초록 ▼

An apparatus is provided for removably mounting an electronic device to a surface and for positioning the device with respect to the surface. The apparatus includes a cradle securable to the electronic device and a pivot link, which has a first end and a second end. The first end being pivotally co

An apparatus is provided for removably mounting an electronic device to a surface and for positioning the device with respect to the surface. The apparatus includes a cradle securable to the electronic device and a pivot link, which has a first end and a second end. The first end being pivotally coupled to the cradle. The apparatus also includes a support having a mounting pedestal coupled thereto. The second end of the pivot link is pivotally coupled to the support. The apparatus has a base which has a lower face that can be coupled to the surface and an upper face. The upper face has a receiving slot for the pedestal, the slot having a shoulder extending thereabove to engage the pedestal. The slot further has an open end to allow the pedestal to be moved within the slot. The base further includes a releasable locking arm having a retaining ridge located in line with the open end of the slot to selectively hold the pedestal within the slot. The pedestal of the apparatus can be placed within the slot and held within the slot by the retaining ridge of the locking arm. Further, the electronic device can be positioned with respect to the surface by pivoting the cradle and the link, and by rotating the pedestal within the slot. In an alternate embodiment, a suction cup mount is utilized.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A base for removably holding a device on a surface, said base comprising: a lower section adapted to be placed on a support surface; an upper section joined to said lower section, said upper section having an arcuate receiving area; a locking arm located proximate said receiv

What is claimed is: 1. A base for removably holding a device on a surface, said base comprising: a lower section adapted to be placed on a support surface; an upper section joined to said lower section, said upper section having an arcuate receiving area; a locking arm located proximate said receiving area and movably mounted to said upper section, said locking arm being adapted to securely retain a device within said receiving area in at least two different rotational orientations relative to said receiving area; a spring engaging said locking arm and biasing said locking arm upward through said upper section, said locking arm being depressable downward relative to said upper section to release a device; and a locking tab preventing movement of said locking arm when said locking tab is in a locked position, wherein said locking arm has an elongated portion terminating at a button, said button fitting within a cut-out formed in said upper section, said button extending beyond a perimeter of said upper section. 2. The base according to claim 1, wherein said lower section includes an exterior surface adapted to be secured to a surface of a support structure. 3. The base as set forth in claim 1, wherein said upper section includes an exterior portion having an elevated shoulder that at least partially surrounds said receiving area. 4. The base as set forth in claim 1, wherein said receiving area includes a receiving slot adapted to securely receive a mount provided on a device. 5. A base for removably holding a device on a surface, said base comprising: a lower section adapted to be placed on a support surface; an upper section joined to said lower section, said upper section having an arcuate receiving area; a locking arm located proximate said receiving area and movably mounted to said upper section, said locking arm being adapted to retain a device within said receiving area; a spring engaging said locking arm and biasing said locking arm upward through said upper section, said locking arm being depressable downward relative to said upper section to release a device, said locking arm includes a bottom having a spring chamber formed therein, said spring chamber locating and retaining said spring between said locking arm and said lower section; and an upper surface of said locking arm includes a retaining ridge and pawl surface that define one side of said receiving area and permit a device to rotate with respect to said base. 6. A base for removably holding a device on a surface, said base comprising: a lower section adapted to be placed on a support surface; an upper section joined to said lower section, said upper section having an arcuate receiving area; a locking arm located proximate said receiving area and movably mounted to said upper section, said locking arm being adapted to retain a device within said receiving area; a spring engaging said locking arm and biasing said locking arm upward through said upper section, said locking arm being depressable downward relative to said upper section to release a device, said locking arm includes a bottom having a spring chamber formed therein, said spring chamber locating and retaining said spring between said locking arm and said lower section; an upper surface of said locking arm includes a retaining ridge and pawl surface that define one side of said receiving area and permit a device to rotate with respect to said base; and said receiving area includes a pawl surface adapted to permit rotation of a device between a number of discrete rotational locations when rotational force is applied. 7. A base for removably holding a device on a surface, said base comprising: a lower section adapted to be placed on a support surface; an upper section joined to said lower section, said upper section having an arcuate receiving area; a locking arm located proximate said receiving area and movably mounted to said upper section, said locking arm being adapted to retain a device within said receiving area; a spring engaging said locking arm and biasing said locking arm upward through said upper section, said locking arm being depressable downward relative to said upper section to release a device, said locking arm includes a bottom having a spring chamber formed therein, said spring chamber locating and retaining said spring between said locking arm and said lower section; an upper surface of said locking arm includes a retaining ridge, adapted to removably hold a device within said base, and pawl surface that define one side of said receiving area and permit a device to rotate with respect to said base; and said receiving area includes a pawl surface adapted to permit rotation of a device between a number of discrete rotational locations when rotational force is applied. 8. The base as set forth in claim 1, wherein said locking tab is held between said upper and lower sections, said locking tab preventing downward movement of said locking arm when said locking tab is in the locked position. 9. An apparatus for holding a device on a support surface, said apparatus comprising: a lower section adapted to be placed on a support surface; an upper section having a receiving area thereon, said receiving area being adapted to receive a device; a locking member movably provided on said upper section, said locking member being adapted to retain a device within said receiving area; and a locking tab provided with said upper and lower sections, said locking tab being movable between locked and unlocked positions at which said locking tab blocks and permits, respectively, movement of said locking member, wherein said locking tab is rotatably mounted to said lower section, said locking tab including a handle extending outward from said base that is rotatable to move said locking tab between said locked and unlocked positions, and wherein said locking tab includes a key section having a unshaped slot formed therein which prevents and permits movement of said locking member based on a position of said locking tab. 10. The apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein said locking tab is provided immediately adjacent said locking member and abuts against said locking member when said locking tab is in said locked position to prevent downward depression of said locking member. 11. The apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein said locking member includes an arm and said locking tab includes a slot, said slot being rotatable relative to said arm to align with, or be oriented at an angle to, one another. 12. The apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein said lower section includes an exterior surface adapted to be secured to a support surface. 13. The apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein said locking member includes an elongated arm having a portion terminating at a button, said button fitting within a cut-out formed in said upper section and extending beyond a perimeter of said upper section. 14. The apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein said upper section includes an exterior portion having an elongated shoulder that defines said receiving area. 15. The apparatus as set forth in claim 9, further comprising a spring held between said locking member and at least one of said upper and lower sections, said spring biasing said locking member upward through said upper section, said locking member being depressable downward into said upper section to release an electronic device from said receiving area. 16. The apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein said locking member includes an arm having a retaining ridge adapted to removably hold an electronic device within said receiving area. 17. The apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein said locking member includes a pawl surface located proximate said receiving area, said pawl surface being adapted to permit rotation of a device between a number of discrete rotational locations. 18. A base for releasably holding a device on a support structure, said base comprising: a body having a lower exterior surface adapted to be secured to a support surface and an upper exterior surface including an elevated shoulder that defines a receiving slot, said receiving slot having an opening therein, wherein the opening comprises a gap in the periphery of the receiving slot; a locking arm movably provided with said body proximate said opening in said receiving slot; and a locking tab movably provided with said body proximate said locking arm, said locking tab blocking movement of said locking arm when said locking tab is in a locked position. 19. The base as set forth in claim 18, wherein said locking arm includes a pawl surface configured to engage a ratchet surface associated with an electronic device to resist and permit rotation between a device and said body. 20. The base as set forth in claim 18, wherein said body includes upper and lower sections secured to one another. 21. The base as set forth in claim 18, wherein said locking arm has an elongated portion terminating at a button, said button fitting within a cut-out formed in said body, said button extending beyond a perimeter of said body. 22. The base as set forth in claim 18, wherein said upper exterior surface includes an elevated shoulder that at least partially surrounds said receiving slot. 23. The base as set forth in claim 18, further comprising means for biasing said locking arm to a retention position at which said locking arm is adapted to securely retain a device to said receiving slot. 24. The base as set forth in claim 18, wherein said locking arm is deflectable into said body and wherein said locking tab is rotatable to block and permit movement of said locking arm relative to said body. 25. The base as set forth in claim 18, wherein said elevated shoulder is C-shaped and has a semi-circular portion joining said opening. 26. The base as set forth in claim 1, wherein said locking tab is rotatable between said locked position and an unlocked postion at which said locking tab blocks and permits, respectively, movement of said locking arm to hold and release, respectively, a device. 27. An apparatus for holding a device on a support surface, said apparatus comprising: a lower section adapted to be placed on a support surface; an upper section having a receiving area thereon, said receiving area being adapted to receive a device; a locking member movably provided on said upper section, said locking member being adapted to retain a device within said receiving area; and a locking tab provided with said upper and lower sections, said locking tab being movable between locked and unlocked positions at which said locking tab blocks and permits, respectively, movement of said locking member, wherein said locking tab includes a key section having a unshaped slot formed therein which prevents and permits movement of said locking member based on a position of said locking tab. 28. The apparatus as set forth in claim 27, wherein said locking tab is provided immediately adjacent said locking member and abuts against said locking member when said locking tab is in said locked position to prevent downward depression of said locking member. 29. The apparatus as set forth in claim 27, wherein said locking member includes an arm and said locking tab includes a slot, said slot being rotatable relative to said arm to align with, or be oriented at an angle to, one another. 30. The apparatus as set forth in claim 27, wherein said lower section includes an exterior surface adapted to be secured to a support surface. 31. The apparatus as set forth in claim 27, wherein said locking member includes an elongated arm having a portion terminating at a button, said button fitting within a cut-out formed in said upper section and extending beyond a perimeter of said upper section. 32. The apparatus as set forth in claim 27, wherein said upper section includes an exterior portion having an elongated shoulder that defines said receiving area. 33. The apparatus as set forth in claim 27, further comprising a spring held between said locking member and at least one of said upper and lower sections, said spring biasing said locking member upward through said upper section, said locking member being depressable downward into said upper section to release an electronic device from said receiving area. 34. The apparatus as set forth in claim 27, wherein said locking member includes an arm having a retaining ridge adapted to removably hold an electronic device within said receiving area. 35. The apparatus as set forth in claim 27, wherein said locking member includes a pawl surface located proximate said receiving area, said pawl surface being adapted to permit rotation of a device between a number of discrete rotational locations. 36. An apparatus for holding a device on a support surface, said apparatus comprising: a lower section adapted to be placed on a support surface; an upper section having a receiving area thereon, said receiving area being adapted to receive a device; a locking member movably provided on said upper section, said locking member being adapted to retain a device within said receiving area; and a locking tab provided with said upper and lower sections, said locking tab being movable between locked and unlocked positions at which said locking tab blocks and permits, respectively, movement of said locking member, wherein said locking member includes an arm and said locking tab includes a slot, said slot being rotatable relative to said arm to align with, or be oriented at an angle to, one another. 37. The apparatus as set forth in claim 36, wherein said locking tab is provided immediately adjacent said locking member and abuts against said locking member when said locking tab is in said locked position to prevent downward depression of said locking member. 38. The apparatus as set forth in claim 36, wherein said lower section includes an exterior surface adapted to be secured to a support surface. 39. The apparatus as set forth in claim 36, wherein said locking member includes an elongated arm having a portion terminating at a button, said button fitting within a cut-out formed in said upper section and extending beyond a perimeter of said upper section. 40. The apparatus as set forth in claim 36, wherein said upper section includes an exterior portion having an elongated shoulder that defines said receiving area. 41. The apparatus as set forth in claim 36, further comprising a spring held between said locking member and at least one of said upper and lower sections, said spring biasing said locking member upward through said upper section, said locking member being depressable downward into said upper section to release an electronic device from said receiving area. 42. The apparatus as set forth in claim 36, wherein said locking member includes an arm having a retaining ridge adapted to removably hold an electronic device within said receiving area. 43. The apparatus as set forth in claim 36, wherein said locking member includes a pawl surface located proximate said receiving area, said pawl surface being adapted to permit rotation of a device between a number of discrete rotational locations. 44. An apparatus for holding a device on a support surface, said apparatus comprising: a lower section adapted to be placed on a support surface; an upper section having a receiving area thereon, said receiving area being adapted to receive a device; a locking member movably provided on said upper section, said locking member being adapted to retain a device within said receiving area; and a locking tab provided with said upper and lower sections, said locking tab being movable between locked and unlocked positions at which said locking tab blocks and permits, respectively, movement of said locking member, wherein said locking member includes an elongated arm having a portion terminating at a button, said button fitting within a cut-out formed in said upper section and extending beyond a perimeter of said upper section. 45. The apparatus as set forth in claim 44, wherein said locking tab is provided immediately adjacent said locking member and abuts against said locking member when said locking tab is in said locked position to prevent downward depression of said locking member. 46. The apparatus as set forth in claim 44, wherein said lower section includes an exterior surface adapted to be secured to a support surface. 47. The apparatus as set forth in claim 44, wherein said upper section includes an exterior portion having an elongated shoulder that defines said receiving area. 48. The apparatus as set forth in claim 44, further comprising a spring held between said locking member and at least one of said upper and lower sections, said spring biasing said locking member upward through said upper section, said locking member being depressable downward into said upper section to release an electronic device from said receiving area. 49. The apparatus as set forth in claim 44, wherein said locking member includes an arm having a retaining ridge adapted to removably hold an electronic device within said receiving area. 50. The apparatus as set forth in claim 44, wherein said locking member includes a pawl surface located proximate said receiving area, said pawl surface being adapted to permit rotation of a device between a number of discrete rotational locations. 51. An apparatus for holding a device on a support surface, said apparatus comprising: a lower section adapted to be placed on a support surface; an upper section having a receiving area thereon, said receiving area being adapted to receive a device; a locking member movably provided on upper section, said locking member being adapted to retain a device within said receiving area; and a locking tab provided with said upper and lower sections, said locking tab being movable between locked and unlocked positions at which said locking tab blocks and permits, respectively, movement of said locking member, wherein said locking member includes an arm having a retaining ridge adapted to removably hold an electronic device within said receiving area. 52. The apparatus as set forth in claim 51, wherein said locking tab is provided immediately adjacent said locking member and abuts against said locking member when said locking tab is in said locked position to prevent downward depression of said locking member. 53. The apparatus as set forth in claim 51, wherein said lower section includes an exterior surface adapted to be secured to a support surface. 54. The apparatus as set forth in claim 51, wherein said upper section includes an exterior portion having an elongated shoulder that defines said receiving area. 55. The apparatus as set forth in claim 51, further comprising a spring held between said locking member and at least one of said upper and lower sections, said spring biasing said locking member upward through said upper section, said locking member being depressable downward into said upper section to release an electronic device from said receiving area. 56. The apparatus as set forth in claim 51, wherein said locking member includes a pawl surface located proximate said receiving area, said pawl surface being adapted to permit rotation of a device between a number of discrete rotational locations. 57. An apparatus for holding a device on a support surface, said apparatus comprising: a lower section adapted to be placed on a support surface; an upper section having a receiving area thereon, said receiving area being adapted to receive a device; a locking member movably provided on said upper section, said locking member being adapted to retain a device within said receiving area; and a locking tab provided with said upper and lower sections, said locking tab being movable between locked and unlocked positions at which said locking tab blocks and permits, respectively, movement of said locking member, wherein said locking member includes a pawl surface located proximate said receiving area, said pawl surface being adapted to permit rotation of a device between a number of discrete rotational locations. 58. The apparatus as set forth in claim 57, wherein said locking tab is provided immediately adjacent said locking member and abuts against said locking member when said locking tab is in said locked position to prevent downward depression of said locking member. 59. The apparatus as set forth in claim 57, wherein said lower section includes an exterior surface adapted to be secured to a support surface. 60. The apparatus as set forth in claim 57, wherein said upper section includes an exterior portion having an elongated shoulder that defines said receiving area. 61. The apparatus as set forth in claim 57, further comprising a spring held between said locking member and at least one of said upper and lower sections, said spring biasing said locking member upward through said upper section, said locking member being depressable downward into said upper section to release an electronic device from said receiving area.