U.S. patent application number 10/605723 was filed with the patent office on 2004-06-24 for flat panel display mounting bracket.
This patent application is currently assigned to BENDIX COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SYSTEMS LLC. Invention is credited to Haehn, Craig S., Johnson, Duane R., Matko, Mark A..
Application Number | 20040118987 10/605723 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32600221 |
Filed Date | 2004-06-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040118987 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Matko, Mark A. ; et
al. |
June 24, 2004 |
FLAT PANEL DISPLAY MOUNTING BRACKET
Abstract
An apparatus for mounting a flat panel display screen in a
vehicle includes a mounting plate. At least one friction hinge
enables the mounting plate with mounted display screen to be
rotated, pivoted, or the like to any one of many configurations
having a variety of angular relationships with the dashboard or
other supporting surface about a first pivot axis substantially
parallel to the supporting surface. The mounting plate has a
plurality of fastener openings and is thereby adapted to support a
display panel at a plurality of locations.
Inventors: |
Matko, Mark A.; (North
Olmsted, OH) ; Haehn, Craig S.; (Avon Lake, OH)
; Johnson, Duane R.; (Wellington, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CALFEE HALTER & GRISWOLD, LLP
800 SUPERIOR AVENUE
SUITE 1400
CLEVELAND
OH
44114
US
|
Assignee: |
BENDIX COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SYSTEMS
LLC
901 Cleveland Street
Elyria
OH
|
Family ID: |
32600221 |
Appl. No.: |
10/605723 |
Filed: |
October 22, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60435036 |
Dec 20, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/282.1 ;
248/918 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 11/0235 20130101;
B60R 2011/0066 20130101; F16M 11/10 20130101; B60R 2011/0089
20130101; B60R 2011/0073 20130101; F16M 11/2014 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/282.1 ;
248/918 |
International
Class: |
E04G 003/00 |
Claims
1. Apparatus for mounting a flat panel display screen having a
mounting surface and a display surface on a support surface, said
apparatus comprising: a mounting plate for connection with said
mounting surface of said display screen to fix said mounting plate
for movement with said display screen, said mounting plate having a
fastener portion defining a plurality of differing mounting
positions for said screen on said mounting plate; said mounting
plate having a base connection portion adapted for engagement with
any selected one of a plurality of different bases thereby to
support said mounting plate and said display screen on the support
surface.
2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said mounting plate
fastener portion includes a plurality of pairs of fastener openings
for alignment with corresponding fastener openings on a display
screen.
3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said mounting plate
fastener portion has an opening for supporting a T-bolt for
engagement with a T-slot on a display screen.
4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including at least one said
base having a plurality of friction hinges for supporting said
mounting plate for pivotal movement relative to said base about a
first pivot axis, said mounting plate being adapted for engagement
with said at least one base.
5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein said mounting plate
and said at least one base are free of locking knobs.
6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein said at least one base
has a first portion fixed to said friction hinges, a second portion
for engagement with the support surface, and a base pivot assembly
interconnecting said first and second base portions for relative
pivotal movement.
7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 6 wherein said base pivot
assembly comprises a friction connection.
8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said at least one said
base comprises a friction joint for supporting said mounting plate
for pivotal movement relative to said base, said mounting plate
being adapted for engagement with said at least one base.
9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 6 wherein said at least one base
includes two base assemblies, each one of said base assemblies
being connected with a respective one of said friction hinges, each
one of said base assemblies including a first portion fixed to the
associated friction hinge, a second portion for engagement with the
support surface, and a base pivot assembly interconnecting said
first and second base portions for relative pivotal movement, said
base second portions being movable relative to each other into
different planes for support on a non-planar support surface.
10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further comprising an
extender plate for connection between said mounting plate and the
base.
11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said mounting plate
is adapted for engagement with at least one base being a fixed base
having first and second plate connection portions engageable with
first and second base connection portions of said mounting plate to
connect said mounting plate with said fixed base, said fixed base
having a plurality of support pads for engagement with the support
surface.
12. Apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein said fixed base has
a recess between said support pads whereby said base is adapted to
mount said mounting plate on a non-planar support surface that
projects upward into said recess.
13. Apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein each one of said
plate connection portions of said base includes an upstanding tab
with a fastener opening, said mounting plate having a plurality of
base connection portions for connection with said plate connection
portions of said base, each one of said base connection portions
defining a pin channel adapted to receive a fastener extending
through said fastener opening in said tab of said base to secure
said mounting plate to said base.
14. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said mounting plate
is adapted for engagement with at least one base being a pedestal
base including a base plate, said pedestal base including first and
second plate connection portions engageable with said first and
second base connection portions of said mounting plate to connect
said mounting plate with said pedestal base, said pedestal base
including a pedestal extending between said base plate and said
first and second plate connection portions, said pedestal including
a pivot connection for enabling pivoting movement of said first and
second plate connection portions relative to said base plate about
a first pivot axis.
15. Apparatus as set forth in claim 14 wherein said base connection
portions and said plate connection portions enable pivotal movement
of said mounting plate relative to said base plate about a second
pivot connection defining a second pivot axis extending transverse
to said first pivot axis.
16. Apparatus as set forth in claim 15 wherein each one of said
first said pivot connections comprises a friction connection.
17. A kit of parts for mounting a display screen on a support
surface, said assortment including: a mounting plate for engagement
with the display screen, said mounting plate having a fastener
portion defining a plurality of screen mounting locations relative
to said mounting plate, said mounting plate having first and second
base connection portions; a fixed base having first and second
plate connection portions engageable with said first and second
base connection portions of said mounting plate to connect said
mounting plate with said fixed base, said fixed base having a
plurality of support pads for engagement with the support surface;
a pedestal base including a base plate with a plurality of support
pads for engagement with the support surface, said pedestal base
including first and second plate connection portions engageable
with said first and second base connection portions of said
mounting plate to connect said mounting plate with said pedestal
base, said pedestal base including a pedestal extending between
said base plate and said first and second plate connection
portions, said pedestal including a pivot connection for enabling
pivoting movement of said first and second plate connection
portions relative to said base plate; and a two-bracket base
assembly including first and second brackets, each one of said
first and second brackets including a support pad for engagement
with the support surface, each one of said first and second
brackets including a plate connection portion for connection with
said first and second base connection portions of said mounting
plate, each one of said first and second brackets including a pivot
member supporting said plate connection portion for pivotal
movement relative to said support pad.
18. A kit as set forth in claim 17 wherein said plate connection
portions of each one of said fixed base and said pedestal base and
said two-part base assembly define a first pivot axis about which
the display screen is movable relative to the support surface when
said display screen is connected by said mounting plate with a
selected one of said fixed base and said pedestal base and said
two-part base assembly.
19. A kit as set forth in claim 17 wherein said pedestal pivot
connection of said pedestal base enables pivoting movement of said
first and second plate connection portions relative to said base
plate about a pivot axis extending transverse to said first pivot
axis.
20. A kit as set forth in claim 19 wherein said pivot members of
said first and second brackets of said two-bracket base assembly
enable pivotal movement of said plate connection portions of said
brackets relative to said support pads about a pivot axis extending
transverse to said first pivot axis.
21. A kit as set forth in claim 19 further including an extender
plate connectable between said mounting plate and said plate
connection portions of each one of said fixed base and said
pedestal base and said two-part base assembly, thereby to space
said first pivot axis apart from said plate connection portions of
each one of said fixed base and said pedestal base and said
two-part base assembly.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/435,036 filed on Dec. 20, 2002 for FLAT PANEL
DISPLAY MOUNTING BRACKET, the entire disclosure of which is fully
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a mounting bracket for
mounting a viewing screen, and particularly relates to a mounting
bracket that is adapted for use in mounting an LCD flat panel
display screen.
[0003] There are many applications in which a flat panel display
screen must be mounted onto a surface for display of the flat
panel. One such application is the display of information to a
vehicle operator, for example the operator of a commercial vehicle.
The display may relate to, for example, a night vision system, a
rear vision system, etc. In this case, the flat panel display
screen is preferably mounted within the line of sight of the
vehicle operator. For example, the display screen could be mounted
on a vehicle dashboard, headliner, or other portion of the vehicle.
