MOBILE DEVICE MOUNT AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present utility patent application claims the priority benefit of the U.S. provisional application for patent serial number 62/272185 filed on May 4, 2016, entitled A Mobile Device Mount and Method of Using the Same.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to an accessory for a mobile device. More particularly, the present invention relates to an adjustable mounting apparatus for a mobile device, reference being had to the drawings accompanying and forming a part of the same.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Globally, mobile devices including smartphones and tablet computers, or "detachables" as they are also referred to, outpaced sales of traditional personal computers (PC) by almost ten to one in 2015. In the US, Pew Research has indicated that as of January 2014 90% of American adults have a cell phone, 58% of American adults have a smartphone, 32% of American adults own an e-reader, and 42% of American adults own a tablet computer, making the mobile device market a trillion-dollar market.

[0004] Because of their ease of use, cost and portability, as well as advances in technology that has allowed for more features to be built into smaller devices, mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers have seen a dramatic rise in popularity. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that the secondary market for accessories has grown congruently. Indeed, by some estimates, mobile device accessories are creeping towards one hundred billion dollars in revenues in the US alone. [0005] A significant portion of the accessory market is in docking and mounting stations.

Because most mobile devices don't stand on their own, they must be either held or mounted by the user for optimal viewing by the user. This becomes especially difficult in cramped or enclosed spaces, for example, such as airline seats and automobile seats.

[0006] Docking stations also enable users to connect their portable devices to a set of peripherals through a simple connection, allowing portable devices such as laptops, hard drives, and mobile devices to be connected to various peripherals such as monitors, speakers, mouse, and others without the need for multiple cables. Docket stations come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but offer the same general functionality - namely, a hands-free way to support a mobile device. In essence, docking stations allow some mobile devices to become substitutes for a desktop computer without sacrificing the mobile computing functionality of the mobile device.

[0007] The market for docking stations is majorly driven by its wide adoption for laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. According to a market report published by Transparency Market Research, the global docking station market was worth 4.2 billion in 2013 and is expected to reach 6.02 billion by 2020, growing at a computed annual growth rate of 5.3 percent from 2014 to 2020. North America was the largest market for docking stations in 2013, which account for around 45% of the global market revenue.

[0008] The docking station market is segmented on the basis of its application into residential and commercial applications. At present, commercial segment accounts for the largest share in terms of revenue in the global docking station market. This is due to wide adoption of docking stations in small and medium-scale enterprise (SMEs) and large enterprises. Growth in this region is expected to be driven by wide adoption of docking stations in enterprise environment. [0009] Past approaches typically utilize a support device which holds the mobile device, and a mounting bracket configured to hold the mobile device, and an attachment member such as a suction cup or apertures for screws to act as the mounting conduit which attach to an object.

[0010] For example, US Patent Application 2013/0043290 describes an insert configured for mounting in a receptacle, a pair of plates having a set of openings matched to a plurality of mounting holes, and an adjustable faceplate therefrom. Screws are used to mount the bracket to an object.

[0011] Other past approaches utilized a hanger configuration. For example, US Patent

Application No. 20110049321A1 describes a hanger device for retaining an article on a support includes a first fixing member, a second fixing member, a connecting mechanism, and an article retaining mechanism. The first and second fixing members are spaced apart from each other and are adapted to hook onto opposite edges of the support, respectively. The connecting mechanism extends between the first and second fixing members, and includes a first connecting component that is provided on the first fixing member and that has a strip part, and a second connecting component that is provided on the second fixing member and that has a hollow connector part through which the strip part of the first connecting component extends. The article retaining mechanism is disposed on the connecting mechanism and is adapted for retaining the article thereat.

[0012] However, these past ad-hoc approaches have many drawbacks. For example, the known devices today are bulky and difficult to transport. Also, when mounted, their footprint is too large for a small space, and may encroach into the personal space of others. Moreover, they can only attach to a certain type of object which is dependent upon the type of attachment member employed (e.g., hooks or screws). Lastly, while some mounts are adjustable in nature, when moving from a large tablet to a small smartphone, the mechanics are unwieldly and obtuse.

[0013] As such, an apparatus and method for mounting a mobile device is desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The following summary of the invention is provided in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects and features of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention and as such it not intended to particularly identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented below.

[0015] To achieve the forgoing and other aspects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, a mobile device mount is presented.

[0016] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved mounting device that is convenient and easy to use.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved mounting device that enables to user to attach their device to multiple objects.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide new and improved mounting device that is easy and inexpensive to construct.

[0019] A further object of the present invention is to provide new and improved mounting device that has a thin profile and is easy to transport.

[0020] In a first embodiment of the present invention, a mobile device mount is provided. The mobile device mount comprises a housing having a front side, back side, and an internal space, the front side being configured for mounting the mobile device; a top flange pivotably coupled to the front side of the housing; a middle flange pivotably coupled to the front side of housing; a bottom flange pivotably coupled to the front side of the housing; wherein the top flange, bottom flange, or both, are coupled to a slide mount positioned at least partly in the internal compartment of the housing.

[0021] In another embodiment of the present invention, a method for mounting a mobile device is provided. The housing has a front side, back side, and an internal space, the front side being configured for mounting the mobile device; sliding a top flange, middle flange, bottom flange, or both, upwardly or downwardly on a vertical axis; pivoting the top flange outwardly and the bottom flange downwardly from a closed position to an open position; positioning the mobile device between the flanges; and coupling the mobile device to the housing.

[0022] Other features, advantages, and aspects of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 perspective back view of the mobile device mount in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 is a perspective front view of the mobile device mount in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 is a perspective back view of the mobile device mount showing the attachment member expanded, with a mobile device mounted to show the first configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 is a perspective back view of the mobile device mount showing the stand expanded, with a mobile device mounted to show the first configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 is a perspective side view of the mobile device mount showing the interior compartment and flanges in the expanded position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 is a perspective back view of the mobile device mount showing the stand expanded, with a mobile device mounted to show the second configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 is a perspective front view of the mobile device mount showing both the top and middle flange extended open, with a mobile phone mounted in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; [0030] Figure 8 is a perspective side view of the mobile device mount showing both the top and middle flange extended open, with a mobile phone mounted in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 9 is an internal view of the mobile device mount in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 10 is a block diagram of the mobile device mount attached to an airline seat in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 11 is a block diagram of the mobile device mount attached to an airline seat in accordance with an optional embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 12 is a block diagram of the mobile device mount showing additional means through which the apparatus may be attached in accordance with additional optional

embodiments of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 13 is a block diagram of the mobile device mount attached to a cabinet in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 14 is a side view block diagram of the mobile device mount attached to a cabinet in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 15 is a step-wise flow chart in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 16 is a back see-through view of the mobile device attachment member in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and [0039] Figure 17 is an internal view of the mobile device mount in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

[0041] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures.

However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the

functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

[0042] It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "an element" is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to "a step" or "a means" is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word "or" should be understood as having the definition of a logical "or" rather than that of a logical "exclusive or" unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0043] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the

accompanying drawings. While reference is made to mobile devices, generally, the present invention is applicable to non-electronic mobile devices such as clip-boards and the like.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 1, a back perspective view of the mobile device mount 100 is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is of the mobile device mount 100 in its "travel" or "closed" configuration. The mobile device mount 100 may be formed from a relatively hard or rigid material that operates to protect the attached mobile device from breakage or damage. In one embodiment, the mobile device mount 100 may be comprised of high-density polystyrene, a lightweight and inexpensive form of plastic. High- density polystyrene can be either transparent or be colored with various colorants. In other embodiments, the mobile device mount 100 may be comprised of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ("ABS"), a common thermoplastic polymer that is tough, and both heat and impact resistant. ABS combines the strength and rigidity of acrylonitrile and styrene polymers with the toughness of polybutadiene runner. However, this added rigidity in a lightweight product results in a manufacturing cost of almost twice the cost of producing items with high-density polystyrene. In optional embodiments, it is also possible for the mobile device mount 100 to be made of aluminum, a relatively soft, low-density metal that is able to resist corrosion. However, high- density polystyrene is the preferred material for the mobile device mount 100 as it is cheaper, still very strong for the product' s intended usage and can also come in a variety of colors.

[0045] In optional embodiments, polyurethane can be used for a softer feel. In other optional embodiments, silicone may be employed, which is a soft, flexible material and is advantageous because it may be less bulky than similar plastic mounting devices, which some users prefer. In other optional embodiments, carbon fiber may be used for additional protection, due to its properties of strength and resilience although it is cost prohibitive. Leather and synthetic leathers may also be employed, as well as rubber, latex, bamboo and other woods, and metals.

[0046] Still referring to FIG. 1, the mobile device mount 100 comprises a stand 102, an attachment member 104, a USB interface 106, a power LED indicator 108 and a power button 110. In this embodiment, the attachment member 104 is configured to accept different attachment options, each of which allows the mobile device mount 100 to be coupled with various surfaces (e.g., airplane food trays, desks and computer monitors) and thereby increasing its utility. The attachment member 104 also ensure the mobile device is always at an optimal viewing angle to the end user and safely secured in place. In optional embodiments, the attachment member 104 may be comprised of a different object such as a screw, suction cup, strap, buckle, cradle or any other member that could be used to couple the mobile device mount 100 to an object (e.g., an airplane food tray). Both the stand 102 and attachment member 104 are pivotally coupled on their backside at a first end, and both are foldable into the back of the mobile device mount 100 via an aperture 114 for each, such that the stand 102 and attachment member 104 are flush with the back of the mobile device mount 100 in their closed position.

[0047] Still referring to FIG.l, the USB interface 106 allows for other devices which utilize a similar connection port to be coupled to the mobile device mount 100 to accomplish many purposes, such as charging the mobile device. In the present embodiment, when a user wishes to utilize the USB interface 106 to charge its connected mobile device, such user will have to connect the appropriate cable to the USB interface 106, and then press the power button 110 to initiate the charge. The power LED 108 will illuminate when the USB interface 106 is operational and the mobile device is charging. In other embodiments, and not by way of limitation, these openings may be replaced with other opening to process access to other power ports, power switches, other connection ports or other similar items generally found along edges of electronic devices. As discussed further herein, the USB interface 106 can also be used to recharge the auxiliary battery pack 902.

[0048] Referring now to FIG.2, a perspective front view of the mobile device mount 100 is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. For reference, the USB interface 106, power LED 108 and power button 110 are shown. In this embodiment, a top flange 202, middle flange 204 and bottom flange 206 are displayed in their recessed (or closed) position. As further discussed herein in relation to FIG. 3, the top flange 202, middle flange 204 and bottom flange 206 are all pivotably coupled to the front side of the mobile device mount 100 and extend and fold at a 90° angle such that each of the flanges extend perpendicular away from the front of the mobile device mount 100 to offer support for the mounted mobile device. In operation, the flanges are designed to retract when not being used to dock a mobile device with the mobile device mount 100, allowing for a very compact and easily carried mobile device mount 100. In optional embodiments, any number of flanges may be used and the angles of the mounts may change to accommodate different sized mobile devices or to hold said mobile devices at different angles. Padding can be provided on any outside element to provide protection, and the outside rubberized to exert friction on a surface.

[0049] With reference now to FIG. 3, the top flange 202 and bottom flange 206 are coupled to an upper adjustable slide mount 302 and lower adjustable slide mount 304, respectively, and positioned at least partially in the internal compartment 300 of the mobile device mount 100. Operation of the adjustable slide mounts in relation to the top flange 202 and bottom flange 206 are further discussed in relation to FIG. 5. Each element can be any suitable materials such as various metals, alloys, plastics and the like.

[0050] Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective back view of the mobile device mount 100 is shown with the attachment member 104 in its expanded (or opened) position and holding a mobile device in a landscape orientation in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. For orientation purposes, the bottom 306 of the mobile device is presented. This embodiment shows the mobile device mount 100 in its first configuration and is convenient when utilizing the attachment member 104 to couple the mobile device mount 100 to another surface such as an airplane food tray, and makes it easy to utilize the touch-screen features of the mobile device for purposes such as typing on a touch-screen keyboard or viewing the screen of the mobile device. In this embodiment, the mobile device mount 100 is shown in what is deemed the open opposition holding a larger mobile tablet devices (e.g., Apple iPad ^{® or} Samsung Galaxy ), but the mobile device mount 100 can be configured to hold other mobile devices as further discussed herein.

[0051] For purposes of providing a universal mounting station that fits a plurality of devices, an adjustable slide mount 310 is provided. The adjustable slide mount 310 comprises upper adjustable slide 302 and lower adjustable slide 304 are shown in their expanded (or opened) position outside of the internal compartment 300 is it housed in when it is not expanded (or rather, when it is closed). The upper adjustable slide mount 302 and lower adjustable slide mount 304 are configured such that the user can change the positioning of the top flange 202 and bottom flange 206 to accommodate different sized mobile devices, while retaining the compact and convenient size when no mobile device is attached and both the flanges are recessed (or closed) within the interior compartment 300. This allows for ease of use while traveling where space and weight is limited. In optional embodiments, the top flange 202 or bottom flange 206 may be static or stationary, and the opposite flange utilizes the ability to telescope outwardly or inwardly.

[0052] Still referring to FIG. 3, the mobile device mount 100 is shown in operation with both the top flange 202 and bottom flange 206 extended and folded at an approximately 75-90° such that each of the flanges are extended perpendicular from the front of the mobile device mount 100. The top flange 202 is extended by pivoting it outwardly whereas the bottom flange 206 is extended by pivoting it downwardly, moving the flanges from their closed to open position. In this embodiment, the bottom flange 206 is configured to pivot about the horizontal axis in a direction opposing the top flange 202.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 4, FIG. 3 is generally reproduced in its entirety except that the attachment member 104 is now shown in its closed configuration and the stand 102 is shown in its extended (or opened) configuration. This embodiment shows the mobile device mount 100 in its second configuration and is convenient when placing the mobile device mount 100 on a flat surface such as a desk. In this embodiment, the stand 102 is shown as inclined at an

approximately 45° degree angle toward the user for convenient viewing of the mobile device screen and/or interacting with the mobile device via the device's touch-screen, such as typing on a touch-screen key-board that appears on the mobile device. In particular, the mobile device is inclined toward the user by having the stand 102 extended and locked into position. In other embodiments, the angle at which the stand 102 locks into position may be changed to

accommodate different usages - for example, the angle may be between 20° and 60°, preferably between 30° and 50°, but may also be other angles depending on the intended use of the mobile device.

[0054] Referring now to FIG. 5, a perspective side view of the mobile device mount 100 showing the interior compartment 502 and both the top flange 202 and bottom flange 206 in their expanded (or opened) position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the slide mount 310 and its internal components are shown. The slide mount 310 comprises telescoping arms that are "spring loaded", referred to herein as upper and lower slide mounts 302 and 304, respectively. The upper spring 504 and lower spring 506 are shown within the internal compartment 502, resting on shoulders 518 and 520, respectively. In operation, if a user can unlock the top or bottom flange, and spring exerts an outward force on the slide mounts 302 and 304, making the flanges separate for larger tablets. A user can then lock the arms into place to accommodate the tablet.

[0055] The top flange 202 is coupled with the upper adjustable slide mount 302 via an upper cross bar 510, which is connected to the flange with hooks fitted on upper cross bar 510 using a friction fit. In operation, a user can rotate the upper flange 202 outwardly because the hooks 512 allow for the rotation since they are formed with a predetermined amount tightness, and are rotatable about the axis in this way. The bottom flange 206 is coupled with the lower adjustable slide mount 304 in a similar manner - via lower cross bar 516, which is connected to the flange with hooks 514 fitted on upper lower bar 516 using a friction fit. In operation, a user can rotate the lower flange 206 outwardly because the hooks 514 allow for the rotation since they are formed with a predetermined amount tightness, and are rotatable about the axis in this way.

[0056] Referring still to FIG. 5, an upper spring 504 sits on shoulder 518 and lower spring sits on shoulder 520. In operation, when either one or both flanges are compressed inward into the internal compartment 502 of the mobile device mount 100, the corresponding slide mount applies force downward (if the top flange 202 is compressed) or upward (if the bottom flange 206 is compressed), further compressing the appropriate spring (the upper spring 504 if the top flange 202 is compressed and the lower spring 506 if the lower flange 206 is compressed) into the internal compartment 502 of the mobile device mount 100 where the corresponding springs stay compressed due to a locking mechanism until they are uncompressed by the user so as to increase or decrease the distance between the top flange 202 and the bottom flange 206. Using this same method, the mobile device can be locked in place by adjusting the slide mounts to fit the specific size of the mobile device. In this example, the slide mounts are sized to hold an Apple iPad ^® or similar device in its portrait orientation. In optional embodiments, a new method utilizing components other than a locking spring may be utilized to allow the end user the ability to adjust the distance between the two flanges. To prevent inadvertently pulling the slide mounts completely free of the internal compartment 502, shoulders may be provided on the ends of the internal compartment 502. In one embodiment, a compression spring may be used, while in another embodiment, an extension spring may be used,

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 6, FIG. 4 is generally reproduced except that the mobile device is now shown mounted in a portrait orientation, and the locking mechanisms 602 and 604 are shown. In this embodiment, for purposes of orientation, the top flange 202 and lower flange 206 are expanded further to accommodate the increase dimensions which results from rotating the mobile device in a portrait orientation as opposed to a landscape orientation. The locking mechanisms 602 and 604 may comprise a screw lock in which a user twists a knob to lock the flanges in place, any type of push button locks or other known locking mechanisms to snugly hold the flanges in place.

[0058] Referring now to FIG.7, a perspective front view of the mobile device mount 100 showing both the top flange 202 and middle flange 204 extended open, with a mobile device mounted in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the middle flange 204 and top flange 202 are configured to accept mounting of a standard size mobile phone such as an Apple iPhone ^® , Samsung Galaxy S7 ^® or other similarly sized mobile device such as an MP3 player or personal digital assistant (PDA). The middle flange 204 is configured to pivot about an axis in a similar manner to the upper and lower flange, and stop at an approximately 90-degree angle.

[0059] Referring to FIG.8, a perspective side view of FIG. 7 is reproduced in its entirety except that the attachment member 104 is shown in the extended position (opened). For orientation purposes, the USB connector 106, power LED 108 and power button 110 are shown on the mobile device mount 100. [0060] Referring to FIG. 9, an internal view of the mobile device mount 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the internal compartment 502 is shown. Within the internal compartment 502, an auxiliary battery pack 902 is included and is coupled to the electronics 906 which is in electrical communication with the USB connector 106, thereby allowing the user to charge its mobile device utilizing the USB connector 106. The USB connector 106 also works in the reverse, and can be used to recharge the auxiliary battery pack 902. For reference, the attachment member 104 and top flange 202 are shown in their closed form within the aperture and flush with the back of the mobile device mount 100. In this embodiment, the electronics comprise a series of stabs which operate as the male portion to the adjoining female portion of the other side of the housing, shown in relation to FIG. 3.

[0061] Still referring to FIG.9, the upper adjustable slide mount 302 and the lower adjustable slide mount 304 are shown in their recessed positions with their upper springs 502 and lower springs 504, respectively, compressed.

[0062] Referring now to FIG. 10, a block diagram of the mobile device mount 100 attached to an airplane seat in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. As can be seen, the attachment member 100 slides over the food tray 1002 while it is in its closed position flush against the back 1004 of the seat shown.

[0063] Referring now to FIG. 11, a block diagram of the mobile device mount 100 attached to an airplane seat in accordance with an optional embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the attachment member 104 comprises a ball 1102 and socket 1104, the socket being embedded in the back of the housing 102. In this way, the user can swivel the device for an appropriate angle of attachment. [0064] Referring now to FIG. 12, a block diagram of the mobile device mount 100 showing additional means through which the mobile device mount 100 may be attached in accordance with additional optional embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, the attachment member 104 comprises a notch 1202, and clasp 1204, the socket being embedded in the back of the housing 102. In this way, the user can swivel the device for an appropriate angle of attachment.

[0065] Referring now to FIG. 13, a block diagram of the mobile device mount 100 attached to a cabinet in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, the mobile device mount 100 is attached to a pivot lock 1304 such that the mobile device 1302 is pivotably rotatable.

[0066] Referring now to FIG. 14, a side view block diagram of the mobile device mount 100 attached to a cabinet in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this view, a bracket 1402 which connects to the underside of the cabinet such that the mobile device mount 100 is movable not only rotationally, but also transversally.

[0067] Referring not to FIG. 15, a flow chart or step wise diagram depicting a method for mounting a mobile device is shown.

[0068] At step 1502, providing a housing having a front side, back side, and an internal space, the front side being configured for mounting the mobile device is provided.

[0069] At step 1504, the user slides a top flange, middle flange, bottom flange, or any of the foregoing, upwardly or downwardly on a vertical axis.

[0070] At step 1506, the user pivots the top flange outwardly and the bottom flange downwardly, or a middle flange upwardly or downwardly from a closed position to an open position. [0071] At step 1508, the user positions the mobile device between the flanges.

[0072] At step 1510, the user couples the mobile device to the housing.

[0073] Referring now to FIG. 16, an optional embodiment of the attachment member 104 is shown. In this embodiment, a flattened shaft 1602 is pivotably connected to the internal portion of the device 100, and resides in a triangular aperture 1604 so as to give the device the ability shift positions from A, to B, to C, and lock in that position using slits 1606 which mates with a small latch on the shaft 1602.

[0074] Referring now to FIG. 16, an internal view of the mobile device mount 100 in

accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the internal compartment 502 is shown. Within the internal compartment 502, the upper and lower adjustable slide mounts 302 and 304 comprise notches 1702 and 1704 which mate with tab locking mechanisms 1706 and 1708 to lock the mounts in a predetermined position by the user. In this way, the mounts telescope in an upwardly and downwardly direction based on up a force applied by the user. While only three positions are shown, any number of positions may be utilized.

[0075] Specific configurations and arrangements of the invention, discussed above with reference to the accompanying drawing, are for illustrative purposes only. Other configurations and arrangements that are within the purview of a skilled artisan can be made, used, or sold without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, a reference to "an element" is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word "or" should be understood as having the definition of a logical "or" rather than that of a logical "exclusive or" unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. [0076] While the present invention has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to these herein disclosed embodiments. Rather, the present invention is intended to mobile phone mounting device all of the various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0077] Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, the feature(s) of one drawing may be combined with any or all of the features in any of the other drawings. The words "including", "comprising", "having", and "with" as used herein are to be interpreted broadly and comprehensively and are not limited to any physical interconnection. Moreover, any embodiments disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as the only possible embodiments. Rather, modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.