U.S. patent application number 11/519962 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-15 for method, device and/or kit for mounting a flat or planar panel display.
Invention is credited to Paul H. Cottingham.
Application Number | 20070057133 11/519962 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37854113 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070057133 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cottingham; Paul H. |
March 15, 2007 |
Method, device and/or kit for mounting a flat or planar panel
display
Abstract
A method, device, and/or kit for mounting a flat or planar panel
display, such as a plasma television, on a support surface includes
a bracket provided with a pre-determined position that corresponds
to a screen center of the plasma television.
Inventors: |
Cottingham; Paul H.;
(Titusville, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DINESH AGARWAL
SUITE 300
5350 SHAWNEE ROAD
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22312
US
|
Family ID: |
37854113 |
Appl. No.: |
11/519962 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60716522 |
Sep 14, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/309.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 13/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/309.1 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/00 20060101
A47F005/00 |
Claims
1. A device for mounting a planar panel display on a support
surface, comprising: a) a bracket including a predetermined
position corresponding to a screen center of a planar panel
display.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein: a) said bracket includes first
and second mounting sections, and a support section.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein: a) said bracket includes a
plurality of keyhole cutouts; and b) each said keyhole cutout
includes an opening and an offset slot connected by a sliding
ramp.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein: a) said opening and said slot
are laterally offset.
5. The device of claim 3, wherein: a) said opening and said slot
are laterally and vertically offset.
6. The device of claim 3, wherein: a) at least one of said first
and second mounting sections includes a plurality of holes.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein: a) said holes are arranged in
first and second laterally offset series.
8. The device of claim 6, wherein: a) said support section includes
said keyhole cutouts.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein: a) said support section is
stepped from one of said first and second mounting sections.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein: a) said predetermined position
is identified by a hole or an indicia.
11. The device of claim 1, comprising: a) a plurality of said
predetermined positions.
12. A device for mounting a planar panel display on a support
surface, comprising: a) a bracket including first and second
mounting sections, and a support section stepped from one of said
first and second sections; b) said bracket including a
predetermined position corresponding to a screen center of a planar
panel display; c) a plurality of keyhole cutouts, each including an
opening and a laterally offset slot; and d) at least one of said
first and second mounting sections including a plurality of
holes.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein: a) said opening and said slot
are connected by a sliding ramp.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein: a) said opening and said slot
are vertically offset.
15. The device of claim 12, wherein: a) said predetermined position
is identified by a hole or an indicia.
16. The device of claim 12, comprising: a) a plurality of said
predetermined positions.
17. The device of claim 12, further comprising: a) a relief cutout
for accommodating a portion of the planar panel display.
18. A kit for mounting a planar display on a support surface,
comprising: a) a bracket including a predetermined position
corresponding to a screen center of a planar panel display; b) said
bracket including a plurality of keyhole cutouts; c) a plurality of
mounting buttons, each including at least one off-center groove to
be received in one of said keyhole cutouts; and d) a plurality of
fasteners.
19. A method of mounting a planar panel display on a support
surface, comprising: a) providing a bracket including a
predetermined position corresponding to a screen center of a planar
panel display; b) selecting a location on a support surface to
correspond with the screen center of the planar panel display; c)
positioning the bracket relative to the support surface so that the
location selected in step b) corresponds to the predetermined
position of the bracket; d) installing the bracket on the support
surface; and e) attaching the planar panel display to the
bracket.
20. The device of claim 1, wherein: a) the planar panel display
includes a center; and b) said predetermined position corresponds
to the center of the planar panel display.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority on prior U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/716,522, filed Sep. 14, 2005,
which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by
reference.
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is generally directed to mounting
devices, and more particularly to a method, device and/or kit for
mounting a flat or planar panel display, such as a flat screen
television (TV) or computer monitor to a support surface, such as a
wall.
