US 9,128,668 B2Granted

Multiple suction cup attachment platform: securing an electronic device on a vertical surface

OwnerAugust A. Johnsoninventor

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Abstract

A mounting apparatus permits easy and quick attachment and removal of the apparatus securing a portable device to smooth surfaces, or objects. An injection molded platform which allows multiple suction cups to be attached to secure a portable electronic device such as a smart phone, cellular phone, tablet, e-reader, or other digital media device to a smooth surface, or object. The primary platform is an injection molded part specifically designed to accommodate the insertion of mini suction cups, small suction cups, and medium suction cups. The injection molded platform contains multiple openings specifically designed to allow the attachment of an array of suction cups, and alternative mechanisms including kickstand assembly, elastic straps or cording. It is a further object of the invention to provide a platform apparatus that can be attached to smooth surfaces for different sized devices with touch screen capabilities, and devices with camera and video functions.

Claims27

Dependent claims

A mounting apparatus for an electronic digital device, the mounting apparatus comprising:

a generally planar platform having a first side, and an opposing second side generally parallel to the first side, the platform further having a first set of apertures, wherein a retention post extends into each of the first set of apertures generally parallel to said first and second sides;
and
a first set of suction cups, each having a base with a side-pilot-hole and a cup portion, wherein the side-pilot-holes are received on said retention posts to connect the first set of suction cups to the platform so that the cup portions of the first set of suctions cups extend out away from the first side of the platform;
wherein the platform further comprises a second set of apertures and wherein the mounting apparatus further comprises a second set of suction cups, each having a base and a cup portion, wherein the bases of the second set of suction cups are retained in said second set of apertures so that the cup portions of the second set of suction cups extend out away from the second side of the platform;
wherein the cup portions of the first set of suction cups are larger than the cup portions of the second set of suction cups, wherein one of said first set or second set of suction cups is selected for connection to a digital device and the other of said first set or second set of suction cups is selected for connection to another object such as a smooth surface.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 14/023,779Filed 11 Sep 2013
Published: US 2015/0070839 A112 Mar 2015
Granted: 8 Sep 2015
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification13 codes

G06F 1/1626
For portable computers: with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
B60R 11/00
Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
F16M 11/00
Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon
F16M 11/041
Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand: allowing quick release of the apparatus