Mount comprising a suction cup

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a mount, comprising a suction cup and a vehicle comprising such a mount.

STATE OF THE ART

Rubber suckers are a good method of temporarily sticking things to smooth / flat surfaces, such as a window or vehicle windscreen. They use well known principles of sealing around the edge of a flexible rubber disc (suction cup) and creating a lower pressure under the suction cup to hold the suction cup against the surface. Friction created between the rubber edge of the suction cup and the surface acts to prevent the suction cup from slipping along the surface.

The simplest type of suction cup is used on the end of a toy arrow - the concave face of the suction cup is flattened when it hits a surface, which expels the air. When the rubber suction cup relaxes back towards to its normal concave shape, the forces reach equilibrium so that the suction cup holds itself against the surface. However, such a suction cup only provides a relatively weak fixing, especially when subject to vibration. Under vibration, a weight supported by such a suction cup would wobble. Also, if this sucker were to support a weight not normal to the surface, typically the suction cup would deflect under the off centre load, which at extremes could break the suction cup free of the surface.

Suction cups have been adapted over the years to provide more stable fixings for kitchen gadgets, window thermometers etc. and most recently navigation devices. Suction cups that are to be used for in-car navigation devices need to be relatively stable when attached to uneven surfaces and/or under vibrations.

Prior art navigation devices based on GPS (Global Positioning System) are well known and are widely employed as in-car navigation systems. Such a GPS based navigation device relates to a computing device which in a functional connection to an external (or internal) GPS receiver is capable of determining its global position.

Moreover, the computing device is capable of determining a route between start and destination addresses, which can be input by a user of the computing device. Typically, the computing device is enabled by software for computing a "best" or "optimum"

route between the start and destination address locations from a map database. A "best" or "optimum" route is determined on the basis of predetermined criteria and need not necessarily be the fastest or shortest route.

The navigation device may typically be mounted on the dashboard of a vehicle, using a mount. The navigation device may also be (part of) a hand-held system, such as a PDA. The vehicle may be a car, a motorcycle, a bicycle, a truck or any known vehicle.

As in-car navigation devices get smaller and more price driven, so the requirements for the mount change. Smaller devices need smaller mounts, which can become fiddly to operate. Less weight closer to the mount means less force is required of the suction cup.

Mounts comprising suction cups are known in the prior art. Typically, these suction cups employ a two stage action and several parts to achieve a solid fixing. They usually use a mechanical device - such as a cam action lever to pull the centre of the suction cup away from the surface. This pulling force acts against a second main part which has a rigid ring of material pressing behind the seal edge of the suction cup.

The term mount as used in this text refers to all kinds of mounts using a suction cup. The mount may for instance be a screen mount or surface mount.

Object of the invention is to provide an improved mount.

SHORT DESCRIPTION

According to an aspect, there is provided a mount, comprising a suction cup arranged to be changed from a start state to an attached state, where in the attached state the mount is attached to a surface by maintaining underpressure in between the suction cup and the surface, characterized in, that the mount further comprises a spring element being connected to a central part of the suction cup, and when the suction cup is in the attached state, the spring element is arranged to pull the central part of the suction cup away from the surface and to press the suction cup towards the surface along a substantial circumferential edge of the suction cup. The pull force that pulls a central part of the suction cup away from the surface helps to increase the underpressure, and thus the sticking force of the suction cup to the surface. The press force that presses the circumferential edge of the suction cup to the surface helps to seal the suction cup to the surface and increases the friction between

the suction cup and the surface it is to be attached to. The suction cup as presented here provides improvements in usability and reliability with fewer parts than existing removable mounts.

According to a further embodiment there is provided a mount, wherein the spring element is formed as a round based cone or dome, comprising an outer edge, where the outer edge, in the attached state, presses the suction cup towards the surface.

According to a further embodiment there is provided a mount, wherein the spring element is formed as a round based cone or dome, comprising a central part, where the central part, in an attached state, pulls the central part of the suction cup away from the surface.

According to a further embodiment there is provided a mount, wherein the spring element is formed by a plurality of fingers, the tips of the fingers forming outer edge.

