U.S. patent application number 11/317585 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-24 for mount and leveling system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Premier Mounts. Invention is credited to Michael F. Bouissiere, Leonard B. Dozier.
Application Number | 20060186301 11/317585 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36911680 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060186301 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dozier; Leonard B. ; et
al. |
August 24, 2006 |
Mount and leveling system
Abstract
The present invention involves a projector mount and leveling
system for securely connecting and aligning a working unit, such as
a projector, to the ceiling of a room. The present invention has a
ceiling component with upper and lower sections, the upper section
of the ceiling component attaches to a mounting surface, typically
the mounting surface is a ceiling, a mounting bracket connects to
the lower section of the ceiling component; a plurality of offset
articulated legs, each offset articulated leg having a proximal
end, and a distal end with a threaded leveling barrel opening; and
threaded leveling barrels, wherein the offset articulated legs
connect to the mounting bracket at the proximal end, and the offset
articulated legs connect at the distal ends to a projector with the
threaded leveling barrels.
Inventors: |
Dozier; Leonard B.; (Yorba
Linda, CA) ; Bouissiere; Michael F.; (Yorba Linda,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALTERA LAW GROUP, LLC
6500 CITY WEST PARKWAY
SUITE 100
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55344-7704
US
|
Assignee: |
Premier Mounts
|
Family ID: |
36911680 |
Appl. No.: |
11/317585 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60639284 |
Dec 27, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/371 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 11/24 20130101;
F16M 11/12 20130101; F16M 13/02 20130101; F16M 13/027 20130101;
G03B 21/54 20130101; Y10T 29/49947 20150115; F16M 11/043
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/371 |
International
Class: |
A47G 29/00 20060101
A47G029/00 |
Claims
1. A mounting and leveling system connecting equipment to a
mounting surface, comprising: a) a component having upper and lower
sections; b) the upper section of the component connecting to the
mounting surface; c) a plurality of jointed articulated leg units
each having a proximal and distal ends, each unit including at
least two leg elements pivotally joined end-to-end; said units
being joined to said component at their proximal end and to said
equipment at said distal end; to provide an articulatable
connection between the equipment and said mounting bracket.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said distal end of said leg units
including an aperture; and a) a plurality of threaded leveling
barrels having a top orifice, a bottom orifice, and a hollow center
orifice, the threaded leveling barrel threads into aperture in said
leg units; and b) an adjustment screw having a screw head sized to
fit inside the hollow center orifice of the threaded leveling
barrels, the screw connecting the threaded leveling barrels to the
projector; so that the equipment can be leveled as desired.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the leveling barrels include a
side orifice therethrough sized to permit insertion of a turning
tool.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said leg elements
includes first and second end portions, being in substantially
parallel but offset planes; so that when said elements are joined
and pivoted relative to each other as a unit, each element will
have 360 degree freedom of rotation.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein each of each of said leg elements
includes first and second end portions, the ends of each element
being in substantially parallel but offset planes; so that when
said elements are joined and pivoted relative to each other as a
unit, each element will have 360 degree freedom of rotation.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said leg elements
includes first and second end portions, and a link portion
therebetween, said link portion connecting said end portions
diagonally to create an offset between the planes in which the end
portions reside; so that when said elements are joined and pivoted
relative to each other as a unit, each element will have 360 degree
freedom of rotation.
7. A mounting and leveling system connecting a audio/visual
equipment to a mounting surface, comprising: a) a ceiling component
having upper and lower sections; b) the upper section of the
ceiling component connecting to the mounting surface; c) a mounting
bracket having top and bottom portions; d) the lower section of the
ceiling assembly connecting to the top portion of the mounting
bracket; and e) a plurality of offset articulated leg units, each
offset articulated leg having a proximal end and a distal end, the
offset articulated leg units connecting at the proximal end to the
mounting bracket, and connecting at the distal ends to a
projector.
8. A mounting and leveling kit for connecting equipment to a
mounting surface, comprising: a) a mounting bracket having upper
and lower sections; b) the upper section of the bracket connecting
to the mounting surface; c) a plurality of mounting legs having a
proximal end and a distal end with a threaded leveling barrel
opening, the proximal end being connected to the mounting bracket;
d) a threaded leveling barrel having a top orifice, a bottom
orifice, and a hollow center orifice, the threaded leveling barrel
threads into the threaded leveling barrel opening of the jointed
articulated legs; and e) a plurality of screws having screw heads
sized to fit inside the hollow center orifice and snuggly against
the bottom orifice of the threaded leveling barrels, the screws
securely connect the threaded leveling barrels to the
equipment.
9. A method of attaching disparate equipment to a mounting surface,
the equipment having a unpredictably spaced mounting anchor points
thereon, using a comprising the steps, in any order, of: a)
mounting a bracket on the mounting surface, b) identifying the
anchor points on the equipment capable of supporting same from the
bracket; c) in any order; linking the anchor points and the bracket
with a plurality multi-segment articulatable arms by fixing one end
of the arms on the equipment, adjusting the articulation of the
arms so that the arms are attachable to the bracket.
10. The method of claim 9 further including the step of leveling
the equipment by providing adjustment between each anchor point and
the link arms, so that the equipment can be leveled without
adjusting the orientation of the bracket.
11. The method of claim 10 further including the step of providing
an adjustment capability within the anchorage.
12. The method of claim 11 further including the step of adjusting
the anchorage to the equipment by turning an outer threaded
element, and adjusting the level by turning a threaded element
within said outer element.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] This invention relates to a mounting system for attaching
equipment such as audio/visual equipment, projectors, etc. to a
fixed support for a potentially heavy unit. Typically, it is
concerned with a mounting unit whereby, for example, a projector
can be readily mounted to a ceiling, floor or wall, and function in
a required way with a pre-determined alignment on a variety of
different projector models. While a typical heavy unit is a video
or data projector, the invention is not limited to a mounting unit
for such a projector.
[0005] 2. Background
[0006] For the purposes of projecting a video recording or data,
there are advantages to having a projector mounted well above the
head height of a standing viewer. Typically in a hotel, conference
center or viewing room a mounting bracket at a relatively high
locations provides for a projector attached to it to display on a
screen without the projected image being interrupted by the passage
of a late arrival. However the provision of a high mounting bracket
can cause access and alignment problems when a projector is mounted
by means of a single bracket. In addition, a proper alignment
system should allow for the ready alignment of an attached
projector. The system should also provide for ready mounting and
dismounting of the projector when the projector is not used for a
period of time. This permits the projector to be readily removed
from the mounting system, and stored in a secure environment. It
also provides for easy off site maintenance.
[0007] Another problem in equipment installation to a mounting
point is that various forms and brands of equipment having a
unpredictably spaced mounting anchor points thereon, it is
necessary to be able to adjust for the unpredictability.
[0008] There are two basic methods for installing a projector. The
first method is a shelf mount. The shelf mount suspends a shell on
which the projector sits from the ceiling. In this method, a user
places the projector on the ceiling, and provides easy access to
remove or replace the projector just unhook cables and lift the
unit out of the shelf). This method is necessary for projectors
without mounting connectors or models that can't invert their
signal. However, this method is bulky requiring more space, more
installation time, and provides a less professional look than the
preferred column mount method.
[0009] The second method uses a plate or column mount to secure the
projector. In this method, the mounting hardware attaches to secure
points in the ceiling and to mounting holes underneath the
projector chassis. The typical process for installing column or
plate mounts is similar: connect the mounting hardware to the
ceiling; connect the projector to a bracket, except in one-piece
mounts where the mounting hardware and bracket are a single unit,
and then connect the bracket to the ceiling mount. The projector
can then be suspended upside down, and the control buttons of the
projector are accessible from beneath by connecting the ceiling
hardware with the bracket on the projector.
[0010] Many projector manufacturers recommend using a
manufacturer-specific mounting kit for installation of the
projector on the ceiling. However, a major disadvantage of using
the manufacturer-specific mounting kit is that the user cannot
readily interchange the projector with different manufacturer
models of projectors, and stocking so may parts becomes
prohibitive. If a user has more than one projector, or wants to
replace or add a different model projector as a backup or in
another location, the manufacturer specific mounting kits can be
inconvenient and more expensive.
