U.S. patent application number 10/771550 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-12 for system and method of mounting a display screen via a pendulum type mount.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ergodontics. Invention is credited to Carter, Jeff.
Application Number | 20040155167 10/771550 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32829955 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040155167 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carter, Jeff |
August 12, 2004 |
System and method of mounting a display screen via a pendulum type
mount
Abstract
A pendulum mount supports a display screen for a dental patient.
This pendulum mount includes a ceiling mount that mechanically
couples to the ceiling. The ceiling mount allows rotation relative
to the ceiling while internally routing cables for power, video,
audio or other feeds to the display. A support arm mechanically
couples to the ceiling mounts with a first joint. The cables exit
the conduit at the first joint and enter the support arm. Then the
cables run within the support arm to a second joint. Tension
between the support arm and the ceiling mount counterbalances the
moment of the display. A mounting assembly mechanically couples to
the support arm via a second joint at the far end of the support
arm to support the display for the dental patient. As with the
first joint, cables exit the support arm and may directly couple to
the display screen.
Inventors: |
Carter, Jeff; (Buda,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Koestner Bertani, LLP
P.O. Box 26780
Austin
TX
78755
US
|
Assignee: |
Ergodontics
Austin
TX
|
Family ID: |
32829955 |
Appl. No.: |
10/771550 |
Filed: |
February 4, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60445950 |
Feb 7, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/324 ;
248/921 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 11/105 20130101;
F16M 13/02 20130101; F16M 11/08 20130101; F16M 11/2064 20130101;
F16M 2200/065 20130101; F16M 11/10 20130101; A61C 19/00 20130101;
F16M 2200/044 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/324 ;
248/921 |
International
Class: |
A47H 001/10 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A pendulum mount to support a display screen, comprising: a
ceiling mount, wherein cables run within the ceiling mount; a
support arm mechanically coupled to the ceiling mount with a first
joint, wherein the cables exit the ceiling mount and enter the
support arm at the first joint, and wherein the cables run within
the support arm; a mounting assembly to support the display screen,
mechanically coupled to the support arm with a second joint,
wherein the cables exit the support arm and enter the support arm
at the second joint, and wherein the cables run within the mounting
assembly and operably couple to the display screen.
2. The pendulum mount of claim 1, wherein the ceiling mount further
comprises: a conduit; and a base mechanically coupled to the
conduit wherein the base mechanically couples to the ceiling,
wherein the conduit is operable to rotate +/-360.degree. relative
to the base.
3. The pendulum mount of claim 1, wherein tension between the
support arm and the ceiling mount prevent the support arm from
resting in a neutral position.
4. The pendulum mount of claim 1, wherein the tension between the
support arm and the ceiling mount is exerted by a gas tension
spring.
5. The pendulum mount of claim 1, wherein the tension between the
support arm and the ceiling mount is exerted by a friction
hinge.
6. The pendulum mount of claim 1, wherein the mounting assembly
further comprises: a second conduit; and a rotator mechanically
coupled to the second conduit wherein the rotator mechanically
couples to the display screen, wherein the second conduit is
operable to rotate +/-360.degree. relative to the rotator.
7. The pendulum mount of claim 1, wherein tension between the
support arm and the mounting assembly prevent the display screen
from resting in a neutral position.
8. The pendulum mount of claim 1, wherein the cable travels along a
channel in the first joint between the ceiling mount and the
support arm.
9. The pendulum mount of claim 1, wherein the cable travels along a
channel in the second joint between the mounting assembly and the
support arm.
10. A pendulum mount to support a display screen, comprising: a
ceiling mount, further comprising: a conduit; and a base
mechanically coupled to the conduit wherein the base mechanically
couples to the ceiling, wherein the conduit is operable to rotate
+/-360.degree. relative to the base, and wherein cables run within
the conduit; a support arm mechanically coupled to the ceiling
mount with a first joint, wherein the cables exit the ceiling mount
and enter the support arm at the first joint, and wherein the
cables run within the support arm, and wherein tension between the
support arm and the ceiling mount prevent the support arm from
resting in a neutral position; a mounting assembly to support the
display screen, mechanically coupled to the support arm with a
second joint, wherein the cables exit the support arm and enter the
support arm at the second joint, wherein the cables run within the
mounting assembly and operably couple to the display screen, and
wherein the mounting assembly further comprises: a second conduit;
and a rotator mechanically coupled to the second conduit wherein
the rotator mechanically couples to the display screen, wherein the
second conduit is operable to rotate +/-360.degree. relative to the
rotator.
11. The pendulum mount of claim 10, wherein the tension between the
support arm and the ceiling mount is exerted by a gas tension
spring.
12. The pendulum mount of claim 10, wherein the tension between the
support arm and the ceiling mount is exerted by a friction
hinge.
13. The pendulum mount of claim 10, wherein tension between the
support arm and the mounting assembly prevent the display screen
from resting in a neutral position.
14. The pendulum mount of claim 10, wherein the cable travels along
a channel in the first joint between the ceiling mount and the
support arm.
15. The pendulum mount of claim 10, wherein the cable travels along
a channel in the second joint between the mounting assembly and the
support arm.
16. A pendulum mount to support a display screen for a dental
patient, comprising: a ceiling mount, further comprising: a
conduit; and a base mechanically coupled to the conduit wherein the
base mechanically couples to the ceiling, wherein the conduit is
operable to rotate +/-360.degree. relative to the base, and wherein
cables run within the conduit; a support arm mechanically coupled
to the ceiling mount with a first joint, wherein the cables exit
the ceiling mount and enter the support arm at the first joint, and
wherein the cables run within the support arm, and wherein tension
between the support arm and the ceiling mount prevent the support
arm from resting in a neutral position; a mounting assembly to
support the display screen for the dental patient, mechanically
coupled to the support arm with a second joint, wherein the cables
exit the support arm and enter the support arm at the second joint,
wherein the cables run within the mounting assembly and operably
couple to the display screen, and wherein the mounting assembly
further comprises: a second conduit; and a rotator mechanically
coupled to the second conduit wherein the rotator mechanically
couples to the display screen, wherein the second conduit is
operable to rotate +/-360.degree. relative to the rotator.
17. The pendulum mount of claim 16, wherein the display screen is
operable to be oriented for the dental patient in a reclined
position.
18. The pendulum mount of claim 16, wherein the tension between the
support arm and the ceiling mount is exerted by a gas tension
spring.
19. The pendulum mount of claim 16, wherein the tension between the
support arm and the ceiling mount is exerted by a friction
hinge.
20. The pendulum mount of claim 16, wherein the cable travels along
a channel in the first joint between the ceiling mount and the
support arm.
21. The pendulum mount of claim 16, wherein the cable travels along
a channel in the second joint between the mounting assembly and the
support arm.
22. A hinged joint to conceal cables running within the hinged
joint that comprises: a first hinge assembly having a first
internal cavity; a second hinge assembly having a second internal
cavity, wherein the first hinge assembly and the second hinge
assembly are mechanically coupled, and wherein the first internal
cavity and second internal cavity allow the cables to be concealed.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to systems and
methods of mounting a display screen, and more particularly, a
system and method that utilizes a pendulum mount to hold a display
screen in a variety of positions for a reclined or un-reclined
viewer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Before and during a dental procedure, dentists or their
assistants typically discuss the procedure with the patient. To
facilitate this discussion, a view screen or other visual aid that
can be easily positioned and then removed from the immediate field
of view is desirable. This screen assists the dentist in describing
the procedure to patients and allows the results of photos, X-rays
or other tests performed to be shown to the patient. Existing
systems do not provide a visual aid than can be easily positioned
near and then removed from the patient's field of view.
Additionally, existing display screens cannot be positioned to
allow a patient to view the display screen in an upright position
before the dental procedure begins, and in a reclined position that
allows the patient to be entertained during the actual dental
procedure.
[0003] During dental procedures, the patients lay in a horizontal
rather than vertical position. Thus, a display screen capable of
being easily viewed in both a horizontal and a vertical position
would satisfy this need. In addition to showing patients
information regarding their procedure, patients may view DVD,
television or other form of entertainment during the procedure.
This entertainment would significantly improve their experience at
the dentist.
[0004] No fixed point exists where a monitor or other visual aid
can be mounted that addresses these needs. One solution involves
mounting an actual television in the ceiling of a dental office.
However, problems associated with this solution include the risk of
heavy equipment falling onto the patient. Additionally, the
mechanical supports for such systems are typically bulky and
cumbersome. Another solution places a television set on a fixed
brace at a 45-degree angle. While this provides a better solution,
the solution creates problems in viewing the display screen in both
the vertical or the horizontal position as the patient is always at
a 45-degree angle to the display screen. Additionally, patients
often recline in a past horizontal position decreasing the
usefulness of this solution. This position arises from many dental
procedures, which often require the patient's head to be inclined
further for access. Furthermore, the television mounts to a fixed
location and cannot be repositioned for individual patients.
[0005] Mounting a display screen at a 45-degree angle does not
provide a solution for most cases. Flat panels displays may not be
clearly viewed as the viewers angle deviates from normal.
Furthermore, mounting a television in the ceiling creates a hazard
if the television were to fall, and operational problems for
televisions, which were not designed to operate in a horizontal
position. Additionally, instances exist when the dentist would
prefer to show the patient an intra-oral picture taken during the
procedure to facilitate authorizing changes to the scope of the
dental procedure. Previously, the patient would sit up for this
discussion, while the procedure was temporarily stopped.
[0006] Another problem associated with existing solutions are bulky
cables, which distract the patients' view. In the prior art
solution shown in FIG. 1, a monitor 10 mounts to ceiling 12 via
bracket 14, wherein cables 16 run along the exterior of the bracket
and ceiling. Visible cables 16 quite often are unsightly.
Additionally, support arm 18 is relatively short and does not bring
the view screen near the patient. Thus a need exists for a mount
with multiple degrees of freedom that allows a display to be
positioned so that a dental patient may view the display during all
phases of dental procedures or be easily removed and not interfere
with the dental procedure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides a pendulum mount to support a
display screen that substantially eliminates or reduces
disadvantages and problems associated with previously developed
systems and methods used to mount a display screen. The pendulum
mount includes a ceiling mount attached to the ceiling or other
support with cables that run within the ceiling mount to a support
arm mechanically coupled to the ceiling mount. A first joint
mechanically couples the ceiling mount to the support arm and the
cables exit the ceiling mount and enter the support arm at the
first joint. Then, the cables run within the support arm to a
second joint. A mounting assembly that supports the display screen
is mechanically coupled to the support arm at the second joint. As
with the first joint, the cables exit the support arm and may
either enter the mounting assembly at the second joint or directly
couple to the display screen. These cables provide video feeds,
audio feeds, or power supplies to the display screen.
[0008] In one embodiment, the ceiling mount is composed of a
conduit and a base wherein the base is mechanically coupled to the
ceiling and the conduit. A first degree of freedom exists in that
the conduit may rotate +/-360.degree. relative to the base. Tension
between the support arm and the ceiling mount prevents the support
arm from resting in a neutral position. This is because the tension
between the support arm and the ceiling mount, which may be exerted
by a gas tension spring, or other like device known to those
skilled in the art, counterbalances the display screen mounted
operably coupled to the support arm at the second joint.
[0009] In another embodiment, the tension between the support arm
and the ceiling mount is provided by a friction hinge. The mounting
assembly may be made to comprise a second conduit and a rotator
mechanically coupled to the second conduit. The rotator allows the
display screen to be rotated +/-360.degree. relative to the rotator
while the second joint provides an additional degree of freedom by
adjusting the angle in the Z-axis relative to the display screen.
Additionally, tension between the support arm and the mounting
assembly prevent the display screen from merely resting in a
neutral position. Cables may travel along a channel within the
first joint and the second joint in order to hide the cables from
view.
[0010] Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a
pendulum mount to support a display screen for a dental patient.
This pendulum mount includes a ceiling mount having a conduit and a
base that mechanically couples to the ceiling as well as the
conduit. The conduit is operable to rotate +/-360.degree. relative
to the base and cables for power, video, audio or other feeds to
the display screen run within the conduit. A support arm
mechanically couples to the ceiling mounts with a first joint. The
cables exit the conduit at the first joint and enter the support
arm. Then the cables run within the support arm to a second joint.
Tension between the support arm and the ceiling mount prevents the
support arm from resting in a neutral position. This is achieved by
choosing tension springs, mechanical springs, gas pistons, or other
systems known to those skilled in the art, to counterbalance the
moment of the display screen at the far end of the support arm. A
mounting assembly at the far end of the support arm supports the
display screen for the dental patient. Additionally, the mounting
assembly mechanically couples to the support arm via the second
joint. As with the first joint, cables exit the support arm and
enter the second joint and then run within the mounting assembly
and are operably coupled to the display screen. Alternatively the
cables exit the support arm and directly couple to the display
screen. This allows the display screen to be positioned such that
the line of sight of the patient is normal to the XY plane of the
display screen no matter the position or inclination of the
patient. For example, the patient may be in a reclined position,
reclined past horizontal or upright position while the present
invention allows the patient's line of sight to be normal to the XY
plane of the display screen.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] For a more complete understanding of the present invention
and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which like reference numerals indicate like features and
wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates one prior art solution;
[0013] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a pendulum mount in various
positions;
[0014] FIGS. 3A and 3B depict the freedom of motion associated with
the display screen;
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates how the support arm can rotate about the
pendulum mount;
[0016] FIG. 5 depicts how the support arm can swing relative to the
pendulum mount;
[0017] FIG. 6 further illustrates one component of the pendulum
mount;
[0018] FIG. 7 further illustrates the top hinge tube of the
pendulum mount that couples to the component of FIG. 6;
[0019] FIG. 8 depicts three views of one embodiment of one half of
the hinge;
[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates the friction wheel which resides within
the hinge components;
[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates a fully extended hinge with cables
running within the hinge;
[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates a full hinge bent at 90.degree. with
cables running within the hinge;
[0023] FIG. 12 provides an example of how the support arm is
balanced by tension springs;
[0024] FIG. 13 provides two view of an assembled mounting
assembly;
[0025] FIG. 14 depicts the rotator of the mounting assembly;
[0026] FIG. 15 provides a drawing of the rotator cap used to affix
the rotator to the support plate; and
[0027] FIG. 16 illustrates the support plate on which a view screen
is mounted.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are
illustrated in the FIGUREs, like numerals being used to refer to
like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.
[0029] The present invention provides a pendulum mount for a
monitor, visual display or other vertical work surface. A ceiling
mount hingedly attaches to a support arm at a first joint. On the
opposite end of the support arm a second joint allows a flat panel
display or monitor to be attached. Optical, electrical, or other
like cables for the display screen or monitor run internally within
the support arm, and ceiling mount in order to remove unsightly
cables from view. Joints comprise a friction joint or other like
joint as known to those skilled in the art. These joints provide
tension that allow the support arm to be positioned anywhere within
its range of motion without returning to a neutral position.
[0030] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate one embodiment of the present
invention. Here, pendulum mount 20 mounts to ceiling joist 22 via
base 24. Drop ceiling 26 is illustrated as a cutout wherein flange
28 covers the interface with the ceiling. Top hinge tube 30
attaches to base 24 via a series of threads or other like means.
Top hinge tube 30 may rotate up to 360 degrees in either direction
within base 24. This rotation provides one degree of freedom. This
rotation helps to allow support arm 34 to be positioned into any
orientation. Hinge 32 couples top hinge tube 30 to support arm 34
and provides a second degree of freedom. To prevent support arm 34
from resting in a vertical or neutral position, gas tension springs
36 or other like devices as known to those skilled in the art,
place sufficient tension on support arm 34 to counterbalance the
moment of display 38. This counterbalance prevents support arm 34
from swinging free to a vertical or neutral position.
[0031] FIG. 2B depicts pendulum mount 20 in a neutral position with
support arm 34 in a vertical position. In this position gas tension
springs 36 are fully extended. Support arm 34 couples to a display
screen 38 via lower hinge 40.
[0032] FIGS. 2A and 2B depicts hinge 40 as a friction hinge.
Mounting assembly 42 mechanically couples to display 38 and support
arm 34 at hinge 40. The mounting assembling may have a conduit
within which cables 42 run, or alternatively, these cables may exit
support arm 34 and directly couple to display 38. A rotator allows
display 38 to rotate +/-360.degree. within its XY plane relative to
the mounting assembly. Hinge 40 allows display 38 to be
repositioned at an angle to the longitudinal axis of support arm
34. Additionally, when support arm 34 is in a horizontal position
the gas springs 36 retract to support or counterbalance the moment
caused on support arm 34 by display 38. Although gas tension
springs are illustrated as one means to counterbalance the moment
caused by display 38, other mechanisms known to those skilled in
the art may be used to counterbalance the moment. One example
includes a ratcheting mechanism that locks support arm 34 at
various pre-determined angles.
[0033] Rotator 42 couples hinge 40 to display screen 38 allowing
display 38 to freely rotate in the XY-plane. This allows a dentist,
patient, or other user to view the display screen in either a
landscape or portrait mode. Display screen 38 can also be
positioned in any intermediate orientation between portrait and
landscape as shown in FIG. 3A.
[0034] FIG. 3A provides a front view of display screen 38 rotating
a full 360 degrees while FIG. 3B illustrates that display screen 38
can be rotated from top to bottom in tilt as provided by lower
hinge 40. While cables are not shown in FIGS. 2A through 2C, cables
exit top hinge tube 30 at hinge 32 and then enter arm 34 at its
hinged connection to tube 30.
[0035] The ratcheting concept may also be used at hinge 40 to
position display screen 38 at various predetermined angles. A
disadvantage associated with the ratcheting concept occurs if a
failure of the ratcheting mechanism takes place or the inability of
a user to reach high enough to disengage the ratcheting mechanism
of arm 34 in a position parallel to the ceiling. Counterbalance
provided by the gas tension springs 35 allow users to position
display screen 38 throughout the entire range of motion with
minimal force.
[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates the range of motion available at the base
and at the viewing screen. As shown here, support arm 34 freely
rotates 360 degrees around base 24 in either direction. Similarly,
display screen 38 rotates between portrait and landscape no matter
the orientation of the viewer. FIG. 4 failed to show the range of
motion associated with hinge 32 and hinge 40 which allow support
arm 32 to be repositioned and angled to the plane of the ceiling
and the XY plane of the displaced grain 38. These angles are better
illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0037] FIG. 5 provides a cross-section of the present invention.
Here, all cables enter through a plenum inside the pendulum mount
tube or base 24. Thus, the visual exposure of the cables is
minimized. Flange 28 serves to interface between the pendulum mount
tube 24 and the drop ceiling 26. As shown, support arm 34 freely
moves to all positions within a 180-degree arc from a non-use
storage position 50 through an upright consultation viewing
position 52, and supine viewing position 54. Two finely threaded
tubes may facilitate the rotation of arm 34 about the pendulum
mount tube 24. One may notice that as the support arm 34
transitions from storage position 50 upright, consultation position
52, and a reclined viewing position 54, that the counterbalance
springs are fully extended in the upright or consultation position
52 while fully retracted in the storage position 50 for reclined
viewing position 54. In the non-extended positions, the gas tension
springs 36 counterbalance the moment on support arm 34 caused by
display 38. Additionally, this counterbalance allows display 38 to
be movable to all positions within a 180-degree arc. This is in
contrast to a system employing a ratcheting system where the
support arm 34 can only be positioned at discrete angles relative
to the viewer.
[0038] FIG. 6 depicts pendulum tube mount 24 in further detail. In
FIG. 6, base 60 attaches to pendulum mount tube 62 via a weld or
other fastening means as known to those skilled in the art. The
interior surface of pendulum mount tube 62 is threaded to receive
the top hinge tube 64. This threading allows pendulum mount tube 62
to freely rotate +/-360.degree. degrees relative to base 60, which
is coupled to the ceiling.
[0039] FIG. 7 further illustrates top hinge tube 30 wherein threads
64 along the upper half of top hinge tube 30 match threads on the
inner surface of pendulum mount tube 62. The lower portion of top
hinge tube 64 need not be threaded. Mounting holes 68 receive the
upper arm of a gas tension spring 36 as previously discussed in
FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C. The two-piece assembly of the top base of the
pendulum mount is hollow to facilitate the internal passage of
cables. Furthermore, the two-piece threaded assembly allows top
hinge tube 64 to rotate freely in either direction with respect to
the pendulum mount tube 62. A stop screw or other like device may
be installed to limit the motion of top hinge tube 64 with respect
to pendulum mount tube 62. This stop prevents the top hinge tube 64
from detaching from pendulum mount tube 62.
[0040] FIG. 8 illustrates one-half of a hinge assembly. Both halves
of both hinges are similar. Here, hinge assembly 66 couples to the
top hinge tube 64 and is firmly attached by being pressed into,
screw threads or other mechanical fastener. Within the hinge
assembly 66, thrust bearing or friction wheel 70, which is further
illustrated in FIG. 9 is placed at the junction of the two hinge
assembly pieces within pocket 72. Friction wheel assembly may be
constructed of nylon to prevent metal-to-metal contact when hinge
assembly 66 is constructed from metal. A bolt that passes through
channel 76 firmly holds two hinge assemblies 66 together to form
the hinges. A cavity or passage 78 allows cables to run within
hinge assembly 66 and any connected components of the pendulum
mount. On the opposite end of support arm 34, hinge 42 couples to
display screen 38.
[0041] FIG. 10 depicts two hinge assemblies 66 coupled together to
form an integrated hinge 80. Here cables 16 run through cavity 74A,
exit hinge assembly 66A, enter hinge assembly 66B and any coupled
components via cavity 74B. Friction wheel 70 is located within
pockets 72A and 72B. A bolt or other mechanical fastener, which
passes through channel 76A and 76B, holds the two hinge assemblies
together.
[0042] FIG. 11 provides an additional view of hinge assembly 66A
and 66B mechanically coupled together wherein cables 16 pass
through interior cavity 74A and exit hinge assembly 66A, and then
enter cavity 74B of hinge assembly 66B. In this depiction, hinge 80
is bent at a 90-degree angle.
[0043] FIG. 12 depicts support arm 34 and the counterbalance
problem that the present invention addresses. Gas tension spring 36
exert tension on support arm 34 in such a way as to balance the
moment of the arm. Springs or other like devices and the length of
section B of support arm 34 counterbalances the moment of support
arm 34, having length D, and display 38 when attached. When the
pendulum mount is balanced, the product of A and B equal the
product of C and D.
[0044] FIG. 13 depicts the integrated components that couple hinge
40 to display 38. Here rotator 92 is seen within mounting assembly
90. Mounting assembly 90 utilizes a hinge assembly 66 into which
rotator 92 is placed within cavity 74. In some embodiments a
channel may be drilled through rotator 92 in order to allow cables
to pass within rotator 92 held within cavity 74. A rotator cap 94
secures rotator 92 to base plate 96. Base plate 96 mechanically
couples to display 38 by four mechanical fasteners threaded through
channels 98. Rotator cap is secured to base plate 96 by similar
mechanical fasteners that pass through channels 100.
[0045] FIG. 14 shows rotator 92 removed from mounting assembly 90.
Base 102 of the rotator has channels 104 which are used to secure
rotator 92 with a mechanical fastener to hinge assembly 66. FIG. 15
provides two views of rotator cap 94 wherein pocket 106 of the
rotator cap secures base 102 of rotator 92. Channels 100 receive
mechanical fasteners that allow the rotator cap 94 to be securely
fastened to base plate 96. FIG. 16 depicts base plate 96 having
channels 98 which allow mechanical fasteners to secure the base
plate and mounting assembly 90 to display 38 as well as channels
108 which receive the mechanical fasteners passing through channels
100 of the rotator cap to secure a rotator cap to the base plate
96.
[0046] In summary, the present invention provides a pendulum mount
to support a display screen for a dental patient. This pendulum
mount includes a ceiling mount having a conduit and a base that
mechanically couples to the ceiling as well as the conduit. The
conduit rotates relative to the base while cables for power, video,
audio or other feeds to the display screen run within the conduit.
A support arm mechanically couples to the ceiling mounts with a
first joint. The cables exit the conduit at the first joint and
enter the support arm. Then the cables run within the support arm
to a second joint. Tension between the support arm and the ceiling
mount counterbalances the moment of the display screen. A mounting
assembly at the far end of the support arm supports the display
screen for the dental patient. Additionally, the mounting assembly
mechanically couples to the support arm via the second joint. As
with the first joint, cables exit the support arm and may directly
couple to the display screen.
[0047] The present invention addresses the need for a mount with
multiple degrees of freedom that allows a display to be positioned
so that a dental patient may view the display during all phases of
dental procedures or be easily removed and not interfere with the
dental procedure. Additionally, the present invention may be used
in other non-dental applications where a viewer may need to
reposition a display screen for viewing or storage when not in
use.
[0048] Although the present invention is described in detail, it
should be understood that various changes, substitutions and
alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention.
* * * * *