The respective base limit positions of the first mounting magnet and the second mounting magnet may be configured such that the respective base limit positions are in substantially the same plane. Also, the respective outer limit positions of the first mounting magnet and the second mounting magnet may be configured such that the respective outer limit positions are in substantially the same plane.
The outer limit position of the first mounting magnet and the base limit position of the second mounting magnet may be configured such that the outer limit position of the first mounting magnet and the base limit position of the second mounting magnet are in substantially the same plane.
At least the first mounting magnet or the second mounting magnet may be positioned relative to a target mounting area such that proximity of an object to be mounted to the target mounting area produces at least one attraction force with respect to at least one of the first or second mounting magnets. At least one of the mounting magnets that is movable may be configured to move toward the object to be mounted as a result of the at least one attraction force.
The positions of the mounting magnets and the respective limit positions of the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable may be configured such that the at least one attraction force draws the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable toward the respective outer limit position, thereby defining a range for the first engagement position.
Furthermore, the positions of the mounting magnets and the respective limit positions of the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable may be configured such that engagement between the object and the respective mounting magnet within the range for the first engagement position results in a second attraction force that draws the object and the unengaged mounting magnet together for engagement such that a total engagement force is produced for mounting the object to the apparatus.
A retaining force may be configured to bias the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable away from the object to be mounted. The retaining force may be less than the at least one attraction force.
A third mounting magnet may be supported in a third plane. The third mounting magnet may be configured to be attached to an object to be mounted to adapt the object to agree with at least one of the first or second mounting magnets.
The third mounting magnet may comprise a plurality of magnets. Also, the third mounting magnet may comprise a plurality of third mounting magnets in a plurality of third planes.
Furthermore, the third mounting magnet may be configured to apply an object controlling force to at least one of the first or second mounting magnets.
In one embodiment of the mounting apparatus, the apparatus comprises an intermediate surface configured to respond to magnetism and an engagement member disposed relative to the intermediate surface along a line of engagement. The engagement member is configured to respond to magnetism, and at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface is configured to be moved between an extended state and a retracted state. In the retracted state, the at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface that is movable is biased away from the object to be mounted. In the extended state, the at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface that is movable is biased toward the object to be mounted. Proximity of the object to the engagement member produces an attraction force between the object and the engagement member that causes engagement of the object with the engagement member, and proximity of the object to the intermediate surface produces an attraction force between the object and the intermediate surface that causes engagement of the object with the intermediate surface, such that the apparatus is configured to engage the object to be mounted in stages via the respective engagement forces.
At least the intermediate surface or the engagement member face may be defined by a curved surface. The intermediate surface may have a fixed position. Engagement of the object with the engagement member may cause the object to be in such proximity to the intermediate surface that an attraction force between the object and the intermediate surface is produced. Engagement of the object with the intermediate surface may cause the object to be in such proximity to the engagement member that an attraction force between the object and the engagement member is produced. The respective attraction forces associated with the engagement member and the intermediate surface may cooperate to engage the object and may produce a total engagement force between the apparatus and the object.
The apparatus may be configured such that a disengaging force that is applied to a mounted object successively overcomes the respective engagement forces associated with the intermediate surface and the engagement member to disengage the object. Therefore, the disengaging force may be less than the total engagement force.
The engagement member may be configured to be substantially flush with the intermediate surface (for example, in the retracted state).
The apparatus may comprise a controlling component configured to apply a controlling force to at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface to control at least the movement or functionality of the respective one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface. The controlling component may be configured to bias the engagement member toward the retracted state, or the controlling component may be configured to bias the engagement member toward the extended state.
Additionally or alternatively, the controlling component may be configured to move the engagement member between a retracted position and an extended position.
The controlling component may be configured such that the controlling force is adjustable, may be capable of being managed remotely, and/or may be removable.
The controlling component may comprise a magnet. For example, the controlling component may comprise an electromagnet.
The controlling component may be configured to maintain the engagement member in an extended position. Also, the controlling component may be configured such that the engagement member automatically retracts after the object is disengaged from the apparatus.
The controlling component may be configured to move relative to the line of engagement. The controlling component may comprise a plurality of controlling components, wherein each controlling component may be configured to control at least the movement or functionality of a corresponding one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface.
The engagement member may comprise an extension and a face joined to the extension. The engagement member may be configured to structurally support the object via engagement of the object with at least a portion of the extension. Additionally or alternatively, the extension may be configured to bear at least a portion of a weight of the object.
The engagement member may be configured to limit movement of the object to a direction along a single axis relative to the apparatus. The extension may be configured to define a position of the engagement member in at least one of the extended state or the retracted state.
The intermediate surface of the apparatus may be configured to receive at least a portion of at least one of the engagement member or the object to be mounted. A portion of the intermediate surface may define an opening configured to slideably receive at least a first portion of the engagement member so as to substantially align the line of engagement along a central axis of the engagement member as the engagement member is moved between the extended and retracted states. The intermediate surface may comprise a chamber extending from the portion of the intermediate surface defining the opening, wherein the chamber may be configured to slideably receive a second portion of the engagement member, and wherein the first portion of the engagement member may have a different width than the second portion.
The chamber may define a first depth and the engagement member may define a second depth, and the first depth may be greater than the second depth.
The intermediate surface may be configured to structurally support the object. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediate surface may be configured to bear at least a portion of the weight of the object. Furthermore, the intermediate surface may be configured to limit movement of the object to a direction along a single axis relative to the apparatus.
The apparatus may comprise at least one short-range wireless data transfer device which may be supported by the intermediate surface or the engagement member. The at least one short-range wireless data transfer device may be supported by the intermediate surface and may be capable of wirelessly communicating with an electronic device that is brought into proximity with the short-range wireless data transfer device. Moreover, the engagement member may be configured such that the at least one short-range wireless data transfer device is capable of wirelessly communicating with the electronic device when the object is fully engaged with the apparatus and is incapable of wirelessly communicating with the electronic device when the object is partially disengaged or fully disengaged from the apparatus.
The apparatus may comprise at least one wireless charging device which may be supported by the intermediate surface or the engagement member. The at least one wireless charging device may be supported by the intermediate surface and may be capable of wirelessly charging an electronic device that is brought into proximity with the wireless charging device.
At least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface of the apparatus may be configured to support at least one connection interface. The at least one connection interface may be configured to transmit at least data or electricity to the object to be mounted when the object is engaged with the apparatus.
At least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface may be configured to bias the object to be mounted to a predefined mounting orientation prior to engagement of the object with the apparatus.
At least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface may comprise at least one electromagnet.
The engagement member may comprise a plurality of engagement members. At least one of the engagement members may be configured to respond to magnetism, and each engagement member may be configured to move independently along a respective line of engagement with respect to other engagement members. Each engagement member may comprise an extension and a face joined to the extension, and the extension may be configured to define a position of the engagement member in at least one of the extended state or the retracted state.
The extension of each engagement member may define a depth, and the depth of at least two of the engagement members may be different.
The engagement member may comprise a plurality of engagement member components, and at least one engagement member component may be configured to respond to magnetism. The plurality of engagement member components may be configured relative to one another such that they are in a nested configuration. In the extended state, the plurality of engagement member components may form a telescoping engagement member which may extend toward an object to be mounted. In the retracted state, the plurality of engagement member components may be substantially flush with the intermediate surface. Alternatively, in the retracted state, the plurality of engagement member components may form a telescoping receptacle. Moreover, in the extended state, the plurality of engagement member components may be substantially flush with the intermediate surface.