[0003] In the last decade or so, the flat or planar panel displays
have become increasing popular at homes and businesses. Gone are
the days when bulky and rear-extending cathode ray tubes (CRT's)
were used as televisions, computer monitors, etc. Also gone are the
days for the big screen TV's that essentially took over the CRT's
as projection devices. The rear projection TV's, although provided
a significantly larger viewing screen area, they also were bulky
and had a significantly large rear-extending component. Some of the
projection TV's are estimated to extend as deep as 24''.
[0004] The modern day TV or computer display panels are not only
less bulky, they are significantly thinner in depth thereby
presenting the users with an attractive alternative to mount them
on a wall, as opposed to setting on a table or on the floor.
Mounting a flat or planar panel display on a support surface, such
as a wall, however, presents new challenges.
[0005] Various prior art mounting devices include friction based
hinges, mechanical linkages with springs, other biasing devices,
and other mechanical latches. Typically, when securing a flat or
planar panel TV, computer display screen or the like, onto a
mounting surface, some type of mounting bracket is used. These
brackets can be obtained from several different vendors, and they
vary in style and operation. Most brackets, however, have a serious
weakness that places a greater burden upon the installer. Once the
required position of the TV screen is identified on the mounting
surface (typically a wall), it is difficult for the installer to
position the mounting bracket such that the exact center of the TV
screen (referred to as "screen center") is indeed mounted exactly
in the required or desired position on the mounting surface.
[0006] This difficulty occurs due to several reasons described
here. There are two mechanical interfaces involved--positioning of
the screen center relative to the mounting bracket, and positioning
of the mounting bracket relative to the desired location on the
mounting surface. Regarding the former, position of screen center
is not identified on most brackets. Having been engaged in the home
theater business for many years, I am not aware of any manufacturer
that identifies screen center. It is never safe to assume that
screen center is at the center of the bracket (It rarely is. If so,
it is probably by coincidence). Regarding the latter interface,
even if the installer determines the location of screen center and
can mark it on the bracket, it is difficult to accurately align the
marking with the required position on the mounting surface.
[0007] Presently, in order to position the screen center at the
desired location, an installer may typically use one of three
methods: (1) Attach the bracket to the TV, hold the TV and bracket
in the desired position and mark the mounting position or insert
the mounting bolts. This requires two or three people for larger
TVs; (2) Take several measurements to calculate and/or mark the
position on the bracket that is aligned with screen center and take
several measurements to calculate and/or mark the correct placement
of the mounting bracket on the mounting surface; and (3) Some
combination of methods #1 and #2.
[0008] One would readily appreciate that Method #1 is costly and
time consuming, particularly for larger displays. In addition, this
method is not very accurate. Methods #2 and #3 are complicated,
error prone and difficult.
[0009] Examples of various prior art devices are disclosed in U.S.
Patents/Publications 3,471,656; 6,102,348; 6,402,109; 6,484,983;
6,857,611; 6,923,413; 2004/0084579; 2004/0211870; 2004/0232298;
2005/0004836; 2005/0061937; 2005/0082453; 2005/0133677;
2005/0152102; 2005/0152103; 2005/0178941; and Des. 489,377.
[0010] In view of the foregoing, there is a need in the industry
for a device for mounting a flat or planar panel display which
allows an installer to easily position the mounting device such
that the exact center of the display, screen center, corresponds
exactly to the required or desired position on the mounting
surface.
OBJECTS AND BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a method,
device, and/or a kit for mounting a flat or planar panel display,
such as a TV or computer monitor, which overcomes the drawbacks
associated with conventional mounting devices.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
device for mounting flat or planar panel display which is
pre-marked with a location that corresponds to a screen center of
the display panel or screen.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
device for mounting a flat or planar panel display which allows an
installer to easily mount the display screen such that the screen
center thereof corresponds exactly to the desired position on the
mounting surface.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
device for mounting a flat or planar panel display which allows
easy mounting of the display panel or screen at the precise
location on the support surface.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
device for mounting a flat or planar panel display which eliminates
guesswork and the need for taking several measurements to calculate
and/or mark the position on the mounting device and/or the mounting
surface to align the screen center of the display panel or
screen.
