The present invention relates generally to mounting systems, and more particularly, to systems for repositionably mounting objects within a vehicle.
Specialized vehicles are an essential tool in many different professions. In particular, professions such as law enforcement commonly utilize a number of specialized electronic systems (e.g., computers, radio systems, sirens) that are not found in conventional automobiles. While vehicles may be specially manufactured that include these systems, these systems may also be added to conventional automobiles through after-market installations. However, one problem that arises from such installations is the simple and effective mounting of after-market electronic devices in conventional vehicles. Improved systems are desired for repositionably mounting objects in vehicles.
Aspects of the present invention are directed to systems for mounting an object within a vehicle.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a system for mounting an object within a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a mounting plate, a bracket, and a hinge. The mounting plate is configured to be affixed to a dashboard of the vehicle. The bracket is adapted to receive the object to be mounted. The hinge has a base portion and a body portion movable relative to the base portion. The base portion of the hinge is mounted to the mounting plate and the body portion of the hinge is mounted to the bracket. The body portion of the hinge is pivotable relative to the base portion around a first axis, and the body portion of the hinge is rotatable around a second axis different from the first axis.
The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, with like elements having the same reference numerals. When a plurality of similar elements are present, a single reference numeral may be assigned to the plurality of similar elements with a small letter designation referring to specific elements. When referring to the elements collectively or to a non-specific one or more of the elements, the small letter designation may be dropped. This emphasizes that according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features may be expanded or reduced for clarity. Included in the drawings are the following figures:
The systems disclosed herein are usable to provide mounting for objects within conventional vehicles (such as automobiles). While the disclosed systems are described herein with respect to mounting within the cabin of a vehicle, it will be understood that the invention is not so limited. To the contrary, aspects of the present invention are usable in any application in which a repositionable mount is desired.
While a variety of objects may be mounted within the disclosed systems, the disclosed mounting systems are particularly suitable for mounting electronic devices, such as laptops, tablets, or mobile phones. Such devices may be subject to periodic use within the vehicle, and as such, the disclosed systems advantageously allow such objects be repositioned between a “use” and “stow” position while remaining mounted to a portion of the vehicle. Other electronic devices or objects mountable with the disclosed systems will be known to those of ordinary skill in the art from the description herein.
With reference to the drawings,
Mounting plate 110 is configured to be affixed to the dashboard of the vehicle. As shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, mounting plate 110 comprises a single, flat plate. However, it will be understood that the structure of mounting plate 110 shown in
As shown in
Hinge 130 has a base portion 132 and a body portion 134 which is movable relative to base portion 132. As shown in
Body portion 134 is pivotable relative to base portion 132 around a first axis X, and is rotatable around a second axis Y. First axis X extends in a direction parallel to plane 118. Second axis Y extends orthogonally to, but spaced from, first axis X. Accordingly, pivoting body portion 134 around first axis X moves body portion in a first rotational direction (shown by arrow in
In an exemplary embodiment, body portion 134 includes an upper section 136 and a lower section 138. The first axis X around which body portion 134 pivots is defined by a pin 140. Pin 140 extends through a pair of arms 142 on base portion 132, and through an aperture in the upper section 136 of body portion 134. The position of body portion 134 relative to base portion 132 may be maintained due to friction between pin 140, arms 142, and upper section 136. Additionally, lower section 138 is rotatable around the second axis Y relative to upper section 136.
Lower section 138 of body portion 134 may include one or more features designed to mate with and secure to bracket 150. In an exemplary embodiment, lower section 138 includes a threaded rod 144 for threaded engagement with a corresponding threaded hole on bracket 150. Additionally, lower section 138 may include one or more keying features 146 to ensure rotation of bracket 150 when lower section 138 is rotated relative to upper section 136.
Bracket 150 is mounted to body portion 134 of hinge 130. Bracket 150 may be mounted to the lower section 138 of body portion 134, so as to be rotatable around second axis Y relative to the upper section 136 of body portion 134.
In an exemplary embodiment, bracket 150 includes a plate 152 and a frame 154 coupled to a rear surface of the plate 152, as shown in
As shown in
In operation, the object to be mounted is affixed to plate 152 of bracket 150. Body portion 134 of hinge 130 is pivotable around first axis X between a first position (shown in
System 200 includes a mounting plate 210. As shown in
Mounting plate 210 may be mounted directly to a vehicle, or may be mounted to a vehicle via an intermediate mounting plate 216. In this embodiment, intermediate mounting plate 216 supports the mounting of the hinge 230. Together, mounting plate 210 and intermediate mounting plate 216 are configured to be secured to the vehicle dashboard by way of a damping effect. In this configuration, mounting plate 210 may also be configured to act as a close-out for an opening in the dashboard created by removal of a factory/OEM component to facilitate the mounting of system 200. Screws (shown on the top surface of mounting plate 210) may be used to secure mounting plate 210 and intermediate mounting plate 216 together. Bumpers may be provided on an underside of mounting plate 210 in contact with the dashboard to ensure sufficient clamping to the dashboard without marring the finish of the dashboard.
System 300 includes a mounting plate 310. As shown in
Like system 200, system 300 may utilize a main mounting plate and an intermediate mounting plate to provide the requisite stability/structural integrity of the mounting system. In this case, the mounting plate 300 supports the mounting of the hinge, rather than the intermediate plate, as described above with respect to system 200.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/441,587, filed on Feb. 24, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety and for all purposes.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 15441587 | Feb 2017 | US |
Child | 16120672 | US |