[0011] In response to a need for interchangeability for a variety
of projectors, several manufacturers now offer units or systems
that can be compatible with a variety of projectors. These systems
typically use brackets with fixed arms or pins or require
additional components to change projectors. A problem with fixed
arm mounting systems is that the units must align perfectly with
the projector. This feature limits the range of motion for securing
a projector, and eliminates certain projectors that cannot align
with the unit. A problem with using additional model specific
parts, depending on the projector model, is the part must also be
available and accessible for the user to reinstall the
projector.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 6,708,940 to Ligertwood, hereby incorporated
by reference hereto, is an example of a projector mount using a
column system requiring additional model specific parts. The
projector mount shown in the Ligertwood patent requires different
mounting plates to mount different models of projectors. This
system increases the number of projectors that can be mounted,
however, it suffers from at least two problems.
[0013] The first problem is the user must have the complementary
mounting plate for its particular model of projector to use the
system. The need for model specific mounting plates means
additional cost depending on the number of projector models that
need to be accommodated by the projector mount. For each different
or new model projector, a new mounting plate can be required to use
the mounting system. When more than one model of projector is in
use, this can be expensive and inconvenient.
[0014] A second problem is many users require the mounting system
provide easy and quick interchangeability with different
projectors. In a typical meeting or presentation setting, when a
projector malfunctions, the user is under time pressure to complete
the presentation. If a second functional projector is available,
and is the same or similar projector, then the user can complete
the change. However, if not, then the user must locate and
reinstall a complementary mount (assuming one is available) to
secure the projector. The can be a major problem. At the least,
this can cause serious inconvenience for the user.
[0015] Accordingly a need exists for an economical projector mount
that can easily secure a variety of different projectors without
using separate mounting plates or other additional equipment. This
projector mount system should also facilitate the exchange of
different projectors using the same basic equipment, and at the
same time be able to effectively secure and align the
projector.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0016] To assist the reader in preparing to digest the detailed
description and claims below, a short summary has been provided. It
is far from complete and only provides a glimpse of the invention
concepts. It is not intended to define the scope of the invention.
The claims perform that function.
[0017] The present invention satisfies those needs. The present
invention has a mounting unit for securely connecting and aligning
a working unit, such as a projector, to the ceiling of a room, and
provides an easy exchange of the same and different projector
models. The present invention is a mounting and leveling system
connecting the projector to a mounting surface such as a ceiling or
a wall.
[0018] An embodiment of the present invention includes: a ceiling
component with upper and lower sections, the upper section of the
ceiling component attaches to the mounting surface; a mounting
bracket connects to the lower section of the ceiling component; a
plurality of jointed articulated legs, each jointed articulated leg
having a proximal end, and a distal end having a threaded leveling
barrel opening, the proximal end of the jointed articulated legs
connects to the mounting bracket; a plurality of threaded leveling
barrels having a top orifice, a bottom orifice, and a hollow center
orifice, the threaded leveling barrel threads into the threaded
leveling barrel opening of the jointed articulated legs; a screw
having a screw head sized to fit inside the hollow center orifice
of the threaded leveling barrels, and the screw inside the hollow
center orifice connects the threaded leveling barrels to the
projector.
[0019] A ceiling component can be attached to a mounting surface
such as a ceiling, a vertical surface such as a wall, and even to
an angled surface, and the term is not intended to be limited to
ceilings. A ceiling component can include a ceiling assembly having
upper and lower sections, and an extendable and retractable middle
(or column) section; or a ceiling assembly having upper and lower
sections but lacking an extendable and retractable middle (or
column) section.
[0020] An embodiment of the invention has: a ceiling component
having upper and lower sections; the upper section of the ceiling
component attaches to the mounting surface; a mounting bracket
having top and bottom portions; the lower section of the ceiling
assembly connects to the top portion of the mounting bracket; a
plurality of offset articulated legs, each offset articulated leg
having a proximal end and a distal end, the offset articulated legs
connects at the proximal end to the mounting bracket, and connects
at the distal ends to a projector.