According to a further embodiment there is provided a mount, wherein the fingers of the spring element can move independently. This improves the sticking force when the mount is attached to a curved surface. Also, this makes it easier to remove the underpressure, for instance by pulling a tap arranged at the circumference of the suction cup.

According to a further embodiment there is provided a mount, wherein the suction cup comprises a mounting surface at the central part of the suction cup, and the spring element exerts a pull force via this mounting surface to pull the central part of the suction cup away from the surface.

According to a further embodiment there is provided a mount, wherein the mount further comprises a connection member, the connection member comprising a foot portion that is attached to the mounting surface of the suction cup. This provides an easy way for attaching a connection member or the like to the mount.

According to a further embodiment there is provided a mount, wherein the mounting surface is formed by a cavity formed by an inwardly protruded raised edge, to receive foot portion. According to a further embodiment there is provided a mount, wherein

- in the central part of the spring element an opening is formed, defined by an inner edge, to receive connection member,

- the connection member comprises a rim, and,

- in the attached state, the pull force of the spring element is exerted via inner edge, rim, foot portion to the central part of the suction cup.

According to a further embodiment there is provided a mount, wherein both the suction cup and the spring element are arranged to be changed from a start state to the attached state via an intermediate state, the start state being the state of the suction cup and the spring element before being in contact with the surface, the intermediate state being the state wherein the suction cup and spring element are pressed against the surface and during this transition, the spring element is in frictional contact with the suction cup. As a result, the spring element, for instance the tips of the fingers, straddle the suction cup, having a positive effect to the sticking force of the mount.

According to a further embodiment there is provided a mount, where during changing the mount from the start state to the intermediate state, the spring element is tensioned to pull the central part of the suction cup away from the surface and to press the suction cup towards the surface along a substantial circumferential edge of the suction cup. As a result, it is possible to attach the mount in one action, i.e. by pressing the mount against the surface.

According to a further embodiment there is provided a mount, wherein the suction cup is made of a resilient material, such as rubber, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or a suitable type of TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). These are suitable materials for making suction cups.

According to a further embodiment there is provided a mount, wherein the spring element is made in an engineering plastic with good spring properties. According to a further embodiment there is provided a mount, wherein the connection member is arranged to connect a device, such as a kitchen gadget, window thermometer, in-car navigation device or a cradle for any such device to the mount.

According to a further embodiment there is provided a mount, wherein the suction cup has, in the start state, a first concave shape, which is flattened against a surface in the intermediate state, and which returns to a second concave shape in the attached state.

According to a further embodiment there is provided a mount, in which the spring element is formed in such a way that it follows the first concave shape. This is

advantageously in case, as a result of prolonged use, the material of the suction cup takes a set in a less concave shape in the start state. In such cases, the spring element encourages the suction cup in a concave shape.

According to a further aspect there is provided a vehicle, comprising a mount according to the above.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

Figure 1 schematically depicts an embodiment in a disassembled state, Figure 2 schematically depicts a perspective view of an embodiment in an assembled state,

Figure 3 schematically depicts a cross sectional view of an embodiment, and - Figures 4a and 4b schematically depict a cross sectional view of an embodiment in two different states.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order to provide an improved mount, a spring element is provided. The initial principle is to straddle the diameter of a suction cup with the spring element which is loaded to pull a central part of the suction cup away from the surface it is to be attached to and at the same time creates a down force on a circumferential edge of the suction cup, which aids the sealing of the mount, and increases the friction between the suction cup and the surface it is to be attached to. The spring element may further be formed in such a way that an improved stability is achieved across the width of the suction cup.

Figure 1 schematically depicts an embodiment of a mount 1 in a disassembled state. The mount 100 comprises a suction cup 110, a spring element 120 and a connection member 130.

The suction cup 110 may be made of a resilient material, such as rubber, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or a suitable type of TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). The suction cup 110 has a substantially round cone or dome, having a cavity 114 (shown in Fig. 3).

In the centre, the suction cup 110 is provided with a mounting surface 112, to which the connection member 130 may be connected, as will be explained below.

Along the circumference of the suction cup may be a tab 111, which protrudes from the normally circular edge of the suction cup 110. The tab 111 facilitates removal of an attached suction cup 110, as will be understood by a skilled person.

The spring element 120 may be made in an engineering plastic with good spring properties and arranged in the shape of a round based cone or dome. The cone or dome defines a cavity, which is shaped in such a way that, in an assembled state, the suction cup 110 can be moved up or down in the cone or dome in order to function properly. In the central part or top part 124 of the spring element 120 an opening is formed, defined by an inner edge 123 to receive connection member 130, which will be discussed in more detail below. According to the embodiment shown, the cone or dome is formed by a plurality of fingers 121. The spring element 120 may comprise 2, 3 or 4 fingers, but may also comprise any number of fingers (multi- fingers), such as shown in Fig. 1.

The (tips of the) fingers 121 as shown in Fig. 1 define an outer edge 122 that, in an assembled state, presses against the circumferential edge of the suction cup 110, as will be shown in more detail below. It will be understood that outer edge as defined by the fingers 122 is an interrupted edge, especially in the case only a few, e.g. three of four fingers are provided.

Fig. 1 schematically depicts a connection member 130 comprising a ball joint, comprising a ball element 131. The connection member 130 is used to connect a device to the mount 100, such as kitchen gadgets, window thermometers, in-car navigation devices or a cradle for any kind of device. The ball joint 130 as depicted allows easy positioning of the device that may be attached to it.

However, it will be understood that any other type of connection member 130 or joint may be used, such as an articulated joint. Also, the connection member 130 itself may be formed as a cradle or device.

The connection member 130 comprises a foot portion 131 that is to be attached to the mounting surface 112 of the suction cup 110. Foot portion 131 may for instance be attached to the mounting surface 112 by overmoulding or gluing or in any other suitable way, as will be understood by a skilled person.

Furthermore, the connection member 130 is provided with a circular rim 132, which in an assembled state, presses against the inner edge 123 of the spring element 120, as will be further explained below, with reference to Fig.'s 2 and 3.

Fig. 2 schematically depicts a perspective view of the mount in an assembled state. The outer edge 122 defined by the fingers 121 may (just) touch the suction cup 110 along a circumferential edge or may press against the suction cup 110. Also, the inner edge 123 of the spring element 120 may be clipped under (presses against) the circular rim 132 of the connection member 130.

Fig. 3 schematically depicts a cross sectional side view of a mount 1 in an assembled state. The cavity 114 (mentioned above) formed by the suction cup 110 is now clearly visible.

In Fig. 3 it can be seen that the foot portion 131 of the connection member 130 is engulfed by the overmoulded material of the suction cup 110.

Fig. 3 further shows that the outer edge 122 (just) presses against the circumferential edge of the suction cup 110. However, the outer edge 122 may also be slightly removed from the circumferential edge of the suction cup 110. At the same time, the inner edge 123 of the spring element 120 presses against the rim 132 of the connection member 130.

Next, the functioning of the mount 100 will be discussed.

When a user wants to attach the mount 100 to a surface, such as for instance a screen, the suction cup 110 is pressed against the surface. The mount 100 is attached in one action by simply pressing the suction cup 110 mount against the surface. This action does several things. Firstly, by pressing the suction cup 110 against the surface, the suction cup 110 is flattened (cavity 114 is reduced), and air is forced from between the under surface of the suction cup 110 and the surface. Pressing fully home forces all the air out.

Secondly the action stretches the spring element 120, in this case, fingers 121 are deflected. On release both the suction cup 110 and fingers 121 try to relax and the spring element 120 pulls the central part of the suction cup 110 away from the surface and at the same time, press the suction cup 110 against the surface along a substantially circumferential edge of the suction cup 110 until all the forces reach equilibrium.

The spring element 120 improves the functioning of the mount as will be discussed below.

On release, both the suction cup 110 and the spring element 120 try to relax and try to return to their original position or start state (i.e. a relaxed state), thereby creating underpressure (reduced pressure) in between the suction cup 110 and the surface it is attached to, which provides the sticking force.

The spring element 120 pushes the connection member 130 away from the surface (inner edge 123 against rim 132) and, as a result, the foot portion 131 of the connection member 130 pulls the centre part of the suction cup 100 (mounting surface 112) away from the surface.

The end position of the suction cup 110 and the spring element 120 when attached to the surface does not need to be the same as the original start position of the suction cup 110 and the spring element 120 before it is attached, as the spring element 120 is loaded when the mount is in position.

