U.S. patent application number 11/761226 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-07 for flat screen tv bracket for a vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to RBW Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Chris Departe, Tibor Olah, John Pervorse.
Application Number | 20080029669 11/761226 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39028220 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080029669 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Olah; Tibor ; et
al. |
February 7, 2008 |
Flat Screen TV Bracket For A Vehicle
Abstract
In one preferred embodiment, a mounting bracket is described for
a thin profile media display. The mounting bracket includes a wall
mounting plate which supports a pivotable, jointed arm that is
connected to a a display (e.g., an LCD TV). The jointed arm can be
selectively locked in place with user adjustable knobs that rotate
on a joint-forming pin to lock or unlock the joint from movement.
Further, the arm includes a spring biased locking pin that locks
the bracket into a folded or retracted position. In this respect,
the position retaining mechanisms of the bracket for repositioning
of a display, as well as maintain the position of the display
during travel.
Inventors: |
Olah; Tibor; (Covina,
CA) ; Pervorse; John; (Corona, CA) ; Departe;
Chris; (Rancho Cucamonga, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
INSKEEP INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP, INC
2281 W. 190TH STREET, SUITE 200
TORRANCE
CA
90504
US
|
Assignee: |
RBW Industries, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
39028220 |
Appl. No.: |
11/761226 |
Filed: |
June 11, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60821105 |
Aug 1, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/276.1 ;
248/309.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 2200/022 20130101;
F16M 11/08 20130101; B60R 2011/0089 20130101; B60R 2011/0082
20130101; F16M 11/2014 20130101; B60R 2011/0005 20130101; B60R
11/0229 20130101; F16M 2200/065 20130101; B60R 2011/0052 20130101;
F16M 13/02 20130101; B60R 2011/0084 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/276.1 ;
248/309.1 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/00 20060101
A47F005/00 |
Claims
1. A media display screen bracket for a vehicle comprising: a first
mounting portion connectable with a media display screen; a first
arm pivotally connected to said first mounting portion; a second
arm pivotally connected to said first arm; a second mounting
portion pivotally connected to said second arm; and a lock for
maintaining a position of said first arm relative to said second
arm.
2. The media display screen bracket of claim 1, further comprising
a first pivot joint between said first arm and said second arm,
said first pivot joint comprising a first adjustment member for
limiting motion of said joint.
3. The media display screen bracket of claim 2, further comprising
a second pivot joint between said first mounting portion and said
first arm, said second pivot joint comprising a second adjustment
member for limiting motion of said joint.
4. The media display screen of claim 1, wherein said lock is a
spring biased pin lock.
5. The media display screen of claim 4, wherein a portion of said
lock engages an aperture in said second mounting arm.
6. The medial display screen of claim 1, further comprising a slide
plate, disposed to slide within a framework; said second mounting
portion coupled to said slide plate.
7. The media display screen of claim 6, further comprising a lock
disposed on said framework to engage said slide plate and thereby
prevent horizontal movement of said slide plate.
8. A bracket for supporting a display screen in a vehicle
comprising: a first mounting plate for securing to a surface; a
first bracket member coupled to said first mounting plate for
rotation about an axis; a second bracket member coupled to said
first bracket member by a first hinge; said second bracket member
having at least a first position and a second position; a second
mounting plate coupled to said second bracket member by a second
hinge and shaped to support a media display screen.
9. The bracket of claim 8, wherein said first hinge releasably
locks said second bracket member in said first position and said
second position.
10. The bracket of claim 9, wherein a length of said second bracket
member in said first position is in line with said axis and said
length of said second bracket member in said second position is not
aligned with said axis.
11. The bracket of claim 8, further comprising a first lock
disposed on said first bracket member to engage said first mounting
plate and thereby prevent rotation of said first bracket member
relative to said mounting plate.
12. The bracket of claim 11, wherein said first lock is a spring
biased pin lock positioned to engage on of a plurality of apertures
disposed in said first mounting plate.
13. The bracket of claim 12, wherein said first hinge comprises a
second lock comprising: an elongated tube biased in a first
direction; and an aperture on said second bracket member.
14. The bracket of claim 8, wherein said first mounting plate is
mounted to a ceiling.
15. A media display screen bracket for a vehicle comprising: a
first bracket member including an arm region, a mounting region for
mounting on a surface and a first aperture in said arm region; a
second bracket member coupled to said arm region to pivot in a
first direction; and a third bracket member coupled to said second
bracket member to pivot to pivot in a second direction, about
perpendicular to said first direction; said third bracket member
including a mounting region for mounting a media display
screen.
16. The media display screen bracket of claim 15, further
comprising a locking member located within a first aperture of said
first bracket member and within a second elongated aperture of said
second bracket member; said locking member selectively locking said
first bracket member with said second bracket member.
17. The media display screen bracket of claim 16, further
comprising a second locking member located within a third aperture
of said second bracket member and within a fourth elongated
aperture of said third bracket member; said second locking member
selectively locking said second bracket member with said third
bracket member.
18. The media display screen bracket of claim 17, wherein said
first locking member and said second locking member each comprise a
threaded bolt engaged with a hand-actuable nut.
19. The media display screen bracket of claim 18, wherein said
second elongated aperture defines a range of pivot motion of said
second bracket member relative to said first bracket member.
20. The media display screen bracket of claim 18, wherein said
fourth elongated aperture defines a range of pivot motion of said
third bracket member relative to said second bracket member.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/821,105 filed Aug. 1, 2006 entitled Flat
Screen TV Bracket For A Vehicle which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Thin profile media displays such as televisions or computer
monitors utilizing LCD or plasma technologies for example, are
becoming increasingly common as prices fall for manufacturing this
technology. Due to the thin nature of these screens, mounting
brackets have become a particularly desirable method of fixing
these media screens to the walls and other structures within the
home.
[0003] Examples of such mounting brackets include U.S. Application
Number 2005/0087661, 2004/0045224, 2003/0080268 and 2002/0079415;
the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0004] While these brackets are ideal for home use, they are less
than desirable for use in RV's, trailers, boats, airplanes and
other vehicles.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide a mounting
bracket for a thin profile media display better suited for use
within a vehicle.
[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide a mounting
bracket for thin profile media displays that can be moved to a
non-viewing storage position.
[0007] It is an object of the invention to provide a mounting
bracket for thin profile media displays that can be locked in
various positions.
[0008] In one preferred embodiment according to the present
invention, a mounting bracket is described for a thin profile media
display. The mounting bracket includes a wall mounting plate which
supports a pivotable, jointed arm. The jointed arm is ultimately
connected to a display mounting plate that connects to a display
(e.g., an LCD TV). The jointed arm can be selectively locked in
place with user adjustable knobs that rotate on a joint-forming pin
to create or relieve pressure against the arm. Further, the arm
includes a spring biased locking pin that locks the bracket into a
folded or retracted position. In this respect, the locking or
position retaining mechanisms of the bracket allow a user to not
only reposition a display, but maintain the position of the display
during travel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a preferred
embodiment of a media display bracket according to the present
invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the
preferred embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a side profile view of the preferred
embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the preferred embodiment of
FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of a preferred
embodiment of a sliding media display bracket according to the
present invention;
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of the preferred
embodiment of FIG. 5;
[0015] FIG. 7A illustrates a front perspective view of a preferred
embodiment of a sliding media display bracket according to the
present invention;
[0016] FIG. 7B illustrates a front perspective view of the bracket
from FIG. 7A in a retracted position;
[0017] FIG. 7C illustrates an exploded view of the bracket from
FIG. 7A;
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of another preferred
embodiment of a television bracket according to the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the preferred embodiment
of FIG. 8;
[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the preferred embodiment
of FIG. 8;
[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the preferred embodiment
of FIG. 8;
[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the preferred
embodiment of FIG. 8 supporting a television;
[0023] FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of a preferred embodiment
of a sliding bracket according to the present invention
[0024] FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of the preferred embodiment
of FIG. 13;
[0025] FIG. 15 illustrates a rear perspective view of the preferred
embodiment of FIG. 13;
[0026] FIG. 16 illustrates a front perspective view of the
preferred embodiment of FIG. 13;
[0027] FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a preferred
embodiment of a display mounting bracket according to the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 18 illustrates another perspective view of the
preferred embodiment of FIG. 17;
[0029] FIG. 19 illustrates a side view of the preferred embodiment
of FIG. 17;
[0030] FIG. 20 illustrates a bottom view of the preferred
embodiment of FIG. 17; and
[0031] FIG. 21 illustrates an exploded side perspective view of the
preferred embodiment of FIG. 17.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a preferred embodiment according to the
present invention of a bracket 100 for a thin media display screen
such as an LCD television. Unlike many prior brackets, the present
bracket 100 includes multiple locking mechanisms to secure the
bracket 100 and thus the media display screen in various positions.
Thus, the present invention is especially suitable for moving
vehicles such as RVs, cars, trucks, boats and planes where a media
display is subject to movement, jarring and other forces.
[0033] Wall mounting plate 118 is mounted to a wall or similar
surface to secure the bracket 100 in place. The bracket 100
includes a first arm 114 connected to the wall mounting plate 118
by joint 120. The opposite end of the first arm 114 connects via
joint 116 to the third arm 104 and fourth arm 106. The third and
fourth arms 104 and 106 in turn connect via hinge 122 to the media
screen mounting plate 102.
[0034] Preferably, the media screen mounting plate 102, as well as
the other components of the bracket 100 (and other embodiments
described in this specification) are designed for compliance with a
known mounting standard such as the Video Electronics Standards
Association (VESA) standards. However, it should be understood that
almost any mounting or connection mechanism between the bracket 100
and the display can be used.
