Mounting apparatus

Abstract

A mounting apparatus and system and method for making the same are provided. The mounting apparatus allows an object to be mounted to a mounting surface via magnetic attractions between different planes of engagement. Through the movement of planes of magnets, an object that is brought in proximity to the mounting apparatus may engage one of the magnetic planes and then be moved further to engage the other magnetic plane, with the combined magnetic force being configured to support the particular object for which the mounting apparatus is designed. The engagement and/or disengagement of the object from the mounting apparatus can thus occur in stages, by degrees, and/or in a tiered manner.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for mounting an object to a mounting surface, comprising:
 an intermediate surface configured to respond to magnetism; and   an engagement member configured to respond to magnetism, wherein the engagement member is configured to be movable;   wherein the engagement member is disposed relative to the intermediate surface in a nested and telescoping configuration; and   wherein the intermediate surface and the engagement member are configured to cooperate to engage an object to be mounted to produce a total engagement force for mounting the object to a mounting surface.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured so that a disengaging force that is less than the total engagement force and that is applied to the mounted object disengages the object in stages by successively overcoming the respective engagement forces associated with the intermediate surface and the engagement member to disengage the object.