In some embodiments, an object interface is also provided, as mentioned above, that is configured to be attached to an object (e.g., a device or item that the user wishes to mount) to facilitate engagement of the object with the mounting apparatus. The object interface may include one or more magnets that are configured to attract or be attracted to corresponding magnets of the mounting apparatus. As such, the object interface may, in some embodiments, be integral to the device or item to be mounted (e.g., such as a component of the device or item itself), be part of a covering or other attachment or accessory to the device or item, or otherwise be configured for attachment to the device or item. As with the mounting apparatus, the object interface may be configured in numerous ways, from being embodied by a simple plate that is configured to respond to magnetism to, in some cases, having the features and functionality of the mounting apparatus. As such, it is understood that the mounting apparatus is not limited to embodiments in which the mounting apparatus is attached to the mounting surface (e.g., wall, dashboard, tabletop, etc.) and is configured to receive the object (e.g., the device or item or the object interface), but also includes embodiments in which the mounting apparatus is attached (or otherwise associated) with the device or item to be mounted and is configured to engage a reciprocal structure that is associated with the mounting surface (e.g., a simple magnetic area on the mounting surface, etc., or an object interface).
Accordingly, a system is provided for mounting an object to a mounting surface. The system comprises a mounting apparatus and an object interface. The mounting apparatus comprises an intermediate surface configured to respond to magnetism, the intermediate surface defining a first plane; and an engagement member configured to respond to magnetism, the engagement member defining a second plane and being configured to move along a line of engagement that intersects the first plane. The object interface is configured to be attached to an object to be mounted and to the mounting apparatus, and the object interface comprises a central object surface configured to respond to magnetism and configured to agree with at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface, the central object surface defining a third plane. At least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface of the mounting apparatus is configured to move between a respective outer limit position and a respective base limit position. When the at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface that is movable is in the respective outer limit position, a distance between the first and second planes defines an apparatus engagement depth, and the mounting apparatus is configured to engage the object interface via respective engagement forces associated with the engagement member and the intermediate surface such that the overall engagement force increases by degrees until a total engagement force is produced for mounting the object to the mounting surface.
The apparatus may be configured such that a disengaging force that is less than the total engagement force and that is applied to a mounted object attached to the object interface is capable of disengaging the object interface from the mounting apparatus in stages by successively overcoming the respective engagement forces associated with the engagement member and the intermediate surface.
The central object surface may comprise at least one electromagnet. Alternatively or additionally, the central object surface may comprise at least one correlated magnet, and the at least one correlated magnet comprised by the central object surface may be programmable.
The engagement member may comprise at least one correlated magnet, and the at least one correlated magnet comprised by the engagement member may be programmable.
Likewise, the intermediate surface may comprise at least one correlated magnet, and the at least one correlated magnet comprised by the intermediate surface may be programmable.
At least one of the first, second, or third planes may be defined by a curved surface.
The mounting apparatus may comprise an apparatus controlling component configured to apply an apparatus controlling force to at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface to control at least the movement or functionality of the respective one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface. The apparatus controlling force may be configured to bias the engagement member away from the object interface. Alternatively, the apparatus controlling force may be configured to bias the engagement member toward the object interface.
The object interface may be configured such that an attraction force produced between the engagement member and the object interface is greater than the apparatus controlling force.
The apparatus controlling component may be configured to move the engagement member between the outer limit position and the base limit position.
The central object surface may be configured to apply a first interface controlling force to at least the intermediate surface or the engagement member of the apparatus. The first interface controlling force may be configured to be adjustable. Additionally or alternatively, the first interface controlling force may be capable of being managed remotely.
At least the engagement member or the intermediate surface may comprise at least one connection interface. Likewise, the central object surface may comprise at least one connection interface.
The object interface may be configured to structurally enhance the object when attached to the object.
The engagement member may comprise a plurality of engagement members defining a plurality of second planes. Alternatively or additionally, the engagement member may comprise a plurality of engagement member components arranged in a nested configuration.
The central object surface may be configured to receive at least a portion of at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface. Likewise, at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface may be configured to receive at least a portion of the central object surface.
The object interface may comprise a secondary object surface spaced from the central object surface, and the secondary object surface may be configured to respond to magnetism. The secondary object surface may define a fourth plane. The fourth plane may be defined by a curved surface.
The distance between the third plane and the fourth plane may define an object interface depth, and the apparatus engagement depth and the object interface depth may be different.
The mounting apparatus may be configured to engage the object interface via an engagement force produced between the engagement member and the central object surface and an engagement force produced between the intermediate surface and the secondary object surface, and the overall engagement force may increase by degrees until a total engagement force is produced for mounting the object to the mounting surface.
The object interface depth may be configured such that a disengaging force that is less than the total engagement force and that is applied to a mounted object attached to the object interface is capable of disengaging the object interface from the mounting apparatus in stages by successively overcoming the respective engagement forces associated with the engagement member and the intermediate surface.
The secondary object surface may comprise a plurality of secondary object surfaces in a plurality of fourth planes. The secondary object surface may comprise at least one electromagnet. Alternatively or additionally, the the secondary object surface may comprise at least one correlated magnet.
Furthermore, the secondary object surface may be configured to apply a second interface controlling force to at least the intermediate surface or the engagement member of the apparatus. The second interface controlling force may be configured to be adjustable. Alternatively or additionally, the second interface controlling force may be capable of being managed remotely.
Moreover, the second interface controlling force may be configured to repel the intermediate surface of the apparatus such that the at least one of the secondary object surfaces associated with the intermediate surface is separated from the intermediate surface. The distance between the at least one of the secondary object surfaces associated with the intermediate surface and the intermediate surface may define a third depth, and the third depth may be less than the apparatus engagement depth.
The mounting apparatus may be configured such that it is impervious to rust. Likewise, the object interface may be configured such that it is impervious to rust. For example, magnets used within the embodiments may be sealed or encased in materials that are impervious to water and water vapor, such as plastics, thermoplastic elastomers, non-ferrous metals, etc., and other components may be comprised of materials that resist rust or other corrosion. Thus configured, embodiments of the mounting apparatus and mounting system described herein may remain functional in many environments, including wet environments.
The particular configurations that are illustrated and described below are included for purposes of explanation. In fact, numerous other configurations are possible based on the embodiments described below, and the configurations detailed herein by no means provide an exhaustive list of the possible configurations for providing the staged engagement, disengagement, and/or the other functions described below.
Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Some components of the mounting apparatus are not shown in one or more of the figures for clarity and to facilitate explanation of the embodiments.
Referring now to
The mounting apparatus 10 may be configured such that a first mounting magnet is supported in a first plane P1 and a second mounting magnet is supported in a second plane P2. Accordingly, an engagement member 14 and an intermediate surface 12 may each be configured to respond to magnetism. The second mounting magnet may comprise a plurality of magnets in some embodiments. Likewise, the first mounting magnet may comprise a plurality of magnets. In the depicted embodiment of
Alternatively, in some embodiments, an apparatus may be configured without the presence of traditional magnets (e.g., when the object produces a magnetic field that allows mounting to occur). In such embodiments, the intermediate surface and the engagement member may be configured to respond to magnetism by other means, such as by attaching pieces of ferrous metal in lieu of traditional magnets or by configuring the intermediate surface or the engagement member to, in whole or in part, be made of material that responds to magnetism. Accordingly, in some embodiments, an intermediate surface or an engagement member may carry out the functions of a first mounting magnet or a second mounting magnet. Correspondingly or additionally, a first plane P1 or a second plane P2 may be a nominal plane that is defined by an intermediate surface or an engagement member of the mounting apparatus, or a surface of such.
In some embodiments, at least one of the mounting magnets (or groups of mounting magnets, as is the case in the depicted embodiment) may be configured to move independently of the other mounting magnet along a line of engagement Le that intersects the first and second planes P1 and P2. A schematic representation illustrating the movement of the planes P1 and P2 and the line of engagement Le is shown in
In the depicted embodiment of
The movement of the mounting magnet(s) that is moveable (which, in some embodiments, may be both the first and second mounting magnets) may be limited, such that each mounting magnet that is moveable is only able to move between a respective outer limit position OL and a respective base limit position BL (as shown in
The outer limit position OL and the base limit position BL may be defined in various ways. For example, stop features may be provided via one or more components of the mounting apparatus and may be positioned relative to the movable mounting magnet(s) to limit the movement of the mounting magnet(s). Alternatively or additionally, the engagement member may comprise an extension and a face joined to the extension, and the extension may be configured to define a position of the engagement member in at least one of the extended state or the retracted state. In the depicted embodiment of
Furthermore, while the outer limit position OL and base limit position BL may be defined by the relative positions of and features of the components of the mounting apparatus in a predefined configuration, the outer limit position OL and base limit position of the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable may be dynamically redefined by adjusting components of the mounting apparatus, as described in more detail below.
Embodiments of the present invention may be configured such that a portion of the intermediate surface may define an opening configured to slideably receive at least a first portion of the engagement member. Receiving the at least a portion of the engagement member may substantially align the line of engagement along a central axis of the engagement member as the engagement member is moved between the extended and retracted states. In the embodiment of
The respective limit positions (OL and BL) of the movable magnet(s) may be configured such that the first and second mounting magnet(s) (the second mounting magnet 40 in the embodiment of
The mounting magnets 30, 40 may be configured to cooperate to engage the object to be mounted (e.g., the object 99) such that a total engagement force is produced between the mounting magnets and the object that serves to hold the object to the mounting apparatus, as described in greater detail below. Accordingly, the respective outer limit position of the mounting magnets that are moveable (e.g., the second mounting magnet 40 in the depicted embodiment of
The relative positions and relative movement of the engagement member 14 and the intermediate surface 12, as described above, may also facilitate mounting of the object to the mounting apparatus. Proximity of the object (e.g., the object 99) to the engagement member may produce an attraction force between the object and the engagement member that causes engagement of the object with the engagement member. Likewise, proximity of the object to the intermediate surface may produce an attraction force between the object and the intermediate surface that causes engagement of the object with the intermediate surface, such that the mounting apparatus may be configured to engage the object to be mounted in stages via the respective engagement forces.
The succession and number of the stages of engagement (e.g., mounting) or disengagement (e.g., dismounting) may be configured as desired (per the application, the object, the requirements of the user, etc.) by the relative arrangement of the components of the apparatus, the inclusion of a component(s) that produces a magnetic field, the strength(s) of the magnetic field(s), and other factors, as will be described in more detail below.
Additionally, at least the first mounting magnet or the second mounting magnet may be positioned relative to a target mounting area such that proximity of an object to be mounted to the target mounting area produces at least one attraction force with respect to at least one of the first or second mounting magnets. The mounting magnet(s) that is movable may be configured to move toward the object to be mounted as a result of the attraction force(s). Thus, the attraction force(s) may draw the movable mounting magnet(s) toward the respective outer limit position(s) to define a range for a first engagement position (e.g., establish range in which a first stage of engagement may take place). Furthermore, the apparatus may be configured such that engagement between the object and the mounting magnet within the range for the first engagement position results in a second attraction force that draws the object and the unengaged mounting magnet together for engagement such that a total engagement force is produced for mounting the object to the apparatus. The mounting magnet(s) may be positioned in this way to facilitate engagement of the object and/or to produce an automatic succession of stages of engagement to produce the total engagement force (e.g., the first stage of engagement results in an attraction force that produces the second stage of engagement, and so on, so that the application force required from the user for mounting the object may be substantially null). Furthermore, the mounting magnet(s) may be positioned as described above to produce a desired engagement order, produce a desired result prior to engagement (such as extension of the engagement member, for example), or for other reasons described below.
In the depicted embodiment of
The opposite process may be implicated when the object is removed from the mounting apparatus in some embodiments. Referring again to the embodiment of
It is noted that, although in the embodiment depicted in
The mounting apparatus may further include a controlling force that may be applied to the at least one of the mounting magnets that is moveable to control at least the movement or the functionality of the at least one of the mounting magnets that is moveable. For example, with reference to
The controlling component may be configured to bias the at least one of the mounting magnets that is moveable away from the object to be mounted. For example, the controlling component 60 may be configured to bias the second mounting magnet 40 away from the object 99 so that the engagement member 14 may be biased toward the retracted state. In this case, the controlling component may be construed to be a retaining force, serving to retain the engagement member 14 so that the second mounting magnet 40 is substantially in the base limit position BL. Thus, in
Alternatively or additionally, the controlling component may be configured to bias the at least one of the mounting magnets that is moveable toward the object to be mounted. Thus, in
Furthermore, the controlling component may be configured such that the controlling force is adjustable. In some embodiments, the controlling force may be physically adjustable, such that the controlling component (e.g., magnet, spring, etc.) is configured to be moved toward or away from the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable. This may be accomplished via, e.g., a lever, crank, etc. within the mounting apparatus that has an extending portion that may be available to the user along one side of the outer perimeter of the apparatus. Alternatively, the controlling component may be configured to be movable within the apparatus relative to the line of engagement (e.g., supported by a movable member that may be similar to the engagement member). Moving the controlling component may adjust the controlling force applied to the mounting magnet(s) (e.g., make the controlling force stronger or weaker depending upon the direction of movement) as the controlling component moves nearer or further away from the mounting magnet(s) that is movable and may cause the movable magnet(s) to move as a result. Furthermore, the controlling component may also be configured to be physically adjustable by being supported on a structure within the apparatus that may rotate or swivel such that the controlling component may have a different orientation with respect to the mounting magnet(s).
Thus, in some embodiments, for example, the controlling component may be a magnet that produces a magnetic field (e.g., has a north pole and a south pole) that may have an orientation relative to the mounting magnet(s) such that the mounting magnet(s) are biased toward the controlling component. In such embodiments, the controlling component may be supported on a swiveling structure within the apparatus that may be manipulated to swivel the controlling component 180 degrees so that the controlling component's orientation, relative to the mounting magnet(s), is effectively reversed, causing the mounting magnet(s) to be biased away from the controlling component such that the controlling force is effectively reversed and the mounting magnet(s) is biased away from the controlling component.
For example, referring again to
Alternatively, the controlling component may be adjustable by other means. In some embodiments, the controlling component may be an electromagnet such that the controlling force may be adjustable via manipulation of the flow of an electric current. Therefore, the controlling force may be strengthened by degrees, weakened by degrees, removed entirely (e.g., by stopping the flow of the electric current to the electromagnet), or reversed (e.g., by reversing the poles/polarity of the electromagnet) via manipulation of the electric current associated with the electromagnet. In other embodiments, the controlling component may be a programmable magnet and the corresponding first or second mounting magnet may be suitably configured to cooperate with the programmable magnet. Therefore, in either case, the controlling component may be configured to move the engagement member (and/or the intermediate surface in some embodiments) between a retracted position and an extended position (e.g., may be configured to move the at least one of the mounting magnets that is moveable between its respective outer limit position and its respective base limit position), and/or the controlling component may be configured to maintain the engagement member in an extended position (one possible extended position is shown in
When an object is engaged (e.g., mounted) with the mounting apparatus, the controlling force may be dynamically adjusted to enhance the functionality of the mounting apparatus, to move the object, and/or to interact with the object or a component or device associated with the object. For example, in
Additionally, referring again to
The ejection process described above may also be effected to allow for manipulation of an object engaged with the mounting apparatus. Referring again to the embodiment of
Adjustment of the controlling force via the controlling component may also be used to redefine the base limit position BL of the at least one of the first or second mounting magnets that is moveable (and, correspondingly, the retracted state of the at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface that is movable) by effectively serving as a stop feature of the apparatus. Additionally, in some embodiments, the controlling component of the apparatus may be configured to serve as a stop feature without adjustment. Referring again to the embodiment of
In addition to the functions that may be served by the controlling component(s) of the invention as described above, in some embodiments similar to the embodiment of
Furthermore, the controlling component may be configured such that the controlling force is removable. Removing the controlling force may involve adjustment of the controlling force, such that the strength of the controlling force is decreased until the controlling force is removed altogether. In other embodiments, the controlling force may be removed by physically removing, re-positioning, or blocking the controlling component. This may be accomplished by use of a movable rod, strip, plate, etc. on which the controlling component is attached and that may be inserted into and removed from the apparatus, or a similar result may be accomplished by making the apparatus accessible to a blocking component (e.g., a magnetic shielding component) that may be inserted to block or otherwise hinder the controlling force.
Additionally, the controlling component may be configured such that the engagement member automatically retracts after the object is disengaged from the apparatus. Referring again to
In still other embodiments, additional components or devices may be provided (e.g., used in conjunction with, attached to, or integrated with the mounting apparatus) to enhance a user's experience with the object to be mounted. For example, in some cases, at least one short-range wireless data transfer device may be positioned proximate a target mounting area (e.g., the vicinity of the mounting surface in which the object is to be mounted) and may be supported by the intermediate surface or the engagement member. The at least one short-range wireless data transfer device may be capable of wirelessly communicating with an electronic device that is brought into proximity with the short-range wireless data transfer device, and it may be capable of wirelessly communicating with the electronic device when the object is fully engaged with the apparatus and may be incapable of wirelessly communicating with the electronic device when the object is partially disengaged or fully disengaged from the apparatus. For example, with reference to the embodiment of
Additionally, some embodiments may comprise at least one wireless charging device supported by the intermediate surface or the engagement member. The at least one wireless charging device may be supported by the intermediate surface and may be capable of wirelessly charging an electronic device that may be brought into proximity with the wireless charging device. In this regard, the receiving component may be any component of the object (e.g., integral to or otherwise attached to the object) that is configured to be charged and/or recharged (such as a rechargeable power cell or battery) for serving as a power source to the object. The charging range may be a range of distances within which the wireless charging device may (e.g., remotely) charge the receiving component. Referring again to the embodiment depicted in
In still other embodiments, at least one connection interface may be supported in at least one of the first or second planes (e.g., the planes P1, P2 shown in
Various embodiments may be configured such that at least one of the mounting magnets may receive a portion of the object to be mounted. Receiving a portion of the object to be mounted may comprise structurally supporting the object, limiting movement of the object to a single direction along a single axis relative to the mounting apparatus, and/or at least partially supporting a weight of the object. In the depicted embodiment of
As described above and as shown in
The distance between the outer limit positions OL of the first and second mounting magnets may define a depth da. As shown in
Furthermore, the mounting apparatus 10 of
Additionally, if do is less than da (as described above), the engagement member 14 may be configured to produce audible feedback (e.g., a click, tone, or other sound) upon engagement of the object 99a that may provide notification that the object 99a is fully engaged with the mounting apparatus 10. Configuring the audible feedback that may occur may include choosing a material for the face 88 of the engagement member 14 that produces such feedback when engaged with another surface or may include supporting a sensor in the face 88 of the engagement member 14 that may be configured to be attached to a noise-making device (e.g., a small speaker) within the mounting apparatus 10.
Also, the mounting apparatus 10 may be configured such that the object is aligned properly with respect to the apparatus prior to engagement. As such, at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface may be configured to bias the object to be mounted to a predefined mounting orientation prior to engagement of the object with the apparatus, as will be shown by way of other embodiments and will be discussed in more detail below.
Turning now to
With continued reference to
Accordingly, the embodiment depicted in
As noted above, the embodiment depicted in
As described previously, at least one of the mounting magnets may be configured to receive a portion of the object to be mounted. Receiving a portion of the object to be mounted by the intermediate surface and/or the engagement member may further provide structural support to the object, may facilitate alignment of the object with the mounting apparatus, may guide the object, or may accomplish a combination of these. For example, the intermediate surface 12 may thus be configured to bear at least a portion of the weight of the object. In the embodiment of
In some embodiments, structurally supporting the object may further include limiting movement of the object to a direction along a single axis relative to the mounting apparatus 10 in response to a disruptive or disengaging force applied to the object. For example, the engagement member and/or the intermediate surface may be configured to limit movement of the object to a direction along a single axis in response to the applied disengaging force. Said differently, the mounting apparatus 10 may be configured to resist unintentional disengagement of the object and/or object interface from the mounting apparatus, such as from an accidental hit or swipe (e.g., a force having a transverse component with respect to the direction of the line of engagement Le). For example, a force applied at a downward angle to the mounting apparatus 10 would be resisted by the structural support provided by the engagement member 14 and/or intermediate surface 12, and only a disengaging force applied along a single axis, such as the central axis X of the engagement member shown in
With continued reference to the depicted embodiment of
Configuring the mounting apparatus such that the target mounting area (e.g., primary mounting surface) is substantially flush may be beneficial for many reasons. The flush surface may be aesthetically pleasing. A flush surface may allow for certain movements of the object prior to engagement (e.g., sliding, etc.) that may assist with self-alignment, may assist with engagement, or may generally make the mounting process easier or more enjoyable for a user. Additionally, a flush face may keep a component(s) of the mounting apparatus out of the way when not in use so as to avoid snags, impacts, or other unintentional engagement with the component(s). Furthermore, a flush configuration may serve to prevent debris from entering the mounting apparatus such that the components of the apparatus remain able to function properly. Particularly, the at least one of the engagement member or intermediate surface that is movable may be benefitted by a flush face because it (or they) may be exposed to dirt and debris less often, relative to a configuration in which it (they) may be exposed when in a disengaged (e.g., idle) state. Accordingly, a flush surface may be achieved in a variety of ways depending on the configuration of the mounting apparatus and generally involves arranging the components of the mounting apparatus so that the multiple planes of the apparatus coincide in the same plane.
In embodiments in which the first mounting magnet 30 is moveable and the second mounting magnet 40 is in a fixed position, for example, the first mounting magnet may be configured such that the respective base limit position BL substantially coincides with the second plane. Similarly, the first mounting magnet 30 may be configured such that its respective outer limit position OL substantially coincides with the second plane. Furthermore, in some embodiments in which the first mounting magnet and the second mounting magnet are moveable, the respective base limit positions BL of the first mounting magnet 30 and the second mounting magnet 40 may be configured such that the respective base limit positions are in substantially the same plane. Moreover, the outer limit position OL of the first mounting magnet 30 and the base limit position BL of the second mounting magnet 40 may be configured such that the outer limit position OL of the first mounting magnet and the base limit position BL of the second mounting magnet are in substantially the same plane.
As described above, a variety of different configurations are possible for providing the mounting apparatus. In some cases, such as in the embodiment depicted in
Moreover, a substantially greater degree of functionality may be achieved by concurrently configuring a mounting apparatus and an object interface relative to one another such that they may cooperate in an even more predictable and prescribed manner. The system may be configured to cooperate prior to engagement, during the engagement process, and/or while engaged. For example, turning to
The mounting apparatus 210 may include an intermediate surface 212 configured to respond to magnetism and an engagement member 214 configured to respond to magnetism (e.g., as described above). The intermediate surface 212 may be configured to respond to magnetism by supporting the first mounting magnet 230 (comprised of six magnets 230) in the first plane P1, and the engagement member may be configured to respond to magnetism by supporting the second mounting magnet 240 (comprised of one magnet 240) in the second plane P2. Thus, the intermediate surface 212 may define the first plane P1, and the engagement member 214 may define the second plane P2. The engagement member 214 may be configured to move along a line of engagement Le that intersects the first plane P1, as described above.
With respect to the object interface 220, a third mounting magnet may be supported in a third plane and may be configured to be attached to an object to be mounted to adapt the object to agree with at least one of the first or second mounting magnets. Additionally, the third mounting magnet may comprise a plurality of magnets. Moreover, the third mounting magnet may comprise a plurality of third mounting magnets in a plurality of third planes. Thus, the object interface 220 may include a central object surface 226 configured to respond to magnetism by supporting a third mounting magnet 241, comprised of one magnet 241, in a third plane P3 (one of a plurality of third planes in this embodiment) and may include a secondary object surface 224 spaced from the central object surface and configured to respond to magnetism by supporting a third mounting magnet 231, comprised of eight magnets 231, in a fourth plane P4 (another of the plurality of third planes, as noted above). The central object surface 226 may be configured to agree with at least one of the engagement member 214 or the intermediate surface 212. In the embodiment depicted in
As previously noted, the mounting apparatus 210, shown in
Thus configured, engagement of the object interface 220 with the mounting apparatus 210 within the system 200 may occur in two ways, both via multiple stages of engagement. Placing the object interface 220 in proximity to the target mounting area (as described above) of the mounting apparatus 210 may produce a first attraction force between the object interface 220 and the mounting apparatus 210. The first attraction force may draw the engagement member 214 toward the central object surface 226 such that the second mounting magnet 240 in the second plane P2 and the third mounting magnet 241 in the third plane P3 are engaged for a first stage of engagement between the object interface 220 and the mounting apparatus 210. As a result of the first stage of engagement, proximity of the third mounting magnet 231 (the second of the plurality of third mounting magnets, as noted above) in the fourth plane P4 and the first mounting magnet 230 in the first plane P1 may create a second attraction force between the secondary object surface 224 and the intermediate surface 212 such that the third mounting magnet 231 and the first mounting magnet 230 are engaged to produce a second stage of engagement and a total engagement force for mounting the object interface 220 to the mounting apparatus 210 and, correspondingly, for mounting the object to the mounting surface. Alternatively, placement of the object interface 220 in proximity to the target mounting area of the mounting apparatus 210 may produce a first attraction force between the third mounting magnet 231 in the fourth plane P4 and the first mounting magnet 230 in the first plane P1. The first attraction force may draw the secondary object surface 224 toward the intermediate surface 212 such that the third mounting magnet 231 and the first mounting magnet 230 are engaged for a first stage of engagement. As a result of the first stage of engagement, proximity of the third mounting magnet 241 in the third plane P3 and the second mounting magnet 240 in the second plane P2 may draw the engagement member 214 toward the central object surface 226 such that the second mounting magnet 240 and the third mounting magnet 241 are engaged for a second stage of engagement and a total engagement force for mounting the object interface 220 to the mounting apparatus 210 and, correspondingly, for mounting the object to the mounting surface.
Also, it is important to note that, referring again to the system 200 depicted in
Turning now to another embodiment of the system 200, the embodiment depicted in
The staged engagement of the object interface 220 shown in
The staged disengagement process may occur in a variety of ways as well, depending on the configuration of the mounting apparatus 210. In
Disengagement of the system 210 shown in
As depicted in
As mentioned above, configuring the mounting apparatus with respect to an object or with respect to an object interface, as shown in the system 200 of
As shown in
An attraction force between the corresponding mounting magnets in a system may also serve to self-align the object interface 220 with the mounting apparatus 210.
Embodiments which may allow a user to manipulate an object (e.g., slideably, or otherwise) and/or cause the object or object interface to interact with the magnetic forces present within the apparatus or system while the object is engaged or partially engaged with the mounting apparatus (and, particularly, when those interactions change the state of engagement and/or the state of the object or object interface)—whether within a system, as in the example above, or without (as described previously)—may allow the mounting apparatus to have functionality in addition to, or that may complement, the mounting functionality of the apparatus or system; and the additional functionality may be very valuable to the user. For example, in the system depicted in
Therefore, being configured as described above, a user may mount an object to a mounting surface using system 200 shown in
Furthermore, correlated magnets may be coded (e.g., programmed) such that they may only respond to other coded magnets. For example, in the embodiment described above, the correlated magnets may be configured to interact with permanent magnets in a substantially similar fashion as would a permanent magnet in the place of the correlated magnet (as described). Alternatively, embodiments may be configured such that the correlated magnets may effectively “ignore” other components of the embodiment, such as the permanent magnets described above, and may only respond to other coded magnets that may be configured to interact with them magnetically. Thus, coded magnets may provide a substantial degree of customization.
Configuring the mounting system 200 as described above may be very beneficial to a user in that the security and stability of the object may be greatly enhanced. For instance, in this configuration a user may be able to mount a television or other visual display to a wall in a boat, valuing the additional security that may be afforded the device against the unpredictable and sudden forces (e.g., yaw, etc.) that may act on the device when the boat is at sea. Additionally, a theatre company may value the system for being able to quickly and easily mount temporary lighting systems from the ceiling between performances and may use the mounting system knowing that the force of gravity may act in a direction substantially aligned with the line of engagement Le of the mounting apparatus 210 such that the lighting system is secure against the force of gravity when mounted to the ceiling.
Similar advantages may result from a system 200, again with reference to
It is important to note that the corresponding mounting magnets in systems such as system 200 may act in a similar fashion to that of a controlling component, described previously. Systems may be configured such that all of the mounting magnets and controlling components are electromagnets, correlated magnets, programmable correlated magnets, etc. These components may be configured to interact with one another and with other controlling components to move, reorient, or otherwise reposition the object mounted to the mounting apparatus. For example, referring again to the system 200 in
Although
For purposes of explanation, certain external components of the embodiments of the mounting apparatus 10, 210 described above and illustrated in
Although the embodiments described above involve the use of two tiers of magnets (e.g., two planes P1, P2), the same principles may be applied to create a mounting apparatus 10 having 3, 4, 5, or more stages of engagement and/or disengagement. Indeed, the greater the number of planes that are provided for magnetic engagement, the smaller the required incremental engagement and/or disengagement force that is needed as the total engagement force may be distributed among a greater number of planes. In addition, the engagement/disengagement force required for each plane may be distributed substantially equally (e.g., by dividing the total engagement force required to support the intended object by the total number of planes), or may be distributed unevenly, such as, for example, in an embodiment in which the initial disengaging force required is greater than the subsequent incremental disengaging forces required for release of subsequent stages.
In some embodiments of the invention, the second mounting magnet may be movable, and a plurality of second mounting magnets may be supported in a plurality of respective second planes. In addition, the second mounting magnets may be arranged in a nested configuration and/or a telescoping configuration. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the engagement member may comprise a plurality of engagement member components, and at least one of the engagement member components may be configured to respond to magnetism. Referring now to the embodiment depicted in
Dividing the engagement force of a second mounting magnet 40 amongst a plurality of second mounting magnets 40′, 40″ in a plurality of respective second planes may allow the engagement force of the second mounting magnet to be overcome over a greater distance and via a greater number of respective engagement forces. Therefore, each engagement force associated with each respective second plane may be of a lesser force than that of the second mounting magnet supported in a single second plane, so the respective engagement forces may each require a lesser respective disengaging force such that the total engagement force may be overcome more gradually. Overcoming the total engagement force of the second mounting magnet more gradually over a greater distance may allow the object to be more easily and smoothly disengaged from the mounting apparatus while preserving substantially the same total engagement force for maintaining engagement of the object with the mounting apparatus when engaged.
The plurality of engagement member components (14′, 14″) may be configured relative to one another such that, in the retracted state, the plurality of engagement member components are in a nested configuration that is substantially flush with the intermediate surface 12, as illustrated in
In the extended state, the plurality of engagement member components 14′, 14″ may form a telescoping engagement member extending toward an object to be mounted along an engagement member axis (e.g., axis X). An additional benefit of arranging the engagement member components 14′, 14″ in a nested and/or telescoping configuration may be that the engagement member components 14′, 14″ may adapt to various surfaces that may have substantially differing depths. As such, embodiments such as the apparatus 10 depicted in
Furthermore, a nested configuration of engagement member components may be configured to selectively extend in response to differing attraction forces. For example, the embodiment depicted in
In some cases, the mounting apparatus 10 may be configured such that at least one of the engagement member components is configured to respond to magnetism (e.g., at least one of the engagement member components comprises a respective second mounting magnet 40), as noted above. The plurality of engagement member components may be configured relative to one another, however, such that, in the retracted state, the plurality of engagement member components (three engagement member components 14′, 14″, 14′″ in the embodiment of
Accordingly, the planes, strengths, sizes, arrangement, distances, allowable movements, etc. associated with the first and second mounting magnets with respect to each other, other components of the mounting apparatus, and the object may be configured in various ways to achieve particular desired functions, capabilities, and/or aesthetics. For example (with reference to
Moreover, as shown in
Referring now to
The engagement member 314 may be configured to move between an outer limit position OL and a base limit position BL. Additionally, the engagement member 314 may comprise an extension 398 and a face 388 joined to the extension 398 and may support a second mounting magnet 340 in the second plane. In the embodiment shown in
The intermediate surface 312 may support the first mounting magnet 330 in the first plane, and the first mounting magnet 330 may limit the engagement member 314 in a direction away from the central object surface 322 by contact with the second mounting magnet 340 of the engagement member 314 and, thus, may define the base limit position of the engagement member 314.
As mentioned above, the central object surface 322 may be configured to agree with the engagement member 314 by way of a surface opening 304 and a contact surface 302 of the surface opening 304 that may be configured (e.g., shaped) to flushly engage the face 388 of the engagement member 314 and, correspondingly, the second mounting magnet 340. The diameter of the surface opening 304 may be less than the diameter of the face 388 of the engagement member 314 (and, correspondingly, may be less than the diameter of the second mounting magnet 340). The diameter of the surface opening 304 and the depth (e.g., thickness) of the central object surface 322 may be configured relative to the object (not shown) and relative to the diameter of the face 388 (and e.g., the diameter of the second mounting magnet 340) such that the contact surface 302 flushly engages the face 388 of the engagement member 314. For example, a substantially flat object, or a substantially flat portion of the object, that may attach to the object interface 320 on the surface of the central object surface 322 that is furthest from the mounting apparatus 310 and may block or otherwise occupy a portion of the opening 304 that may be occupied by the engagement member 314 when engaged with the central object surface 322, may require a greater depth (e.g., thickness) of the central object surface 322 than would an object that does not block or otherwise occupy the portion of the opening 304.
The intermediate surface 312 may be attached to a mounting surface (e.g., a wall) via fasteners by way of countersunk holes 307. The central object surface 322 may attach to an object (not shown) to be mounted via fasteners by way of countersunk openings 355. The intermediate surface 312 may apply an attraction force (via the first mounting magnet 330) to the engagement member 314 such that the engagement member 314 is in the base limit position (e.g., retracted) when the mounting apparatus 310 is disengaged (e.g., idle).
Therefore, an object to be mounted to the mounting surface may be put in proximity of the mounting apparatus 310, and an attraction force between the engagement member 314 and the central object surface 322 may be greater than the attraction force applied to the engagement member 314 by the intermediate surface 312 such that the engagement member is moved toward the outer limit position OL. If the central object surface 322 is not within the apparatus engagement depth da, the engagement member 314 may reach the outer limit position OL and be held in the outer limit position by the attraction force between the central object surface 322 and the engagement member 314 until the central object surface 322 may be moved within the apparatus engagement depth da. When the central object surface 322 is within the apparatus engagement depth da, the engagement member 314 may engage the central object surface 322 (e.g., a first stage of engagement). Proximity of the central object surface 322 to the intermediate surface 312 may result in an attraction force between the central object surface 322 and the intermediate surface 312. The engagement member 314, the central object surface 322, and the object may move toward the intermediate surface 312, and the overall engagement force between the mounting apparatus 310 and the object interface 320 may increase by degrees until such time that the engagement member 314 may move to the base limit position BL. In the base limit position BL, an engagement force between the central object surface 322 and the intermediate surface 312 may be produced (e.g., a second stage of engagement) such that the overall engagement force becomes a total engagement force for mounting the object to the mounting surface.
As shown in
The mounting apparatus 310 may be configured such that a disengaging force that may be less than the total engagement force and that may be applied to the object attached to the object interface 320 may be capable of disengaging the object interface from the mounting apparatus in stages by successively overcoming the respective engagement forces associated with the engagement member and the intermediate surface.
With respect to the embodiment depicted in
Turning now to
The engagement member 14 may be configured to be moved along a line of engagement Le that intersects the first and second planes. The engagement member 14 may comprise an extension 98 and a face 88 joined to the extension.
The intermediate surface 12 may be in a fixed position. The intermediate surface 12 may be configured to receive a portion of the extension 98 of the engagement member 14 via a guide surface 96 of an opening 94 defined by a portion of the intermediate surface 12, and two protrusions of the inner surface 86 of the intermediate surface 12 may encroach on the opening 94 and may be received by a groove 58 of the extension 98 of the engagement member 14 which may further guide movement of the engagement member 14 and may prevent rotation of the engagement member 14 as the engagement member 14 is moved between the extended state and the retracted state.
The engagement member 14 may be configured to move between a base limit position BL and an outer limit position OL. Movement of the engagement member 14 may be limited in the direction of the outer limit position OL by a stop feature 50 that may be provided by an outward protrusion of the extension 98 of the engagement member 14, and the stop feature 50 may contact an inner surface 86 of the intermediate surface 12 by way of the groove 58 when the engagement member 14 is in the extended state. When in the retracted state, an inner face 59 of the engagement member 14 may be in contact with a guide stop 87 that may limit movement of the engagement member 14 toward the base limit position BL. When in the retracted state, the facade 85 of the intermediate surface and the face 88 of the engagement member 14 may be substantially flush, as the depth between the facade 85 and the guide stop 87 may be substantially the same as the depth between the face 88 and the inner face 59 of the engagement member 14.
The stop feature 50 of the engagement member 14 may support a plurality of controlling components 60 (six, in this embodiment) which may substantially align with the first mounting magnet 30 (equally six, in this embodiment) supported by the intermediate surface. Thus, the controlling component 60 may be movable, and the movement of the controlling component 60 may substantially correspond with the movement of the second mounting magnet 40. Said differently, the plurality of controlling components 60 may be supported in a third plane that is movable with respect to the engagement member 14 that may be substantially parallel to the second plane.
The controlling component 60 may apply a force the mounting magnet 30 (six magnets in
The mounting apparatus 10 may be configured to attach to a mounting surface (not shown) via four attachment supports 107. An object to be mounted to the mounting surface may be put in proximity of the mounting apparatus 10 which may produce at least one attraction force between the object and at least one of the mounting magnets 30, 40. The at least one attraction force may be greater than the controlling force applied to the intermediate surface 12 by the controlling component 60 such that the engagement member 14 moves toward the object to engage the object. The object and the second mounting magnet 40 may produce an engagement force (e.g., a first stage of engagement), and the object may be in such proximity to the intermediate surface 12 that the object moves toward the intermediate surface 12. The object may engage the first mounting magnet 30 (and, correspondingly, the intermediate surface 12) for a second stage of engagement that may produce a total engagement force for mounting the object to the mounting surface.
The object may be disengaged from the mounting apparatus 10 by application of a disengaging force that is less than the total engagement force, as the total engagement force may be overcome in stages by successively overcoming the respective engagement forces associated with the first and second mounting magnets to disengage the object.
The controlling component 60 may also be configured to apply a force to the intermediate surface 12 that may bias the engagement member 14 toward the extended state. In fact, the engagement member 14 may be positioned at any point along the line of engagement Le that may be between the outer limit position OL and the base limit position BL by configuring the controlling component 60 (e.g., size, strength, shape, type, etc.) and of the first mounting magnet 30 relative to one another such that a desired position of the engagement member 14 is achieved. For example, the controlling component and first mounting magnet may be configured relative to one another such that the face of the engagement member is substantially flush with the intermediate surface when the apparatus is idle (e.g. in a disengaged state). Also, the controlling component and first mounting magnet may be configured relative to one another such that the engagement member is extended when the mounting apparatus is idle (e.g. the face 88 of the engagement member 14 may be in a position that is further along the line of engagement in the direction of the object to be mounted than is the intermediate surface 12, such that the face 88 may be positioned between the object and the intermediate surface 12 when the mounting apparatus is in a disengaged state). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the controlling component and first mounting magnet may be configured relative to one another such that the engagement member is retracted when the mounting apparatus is idle (e.g. the intermediate surface 12 may be in a position that is further along the line of engagement in the direction of the object to be mounted than is the face 88 of the engagement member 14 when the mounting apparatus is in a disengaged state).
Various magnets may be chosen for the mounting apparatus to accommodate the desired functionality of the apparatus and/or its components, such as achieving a desired position of a movable component of the mounting apparatus as in the examples above. Thus, any of the first mounting magnet 30, the second mounting magnet 40, and/or the controlling component 60 may be an electromagnet, a programmable magnet, a correlated magnet, etc. For example, the first mounting magnet may comprise at least one programmable magnet and the controlling component may comprise at least one programmable magnet. Thus, the first mounting magnet and the controlling component may each be programmed such that they cooperate to produce a desired position of the engagement member when the mounting apparatus is in a disengaged state (e.g. when the mounting apparatus is idle).
Additionally or alternatively, magnets may be chosen so that the mounting apparatus provides additional functionality. Referring again to
Embodiments using pairs of correlated magnets in this way may be very beneficial to the user due to the degree of additional security and functionality provided. For example, the locking engagement force may resist the force of gravity on the object when the force of gravity is substantially aligned with the line of engagement Le in a disengaging direction, whereas the total engagement force (absent the locking engagement force) may not. Thus, the additional rotation performed by the user (e.g. clockwise, in the example above) may prevent unintentional disengagement with the mounting apparatus when the object and apparatus are moved into a position in which gravity would otherwise produce unintentional disengagement. Also, because the locking engagement force may resist movement of the object in a disengaging direction along the line of engagement Le, a user may rotate the object and/or object interface to create the locking engagement force when he wishes to manipulate or adjust the object without disengaging the object from the apparatus, such as when repositioning the object for continued use. Said differently, when the user's intention is to move the mounted object toward himself rather than disengage the object, the user may rotate the object/object interface beforehand to “lock” it to the mounting apparatus and prevent unintentional disengagement while interacting with the object. Thus, the user may freely move the object in the direction of the line of engagement Le without worry of unintentional disengagement.
The locking functionality described above may be created via many types of magnets and/or various configurations of magnets in different embodiments.
The ability to selectively interact with a mounted object (e.g. choosing to move the object to intentionally disengage it versus choosing to move the object to intentionally interact with it) via relatively subtle adjustments to the object may be offered to users via other configurations of the mounting system. In some embodiments, the mounting apparatus and object interface may be configured to agree such that a user may selectively manipulate the object without the need to create a locking engagement force. Referring now to
In an embodiment such as that shown in
The system 600 may also be configured to provide charging functionality for an object to be mounted. The central object surface may comprise at least one connection interface, and at least the engagement member or the intermediate surface of the mounting apparatus may comprise at least one connection interface. The at least one connection interface may be configured to transmit at least data or electricity to the object when the object is engaged with the apparatus. With continued reference to
Turning now to
At least one of the engagement member 414 or the intermediate surface 412 may be movable between an outer limit position OL and a base limit position BL. An apparatus engagement depth da may be defined by a distance between the first and second planes when the at least one of the engagement member 414 or the intermediate surface 412 is in the respective outer limit position.
In the depicted embodiment of
The central object surface 426 may have a lead face 429 and may be configured to engage the face 488 of the engagement member 414 during the mounting process. The secondary object surface 424 may comprise a frontage 427 and a hanger 477 attached to the frontage 427. Additionally, the second object surface may have fastener holes 479 for attaching to the object to be mounted (e.g., a picture frame, etc.).
In the embodiment shown in
Therefore, the controlling components 460 may be configured to be weakly repelled by the magnets 430 such that the engagement member 414 may be in the retracted position when disengaged (e.g., idle), and its movement in a direction away from the object interface 420 may be stopped by contact with the facade 485 of the intermediate surface by the inner face 459 of the engagement member. Magnets 431 may be configured to be moderately attracted to the magnets 430, and the magnet 441 may be configured to be strongly attracted to the magnet 440.
The object interface 420 may be brought into proximity with the mounting apparatus 410 by a user such that an attraction force between the magnet 441 of the central object surface 426 and the magnet 440 of the engagement member 414 moves the engagement member 414 against the repelling force of the magnets 430 of the intermediate surface and toward the object interface. The magnet 440 may engage the magnet 441 for a first stage of engagement. The depth between the first and second planes when the engagement member 414 is extended and engaged may be substantially equivalent to the depth between the lead face 429 of the central object surface 426 and the facade 485 of the intermediate surface such that the secondary object surface 424 of the object interface 420 may be pressed substantially flush against the facade 485 of the intermediate surface 412 as a result of the first engagement force. The hanger 477 may thus be positioned over the extension 498 of the engagement member 414. The magnets 430 of the intermediate surface may be physically lower than magnets 431 (e.g., not aligned) in the engagement position for the magnets 441, 440. The user may let go of the hanger 477 to allow it to engage the extension 498 of the engagement member. The weight of the object may lower the object and object interface such that the magnets 431 are aligned with the magnets 430, and a second stage of engagement may be produced for a total engagement force between the object interface 420 and the mounting apparatus 410. However, the lowering of the object may disengage the magnets 440, 441 and engagement of the magnets 430, 431 may strengthen the repelling force applied to the controlling components 460 which may repel the engagement member 414 such that the engagement member 414 retracts in response to the repelling force issued by the magnets 430, 431. Thus, the inner face 459 of the engagement member may contact the hanger 477 of the secondary object surface 424, effectively holding the hanger 477 against the facade 485 of the intermediate surface.
The user may apply a disengaging force by lifting the object which may slide the frontage 427 of the secondary object surface against the facade 485 of the intermediate member 412 and disengage the magnets 430, 431. The lifting force may be less than the total engagement force between the magnets 430, 431 if the magnets 430, 431 were to have been pulled in a direction along the line of engagement Le. Disengaging the magnets 430, 431 may cause the repelling force applied to the controlling components 60 to be reduced. Proximity of the magnet 441 upon the lifting of the object may cause the engagement member 414 to extend and release the hanger 477. Thus, the object may be disengaged from the mounting surface.
For example, in some embodiments, the second mounting magnet may be moveable, and a plurality of second mounting magnets may be supported in a plurality of respective second planes. In this regard, turning to
Moreover, the second mounting magnets may be configured such that the respective base limit position BL of each second mounting magnet is in substantially the same plane. With respect to the embodiment of
Each engagement member component 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d may comprise an extension 98a, 98b, 98c, 98d and a face 88a, 88b, 88c, 88d joined to the extension, and each extension may be configured to limit movement of the object to a direction along a single axis in response to a disruptive or disengaging force applied to the object, as described above. Thus, the extension 98a, 98b, 98c, 98d of each engagement member component 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d may define a depth, as noted above, and the depth of at least two of the engagement member components may be different, as illustrated in the embodiment of
In other embodiments, however, such as the embodiment depicted in
Additionally or alternatively, the base limit position BL of each respective engagement member 14n may be defined by a controlling component 60 that may be configured to apply a controlling force to the set 140 or, in some embodiments, separate controlling forces specific to each engagement member 14n. For example, the controlling component 60 may be comprised of a programmable magnet which may have an array of magnets corresponding in number to the number of engagement members 14n. Thus, the controlling component 60 may be able to produce multiple attraction and repulsion forces simultaneously that may act separately on each engagement member 14n in the set 140 and may cause some engagement members 14n to be retracted while other engagement members 14n are extended. Furthermore, the extended engagement members 14n may be extended by degrees (e.g., at differing lengths depending on the configuration of the programmable magnet) such that the set 140 may be able to take a variety of shapes. As such, the set 140 may be adapted to the shape of an object or may accommodate a mounted object in a particular way.
Additionally, in some embodiments which may or may not include a controlling component 60, the set 140 may allow for engagement of the mounting apparatus 10 with an object having an irregular surface (e.g., non-perpendicular or sloped lines or curves), such that the pin set 140 conforms to the shape of the object (or an object interface) and may mount the object and/or support at least a portion of the weight of the object without having been configured for the object. Thus, an apparatus 10 comprising a set 140 may be able to accommodate the mounting of objects that other embodiments could not.
The apparatus 10 comprising the set 140, as shown in
Furthermore, the mounting apparatus 10 comprising the set 140 of engagement members 14n may be attached to mountable objects so that those objects may engage irregularly-shaped surfaces that may be configured to respond to magnetism.
In
With respect to
Referring now to
The mounting apparatus 10 may be configured such that a first mounting magnet is supported in a first plane P1 and a second mounting magnet is supported in a second plane P2. The first plane P1 may be a nominal plane that is defined by an intermediate surface 12 of the mounting apparatus 10, whereas the second plane P2 may be a nominal plane that is defined by an engagement member 14 of the mounting apparatus, as described previously. Accordingly, the intermediate surface 12 and the engagement member 14 may each be configured to respond to magnetism.
The first mounting magnet may comprise a plurality of magnets in some embodiments. Likewise, the second mounting magnet may comprise a plurality of magnets. In the depicted embodiment of
At least one of the mounting magnets (or group(s) of magnets comprising the mounting magnet(s), as is the case in the depicted embodiment) may be configured to move independently of the other mounting magnet along a line of engagement Le that intersects the first and second planes P1, P2. In this regard, the movement of the mounting magnet(s) that is moveable (which, in some embodiments, may be both the first and second mounting magnets) may be limited, such that each mounting magnet that is moveable is only able to move between a respective outer limit position OL and a respective base limit position BL.
The outer limit position OL may be defined, for example, by stops 56 that extend from a component of the mounting apparatus 10. In the depicted embodiment of
The mounting magnets 30, 40 may be configured to cooperate to engage the object to be mounted (e.g., the object interface 20), such that a total engagement force is produced between the mounting magnets and the object interface that serves to hold the object to the mounting apparatus. Accordingly, the respective outer limit positions of the mounting magnets that are moveable (e.g., the second mounting magnet 40 in the depicted embodiment of
As illustrated in
In the depicted embodiment of
As noted above, the structures and components depicted in the figures have been simplified for clarity and ease of explanation. As such, one or more of the components, such as housings, fasteners, stands, swivels, etc., although described above, may not be shown in the figures. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate that the method, systems, and apparatuses provided herein may also describe means for joining, coupling, attaching, or otherwise magnetically associating one body with another, and that numerous alternate embodiments and adaptations may be executed as guided by the full content of this disclosure.
For example, although particular configurations and relative dimensions and spacings are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the particular configurations are depicted for purposes of explanation, and multiple other configurations are possible. As an example, although embodiments of the mounting apparatus are shown as having an engagement member with a circular cross-section, embodiments may include engagement members having a square, rectangular, triangular, etc. cross-section. In addition or alternatively, the configuration of the outer face of the engagement member may include additional features for enhancing the interaction between the engagement member and the object interface. In this regard, the outer face of the engagement member may be keyed (e.g., defining openings configured and arranged to receive corresponding protrusions of the object interface) such that only particular object interfaces may be engaged and/or the object interfaces may be engaged at only certain angles or orientations with respect to the mounting apparatus. The outer face may, in other embodiments, include holes or other openings for allowing wires or other components to be passed through from the mounting apparatus to the object interface or vice versa. Furthermore, there are many means available for manipulating the magnetic fields associated with the magnets incorporated within the mounting apparatus and/or mounting system, such as the use of ferrous metal caps or flux guides in proximity to the magnets or groups of magnets to strengthen, weaken, or otherwise affect the magnetic fields.
Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
Claims
1. An apparatus for mounting an object to a mounting surface comprising:
- an intermediate surface configured to respond to magnetism; and
- an engagement member disposed relative to the intermediate surface along a line of engagement,
- wherein the engagement member is configured to respond to magnetism, and wherein at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface is configured to be moved between an extended state and a retracted state,
- wherein, in the retracted state, the at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface that is movable is biased away from an object to be mounted,
- wherein, in the extended state, the at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface that is movable is biased toward the object to be mounted, and
- wherein proximity of the object to the engagement member produces an attraction force between the object and the engagement member that causes engagement of the object with the engagement member, and proximity of the object to the intermediate surface produces an attraction force between the object and the intermediate surface that causes engagement of the object with the intermediate surface, such that the apparatus is configured to engage the object to be mounted in stages via the respective engagement forces; and
- wherein the respective attraction forces associated with the engagement member and the intermediate surface cooperate to engage the object and produce a total engagement force for mounting the object to the mounting surface.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a disengaging force that is less than the total engagement force and that is applied to a mounted object successively overcomes the respective engagement forces associated with the intermediate surface and the engagement member to disengage the object.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a controlling component configured to bias the engagement member toward the retracted state.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the engagement member is configured to be substantially flush with the intermediate surface when in a disengaged state.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one short-range wireless data transfer device.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of engagement members arranged in close proximity to form a set.
7. A method of mounting an object to a mounting surface, comprising:
- supporting a first mounting magnet in a first plane;
- supporting a second mounting magnet in a second plane;
- allowing at least one of the mounting magnets to move independently of the other mounting magnet along a line of engagement that intersects the first and second planes;
- limiting movement of the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable between a respective outer limit position and a respective base limit position;
- configuring the mounting magnets to cooperate to engage an object to be mounted to produce a total engagement force; and
- configuring the respective outer limit position of the at least one of the mounting magnets that is movable such that a disengaging force that is less than the total engagement force and that is applied to a mounted object overcomes the total engagement force in stages by successively overcoming the respective engagement forces associated with the first and second mounting magnets to disengage the object.
8. The method of claim 7, further comprising configuring at least one of the mounting magnets to receive a portion of the object to be mounted, wherein receiving the portion of the object to be mounted comprises structurally supporting the object.
9. The method of claim 7, further comprising supporting a plurality of second mounting magnets in a plurality of respective second planes.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising arranging the second mounting magnets in a telescoping configuration.
11. The method of claim 7, further comprising supporting a third mounting magnet in a third plane, wherein the third mounting magnet is configured to be attached to the object to be mounted to adapt the object to agree with at least one of the first or second mounting magnets.
12. A system for mounting an object to a mounting surface comprising:
- a mounting apparatus comprising: an intermediate surface configured to respond to magnetism, the intermediate surface defining a first plane; and an engagement member configured to respond to magnetism, the engagement member defining a second plane and being configured to move along a line of engagement that intersects the first plane; and
- an object interface configured to be attached to an object to be mounted and to the mounting apparatus, the object interface comprising: a central object surface configured to respond to magnetism and configured to agree with at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface, the central object surface defining a third plane;
- wherein at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface of the mounting apparatus is configured to move between a respective outer limit position and a respective base limit position,
- wherein, when the at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface that is movable is in the respective outer limit position, a distance between the first and second planes defines an apparatus engagement depth, and
- wherein the mounting apparatus is configured to engage the object interface via respective engagement forces associated with the engagement member and the intermediate surface such that an overall engagement force increases by degrees until a total engagement force is produced for mounting the object to the mounting surface.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a disengaging force that is less than the total engagement force and that is applied to a mounted object attached to the object interface is capable of disengaging the object interface from the mounting apparatus in stages by successively overcoming the respective engagement forces associated with the engagement member and the intermediate surface.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the mounting apparatus further comprises an apparatus controlling component configured to apply an apparatus controlling force to the engagement member to bias the engagement member away from the object interface.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the object interface is configured such that an attraction force produced between the engagement member and the object interface is greater than the apparatus controlling force.
16. The system of claim 12, wherein the engagement member comprises a plurality of engagement member components arranged in a nested configuration.
17. The system of claim 12, wherein at least the engagement member or the intermediate surface comprises at least one connection interface.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the central object surface comprises at least one connection interface.
19. The system of claim 17, wherein the at least one connection interface is configured to transmit at least data or electricity to the object when the object is engaged with the apparatus.
20. The system of claim 12, wherein the engagement member comprises an extension and a face joined to the extension, and wherein the extension is configured to bear at least a portion of a weight of the object.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the extension comprises a channel and the central object surface comprises a lip, and wherein a portion of the lip is seated within the channel when the object interface is fully engaged with the mounting apparatus.
22. The system of claim 12, wherein the central object surface is configured to receive at least a portion of at least one of the engagement member or the intermediate surface.
23. The system of claim 12, wherein the object interface is configured to substantially self-align with the mounting apparatus prior to engagement.
24. The system of claim 12, wherein at least the engagement member or the intermediate surface comprises at least one correlated magnet, and wherein the object interface comprises at least one correlated magnet.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 14, 2014
Publication Date: Feb 11, 2016
Inventor: L. Christopher FRANKLIN
Application Number: 14/777,488