[0021] Another embodiment of the invention has a ceiling assembly
with upper and lower sections, the upper section of the ceiling
assembly attaches to the ceiling of a room, a mounting bracket
having top and bottom portions, the lower section of the ceiling
assembly connects to the top portion of the mounting bracket; a
plurality of offset articulated legs, each offset articulated leg
having a proximal end and a distal end with a threaded leveling
barrel opening; and threaded leveling barrels having a top orifice,
a bottom orifice, side orifices, and a hollow center orifice,
wherein the offset articulated legs connect to the mounting bracket
at the proximal end, and the offset articulated legs connect at the
distal ends to a projector with a screw head that fits inside the
hollow center orifice of the threaded leveling barrels.
[0022] Another embodiment of the invention is a mounting bracket
having top and bottom portions that connects to a lower section of
a ceiling assembly, and a plurality of jointed articulated legs,
each leg having a proximal end and a distal end with a threaded
leveling barrel opening; and threaded leveling barrels, wherein the
jointed articulated legs connect to the mounting bracket at the
proximal end, and the jointed articulated legs connect at the
distal ends to a projector with the threaded leveling barrels.
[0023] Another embodiment of the invention is a mounting bracket
having top and bottom portions that connects to a lower section of
a ceiling assembly, and a plurality of offset articulated legs,
each offset articulated leg having a proximal end and a distal end
with a threaded leveling barrel opening; and threaded leveling
barrels having a top orifice, a bottom orifice, side orifices, and
a hollow center orifice, wherein the articulated legs connect to
the mounting bracket at the proximal end, and the articulated legs
connect at the distal ends to a projector with a screw head that
fits completely inside the hollow center orifice of the threaded
leveling barrels.
[0024] An embodiment of the present invention also include a
mounting and leveling kit for connecting a projector to a mounting
surface. An embodiment of kit according to the invention includes:
a ceiling component having upper and lower sections; the upper
section of the ceiling component connects to the mounting surface;
a mounting bracket having top and bottom portions; the lower
section of the ceiling component connects to the top portion of the
mounting bracket; a plurality of offset articulated legs, each
offset articulated leg having a proximal end and a distal end with
a threaded leveling barrel opening; threaded leveling barrels
having a top orifice, a bottom orifice, and a hollow center
orifice, the threaded leveling barrels thread into the threaded
leveling barrel openings of the offset articulated legs; a
plurality of different size screws having screw heads with the same
size and shape depression in each screw head, the screw heads sized
to fit inside the hollow center orifice and snuggly against the
bottom orifice of the threaded leveling barrels, at least one size
screw from the plurality of screws securely connects the threaded
leveling barrels to the projector.
[0025] As mentioned above, there are many more features and
embodiments. Reference should be had now to the detailed
description and claims which follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] An exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings of a mounting
bracket for a projector of which:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the present invention
in position for mounting a projector;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket according
to the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a ceiling assembly according
to the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a side view of the ceiling assembly securely
connected to the mounting bracket, and articulated legs of the
present invention;
[0031] FIG. 5 is the side view shown from FIG. 4 with the addition
of dimensions (shown in inches and (mm)) on the drawing;
[0032] FIG. 6 is an exposed top plan view showing the upper section
of the ceiling assembly attached to the top portion of the mounting
bracket and the mounting bracket connected to a plurality of
articulated legs.
[0033] FIG. 7 is the bottom plan view from FIG. 6 with the addition
of dimensions (shown in inches and (mm)) on the drawing;
[0034] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a ceiling/wall assembly.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of FIG. 8 with the middle
column removed, and in the process of attachment to the
ceiling.
[0036] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket,
separate legs of the articulated legs, and a side view of a
threaded leveling barrel.
[0037] FIG. 11 is a side plan view of the separate legs of the
articulated legs.
[0038] FIG. 12 shows cross sections of a threaded leveling barrel.
and
[0039] FIG. 13 is a schematic side plan view of a mounting bracket
connected to a projector.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] The following discussion describes embodiments of the
invention and several variations of these embodiments. This
discussion should not be constructed, however, as limiting the
invention to these particular embodiments. Practitioners skilled in
the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well.
[0041] The mounting unit of the present invention preferably has
jointed articulated legs with a range of motion enabling a user to
adjust the legs to each projector's different layout. The jointed
articulated legs can detach into at least two leg portions, such as
a proximal leg and a distal leg. The jointed articulated legs can
be connected to each other to be parallel or offset vertically at
an angle around a pivot point. All of the drawings show the jointed
articulated legs of the invention as offset articulated legs.
However, a jointed articulated leg can be connected as
substantially parallel in embodiments of the invention.
[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the jointed articulated legs are
offset vertically (i.e. spaced apart in different planes by spacers
or that each of ends are in different planes because the connection
portion between the ends is offset from each end) so as to allow
each leg 360.degree. of rotation, and are referred to as offset
articulated legs. The user connects the mounting bracket to the
projector; installs the ceiling component on the ceiling; and then
connects the two. A system of thumbscrews, pins, or notches can be
used to connect the mounting bracket to the ceiling component, and
that makes it easier to adjust or remove the projector. The user
can also bolt or screw the two parts together. Either method is
fine, as long as the mounting unit supports the projector's weight
and the user carefully connects them to be secure.
[0043] The figures show in whole or in part a mounting unit 10 for
attaching a projector 1 (shown in FIG. 1) to a mounting surface
which can be horizontal or at some angle intermediate the
horizontal and vertical. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the
present invention in position for mounting a projector. The
mounting unit 10 includes: a ceiling mounting plate 28 on the upper
section 14 of the ceiling assembly 12, whereby the unit can be
attached to a mounting surface, such as a horizontal ceiling (not
shown), in vertical (not shown), and at an angle (not shown). The
middle section 18 of the ceiling assembly 12 can be constructed to
pivot or move as necessary for mounting in horizontal, vertical,
and at an angle positions.
[0044] An easy method for installation of a mounting bracket unit
10 of the present invention involves the following basic steps:
securely attaching the upper section 14 of the ceiling assembly 12
to the mounting surface, such as a ceiling; securely connecting a
bracket 20 with jointed articulated legs 30 and threaded leveling
barrels 40 to a projector; and then securely connecting the
mounting bracket 20 with the jointed articulated legs 30 holding
the projector to the lower section of the mounting unit 10.
[0045] FIG. 1, and FIGS. 3-FIG. 5 show a ceiling assembly 12 having
upper 14 and lower 16 sections, and an extendable and retractable
middle (or column) section 18 as the ceiling component. FIG. 3 is a
perspective view of a ceiling assembly 12 according to the present
invention. FIG. 4 is a side view of the ceiling assembly 12
securely connected to the mounting bracket 20, and jointed
articulated legs 30 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a drawing
of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4 except with
dimensions described therein.
[0046] In FIG. 1, and FIGS. 3-5, the ceiling assembly 12 has an
extendable and retractable middle section 18 that goes up or down.
The upper section 14 of the ceiling assembly 12 attaches to a
ceiling in this orientation. The lower section of the ceiling
assembly 12 connects to a top portion 22 of a mounting bracket 20
having a top portion 22 and a bottom portion (not shown). The
mounting bracket 20 connects to a plurality of jointed articulated
legs 30. See FIG. 2, and FIGS. 4-6.
[0047] FIG. 6 is an exposed top plan view showing the upper section
14 of the ceiling assembly 12 attached to the top portion 22 of the
mounting bracket 20, and the mounting bracket 20 connected to a
plurality of jointed articulated legs 30. FIG. 7 is a drawing of
the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 6 with particular
dimensions described therein.
[0048] In FIG. 1, the mounting bracket 20 has a female lock opening
26 that connects to a reciprocal male lock structure (not shown)
located beneath the lower section of the ceiling assembly 12. Using
this example, the user can easily secure the projector to the lower
section 16 of the ceiling assembly 12 by mating the male lock
structure (not shown). This locking configuration also permits the
user to easily detach the projector with mounting bracket when
necessary.