So, in fact three states of the suction cup 110 and the spring element 120 may be identified:

- start state: state of the suction cup 110 and the spring element 120 when not attached to a surface, both the suction cup 110 and the spring element 120 are in a relaxed state;

- intermediate state: wherein the suction cup 110 and spring element 120 are pressed against the surface, both the suction cup 110 and the spring element are in a stretched state; and

- an attached state: state that is reached upon release after the suction cup 110 and spring element 120 are pressed against the surface.

As already described above, the spring element 120 defines a round based cone or dome. The cone or dome defines a cavity, which is shaped in such a way that, the suction cup 110 can change between the start, intermediate and attached state. The edge of the spring element 120 coincides neatly around the circumference of the suction cup 110, while allowing space for the suction cup 110 to be pulled away from the surface in the centre.

Fig. 4a schematically depicts the mount 100 in the intermediate state, i.e. being pressed against the surface 140. Fig. 4a only schematically shows the suction cup 110,

spring element 120, connection member 130 and the surface 140 the mount is attached to. As can be seen in Fig. 4a, the suction cup 110 is now flattened against the surface 140. Also spring element 120 has a different shape in comparison to Fig. 3. It will be understood that the spring element 120 is now in a tensed state and "tries" to return to its original shape (start state) as shown in Fig. 3.

Upon release of the mount 100, the spring element 120 pulls central part of the suction cup 110 away from the surface 140 and, at the same time, the spring element 120 presses the suction cup 110 towards the surface 140 along a substantial circumferential edge of the suction cup 110, resulting in the attached state shown in Fig. 4b.

Fig. 4b schematically depicts the mount 100 in the attached state. Fig. 4b only schematically shows suction cup 110, spring element 120, connection member 130 and a surface 140 the mount 100 is attached to. With respect to Fig. 4a, the spring element 120 and the suction cup 110 are sprung back in the direction of their initial positions in the start state, but, these initial start states are not necessarily reached.

Pulling effect

As a result, when the mount 100 is attached to the surface (attached state), the spring element 120 constantly pulls the centre part of the suction cup 110 away from the surface, increasing the underpressure (reduced pressure) in between the surface and the suction cup (cavity 114), increasing the sticking force. A better fixation of the suction cup 110 to the surface is obtained.

It will be understood that also alternative embodiments may be conceived. According to the above, the inner edge 123 of the spring element 120 presses against the circular rim 132 of the connection member 130. The connection member 130 is connected to the suction cup 110 (foot portion 131 attached to mounting surface 112 of the suction cup 110). Thus, the pull force of the spring element 120 is exerted to the suction cup 110 via the connection member 130. It will however be understood that the spring element 120 may also be directly connected to the suction cup 110. The spring element 120 may for instance be attached to mounting surface 112 of the suction cup 110.

Pushing effect

Between the outer edge 122 of the fingers 121 and the back of the suction cup 110 is a frictional point of contact. As a result, when the suction cup 110 is pressed against the surface (attached state), the fingers 121 press the edge of the suction cup 110 against the surface it is to be attached to. This arrangement gives a reasonably uniform pressure all round the seal edge of the sucker, even when fixed to a curved surface.

This helps in the stability of the design as in order for the device to move under lateral load, the fingers must move relative to the rubber disk due to triangulation, which is a high friction point.

At the same time the fingers 121 create a down force on the edge of the suction cup 110, which aids the sealing of the suction cup to the surface. This increases the friction between the sucker and the surface and results in a better fixation of the suction cup 110 to the surface.

Straddle effect

When the suction cup 110 and the spring element 120 are pressed against the surface, the suction cup 110 and the spring element 120 move from start state to intermediate state. During this transition, the fingers 121 of the spring element 120 are in frictional (and sliding) contact with the suction cup (outer edge 122 against the suction cup 110). So, during this transition, the spring element 120 straddles the suction cup 110. This also helps to create underpressure (reduced pressure) and consequently improves the sticking force of the mount 100 against the surface.

Removal

In order to remove the suction cup 110 from the surface it is attached to, an air path needs to be created between the suction cup 110 and the surface to remove the underpressure (reduced pressure) in between the suction cup 110 and the surface, i.e. to allow the pressure to equalise. Once the underpressure (reduced pressure) is removed, the suction cup 110 may be unpeeled from the surface.