[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
device for mounting a flat or planar panel display which can be
used to mount various types of display devices, including plasma
display panels (PDPs), liquid crystal displays (LCDs), digital
light projectors (DLPs), as well as cathode ray tubes (CRTs).
[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
device for mounting a flat or planar panel display which can be
used to mount a display screen in very close proximity to the
support surface.
[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
device for mounting a flat or planar panel display which is easy to
use and includes self-centering, self-locking and/or self-guiding
offset keyhole cutouts. Since the keyholes are self-locking, the
need for any external screws or bolts to prevent the display from
accidentally falling off the support surface, is eliminated.
[0019] In summary, the present invention is directed to a novel
Screen Center Technology (SCT), preferably incorporated on a
mounting bracket, which allows an installer to quickly and easily
identify the exact position of the screen center on the bracket for
the specific manufacturer's model. Additionally, it allows the
installer to position and install the bracket onto the mounting
surface--even without having the panel, such as a TV. When the TV
is available, it can simply be attached to the mounting bracket,
and the TV will be positioned exactly where predicted.
[0020] This technology requires no measurements and no mathematical
calculations for the installation. This results in exact,
error-free positioning of the TV onto the mounting surface every
time. Although this technology benefits all installations, the
benefits are even greater with larger, heavier TVs.
[0021] The Screen Center Technology is not limited to any
particular means of identifying screen center. It can use any type
of identifier (e.g., hole, mark, notch, indicia, etc.). Nor is it
limited specifically to one particular type of bracket (e.g.,
wall-mount, articulating, tilt, etc.). The technology is intended
to cover a broad definition of incorporating some means of
identifying the TV or the like display panel screen center to
simplify mounting of a TV. The TV can be any type, e.g., plasma
display panel (PDP), liquid crystal display (LCD), digital light
projector (DLP), cathode ray tube (CRT), etc. Additionally, the SCT
can be used to mount any other type of flat panel or the like
display screen on a support surface.
[0022] The SCT is preferably implemented by providing a mounting
bracket with a screen center locating hole located exactly at
screen center of the TV. Each bracket is preferably specifically
designed for one or more TVs. (Note that a different TV is defined
as a different make, model and/or size.) If the bracket is designed
for multiple TVs, there may be multiple holes, each used to
identify screen center for a specific TV. These holes are clearly
labeled to identify the screen center position they represent.
[0023] During installation, the screen center locating hole is used
to position the bracket in such a way that the specific
manufacturer and model is properly mounted on the wall. A screw can
temporarily hold the bracket in place, and the bracket can then be
permanently attached to the wall. When the TV is installed, it is
positioned perfectly.
[0024] In addition to the screen center locating hole, the bracket
of the present invention preferably includes uniquely designed
offset keyhole cutouts which have several benefits. They require
only 1/4-1'' of horizontal and vertical movement of the TV, when
placing it onto the wall. In addition, they are self-centering,
self-locking and/or self-guiding. Many conventional brackets
require substantial movement in order to mount the TV onto the
wall. This makes it difficult to mount the TV inside a closely
spaced custom enclosure. Because the cutouts are self-locking, they
require no external screws or bolts to prevent the TV from falling
off the wall (should the TV be bumped, for example).
[0025] Many conventional brackets allow the installer to secure the
bracket (and the TV) into only one stud located behind the wall.
Due to the substantial weight and size of many TVs (e.g., Plasma,
LCD TV, etc.), one stud simply is not enough to securely support
the TV. The bracket of the present invention allows the installer
to comfortably hit two studs with four mounting screws within, for
example, a 30'' width for a very strong, secure attachment. This is
because of the unique design that places many slotted holes,
preferably in two offset series, along both the top and bottom of
the bracket surfaces.
[0026] One of the above objects is met, in part, by the present
invention which in one aspect includes a device for mounting a
planar panel display on a support surface, including a bracket
having a predetermined position corresponding to a screen center of
a planar panel display.
[0027] Another aspect of the present invention includes a device
for mounting a planar panel display on a support surface, including
a bracket having first and second mounting sections, and a support
section stepped from one of the first and second mounting sections.
The bracket includes a predetermined position corresponding to a
screen center of a planar panel display, and a plurality of keyhole
cutouts, each including an opening and a laterally offset slot. At
least one of the first and second mounting sections includes a
plurality of mounting holes.
[0028] Another aspect of the present invention includes a kit for
mounting a planar display on a support surface, including a bracket
having a predetermined position corresponding to a screen center of
a planar panel display and a plurality of keyhole cutouts; a
plurality of mounting buttons, each including at least one
off-center groove to be received in one of the keyhole cutouts; and
a plurality of fasteners.
[0029] Another aspect of the present invention includes a method of
mounting a planar panel display on a support surface, including a)
providing a bracket having a predetermined position corresponding
to a screen center of a planar panel display; b) selecting a
location on a support surface to correspond with the screen center
of the planar display; c) positioning the bracket relative to the
support surface so that the location selected in step b)
corresponds to the predetermined position on the bracket, d)
installing the bracket on the support surface, and e) attaching the
planar panel display to the bracket.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] One of the above and other objects, novel features and
advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the
following detailed description of the preferred embodiment(s)
invention, as illustrated in the drawings, in which:
[0031] FIG. 1 is front elevational view of a mounting device in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the mounting device shown in
FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 3 is an end view of the mounting device shown in FIG.
1;
[0034] FIG. 4 is an alternative embodiment of the mounting device
of FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the mounting device of FIG.
1, shown with the recommended mounting hardware;
[0036] FIGS. 6-8 and 11-13 illustrate step-by-step instructions for
installing a plasma panel display, FIG. 13 being an enlarged
sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12; and
[0037] FIGS. 9-10 illustrate (in enlarged sectional views taken
along line 9-9 of FIG. 8) alternative manners of installing the
mounting buttons to obtain a desired clearance between the support
surface and the back of the plasma panel display.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE
INVENTION
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the mounting device MD of the
present invention will now be described. As shown, the mounting MD
is in the form of a bracket 10 made of a suitable strong, yet
light-weight material, such as aluminum. The bracket 10 includes
upper and lower mounting sections 12 and 14 with a middle support
section 16. As best shown in FIG. 3, the support section 16 is
stepped away from the mounting sections 12 and 14. Each of the
upper and lower mounting sections 12 and 14 includes a series of
adjacent slotted mounting holes 18 for securing the bracket 10 to a
support surface SS by using conventional bolts or screws, as
described below. (It is noted herewith that the various dimensions
noted herein, are for illustrative purposes only, and can be
changed, as desired, without departing from the intent, spirit, or
objectives of the present invention.)
[0039] The support section 16 preferably includes relief cutouts 20
and 22 for receiving the plasma body or other rearwardly extending
components of a display panel DP. This provision allows for
mounting the display panel DP in close proximity to the support
surface SS, i.e., flush or almost flush to about 1.25'' off the
surface.
[0040] As best shown in FIG. 1, the support section 16 also
includes a screen center hole 24 that corresponds to a screen
center of a particular display panel for which the mounting device
MD has been designed. It will be appreciated that the screen center
of a display panel may or may not correspond to the center of the
display panel itself. (It is noted herewith that FIG. 1 illustrates
an additional screen center hole 26 that corresponds to a different
type of plasma screen. In particular, the hole 24 corresponds to a
50''/55''/63'' plasma screen, while the hole corresponds to the
screen center of a 42'' plasma screen.)
[0041] In order to hang or suspend the display panel on the bracket
10, offset keyhole cutouts 28 are provided, preferably at each
corner 30 of the support section 16. Preferably, each keyhole
cutout 28 includes a large rounded opening 32 and an offset,
generally square locking slot 34, connected by a sliding ramp 36.
(It is noted herewith that the position, orientation,
configuration, shape, and the total number of the relief cutouts 20
and 22, and the keyhole cutouts 28, can be varied to accommodate a
different display panel, as desired.) The specific configuration of
the offset keyhole cutouts 28 allows easy hanging or suspending of
the display panel DP off the bracket 10 by merely aligning the
off-center grooved mounting buttons 38 (FIGS. 5 and 9-10) with the
large openings 32, and sliding down the corresponding ramps 36,
followed by automatic locking in the corresponding locking slots 34
(FIGS. 12-13).
[0042] FIG. 4 discloses an alternative embodiment of the mounting
device MD, which is the same as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3,
except that two series of vertically and laterally offset mounting
holes 18 are provided in the upper and lower mounting sections 12
and 14. This arrangement ensures finding the center of a stud for
mounting purposes. (It is noted herewith that like parts and
components in the alternative embodiments have been designated with
the same reference numerals.)
[0043] Referring to FIG. 5, the recommended mounting hardware,
preferably includes four mounting buttons 38 with screws 40, and
four lag bolts 42 with washers 44.
[0044] As best shown in FIGS. 9-10, each mounting button 38
includes an off-center groove 39. It will be appreciated that by
positioning the groove 39 away (FIG. 9) or closer (FIG. 10) to the
back 46 of the display panel DP, the clearance C between the
support surface SS and the display panel DP (FIG. 13) would be
more, or less, respectively. It is noted herewith that multiple
grooves, including off-center grooves, may be provided across the
length of each mounting button 38 to obtain varying degrees of
clearances C.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 6-13, the manner of mounting the display
panel DP will now be described. As best shown in FIG. 6, a location
48 on the support surface SS, where the screen center 24 (or 26, as
the case maybe) of the display panel DP will be located, is first
selected. The bracket 10 is then held in place on the support
surface SS in a manner that the screen center 24 is aligned with
the screen center location 48. Using a suitable fastener, such as a
sheet rock screw 50, the bracket 10 is then held in place on the
support surface SS. Preferably two studs S are then located using a
conventional stud finder or other suitable device.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 7, a conventional level L is used to ensure
that the bracket 10 is level on the support surface SS. The bracket
10 is then installed on the support surface SS by using four lag
bolts 42 and the washers 44. It is recommended that the appropriate
size pilot holes be pre-drilled on the center of the studs S prior
to driving the lag bolts 42 therein. The lag bolts 42 are then
tightened to secure the bracket 10 on the support surface SS.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 8, the buttons 38 are mounted on the back
46 of the display panel DP, keeping in mind the desired or
recommended clearance C between the support surface SS and the
display panel DP. In particular, in order to mount the display
panel DP flush or almost flush to the support surface SS, the
buttons 38 are mounted in a manner that the grooves 39 thereof are
closer to the back 46 of the display panel DP (FIG. 10). If, on the
other hand, the nature of the display panel DP does not allow
mounting it flush or close to the support surface SS, the buttons
38 are mounted in a manner that the grooves 39 are positioned away
from the back 46 of the display panel DP (FIG. 9).
[0048] Once mounted on the display panel DP for the desired
clearance C, the buttons 38 are aligned with the rounded openings
32 of the key hole cutouts 28 on the bracket 10 (FIG. 11). When all
four buttons 38 are properly aligned, the display panel DP is then
carefully lowered so that the grooves 39 are properly seated in the
keyhole cutouts 28. It will be appreciated that as the display
panel DP is lowered, the buttons 38 will slide down the
corresponding ramps 36 of the key hole cutouts 28 and come to lock
in the respective slots 34 (FIGS. 12-13).
[0049] From the above and the step-by-step instructions provided in
FIGS. 6-13, one would observe that the mounting device MD of the
present invention can be used to mount a display panel easily on a
support surface in a manner that the screen center of the panel or
screen matches with the desired position on the mounting surface.
In addition, the shape, configuration, and location of the offset
keyhole cutouts 28, allow easy and automatic self-centering,
self-guiding and self-locking of the display panel on the bracket
10.
[0050] While this invention has been described as having preferred
sequences, ranges, steps, materials, structures, features,
components, or designs, it is understood that it is capable of
further modifications, uses and/or adaptations of the invention
following in general the principle of the invention, and including
such departures from the present disclosure as those come within
the known or customary practice in the art to which the invention
pertains, and as may be applied to the central features
hereinbefore set forth, and fall within the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *