U.S. patent application number 10/872823 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-22 for wall mount system and method.
Invention is credited to Ergun, Mustafa A., Fluhrer, Robert W., Sweere, Harry C..
Application Number | 20050279898 10/872823 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35479634 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050279898 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sweere, Harry C. ; et
al. |
December 22, 2005 |
Wall mount system and method
Abstract
A mounting system is provided. The mounting system is adapted
for mounting a device such as a video display on a surface such as
a wall for example. Mounting system configurations include a tray
to help align a mating feature with a keyhole opening. Other
configurations include a retaining device to hold a mating feature
within the mounting system for added security. Other configurations
include a locking device to prohibit unwanted motion of the
retaining device and theft protection.
Inventors: |
Sweere, Harry C.;
(Minneapolis, MN) ; Fluhrer, Robert W.; (Prior
Lake, MN) ; Ergun, Mustafa A.; (Shoreview,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHWEGMAN, LUNDBERG, WOESSNER & KLUTH
1600 TCF TOWER
121 SOUTH EIGHT STREET
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
35479634 |
Appl. No.: |
10/872823 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/221.12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 13/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/221.12 |
International
Class: |
A47K 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A mounting system, comprising: a mounting frame for attachment
to a mounting surface; a keyhole opening in the mounting frame to
accept a mating feature on a device, the keyhole opening having an
entry portion, and a capture portion; and a tray located adjacent
to the entry portion of the keyhole opening, with a cutout in the
tray providing access to the entry portion of the keyhole
opening.
2. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the keyhole opening
includes a round entry portion and a slotted capture portion.
3. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the tray further
includes a lip portion.
4. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the cutout includes a
tapered slot.
5. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the tray is horizontally
oriented on a wall surface.
6. A video display system, comprising: a video display device; at
least one mating feature attached to a back surface of the video
display device; a mounting strip for attachment to a substantially
vertical mounting surface; a keyhole opening in the mounting strip
to accept the mating feature, the keyhole opening having an entry
portion, and a capture portion; and a tray located adjacent to the
entry portion of the keyhole opening, with a cutout in the tray
providing access to the entry portion of the keyhole opening.
7. The video display system of claim 6, wherein the keyhole opening
includes a round entry portion and a slotted capture portion.
8. The video display system of claim 6, wherein the tray further
includes a lip portion.
9. The video display system of claim 6, wherein the mating feature
includes a shoulder bolt.
10. The video display system of claim 6, wherein the cutout
includes a tapered slot.
11. A mounting system, comprising: a mounting strip for attachment
to a substantially vertical mounting surface; a plurality of
keyhole openings in the mounting strip to accept a mating feature
on a device, each keyhole opening having an entry portion, and a
capture portion; a tray located adjacent to the entry portions of
the keyhole openings, with a cutout in the tray providing access to
the entry portions of the keyhole openings; and a retaining device
that is movable in a range of motion, wherein a first position in
the range of motion allows mating features access to the capture
portion of the keyhole openings, and a second position locks the
mating features in the capture portion of the keyhole openings.
12. The mounting system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of
keyhole openings are spaced apart on multiples of 100 mm.
13. The mounting system of claim 11, further including a locking
device that prohibits movement of the retaining device in the range
of motion.
14. The mounting system of claim 13, wherein the locking device
includes a length of cord coupled to the retaining device and a
cord lock gripper on the length of cord.
15. The mounting system of claim 13, wherein the locking device
includes a key lock to lock the retaining device at a location in
the range of motion.
16. A video display mounting system, comprising: a mounting frame
for attachment to a mounting surface; a receptacle in the mounting
frame to receive a mating feature on the video display mounting
system, the receptacle having an entry portion, and a capture
portion; a retaining bar that is movable in a range of motion,
wherein a first position in the range of motion allows the mating
feature access to the capture portion of the receptacle, and a
second position retains the mating feature in the capture portion
of the receptacle; and a locking device that when actuated fixes
movement of the retaining device in relation to an edge of the
video display.
17. The video display mounting system of claim 16, further
including a second locking device that fixes movement of the
retaining device in relation to a second edge of the video
display.
18. The video display mounting system of claim 16, wherein the
locking device includes a length of cord coupled to the retaining
device and a cord lock gripper on the length of cord.
19. The video display mounting system of claim 16, wherein the
locking device includes a solid extending member coupled to the
retaining device and a key lock.
20. A video display mounting system, comprising: a mounting frame
for attachment to a substantially vertical mounting surface; a
holding means in the mounting frame to accept a mating feature on a
device, the holding means having an entry portion, and a capture
portion; a retaining means that is movable in a range of motion,
wherein a first position in the range of motion allows the mating
feature access to the capture portion of the holding means, and a
second position retains the mating feature in the capture portion
of the holding means; and a locking means that when actuated fixes
movement of the retaining means in relation to an edge of the video
display.
21. The video display mounting system of claim 20, wherein the
holding means includes a keyhole opening.
22. The video display mounting system of claim 20, wherein the
retaining means includes a retaining bar.
23. The video display mounting system of claim 20, wherein the
locking means includes a length of cord coupled to the retaining
means and a cord lock gripper on the length of cord.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This application relates to devices and methods for mounting
devices on surfaces such as a wall, ceiling, inclined surface, etc.
Specifically, but not by way of limitation, this application
relates to devices and methods for supporting display screens such
as flat panel display screens on a wall.
BACKGROUND
[0002] One common device that is mounted on a surface such as a
wall includes a video display screen. Examples of video display
screens include television monitors, computer monitors, information
kiosks, etc. Display screens are commonly mounted on surfaces such
as walls, ceilings, inclined surfaces, etc. Display screens are
also mounted on other support structures such as poles or carts.
One type of display screen that is becoming more common is a flat
panel display screen. Such flat panel displays include, LCD
monitors, plasma discharge monitors, new configurations of CRT
monitors, etc. Mounting systems are needed to secure these flat
panel display screens to surfaces where they are to be used.
[0003] What is needed is a mounting system that more easily
connects between the device and the surface that the device is to
be secured to. What is also needed is a mounting system that
provides increased security in device retention at the mounted
location.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1A shows a front view of a mounting system according to
an embodiment of the invention.
[0005] FIG. 1B shows a back view of a mounting system according to
an embodiment of the invention.
[0006] FIG. 1C shows a close up view of a portion of a mounting
system according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 shows a cross section view of a mounting system
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 3 shows a back view of another mounting system
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 4 shows a back view of another mounting system
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 5A shows a component of a mounting system according to
an embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 5B shows another component of a mounting system
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 5C shows another component of a mounting system
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 5D shows an assembly of a mounting system according to
an embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 6A shows an exploded cross section view of a mounting
system according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 6B shows another cross section view of a mounting
system according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 7A shows an isometric view of a mounting system
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 7B shows a back view of a mounting system according to
an embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 7C shows a cross section view of a mounting system
according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is
shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the
invention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe
substantially similar components throughout the several views. In
the following detailed description, the term selectively actuated
is used in contrast to automatically actuated. A selective
operation, or a device capable of selective operation is controlled
by a user, and is not triggered automatically. These embodiments
are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the
art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized
and structural, logical changes, etc. may be made without departing
from the scope of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 1A shows a mounting system 100 according to an
embodiment of the invention. The mounting system 100 includes a
mounting frame 110 having a number of securing features 112. In one
embodiment, the mounting frame 110 includes a mounting strip of a
length that can be chosen based on dimensions of the device to be
mounted. One possible range of strip lengths is from 250 mm to 1850
mm, although the invention is not so limited. In one embodiment,
the securing features 112 include slots that have an advantage of
providing several possible locations for mounting the mounting
frame with a screw or other fastener. In one embodiment, multiple
holes are used as the securing features 112. A number of keyhole
openings 120 are shown on the mounting frame 110 in FIG. 1A. In one
embodiment, the keyhole openings 120 are spaced apart on multiples
of 100 mm.
[0021] Generally speaking, in one embodiment, a keyhole opening 120
includes an entry portion 122, and a capture portion 124. In FIG.
1A, the entry portion 122 includes a substantially round portion
that is shaped to allow a mating feature on a device to pass
through the entry portion 122. In one embodiment, the entry portion
122 is shaped to allow a head of a shoulder bolt to pass through
the entry portion 122. In one embodiment, the capture portion 124
is shaped to hold a mating feature when the mating feature is moved
to the capture portion 124 of the keyhole opening 120. In one
embodiment, the capture portion, 124 includes a slot that is sized
to closely fit a shoulder on a shoulder bolt, while being thinner
than a head on the shoulder bolt. One of ordinary skill in the art,
having the benefit of the present disclosure will recognize that
several possible fasteners other than shoulder bolts are possible,
including hex head bolts, screw, nails, specially fabricated
fasteners, etc. Likewise, one of ordinary skill in the art, having
the benefit of the present disclosure will recognize that several
possible geometries of keyhole openings (in addition to the
conventional shape illustrated in FIG. 1) are possible for
accepting a wide range of possible fasteners.
[0022] In operation, a mating feature, or fastener, is coupled to a
device, such as a video display device. Part of the mating feature
is then inserted into the entry portion 122 of the keyhole opening
120. The mating feature is moved from the entry portion 122 into
the capture portion 124, where it is held to provide a level of
mounting stability.
[0023] An opening 114 is included in the mounting frame 110 of FIG.
1A to permit access to a tab 132. In one embodiment, the tab 132 is
coupled to a retaining device 130 that is discussed in more detail
below.
[0024] FIG. 1B shows a back side of the mounting system 100. The
retaining device 130 is shown, including a number of retaining
features 140. In one embodiment, the retaining features 140 include
an entry portion 142 and a capture portion 144. In one embodiment,
the retaining features include an "L" shaped slot. As shown in FIG.
1B, the tab 132 is available to actuate the retaining device in a
range of motion. In one embodiment, the retaining device 130
includes a retaining bar. In selected retaining bar embodiments, at
least one distal end of the retaining device 130 protrudes from one
or more sides of the mounting frame 110. In such embodiments, the
distal ends of the retaining device are available, in addition or
instead of the tab 132, to actuate the retaining device in its
range of motion.
[0025] Although a retaining bar embodiment is shown in FIG. 1B with
a sliding linear range of motion, other retaining devices are
within the scope of the invention. Other geometries of retaining
devices are possible, as well as other ranges of motion such as
rotational, or motion through a linkage, etc. Using a bar
configuration of a retaining device and a linear range of motion as
shown in FIG. 1B, the mounting system 100 is reduced in complexity,
and manufacturing costs are low.
[0026] FIG. 1C shows a close up view of one embodiment of a
mounting system 100. a mating feature 150 such as a shoulder bolt
or other fastener is shown located within the capture portion 124
of the keyhole opening 120. In the device state illustrated in FIG.
1C, the mating feature 150 is allowed to enter the entry portion
122 of the keyhole opening 120 as well as the entry portion 142 of
the retaining feature 140. In operation, the retaining device 130
is then selectively actuated by moving the retaining device 130 in
the range of motion 146. When the mating feature 150 is located
within the capture portion 144, the mating feature is securely
retained within the mounting system 100, and cannot be removed
without actuating the retaining device 130 to an open position in
the range of motion.
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section view of a mounting system
200 according to selected embodiments as described above. A device
160 such as a flat panel display is shown with the mating feature
150 coupled to the device 160. The mounting frame 110 is shown
coupled to a solid structure 170 in a wall such as a framing stud.
A pair of fasteners 116 are shown coupling to the solid structure
170 through a surface cladding 172 such as drywall. As can be seen
from FIG. 2 in cross section, a recess is formed in the mounting
frame 110 to guide the retaining device 130.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a mounting system 300
similar to embodiments detailed above. A mounting frame 310 is
shown with a number of keyhole openings 320. A retaining bar 330 is
shown with a distal end protruding from an end of the mounting
frame 310. The system 300 in FIG. 3 further shows a device 360
having a first side 362 and an opposing second side 364. In one
embodiment, a first locking device 340 is coupled to the retaining
bar 330 to selectively lock the retaining bar in a position within
a range of motion. The first locking device in FIG. 3 includes a
first length of flexible material 342 and a first grasping
mechanism 344 such as a cord lock device. In one embodiment, the
first length of flexible material includes a cord material such as
nylon. Other flexible materials are also within the scope of the
invention.
[0029] Although one embodiment of the first locking device 340 is
shown, other configurations are within the scope of the invention
that do not necessarily include elements shown in FIG. 3. For
example, a rigid member such as a length of metal is attached to
the retaining bar 330 in one embodiment that extends past the first
side 362 of the device 360. In another embodiment, the retaining
bar 330 itself extends past the first side 362 of the device 360.
The portion of a selected element that extends past the first side
362 of the device is available for grasping as described below. One
advantage of embodiments using the first length of flexible
material 342 includes the ability to accommodate several sizes and
shapes of devices 360 using inexpensive material such as nylon
cord.
[0030] In one method of operation, the first length of flexible
material 342 is extended past the first side 362 of the device 360,
and the grasping mechanism 344 is butted against the first side 362
of the device 360 while holding the first length of flexible
material 342 taught. In this way, tension is placed on the
retaining bar 330, preventing unwanted movement of the retaining
bar from a closed position in the range of motion. The retaining
bar 330 is selectively locked in position using the grasping
mechanism 344, and actuation of the grasping mechanism 344 allows
the user to hold or release the locking device 340.
[0031] In one embodiment, a second locking device 350 is included.
In an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the second locking device
350 includes a second length of flexible material 352 and a second
grasping mechanism 354 similar to the first locking device 340.
Both the first and second locking devices 340 and 350 can be
actuated to alternatively lock or unlock the retaining bar 330 or
to further prevent unwanted motion of the retaining bar 330 in the
range of motion. The use of multiple locking devices has a further
advantage of reducing vibration noise of movable elements such as
the retaining bar 330.
[0032] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a mounting system 400 similar
to embodiments detailed above. A mounting frame 410 is shown with a
number of keyhole openings 420. A retaining bar 430 is shown with a
distal end protruding from an end of the mounting frame 410. The
system 400 in FIG. 4 further shows a device 460 having a side 462.
A locking device 440 is shown including a connecting length 442 and
a grasping mechanism 444. In one embodiment, the grasping mechanism
444 includes a keyed lock cylinder 446 with internal workings (not
shown) to selectively engage the connecting length 442.
[0033] In operation, the grasping mechanism 444 is butted against
the side 462 of the device 460 and the keyed lock cylinder is
actuated. Thus by locking a range of motion 448 of the grasping
device 444, the retaining bar 430 is locked in its range of motion,
prohibiting removal of the device 460 from its mounted location.
One advantage of the configuration shown in FIG. 4, includes theft
deterrent of the device 460.
[0034] Although configurations described above illustrate vertical
mounting, such as on a wall, it is noted that mounting on inclined
surfaces with a device tilting upward or downward are also
possible. Further, configurations described above are also useful
in mounting to a ceiling surface, or steep incline. In one
embodiment using a ceiling mount, multiple mounting strips as
described above are used.
[0035] FIGS. 5A-5D show components of an embodiment of another
mounting system. One embodiment of a first mounting frame 510 is
shown in FIG. 5A. The first mounting frame 510 includes a number of
securing features 512 and a number of receptacles 514. In one
embodiment the first mounting frame 510 is adapted to secure to a
vertical surface such as a wall. FIG. 5B shows a second mounting
frame 520. The second mounting frame 520 includes a number of
securing features 522. The second mounting frame 520 further
includes a number of mating features 524 adapted to engage the
number of receptacles 514. In one embodiment, the second mounting
frame 520 further includes a number of retaining features 526. In
one embodiment the second mounting frame 520 is adapted to secure
to a device such as a display screen. Although the first mounting
frame 510 is described as mounting to a surface, and the second
mounting frame 520 is described as mounting to a device, this
configuration can be reversed in other embodiments.
[0036] FIG. 5C shows one embodiment of a retaining bar 530. In one
embodiment, the retaining bar includes a number of retaining
features 532. The retaining features include an entry portion 534
and a capture portion 536. In one embodiment, the retaining
features include slots arranged in substantially an "L" shape as
shown in FIG. 5C. One of ordinary skill in the art, having the
benefit of the present disclosure, will recognize that retaining
features other than slots such as alternate geometry portions,
levers, linkages, cams, etc. are also within the scope of the
invention.
[0037] FIG. 5D shows one embodiment of a mounting system 550
utilizing components from FIGS. 5A-5C. FIG. 6A shows a further
embodiment of a video display mounting system 600 according to an
embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the video display
mounting system 600 includes components as described in FIGS.
5A-5D. A video display 610 is shown adapted for coupling to the
second mounting frame 520 using fastener 612. The first mounting
frame 510 is shown adapted for coupling to a wall or other surface
620 using fastener 622. FIG. 6B shows the video display 610 in a
mounted state as shown from a side view. An entry portion 516 of
the receptacle 514 is shown, as well as a capture portion 518. In
one embodiment, a locking device similar to embodiments described
above is further used in conjunction with configurations described
in FIGS. 6A and 6B.
[0038] In one method of operation, the number of mating features
524 are placed in the number of receptacles 514 through the entry
portion 516, and into the capture portion 518. The retaining bar
530 is then selectively actuated to move the capture portion 536 of
the retaining feature 532 into engagement with the retaining
feature 526. When the video device 610 is to be removed, the
retaining bar 530 is selectively actuated in the opposite
direction.
[0039] FIG. 7A shows a mounting system 700 according to another
embodiment of the invention. The mounting system 700 includes a
mounting frame 710 having a number of securing features 712. In one
embodiment, a tray 716 is further included. In one embodiment, the
tray 716 is located over a number of keyhole openings 722 similar
to embodiments described above. In one embodiment, a number of
cutouts 720 are formed in the tray 716, located over the keyhole
openings. In one embodiment, the tray 716 is integrally formed with
the mounting frame 710, although the invention is not so limited.
Methods of integral forming include, but are not limited to,
extruding, drawing, casting, forging, etc.
[0040] A retaining device 730 is further shown in FIG. 7A. In one
embodiment the retaining device 730 includes a retaining bar. FIG.
7B shows the retaining device 730 from FIG. 7A along with related
components. A number of retaining features 740 are shown in the
retaining device 730. In one embodiment, the retaining features 740
include an entry portion 742 and a capture portion 744. In one
embodiment, the entry portion 742 and the capture portion 744
includes slots arranged substantially in an "L" shape. In one
embodiment, a guide slot 760 is further included along with a guide
fastener 762. In one method of operation, the guide slot 760
directs, and limits a range of motion 746 of the retaining device
730 with respect to the mounting frame 710. In one embodiment, the
guide fastener 762 includes a bolt with a portion that rides within
the guide slot 760.
[0041] In operation, a mating feature 750 such as a shoulder bolt
is inserted into a keyhole opening 722 in a manner similar to
embodiments described above. The mating feature will typically be
secured to a back surface of a device such as a video display
device. In one embodiment, the mating feature 750 passes through an
entry portion and into a capture portion of the keyhole opening
722. Concurrently, the mating feature 750 passes through the entry
portion 742 of the retaining feature 740 on the retaining device
730. If retaining of the mating feature 750 is desired, the
retaining device is actuated in the range of motion 746 to bring
the capture portion 744 of the retaining feature 740 over the
mating feature 750. In one embodiment a locking device similar to
those shown in embodiments above is further included in the
mounting system 700. The locking device prevents unwanted movement
of the retaining device for reasons such as vibration, bumping,
etc.
[0042] A side view of an embodiment of the mounting system 700 is
shown in FIG. 7C. A number of fasteners 714 are further shown in
FIG. 7C for attachment to a wall or other mounting surface. One of
ordinary skill in the art, having the benefit of the present
disclosure will recognize that several fastener options are
possible in addition to the screw 714 shown in FIG. 7C. For
example, fasteners include, but are not limited to screws, bolts,
nails, tape, adhesives, etc.
[0043] The tray 716 is shown in profile in FIG. 7C. In one
embodiment, the tray 716 includes a lip portion 718. In one method
of operation, the mating feature 750 such as a shoulder bolt is
coupled to a backside of a device such as a video display device.
It is frequently difficult to properly align the mating feature 750
with the keyhole opening 722 during mounting because the device is
in the way as it approaches the wall or other surface. One
advantage of the tray 716 includes the ability to rest the mating
feature 750 on the tray 716 in any lateral position, not
necessarily over the keyhole opening 722. By sliding the mating
feature along the tray 716, the mating feature will eventually drop
through the cutout 720 in the tray and thus align with the keyhole
opening 722. This permits a user to mount a device to the mounting
system 700 without seeing the keyhole opening 722 during
mounting.
[0044] In one embodiment, the cutout 720 is shaped with a taper
that further guides the mating feature 750 into the keyhole opening
722. In selected embodiments, the lip portion 718 further aids in
holding the mating feature 750 within the tray 716 while laterally
sliding the mating feature along the tray 716 to locate the keyhole
opening 722.
[0045] Although the use of the tray 716 for mounting is described
above as a vertical wall mounting configuration, as previously
mentioned, the invention is not so limited. The tray 716 also
functions to help alignment of the mating feature 750 in
configurations such as on an incline, or on a ceiling, etc.
CONCLUSION
[0046] Using embodiments described above, a number of advantages
are realized. One advantage includes a mounting system with a tray
to help align a mating feature with a keyhole opening. Another
advantage includes a mounting system with a retaining device to
hold a mating feature within the mounting system for added
security. Another advantage includes a mounting system with a
locking device to prohibit unwanted motion of the retaining device
and theft protection.
[0047] Although selected advantages are detailed above, the list is
not intended to be exhaustive. Although specific embodiments have
been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by
those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement which is
calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the
specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover
any adaptations or variations of the present invention. It is to be
understood that the above description is intended to be
illustrative, and not restrictive. Combinations of the above
embodiments, and other embodiments will be apparent to those of
skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of
the invention includes any other applications in which the above
structures and fabrication methods are used.
* * * * *