[0049] In this structure, the user loosens three knurl knobs 38 to
expose fully the male lock structure (not shown) in the lower
section 16 of the ceiling assembly 12. The user carefully lifts the
projector and inserts the male tri-lock structure into the female
lock opening 26 of the mounting bracket 20 to engage (or mate) the
male lock structure in the female lock opening, and start the
locking action. Once mated, the user then rotates the projector and
mounting bracket about 180.degree., and tightens the three knurl
knobs 38 until the mount becomes rigid. See FIG. 1.
[0050] In this embodiment, three knurl knobs are shown, however,
other means of secure attachments are possible. Moreover, the
number of knurl knobs is only limited by their ability to securely
lock the structure holding the projector, and can include any
number that accomplishes that function.
[0051] In this embodiment, the above male lock structure and female
lock opening is an example of one of a variety of connections for
connecting the mounting bracket with the projector to the lower
section of a ceiling assembly. Other connections that can securely
join the above components, and allow for detachability are within
the scope of the present invention.
[0052] FIG. 8 is a perspective view that shows the disassembly of a
ceiling assembly 112 into an upper section 114, a middle section
118, and a lower section 116. In FIG. 8, removal of the middle
section 118 of the ceiling assembly 112 creates a more compact
connection to the ceiling or wall surface. FIG. 8 is an exploded
view that shows a ceiling assembly 112 having upper 114 and lower
sections 116 before the extendable and retractable middle (or
column) section 118 has been removed from the ceiling assembly 112.
In FIG. 8, the ceiling assembly 112 (with the middle section
removed) connects to the ceiling 111 with the ceiling plate 128 in
a compact profile when needed, and the jointed articulated legs 30
(not shown in this figure) function in the same manner connecting
the mounting bracket 20 (not shown in this figure) and the
projector 1 (not shown in this figure) as previously described.
[0053] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket 20
connected to four jointed articulated legs 30 according to the
present invention. The jointed articulated legs 30 of the present
invention offer a wide range of motion. The proximal end 36 of the
jointed articulated legs 30 are connected to the mounting bracket
20. The jointed articulated legs include at least a pair (thought
they could be 2 or more) separate leg elements, rotatably joined
together end to end to form leg units (leg units and legs are terms
used interchangeably in this document). Each leg element has a
first and second end and are joined end-to-end. In the preferred
embodiment they are have apertures at their ends and are joined
together by pivots 32, such as bolts or rivets or similar. The
proximal end 36 of the jointed articulated legs can slide within
the slots 24 of the mounting bracket 20 to permit adjustments for
mounting and aligning, and can be secured in place as needed for
securing the projector. The jointed articulated legs 30 pivot
around pivot points 32, and securely connect at the distal ends 34
to the base of the projector 1. See FIG. 1.
[0054] In FIG. 1, the jointed articulated legs are connected with
screws 31, however, as mentioned, other methods of attachment are
possible and encompassed by the invention. The proximal end 36 of
the jointed articulated legs 30 can be connected by a system of
thumbscrews, pins, or notches making it easier to adjust or remove
the projector. The user can also bolt or screw the two parts
together. While four jointed articulated legs 30 are shown as a
preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of jointed
articulated legs are possible, such as two, three, and five legs,
consistent with the scope of the invention.
[0055] The jointed articulated legs 30 of the invention allow
routing of the legs 30 around critical ventilation screens on the
base of the projector 1. In FIG. 1, ventilation screen 33 is shown,
and the jointed articulated legs 30 are positioned (above for
placement) around the ventilation screen 33. Thus, in addition, to
securely connecting different projectors, the jointed articulated
legs 30 of the invention can accommodate the flow of ventilation by
avoiding blockage of all or most of the ventilation screens 33 on
the projector 1.
[0056] FIG. 10 shows a mounting bracket 200, a offset articulated
leg 330 disconnected into two separate legs, a proximal end leg,
330a and a distal end leg 330b having a threaded leveling barrel
opening 342, and a threaded leveling barrel 340 of the invention.
The proximal and distal legs 330a and 330b can be used in
combination with the offset articulated legs 330 in securing the
projector 1. This permits greater functionality of the legs.
[0057] FIG. 11 shows side plan views of the proximal end leg, 330a
and distal end leg 330b of a pair of offset articulated legs 330
having a threaded leveling barrel opening 342 (not shown). As shown
in the side plan view, the proximal end leg 330a and distal end leg
330b are offset or at an angle and not in the same plane. In a
preferred embodiment of the invention, the jointed articulated legs
have planar end portions which may be in parallel but not identical
planes, and a diagonal link portion between the ends which connects
the ends. The offset feature of the offset articulated legs allows
for a greater range of motion than legs that are substantially
parallel to each other. For example, the range of motion of the
distal end leg is about 360.degree.. This allows the user to
connect to the projector in a variety of different configurations,
such as in avoiding ventilation screens.
[0058] In a preferred embodiment (not shown), the user can employ 1
or more single distal legs 30b with articulated legs 30, and still
use the threaded leveling barrels 40. The purpose of the threaded
leveling barrels for aligning the projector and mount is described
below
[0059] In FIG. 12, the threaded leveling barrel 240 is shown in
side views and dissected along lines 12b-12b and 12a-12a to provide
two cross section views. The threaded leveling barrel 240 has
thread on the outside that is complementary to the threaded
leveling barrel opening 342 on the distal end 334 of the offset
articulated leg 330 (not shown in this figure). See FIG. 1. The
threaded leveling barrel 240 can be adjusted up or down within the
threaded leveling barrel openings 342 (not shown).
[0060] In FIG. 12, the threaded leveling barrels 240 have a top
orifice 244, a bottom orifice 246, a hollow center orifice 248
wherein the mounting screw is inserted, and side (or radial)
orifices 250. Side orifices are intended for a tool, such as a bar
to pass therethrough and permit twisting thereof. Remember, that
these outer threaded elements (barrels) 240 have no "head" for
turning because they are hollowed out to permit the inner fastener
(see S4-6 in FIG. 5) to be accesses for tightening. The top orifice
244 must be large enough to permit a screw 31 (not shown in this
figure) having a screw head 245 (not shown in this figure), such as
a Phillips head screw, to be placed in the threaded leveling barrel
40, the screw head 245 should drop to the bottom orifice 246. The
bottom orifice 246 of the threaded leveling barrel 240 must be
smaller than the head diameter of the screw so the screw head fits
within the hollow center orifice, and the screw falls to the bottom
orifice 246.
[0061] The body (or screw portion) of the screw should protrude out
the bottom orifice 244 (not shown in this figure), and allow the
user to securely connect the threaded leveling barrels 240 to the
projector to the by tightening the screws 31 inside the hollow
center orifice. The side orifices 250 of the threaded leveling
barrels 240 should be wide enough to permit a tool (not shown in
this figure), such as a wrench or bar, if needed, to fit through
the side orifices 250, and the user can adjust or align the
projector, and then the internal screw can be tightened
[0062] In FIG. 5 is shown a preferred embodiment of the screws 31
that fit within the hollow center orifice 248 (not shown in this
figure) of the threaded leveling barrels 240. The screws 31 that
connect the jointed articulated legs to the projector 1 (not shown
in this figure) can be one of many different size screws (shown as
M6.times.12 identified as S6 in the figure, M5.times.12 identified
as S5 in the figure, and M4.times.12 identified as S4 in the
figure). In this embodiment, each size screw has a screw head 245
with a depression of about same size and shape (not shown in the
figure).
[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the depression in the screw heads
is shaped to permit the same security Allen wrench to tighten any
of the different sized screws, and secure the projector. This is
convenient and useful feature for a universal projector mount kit.
When the same allen wrench can connect the threaded leveling barrel
to a variety of projectors without regard to screw size, that
provides greater flexibility and efficiency for the user.
[0064] An embodiment of the present invention includes a mounting
and leveling kit for connecting a projector to a mounting surface.
This embodiment includes: a ceiling component having upper and
lower sections; the upper section of the ceiling component connects
to the mounting surface; a mounting bracket having top and bottom
portions; the lower section of the ceiling component connects to
the top portion of the mounting bracket; a plurality of offset
articulated legs, each offset articulated leg having a proximal end
and a distal end with a threaded leveling barrel opening; threaded
leveling barrels having a top orifice, a bottom orifice, and a
hollow center orifice, the threaded leveling barrels threads into
the threaded leveling barrel openings of the offset articulated
legs; a plurality of different size screws having screw heads with
the same size and shape depression for an allen wrench to snuggly
fit into the depression, and permit the user to tighten the screw,
the screw heads are sized to fit inside the hollow center orifice
of the threaded leveling barrels; and at least one size screw from
the plurality of screws fitting inside the hollow center orifice of
the threaded leveling barrels connects the threaded leveling barrel
to the projector.
[0065] FIG. 13 shows a mounting bracket 320 connected by offset
articulated legs 330 and threaded leveling barrels 340 to the
projector 1. Another embodiment of the invention shows the mounting
bracket having top and bottom portions that connect to a lower
section of a ceiling assembly, and a plurality of offset
articulated legs, each leg having a proximal end and a distal end
with a threaded leveling barrel opening; and threaded leveling
barrels, wherein the offset articulated legs connect to the
mounting bracket at the proximal end, and the offset articulated
legs connect at the distal ends to a projector with the threaded
leveling barrels.
[0066] A preferred embodiment of the invention is a threaded
leveling barrel that has a hollow center orifice, a top orifice
that permits a screw to be placed inside the hollow center orifice,
a bottom orifice that is smaller than the screw head, and side
orifices. The screw head portion should fit snuggly against the
bottom orifice, and permit the screw body to secure the threaded
leveling barrel to the projector when the screw is tightened inside
the hollow center orifice. The top, bottom, and center orifices
permit the user to secure the screws in the hollow center orifice,
and connect the offset articulated legs to the projector. When the
projector is secured to the offset articulated legs and mounting
bracket, the user can adjust each threaded leveling barrel, and
easily align the projector.
[0067] While embodiments were described using screws, the
connections for the threaded leveling barrels to the projector are
not limited to just screws. The threaded leveling barrels can be
connected to the projector using a variety of different connectors
within the hollow center orifice without detracting from the
leveling and aligning function. However the connectors must be able
to secure the threaded barrels to the projector.
[0068] Having thus described the invention, it should be apparent
that numerous modifications and adaptations may be resorted to
without departing from the scope and fair meaning of the instant
invention as set forth herein above and as described herein below
by the claims.
[0069] Although the present invention has been described in
considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions
thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and
scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the
description of the preferred versions described herein.
[0070] All features disclosed in the specification, including the
claims, abstracts, and drawings, and all the steps in any method or
process disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except
combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are
mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in the specification,
including the claims, abstract, and drawings, can be replaced by
alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar
purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly
stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a
generic series of equivalent or similar features.
[0071] Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state
"means" for performing a specified function or "step" for
performing a specified function, should not be interpreted as a
"means" or "step" clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. section 112.
[0072] A method of attaching disparate equipment to a mounting
surface is also disclosed herein. Because various forms of
equipment having a unpredictably spaced mounting anchor points
thereon, it is necessary to be able to adjust for the
unpredictability. The method may include, mounting a bracket on the
mounting surface, identifying the necessary anchor points (they may
not all be needed) on the equipment capable of supporting same from
the bracket (determined by the brand and type of equipment) and, in
any order; linking the anchor points and the bracket with a
plurality multi-segment articulable arms by fixing one end of the
arms on the bracket, then adjusting the articulation of the arms so
that the arms are attachable to the anchor points and fixing the
other end of the arms to the anchor points.
[0073] The method of also provides leveling the equipment by
providing adjustment between each anchor point and the link arms,
so that the equipment can be leveled without adjusting the
orientation of the bracket and adjustment capability within the
anchorage itself.
[0074] The method also provides adjusting the anchorage to the
equipment by turning an outer threaded element, and adjusting the
level by turning a threaded element within the outer element.
* * * * *