To initiate this, a user grips tab 111 which protrudes from the edge of the suction cup 110. The fingers 121 allow this tab 111 to be pulled away locally from the

surface, creating an air path to remove the underpressure (reduced pressure), so the suction cup 110 unpeels immediately.

In arrangements according to the prior art, instead of a spring element, often a cam or lever mechanism or the like is provided to pull the centre of the suction cup 110 away from the surface, to increase the underpressure (reduced pressure) created in between the suction cup 110 and the surface. These mechanisms often comprise a rigid ring, instead of spring element 120 that presses against the circumference of the suction cup 110.

In arrangements according to the prior art, this standard rigid ring impedes pulling the tab 111 away from the surface and tab 111 may only be pulled away from the surface once most of the underpressure (reduced pressure) has been removed by unlocking the cam or lever mechanism. Since the fingers 121 of the spring element 120 are flexible, pulling the tab 111 is relatively easy as only the resistance of one finger needs to be overcome. The mount 100 as described here may easily be removed in one operation from the surface it is attached to.

Prolonged use

A side effect of prior art mounts comprising a cam or lever mechanism in combination with a standard ring (that presses against the circumference of the suction cup 110), instead of a spring element 120, the extra force and duration of being set in the fixed position (attached state) is that the material of the suction cup 110 takes a set, and never fully recovers to its starting shape of flat / slightly concave (start state).

Because of this the original high clamp force design when first used becomes a low clamp force quite quickly. Existing designs don't have any method of flattening the suction cup 110 (to improve suction) if it is distorted by prolonged use. Over time the suction cup 110 has changed from a relatively flat shape which touches the outer ring of the standard ring, to a concave shape which lies well above the ring.

When the mount is offered up to the surface, it needs pressing home until the ring makes contact with the rear surface of the suction cup in order to flatten the suction cup to its original position, and thus performs as intended. However, as the suction cup 110 appears to grip the surface with only light pressure, most users won't

press it fully home. This means there will be a reduced force holding the mount in place.

This invention works in an opposite way, by using a concave suction cup 110 in the start state which is flattened in the intermediate state, and which returns to a partially concave shape in the attached state. If after prolonged use the suction cup 110 takes a set in this shape, and doesn't fully recover when released, then the spring fingers 121 of the spring member 120 will encourage it into a more concave shape, approaching it's starting shape.

Curved surface

Especially when the mount 100 is used in a vehicle, e.g. to mount a navigation device, the mount is often attached to a curved surface, such as a curved windscreen (windshield). Mounts according to the prior art, comprising a rigid ring (that presses against the circumference of the suction cup 110) provide less stability when attached to a curved surface.

The mount 100 as here presented, using a spring element 120 comprising a plurality of fingers 121, provide an improved stability when used with a curved surface. Because the fingers 121 may all bend independently, each finger 121 may take a different position that best follows the curvature of the surface. Also, each finger 121 of the spring element 121 may press independently against the circumference of the suction cup 110, ensuring a pressing force along its entire circumference. This provides an improved fixation of the mount.

The mount as described here only requires one action to fix it to the surface (and detach it) compared to the traditional two (pressing and applying cam or lever mechanism). Pressing the mount against the surface also loads spring element 120. The mount as described here comprises less parts (no cam or lever mechanism). As a result it may be manufactured faster and in a more cost efficient way. Also, the mount is relatively light weight. Less weight means less force is required of the suction cup to fixate the mount.

The mount 100 provides a better fixation to the surface, since the spring element straddles the suction cup 110 when pressed against the surface, and exerts a pull force after release.

Also, the mount 100 provides a good support for a device attached to the mount (such as a navigation device).

It also gets around the mis-shaping of the suction cup 110, as the suction cup 110 is made in a concave condition (like the rubber sucker), which is then flattened against the surface and released back to a partially concave condition. This means that the start and end positions are similar (not necessarily identical), so any creep / set has a minimal effect. Furthermore, the spring element 120 encourages it to return to the start position.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be appreciated that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as described. The descriptions above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Thus, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention as described without departing from the scope of the claims set out below.