It is desirable that the position and orientation of the display be
adjustable and that the display be able to be moved to a stored
position.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is directed to an apparatus, such as
for mounting a flat panel display screen in a vehicle. The
apparatus includes a mounting plate for fastening to a flat panel
display screen. In one embodiment, at least one friction hinge
enables the mounting plate with mounted display screen to be
rotated, pivoted, or the like to any one of many configurations
having a variety of angular relationships with the dashboard or
other supporting surface about a first pivot axis substantially
parallel to the supporting surface. Another embodiment of the
present invention includes a second hinge, swivel, pivot point, or
the like allowing the mounting plate and mounted display screen to
be rotated or pivoted about a second pivot axis substantially
normal to the first pivot axis. In another embodiment, the base is
fixed. The mounting plate has a plurality of fastener openings and
is thereby adapted to support a display panel at a plurality of
locations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0005] The foregoing features of the present invention will become
apparent to one skilled in the art to which the present invention
relates upon consideration of the following description of the
invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mounting apparatus in
accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, shown
supporting a flat panel display screen;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a schematic elevational view of the mounting
apparatus and display screen of FIG. 1;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a schematic elevational view of the mounting
apparatus of FIG. 1 shown supporting a different display
screen;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken generally along line 4-4 of
FIG. 3;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a mounting plate that forms
part of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the mounting plate of FIG.
5;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fixed base that forms part
of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the fixed base of FIG. 7;
[0014] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the assembled mounting plate
and fixed base;
[0015] FIG. 10 is an elevational view of the assembled mounting
plate and fixed base;
[0016] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a first part of a
two-bracket base assembly that is a mounting apparatus in
accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second part of the
two-bracket base assembly of FIG. 11;
[0018] FIG. 13 is an elevational view of the assembled mounting
plate and two-bracket base assembly;
[0019] FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the assembled mounting
plate and two-bracket base assembly;
[0020] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a pedestal base assembly
that is a mounting apparatus in accordance with a third embodiment
of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the pedestal base assembly of
FIG. 15;
[0022] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a first part of the
pedestal base assembly;
[0023] FIG. 18 is a plan view of the first part of the pedestal
base assembly;
[0024] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a second part of the
pedestal base assembly;
[0025] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an extender plate that is
part of a mounting apparatus of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the extender plate in
use with the two-bracket base assembly of FIG. 11;
[0027] FIG. 22 is an elevational view of the extender plate and
two-bracket base assembly; and
[0028] FIG. 23 is a bottom plan view of the extender plate and
two-bracket base assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The present invention relates to the mounting of a display
on a vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to
apparatus for mounting an LCD display screen or display panel on an
internal surface of a vehicle. The invention is applicable to
mounting apparatus of differing constructions. As representative of
the present invention, FIG. 1 illustrates a mounting apparatus 10
that is constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the
invention.
[0030] The mounting apparatus 10 is shown as mounting an LCD
display panel 12 (FIGS. 1 and 2) on a support surface, such as the
support surface indicated schematically at 14, which may be part of
the dashboard of a vehicle 16. An LCD display panel 12 or other
device that is mounted by the mounting apparatus 10 may have
differing configurations in different embodiments. The panel 12
that is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a rectangular, box-like
configuration including front and back major side surfaces 18 and
20, top and bottom edge surfaces, and left and right edge surfaces.
The front side surface 18 of the panel 12 is the display side.
[0031] The back surface 20 of the panel 12 has provisions for
mounting (supporting) the panel. Specifically, the illustrated
panel 12 has two columns of fastener openings 24 and 26 spaced
apart from each other to form four rows (pairs) of fastener
openings. The fastener openings 24 and 26 are adapted to receive
fasteners, such as screws 88, for mounting the panel 12.
[0032] FIGS. 3 and 4 show an LCD display panel 12a having a
different provision for mounting (supporting) the panel.
Specifically, the panel 12a shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 has a central
T-slot 28. The T-slot is adapted to receive one or more T-bolt
assemblies 89 that are commonly used for adjustably mounting some
types of flat panel displays.
[0033] The mounting apparatus 10 includes one mounting plate 30
that is attached to the display panel 12, and that may be
interchangeably connected with any selected one of a plurality of
different bases (described below in detail). The different bases
are provided to adapt the mounting plate 30 for support on a
variety of different support surfaces in a variety of different
manners. The mounting apparatus 10 also includes an extender plate
(described below). The single mounting plate 30 is adapted to fit
with about 99% of automotive LCD displays on the market. Having to
use only mounting plate 30 simplifies the purchasing and
installation for customers.
[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of bases
includes a fixed base that is designated 32; a pedestal base
assembly that is designated 36; and a two-bracket base assembly
that is designated 34. The extender plate is designated 38. The
mounting of the display 12 on a support surface 14 is described
herein first with reference to the fixed base 32, then with
reference to the other bases 34 and 36, followed by a description
of the use of the extender plate 38.
[0035] The mounting plate 30 may be formed as one piece, for
example by stamping and forming or by casting. The mounting plate
30, like the other parts of the mounting apparatus, is preferably
formed from steel. The mounting plate 30 includes a fastener
portion 40. The mounting plate 30 also has first and second base
connection portions 42 that extend from the fastener portion.
[0036] The fastener portion 40 of the mounting plate 30 is adapted
to engage the back side surface 20 of the panel 12. The fastener
portion 40 has a generally rectangular, plate-like configuration
including first and second opposite major side surfaces 44 and 46
(FIG. 6). The fastener portion 40 has a U-shaped configuration
defining a mounting opening 47 for enabling an electric cable or
wire to pass through from an attached LCD panel.
[0037] The fastener portion 40 includes two columns 48 of slots 50.
Each column 48 includes four rows (pairs) of slots 50. The slots
are arc segments. There are 2 circular patterns of 4 slots each.
Four slots mate with four screw holes in the LCD. The slots 50 in
one column 48 are opposite the slots in the other column and form
associated pairs of slots (fastener openings). The slots 50 are
angled at about a forty-five degree angle with respect to vertical.
The fastener portion 40 of the mounting plate 30 also has two
circular fastener openings 52 that are spaced apart vertically in
the center of the fastener portion 40.
[0038] Each horizontally opposed set of slots 50 defines a panel
mounting location. Thus, the illustrated mounting plate 30 has 2
sets of slots 50 that define two panel mounting locations. Other
mounting plates 30 in accordance with the invention could have more
than or fewer than four mounting locations defined by the fastener
openings in the mounting plate.
[0039] The base connection portions 42 of the mounting plate 30
extend forward from the bottom end of the first major side surface
44 of the fastener portion 40. The two base connection portions 42
are preferably identical to each other, as in the illustrated
embodiment.
[0040] Each one of the base connection portions 42 defines a
cylindrical pin channel 58. The two pin channels 58 are co-axial
with each other and between them define a first pivot axis 60 of
the mounting plate 30 and of the mounting apparatus 10.
[0041] Each base connection portion 42 has a front wall 62 that
extends parallel to the plane of the fastener portion 40. The front
wall 62 includes two small fastener openings 64 that extend into
the pin channel 58. Each base connection portion 42 also has a
bottom wall 65 that extends normal to the plane of the fastener
portion 40. The bottom wall 65 includes one blind bore 66 that
extends next to the pin channel 58.
[0042] The fixed base 32 is adapted to engage and support the
mounting plate 30, thereby to support the panel 12 non-movably on a
support surface 14, such as a vehicle dashboard. The fixed base 32
could also be mounted on a different support surface 14, such as an
overhead panel of a vehicle interior, for example.
[0043] The fixed base 32 includes a base plate 70 that has a
semi-circular or curved-triangular configuration including a
straight side 72 and a curved side 74. The base plate 70 may be
planar but is preferably bowed slightly upward in the middle. The
base plate 70 has opposite upper and lower major side surfaces 76
and 78. (It should be understood that the fixed base 32 may be
mounted on an overhead support surface 14 such that the "upper" and
"lower" designations are reversed.)The fixed base 32 has three
support pads 80 for engagement with the support surface 14. The
support pads 80 are generally circular portions of the fixed base
32 that project downward from the base plate 70. Two of the support
pads 80 are located at the intersections of the curved side 74 and
the straight side 72 of the base plate 70. The third support pad 80
is located at the center of the curved side 74 of the base plate
70. Each support pad 80 has a fastener opening 81 for receiving a
fastener to fasten the fixed base 32 to a support surface 14.
[0044] The support pads 80 when in engagement with a support
surface 14 form a tripod configuration that holds the base plate 70
spaced apart from the support surface. In this position, the center
of the base plate 70 is bowed upward from the edges of the base
plate and thus is farther from the support surface 14.
[0045] The fixed base 32 includes first and second plate connection
portions 82. The plate connection portions 82 are identical to each
other. Each one of the plate connection portions 82 is configured
as a tab that projects upward from the base plate 70. Each tab 82
has a circular fastener opening 84. The two fastener openings 84
are co-axial along a line that extends parallel to the straight
side 72 of the base plate 70. The tabs 82 are spaced apart from
each other by a distance appropriate for mating with the overall
width of the two base connection portions 42 of the mounting plate
30.
[0046] The first and second plate connection portions 82 of the
fixed base 32 are engageable with the first and second base
connection portions 42 of the mounting plate 30, to connect the
mounting plate with the fixed base Specifically, the base
connection portions 42 of the mounting plate 30 are placed between
the tabs 82 of the fixed base 32. The pin channels 58 in the
mounting plate 30 are aligned with the fastener openings 84 in the
tabs 82 of the fixed base 32. Two fasteners 86, which as
illustrated are self-tapping or machine screws, are used to fasten
the mounting plate 30 to the fixed base 32. Each fastener 86
extends axially through a fastener opening 84 in a tab 82 of the
fixed base 32 and into a pin channel 58 of the mounting plate
30.
[0047] The engagement of the fasteners 86 in the mounting plate 30
secures the mounting plate to the fixed base 32. The mounting plate
30 as thus secured is not rotatable or pivotable relative to the
fixed base 32. If the fasteners 86 are loosened or removed, the
mounting plate 30 can be pivoted about the first pivot axis 60,
relative to the fixed base 32, then retightened to place the parts
in a different relative position. This adjustability accommodates
support surfaces 14 of differing angles and orientations relative
to the desired angle of display of the panel 12 when the mounting
apparatus 10 is installed.
[0048] The display panel 12 is engageable with the fastener portion
40 of the mounting plate 30 to connect the display panel with the
mounting plate. To this end, the fastener portion 40 of the
mounting plate 30 is placed in a position adjacent to and overlying
the back side surface 20 of the panel. If the slot mounting is to
be used, a selected set of slots 50 in the mounting plate 30 is
aligned with a selected set of fastener openings 24 and 26 in the
back side surface 20 of the display panel 12. Any one of the pairs
of slots 50, and any one of the rows of fastener openings 24 and
26, can be used, depending on where it is desired to locate the
panel 12 vertically relative to the mounting plate 30.
[0049] A set of fasteners 88 such as screws are extended through
the fastener openings 50 in the mounting plate 30 and screwed into
the fastener openings 24 and 26 in the display panel 12. The
engagement of the screws 88 in the display panel 12 secures the
display panel on the mounting plate 30. The panel 12 is positioned
vertically on the mounting plate 30 at the desired location along
the columns of slots 50 and the columns of fastener openings 24 and
26. The arcuate configuration of the slots 50 allows for tilting
the panel 12 slightly relative to the mounting plate 30, to adjust
for a tilted support surface 14, for example.
[0050] If the T-slot mounting is to be used, as shown in FIGS. 3
and 4, a T-bolt assembly shown at 89 is inserted through one of the
two fastener openings 52 in the center of the fastener portion 40
of the mounting plate 30. Either one of the two openings 52 can be
used, depending on where it is desired to locate the panel 12
vertically relative to the mounting plate 30. The T-bolt assembly
89 engages in the T-slot 28 in the center of the back side surface
of the display panel 12a. The mounting plate 30 is positioned
vertically on the panel 12a at the desired location along the
length of the T-slot 28. The T-bolt assembly 89 is tightened to
secure the panel 12 in position relative to the mounting plate
30.
[0051] The fixed base 32 is fastened to the support surface 14 to
maintain the panel 12 in the desired position on the support
surface. Three fasteners, such as screws (not shown), are placed
through the fastener openings 81 in the support pads 80 of the
fixed base 32 and screwed into the support surface 14. The fixed
base 32 is thereby supported on the support surface 14. The fixed
base 32 supports the mounting plate 30, which supports the display
panel 12. The display panel 12 is thereby supported on the support
surface 14. The curved or bowed configuration of the base plate 70
can accommodate an instrument panel 14 that is not flat in the area
where it is desired to locate the display panel 12--if the support
surface is bowed upward, for example.
[0052] The initial position of the display panel 12 relative to the
support surface 14 can be changed or adjusted in the manners noted
above--by selecting a particular pair of slots 50 in the fastener
portion 40 of the mounting plate 30, or by selecting a particular
pair of fastener openings 24 and 26 in the display panel, or a
particular vertical location along the T-slot 28 in the display
panel.
[0053] The angular orientation of the display panel 12 relative to
the support surface 14 can be changed or adjusted in the manners
noted above--with the slots 50, and with the screws 86 that connect
the mounting plate 30 to the fixed base 32. The display panel 12
can not be tipped either forward or backward about the first pivot
axis 60, to lie flat over the support surface 14, once it is set in
position, because of the fixed engagement of the mounting plate 30
with the fixed base 32.
[0054] The two-bracket base assembly 34 (FIGS. 11-14) is designed
to support the mounting plate 30 at a location relatively close to
the support surface 14, like the fixed base 32. In addition, the
two-bracket base assembly 34 provides the capability of tipping or
pivoting the mounting plate 30 (and the display) about a generally
horizontal axis such as the axis 60, to provide for varying the
angle of viewing and for laying the panel 12 or 12a flat on the
support surface.
[0055] The two-bracket base assembly 34 includes two brackets 90.
Each one of the two brackets 90 of the base assembly 34 includes a
hinge support base 92, a hinge support barrel 94, and a friction
hinge 96. The hinge support base 92 has a generally flat first
portion 98 that is adapted to overlie the support surface 14. The
first portion 98 has a fastener opening 100 for receiving a
fastener, such as a screw 102, to secure the hinge support base 92
to the support surface 14.
[0056] The hinge support base 92 also includes two upstanding ears
104 that are spaced apart from each other and that have aligned pin
openings 106 in them. The pin openings 106 in the ears define a
pivot axis 108 that extends generally parallel to the flat first
portion 98 of the hinge support base 92.
[0057] The hinge support barrel 94 is cylindrical and has an
interior configured to receive and support, in a non-rotatable
manner, the friction hinge 96. On the exterior of the barrel 94
there is formed a mounting tab 110 with a pin opening 112.
[0058] The mounting tab 110 of the hinge support barrel 94 is
received between the ears 104 of the hinge support base 92. A
suitable connector 114, which may be a pivot pin, extends through
the pin openings 106 in the ears 104 of the hinge support base 92
and through the pin opening 112 in the mounting tab 110 of the
hinge support barrel 94. The pivot pin 114 supports the hinge
support barrel 94 on the hinge support base 92 for pivotal movement
relative to the hinge support base about the pivot axis 108.
[0059] The friction hinge 96 is received in the hinge support
barrel 94. The friction hinge 96 is a known type of friction
connection that includes a friction pin 120 frictionally rotatable
in a sleeve 121. The friction hinge may be, for example, a Hexatorq
brand hinge from Kato corporation. The friction hinge constitutes a
resistive pivot or friction connection that is usable to set and
maintain the relative position of its two interconnected parts
without the need for locking knobs (by "locking knobs" is meant
structure such as knobs or such as other manually engageable
members that are tightened to hold the plate in position once set).
The friction hinge of the present invention is superior to a ball
joint, for example, because there is no clamping and unclamping of
parts needed, and because the materials of the friction hinge
provide for tens of thousands or more repetitions without losing
resistivity.
[0060] The sleeve 121 is fixed in the barrel 94. The friction pin
120 projects from the barrel 94 for engagement by the mounting
plate 30 and has two through holes. The friction pin 120 thus
constitutes a plate connection portion of the bracket 90. As the
two-bracket base assembly 34 includes two of the brackets 90, the
assembly 34 thus has two plate connection portions 120.
[0061] The first and second plate connection portions 120 of the
two-bracket base assembly 34 are engageable with the first and
second base connection portions 42, respectively, of the mounting
plate 30, to connect the mounting plate with the two-bracket base
assembly. Specifically, the friction pins 120 of the two-bracket
base assembly 34 are inserted into the pin channels 58 in the base
connection portions 42 of the mounting plate 30. Two fasteners 122,
which as illustrated are self-tapping screws or machine screws, are
used to fasten the mounting plate 30 to each one of the two
brackets 90. Each screw 122 extends through one of the fastener
openings 64 (FIG. 5) in the front wall 62 of the base connection
portion 42 of the mounting plate 30 and through the through holes
in the pins 120 and are threaded into the wall 42 of the mounting
plate. The screws 122 fix the mounting plate 30 for movement with
the friction pins.
[0062] The engagement of the fasteners 122 in the mounting plate 30
secures the mounting plate to the two-bracket base assembly 34. The
mounting plate 30 as thus secured is rotatable, or pivotable,
relative to the two-bracket base assembly 34, about the first pivot
axis 60 which extends through the friction hinges 96 and
specifically through the friction pins 120. The friction hinges 96
support the mounting plate 30 on the two-bracket base assembly 34
for pivotal movement relative to the base assembly about the first
axis 60. Any selected position of the mounting plate 30 is
maintained by friction inherent in the friction hinges 96.
[0063] The base assembly 34 is fastened to the support surface 14
to locate the panel 12 in the desired position on the support
surface 14. Two fasteners 102, such as screws, are placed through
the fastener openings 100 in the first portions 98 of the hinge
support bases 92 and are screwed into the support surface 14. The
two brackets 90 are thereby secured to the support surface 14. The
brackets 90 support the mounting plate 30 and the display panel 12
on the support surface 14.
[0064] In addition, the two pieces of each bracket 90, the barrel
94 and the barrel support 92, are pivotal relative to each other
about the pivot pin 114. This adjustability accommodates support
surfaces 14 of differing angles and orientations relative to the
desired angle of display of the panel 12. The two brackets 90 can
thus be mounted at different orientations, or on a sloping or
otherwise uneven surface, while still maintaining the mounting
plate upright. Thus, second and third pivot axes are provided by
the brackets 90 that are different from the axis of the two
friction hinges.
[0065] The display 12 can be tipped backward about the first pivot
axis 60, to lie flat over the support surface 14. Thus, a flat
screen display, such as a LCD flat screen display 12, may be
secured to the mounting plate 30 and be movable between a plurality
of positions relative to the support surface 14 on which the base
assembly 34 is placed. The positions include a first position at
which the screen 12 is upright and visible to a user, and a second
position in which the screen is laid flat substantially parallel to
the supporting surface 14. The friction hinges 96 hold the screen
12 in the selected position.
[0066] The pedestal base assembly 36 (FIGS. 15-19) is designed to
support the mounting plate 30 at a location spaced apart from the
support surface 14 by a distance greater than is provided by the
fixed base 32 or the two-bracket base assembly 34. In addition, the
pedestal base assembly 36 provides the capability of swiveling the
mounting plate 30 (and the display 12) about a vertical axis as
well as a horizontal axis, to provide for greater adjustability of
viewing of the display. The mounting plate 30 can be tipped back
parallel to the surface 14, or forward parallel to the surface 14
if the LCD display panel is mounted high enough on the mounting
plate.
[0067] The pedestal base assembly 36 includes a base 130 for
fixation to the support surface 14 and a yoke 132 that is supported
on the base for pivotal movement relative to the base. The base 130
includes a base plate 134. The base plate 134 is a triangular plate
that has an upwardly bowed configuration and includes three support
pads 136 at its three corners.
[0068] The base 130 also includes a pedestal 138 that extends
upward from the center of the base plate 134. The pedestal 138 has
a hollow cylindrical configuration and includes an internal
friction hinge 140. The friction hinge 140 may be of a known
construction similar or identical to that of the friction hinges 96
(FIGS. 11-14). A screw 142 and slip washer 143 fix a first portion
144 of the friction hinge 140 to the pedestal 138. The head of the
screw 142 projects radially.
[0069] The yoke 132 has a sleeve portion 146 that fits over the
pedestal 138 and fixedly engages a second portion 148 of the
friction hinge 140. The yoke 132 is rotatable with the second
portion 148 of the friction hinge 140, on the pedestal 138, about a
second pivot axis 150 relative to the first portion 144 of the
friction hinge. Such rotation between the first and second portions
144 and 148 of the friction hinge 140 is resisted by the internal
friction of the friction hinge.
[0070] A screw slot 152 in the sleeve portion 146 of the yoke 132
receives the head of the screw 142. The circumferential length of
the slot 152 sets the extent of rotation of the yoke 132 on the
pedestal 138. Engagement of the screw 142 with the ends of the slot
152 limits the rotation of the yoke 132 relative to the pedestal
138. A second screw opening is provided for the screw 142, 180
degrees opposite, if it is desired to set up the yoke to face the
opposite direction. The screw 142 holds the first portion 144 of
the friction hinge 140 on the base 130, and, because it is received
in the slot 152, keeps the yoke 132 from coming off the base. This
can be important because the friction hinge itself may not perform
that function, and can be especially important if the base assembly
is mounted upside down, for example, on the interior roof panel of
a vehicle. The screw 142 also acts as a rotational stop for the
yoke on the base.
[0071] The yoke 132 includes an arm assembly 160 that is supported
on the sleeve portion 146 of the yoke. The arm assembly 160
includes first and second arms 162 that project outwardly in a
direction away from the second pivot axis 150. Each one of the arms
162 supports a friction hinge 164. The friction hinges 164 are
preferably similar in construction to the friction hinges 96 of the
two-part base assembly 34.
[0072] The friction hinges 164 of the pedestal base assembly 36 are
engageable with the mounting plate 30, in the same manner as
described above with reference to the second embodiment, to support
the mounting plate on the pedestal 138 for pivotal movement
relative to the pedestal about the first pivot axis 60. In
addition, the mounting plate 30, when thus supported, is pivotable
relative to the support surface 14 about the second pivot axis 150.
In many mounting applications, the first pivot axis 60 is generally
horizontal and the second pivot axis 150 is generally vertical.
[0073] The display 12 as thus supported on the mounting plate 30
can be tipped forward about the first pivot axis 60, to lie flat
over the support surface 14, because the first pivot axis is spaced
apart from the support surface by a distance that is greater than
the front-to-back thickness of the display. This can help to
protect the face of the display 12, as well as to minimize any
obstruction of the vehicle operator's forward field of view. The
display 12 can also be tipped backward about the first pivot axis
60, to lie flat over the support surface 14, because the display is
above the mounting plate fastener portion 40 when this is done.
[0074] FIGS. 20-23 illustrate the extender plate 38. The extender
plate 38 is preferably made from the same material as the fixed
base 32. The extender plate 38 is illustrated in FIGS. 21-23 as
being used with the two-bracket base assembly 34. The extender
plate 38 is connectable between the mounting plate 30 and the plate
connection portions of each one of the fixed base 32 and the
pedestal base and the two-bracket base assembly 34. The extender
plate 38 enables alternative positioning and orientation of the
display screen 12 relative to the support surface 14.
[0075] The extender plate 38 has a planar central portion 170 and
two end portions 172 and 174. The first end portion 172 of the
extender plate 38 has first and second base connection portions 176
that are similar or identical in configuration to the first and
second base connection portions of the mounting plate 30. The first
and second base connection portions 176 of the extender plate 38
have coaxial pin channels 178 that define a pivot axis 179. The
first and second base connection portions 176 serve the same
function as, and can take the place of, the first and second base
connection portions 42 of the mounting plate.
[0076] The second end portion 174 of the extender plate 38 has
first and second plate connection portions 180. The first and
second plate connection portions 180 are upstanding tabs that are
disposed on a common axis 182. The tabs 180 of the extender plate
38 serve the same function as, and can take the place of, the first
and second plate connection portions (i.e. friction pins) 120 of
the two-bracket base assembly 34; or the fasteners 86 used with the
fixed base 32; or the friction hinges 164 of the pedestal base
36.
[0077] As shown in FIGS. 21-23, the extender plate 38 is connected
between the mounting plate 30 and the plate connection portions 120
of the brackets 90 of the two-bracket base assembly 36. The base
connection portions 176 of the extender plate 38 receive the
friction pins of the brackets 90. As a result, the extender plate
38 is connected with the base assembly 36 for pivotal movement
relative to the base assembly 36 about the first pivot axis 60.
[0078] The base connection portions 142 of the mounting plate 30
receive the plate connection portions (tabs) 180 of the extender
plate 38. Screws 175 extend through openings in the extender plate
and are screwed into tapped holes in the base bracket. As a result,
the mounting plate 30 is connected with the extender plate 38 for
pivotal movement relative to the base assembly 36 about the first
pivot axis 60. The extender plate 38 in this manner enables
alternative positioning and orientation of the display screen 12
relative to the support surface.
[0079] With the extender plate 38 thus in position between the
mounting plate 30 and the base assembly 36, the first pivot axis 60
is spaced apart from the mounting plate 30. As a result, the
mounting plate 30 (and an attached display screen 12) can be tipped
forward to lay the display surface flat or nearly flat on the
support surface 14. This is not possible without the extender plate
38. When the extender plate 38 is used with the pedestal base 36,
the mounting plate 30 (and an attached display screen 12) can be
tipped forward to lay the display screen flat or nearly flat on the
support surface 14.
[0080] From the above description of the invention, those skilled
in the art will perceive improvements, changes, and modifications
in the invention. Such improvements, changes, and modifications
within the skill of the art are intended to be included within the
scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *