CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/400,968, filed August 25, 2022, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to systems, devices and methods for magnetically attaching devices to an attachment object.

BACKGROUND

Devices for detachably connecting or attaching a device to an object are known. For example, clamping devices and adapters may be used to connect cameras, phones, GPS devices, to cars, motorcycles, persons, and so on. For such known devices, even when a particularly secure connection is made, attaching and detaching the device, such as a phone, is often difficult or cumbersome, with the degree of security being proportional to the degree of difficulty of use.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention address shortcomings of such connecting devices and are directed generally to magnet-based devices, systems and methods for detachably connecting devices, such as a phone, to an attachment object. In an embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a phone mount system that uses the phone itself as a moment arm to decrease the force required to remove the phone from the mount, as will be explained further below.

In an embodiment, the phone mount system includes a ferromagnetic backer plate that is attracted to the magnet of the system. The interfacing body that carries the load path has a high coefficient of friction material to maximize shear force. To release the phone from the mount, the user twists the phone until sufficient force decreases to de-couple the phone from the mounting device. The release mechanism may include a two-stage release such as push and then twist. The mounting device may include a return spring such that the mount always returns to the max attach mode. The system may include the ability to tune the attachment configuration or position to lighter or stronger holding rates. The phone, with a relatively large size, acts as a moment arm to decrease the force required to decouple the phone from the mounting device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view schematic illustration of a mounting device and system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view schematic illustration of the mounting device and system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the mounting device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the mounting device of FIG. 1 coupled to a device, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the mounting device of FIG. 1 coupled to a device, in an attachment configuration, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the mounting device of FIG. 1 coupled to a device, in a release configuration, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a mount-attachment portion with magnet-retaining portion, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is another sectional view of the mounting device of FIG. 1 coupled to a device, in a release configuration, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 9A-9C are perspective views of the mount system of FIG. 1 connecting to a device that is a smart phone, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a graph of attachment force vs. separation gap, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 11 is a table and graph describing a relationship between work, force and distance, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The drawings included in the present patent application are incorporated into, and form part of, the specification. They illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, along with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. The drawings are only illustrative of certain embodiments and do not limit the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, an embodiment of mounting device and system 100 for a device 102 is depicted. In this embodiment, device 102 may comprise any number of devices, such as a phone, smart phone, camera, GPS device, and so on. Mounting device 100 is attached to a device 102, and may be used to attach or “mount” device 102 to another device or object not depicted, an “attachment” object. Attachment objects may include movable objects such as an automobile, motorcycle, recreational vehicle, a body-worn object, such as a helmet, and so on. In other embodiments, the attachment object may generally be immovable, for example, a portion of a building, such as a wall, a pole, fence, or similar.

As explained further below, mounting device 100 is an intermediate system or device for connecting device 102 to an attachment object. In an embodiment, mounting device 100 may be entirely, or at least partially, quickly and conveniently detachable from device 102. Mounting device 100 may also be conveniently and quickly detachable from an attachment object, though in other embodiments, mounting device 100 may be affixed to the target attachment object in a more permanent, or less readily detachable manner. For example, mounting device 100 may be intended to stay connected to the attachment object, while device 102 is readily and in some cases often, detached from the attachment object. In such embodiments, all or portions of mounting device 100 may be held to the attachment object with fasteners, adhesive, and so on, while device 102 is readily attachable and detachable from the mounting device 100. For example, portions of mounting device 100 may be connected to motorcycle handlebars (attachment object) with hardware such as clamps and fasteners (not quickly detachable), while device 102, such as a phone, is readily detachable from mounting device 100.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are depicted and described in Appendix 1: Detachable Magnetic Device and in Appendix 2: Phone Mount System, both of which are part of the present disclosure, and which are incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIG. 1 is a side view of mounting device 100 connected to the back of device 102, which in this embodiment, is a smart phone. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of mounting device 100 detached from the attachment object.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of mounting device 100. In an embodiment, and as depicted, mounting device 100 includes articulating base or base portion 104 (also referred to as a body or chassis) with grip material 106, magnetic device or portion 108, magnet-retaining portion 110 (also referred to as a shunt plate), cap or cover 112, and mount-attachment portion 114. Mounting device 100 may also include ferromagnetic plate 116, which may be secured to device 102, as explained further below. Mounting device 100 with ferromagnetic plate 116 may also be referred to as a mounting system.

In an embodiment, articulating base 104 includes first or front side 120, second or rear side 122, and defines central opening 124. Front side 120 defines circular channel 126 configured to receive portions of mount- attachment portion 114. Central opening 124 is configured to receive magnetic device 108.

In an embodiment, articulating base 104 also defines recess 125 configured to receive magnet-retaining portion 110. In an embodiment, recess 125 is shaped complementary, i.e., having essentially the same shape as, magnet-retaining portion 110.

In an embodiment, articulating base 104 also includes ridge 127 configured to abut cap 112, and to engage with stop tabs 146, thereby limiting rotation of cap 112 relative to base 104.

Grip material 106 may be an overmold onto rear side 122 of articulating base 104, or may otherwise be affixed to rear side 122. Grip material 106 defines grip surface 128 that contacts device 102 and/or ferromagnetic plate 116. Grip material 106, in an embodiment, has a high static coefficient of friction, and may also have a low hardness.

In an embodiment, grip material 106 thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”) materials, thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”) materials, GM631 gripping material as manufactured by 3M® of St. Paul, MN, vinyl stickers, rubber, rubber coatings such as Plasti Dip®, and similar. The use of such high-coefficient-of-friction materials for grip material 106 maximizes the amount of applied force required to move device 100 along a surface. In an embodiment, grip material 106 is selected to accommodate a texture of a ferrous or ferromagnetic object or surface to which device 300 is to be attached. In an embodiment, grip material has a Shore A durometer hardness in a range of 10A to 90A. Further, grip material 106 may be selected based on a coefficient of friction in combination with a particular ferromagnetic object or surface. For example, if the attachment object already has a high coefficient of friction, a higher hardness material for grip material 106 may be selected.

In an embodiment that improves prediction and control of compression of grip portion 106, grip material 106 is a relatively thin, high coefficient-of-friction material with a high spring constant so that changes in normal force result in only small changes in gap G dimensions.

In an embodiment, magnetic device 108 is a magnet assembly, and may comprise, though not be limited to, any of the magnetic assemblies of devices described herein. Embodiments of magnetic device 108 are generally configured to concentrate magnetic flux close to an outer surface of the magnetic device 108, and hence an attachment surface, to maximize frictional holding force, as explained further below.

In an such embodiment, magnetic device 108 includes a magnet portion, which may comprise a magnetic sheet with a plurality of “island portions” or individual magnetic regions with alternating north and south magnetic poles, as well as “interstitial portions, and, which may include a baseplate, which may comprise a conductive material, and magnetic sheet. In an embodiment, magnetic device 108 also includes front side with a first or front surface 129, and rear side 130 with second or rear surface 132. Magnetic device 108 also includes first end 134 and second end 136.

In an embodiment, magnetic device 108 may include multiple magnetic regions or island portions, each having their individual north pole and south pole, as described above. In an embodiment the distribution of the multiple magnetic regions may be non-uniform. In an embodiment, in magnetic device 108, a density of magnetic regions is greater, i.e., more regions per area, near a first end 134 of magnetic device 108, and lesser near a second end 136 of magnetic device 108. As such, second end 136 of magnetic device 308 will create a stronger magnetic field, and produce a greater normal force Fn (see also FIG. 1), as compared to first end 134. One advantage to such a configuration is that first end 134 will produce a weaker normal force at an attachment surface, as compared to second end 136, thusly making it easier to lift or lever first end 134 away from ferromagnetic plate 106, i.e., requires less opposing force to detach.

In another embodiment, magnetic device 108 comprises a channel magnetic device, or channel magnet.

In another embodiment, magnetic device 108 may include strips of magnetic material alternating with strips of steel spacers. In one such embodiment, magnetic device 108 includes a plurality of 0.125” wide x 0.125” high x 2” long magnets with 0.0625” wide x 0.125” high x 2” long steel strips between each pair of the plurality of long, slender magnets.

Magnet-retaining portion 110 may comprise a metal material, which may be a ferrous or ferromagnetic material. Magnet-retaining portion 110 is configured to support magnetic device 108, and is coupled to magnetic device 108, such as by adhesive or other means. In an embodiment, magnet-retaining portion 110 may be a relatively flat plate-like structure, and may include first, front or top surface 137, rear or bottom surface 139, first end 140 and second end 142. First end 140 may be angled and form a tab 144.

Cap 112, in an embodiment may form a domed circular shape, as depicted, and may include a pair of opposing stop tabs 146 to be received into base 104 for attachment to base 104. In an embodiment, stop tabs 146 extend from a peripheral portion, such as outside edge 147, of cap 112.

Cap 112 may also include raised central portion 149 configured to contact a portion of mount-attachment portion 114, which may be central support portion 152, as explained further below. In an embodiment, raised central portion 149 may be generally circular. In an embodiment, raised central portion 149 forms contact surface 151 for contacting a portion of mount attachment portion 114. Contact surface 151 may be generally flat. In another embodiment, contact surface 151 may form a concave surface configured to receive all or a portion of central support portion 152 of cap 112. In an embodiment, Axis A extends through a center of cap 112, and through raised central portion 149.

Referring also to FIGS. 5 and 6, cap portion 112, in an embodiment, includes central projection 161 which projects downward and away from a central, inside surface 163 of cap 112. In an embodiment, and as depicted in FIGS 5 and 6, an end 165 of central projection 161 abuts top surface 137 of magnet retaining portion 110 to prevent movement of magnet-retaining portion 110 from moving in an rear to front (upward as depicted) direction, or in a direction opposite to force Fn.

Although depicted in this embodiment as a cap or cover 112 that covers an entirety of ring 148 and base 104, cover 112 may, in other embodiments, only cover a portion of the components of device 100, and may form shapes other than a disk. Most generally, cap or cover 112 may also be referred to as a an upper ring-retaining portion 112.

Mount- attachment portion 114 includes ring-like or ring-shaped portion 148, which may be an annular ring or partial ring, with top surface 150 forming a cam profile such that ring-like portion 148 functions as a cam (as explained further below), central support portion 152, and cover or upper portion 154, and attachment portion 156 for attaching to an attachment object. Ring 148 has a varying front-to-rear ring height so as to form the cam profile that includes top surface 150. Rear or first ring height Hl may be greater than ring height H2. In an embodiment, height Hl is measured at a position of ring 148 that has a maximum height, and height H2 is determined at a position of ring 148 that has a minimum height. In an embodiment, a ratio of height Hl to H2 may be in a range of 1.5 to 4; in an embodiment, a ratio of height Hl to H2 may be in a range of 2 to 4. The varying heights, thicknesses, of annular ring 148 forms a variable -height cam profile. In an embodiment, ring 148 forms a complete ring extending circumferentially 360°. In other embodiments, ring 148 may extend less than 360°, and may form a partial ring, such as a partial ring forming a C-shape that extends in a range of 90° to 270°. The circumferential length or arc length of ring 148 may vary in combination with the vertical cam profile to influence movement or travel of magnet 108 and magnet-retaining device 110.

In an embodiment, cover or upper portion 154 defines cap-receiving slot 155 configured to receive a portion of cap 112. Upper portion 154, in an embodiment extends circumferentially about a portion of ring 148, and may form a curved structure covering a portion of ring 148 and a portion of cap 112 when cap 112 is inserted in cap-receiving slot 155.

Attachment portion 156 is connected to upper portion 154, extending outward and away from upper portion 154. Attachment portion 156 is depicted in this embodiment as a plate-like structure, though in other embodiments, attachment portions 156 may form other shapes or structures adapted for connection to an attachment object. For example, in the depicted embodiment, attachment portion 156 may be received into a slot or clamp of an attachment object, such as a portion of a vehicle, helmet, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2 and 5, when assembled, front surface 129 of magnetic device 108 is attached to magnet-retaining portion 110 at rear surface 139, so that magnetic device 108 is affixed or coupled to magnet-retaining portion 110. Magnet-retaining portion 110 and magnetic device 108 are received into base 104, with at least a portion of magnetic device 108 received into opening 124. Magnet-retaining portion 110 with magnet 108 is fit into base 104 such that rotation about a central axis A relative to base 104 is not possible, nor is lateral motion in general. However, portions of magnet retaining portion 110 with magnetic device are able to pivot in a rear-to-front or front-to-rear direction. More specifically, and as described further below, end 140 with tab 144 may be lifted so as to pivot magnet-retaining portion 110 and magnet 108 around stationary end 142 when device 102 and base 104 is rotated relative to mount- attachment portion 114.

Cap 112 is connected to base 104, with tabs 146 received into recesses in base 104. In some embodiments, cap 112 forms a snap fit joint with base 104. In an embodiment, cap 112 is fixed in position relative to base 104.

Mount- attachment portion 114 is rotatably coupled to base 104 about central axis A. Ring portion 148 is received into channel 126 of base 106.

Referring also to FIG. 7, end 140 or tab 144 with rear surface 139 of magnet-retaining portion 106 contacts top surface 150 of ring 148 of mount-attachment portion 114.

Referring to FIGS. 4-5, mount system 100 is depicted in an attachment configuration to a device 102. In an embodiment, mount- attachment portion 114 is rotatable relative to base 104, and in this embodiment is rotated relative to base 104 as depicted to be in an attachment configuration. Ferromagnetic plate 116 is affixed to device 102, such as the phone depicted, and mounting device 100 is detachably coupled to device 102. In an embodiment, ferromagnetic plate 116 may be affixed or coupled to device 102 via an adhesive, by mechanical connection, or by other means. In an embodiment, device 102 includes a ferromagnetic plate 116 built into the device 102.

In an embodiment of the attachment configuration, magnet 108 and its rear surface 132 are adjacent to a surface of ferromagnetic plate 116, but not in actual contact with ferromagnetic plate 116. In an embodiment, rear surface 132 is generally parallel with a surface of ferromagnetic plate 116.

Gap G is formed between rear surface 132 and ferromagnetic plate 116. In the attachment configuration as depicted, gap G is generally uniform across the entire surface 132 of magnet 108. Having a very small gap G between magnet 108 and ferromagnetic plate 116 maximizes a normal force Fn exerted by mount system 100 onto ferromagnetic plate 116 and device 102, as explained further below. In an embodiment, in the attachment configuration, gap G is in a range of 0 < G < 0.3 mm. In another embodiment, gap G is in a range of 0 < G < 1.0 mm. Design selection of gap G depends on a number of factors, including desired normal force, and durometer of grip portion 106.

Referring also to FIG. 10, a graph of normal force Fn for an embodiment of magnetic device 108 of mount system 100 vs. gap G is depicted. As indicated in the graph of FIG. 10, as a separation distance (gap G) is decreased, attachment force or normal force Fn increases.

In the attachment configuration, although magnetic device 108 is not in direct contact with ferromagnetic plate 116, grip portion 106 is directly in contact with ferromagnetic plate 116 and/or device 102. As described briefly above, grip portion 106, in an embodiment has a relatively high coefficient of friction to prevent movement of device 102 relative to mount system 100 due to shear or frictional forces that are normal to normal force Fn exerted by magnetic device 108. Grip portion 106 may also comprise a relatively low hardness, i.e., low durometer, material so as to allow compression of grip portion 106 when normal force Fn is applied in the attachment configuration..

The attachment can also be adjusted by pattern variation, permanent magnet material grade and volume, adding a channel design to the magnet-retaining portion/shunt plate or using an assembled set of discrete magnets 108 and metal alloys. Those skilled in the art understand how to manipulate the flux to concentrate it into a target object, such as ferromagnetic plate 116, which in an embodiment comprises steel.

Referring to FIGS. 9A-9C, an overview of an attaching process and detaching process is depicted. In FIG. 9A, device 102, which in this embodiment is a phone, with ferromagnetic plate 116 (not shown), is moved toward the rear side of base 104 and magnetic-device 108 of mounting device 100. FIG. 9B depicts mounting device 100 attached to device 102 (attachment configuration). FIG. 9C depicts device 102 being rotated about mount device 100 so as to detach device 102 from mount device 100. The process of releasing device 102, or phone, from mounting device 100 is depicted as requiring a rotation or twist action for release. However, in another embodiment, there may also be a preliminary action that must take place prior to twisting such as, but not limited to, a push and then twist to release. Also it will be understood that although not depicted in FIGS. 9A-9C, mounting device 100 may be connected, coupled or attached via mount-attachment portion 114 to an attachment object so as to attach device 102 to the attachment object via mounting device 100.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, mounting device 100 is depicted in cross section in the attachment configuration and a release configuration, respectively. In FIG. 5, magnet 108 is positioned a distance equal to a size of gap G from ferromagnetic plate 116, as also described above. The end 140 at tab 144 of magnet-retaining device 110 is contacting ring 148 at a point Pl where its cam profile is lowest, i.e., a front-to-rear height of ring 148 is at a minimum, which is height H2.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, mount- attachment portion 114 is rotated relative to base 104 and device 102 to a detached position. In practice, mount-attachment portion 114 may actually be held stationary and mounted to an attachment object, and device 102 is used as a moment arm to rotate base 104, magnetic device 108, magnet-retaining portion 110, and cap 112 about mount-attachment portion 114 and central axis A. As mount- attachment portion 114 is rotated relative to base 104 and device 102, ring 148 is also rotated, lifting end 140 of magnetic device 108 due to a change in the cam profile. In other words, end 140 contacts ring 148 along the cam profile at a higher point, or where a height of ring 148 is greater. This lifting of end 140 of magnetic device 108 increases the gap G between rear surface 132 of magnetic device 108 and ferromagnetic plate 116, which significantly decreases the normal force Fn applied by magnetic device 108. As such, in this relative position, mount device 100 is in a release configuration.

Referring to FIG. 11, a table and graph describing work, force and distance for various design gaps (travel distance) is depicted. Magnet force curve data plus input maximum input work can provide total required stroke plus an amount of stroke needed for each design gap G iteration which correlates to a required cam profile. Embodiments of the present invention include the devices, systems and method steps described above, including methods of attaching and detaching a device to an attachment object using a mounting device described herein.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including the appendices, and including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including incorporated appendices, any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.