[0035] Since a vehicle may expose its contents to numerous forces
including acceleration and jarring, a media screen should be
securely mounted and at least prevented from moving when the
vehicle is in motion. Failure to secure the displays may result in
damage to both the display and the interior of the vehicle. In this
regard, the bracket 100 includes a locking pin 112 within arm 106
that moves into an aperture (not shown) in the bottom of arm 114
when the bracket 100 is moved to a folded or retracted position.
Preferably, a hollow cylinder member 108 is fixed around the pin
112 and contains a spring biasing the pin in an upwards position
(i.e., into the aperture of arm 114). A pull ring 110 assists the
user in pulling the pin 112 downwards, out of the aperture of the
arm 114 to unlock the bracket 100.
[0036] The joints 116 and 122 also include locking or position
restricting mechanisms in the form of hand adjustable knobs 117A
and 117B which are threaded onto a central pin of the joints 116 or
122. As each adjustable knob 117A and 117B rotate, they move along
the thread of the joint pin to increase or decrease pressure on the
joint, thereby restricting the joint from moving or releasing the
joint to allow free movement. Thus, the user may rotate these knobs
117A or 117B to selectively restrict movement of the joints 116 and
122.
[0037] In this respect, the bracket 100 and media screen can be
moved between a locked position for travel or a freely movable
unlocked position when the vehicle is stationary via the locking
pin 112 and knobs 117A and 117B.
[0038] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a locking slide bracket 151 for a
vehicle. More specifically, the bracket 151 includes a wall
mounting plate 150 having top and bottom lips 150A that generally
forming a "C" shape track (i.e., including portions perpendicular
and parallel to the main mounting portion of the plate 150). The
lips 150A are reinforced with each other by slide stops 152 that
are coupled to each lip 150A, thereby supporting the weight of the
lower lip 150A.
[0039] The bracket 151 also includes a locking slide plate 154
disposed between the lips 150A of the wall mounting plate 150. The
slide plate 154 preferably includes top and bottom rollers 162
which are positioned to contact a portion of the lips 151A
perpendicular to the main mounting portion while the inwardly
positioned portion of the lips 151A retain the rollers 162 and
therefore the slide plate 154 against the wall mounting plate. In
this respect, the slide plate 154 and slide along the length of the
mounting plate 150 until an end of the slide plate 154 contacts one
of the slide stops 152.
[0040] A bottom surface of the slide plate 150 includes a plurality
of holes (not shown) which accept a spring biased locking pin 158
(connected to pull ring 160). In this respect, the locking pin 158
is biased into the hole in the slide plate 150 immediately above
it, locking the plate 150 from horizontal movement. Thus the user
can selectively lock the position of the sliding plate 150.
[0041] The sliding plate 150 can directly mount a thin media
display or can include additional positioning mechanisms such as
the bracket 100 (previously seen in FIGS. 1-4) as seen in FIGS. 5
and 6. Instead of being mounted to a wall of the vehicle, the
bracket 100 is mounted to a front surface of the slide plate
150.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 7A-7C, this sliding bracket 170 is
similar to the previously described embodiment seen in FIGS. 5 and
6, but lacks a fold out arm which may allow the bracket 170 to
support additional weight. Generally, the bracket includes a wall
mounting plate 172 having top and bottom lips 172A forming a "C"
shaped track. The plate 172 further includes a slide stop 174 and a
reinforcement member 176. A slide plate 182 slides (e.g., on
rollers or slide pads) within the track of the mounting plate 172
and includes a pivoting media screen mounting plate 184.
[0043] As best seen in the exploded view of FIG. 7C, the wall
mounting plate 172 includes a spring biased locking pin mechanism
178 connected to handle 180 which moves a locking pin into and out
of pin holes 182A in the slide plate 182. Thus, the horizontal
position of the locking plate can be locked or unlocked in
different positions based on the location of the pin holes
182A.
[0044] As seen in FIGS. 7A-7C, the pivoting media screen mounting
plate 184 is disposed on one end of the sliding bracket 170. This
configuration may be especially appropriate for mounting the
bracket 170 and therefore the media screen in a cabinet or other
structure, thereby allowing the media screen to be pulled out for
use and locked in place. In another mounting example, the bracket
170 may be mounted near a window, allowing the user to slide and
angle the media screen towards the window for viewing outside of
the vehicle (e.g., at a campsite).
[0045] FIGS. 8-12 illustrate another preferred embodiment according
to the present invention of a bracket 200 for a media screen.
Preferably, the bracket 200 mounts to a ceiling of a vehicle,
allowing the media screen to rotate and swivel to different
positions. A ceiling mounting plate 208 mounts to the vehicle
ceiling while a pivot bracket 210 is pivotally mounted to rotate on
the ceiling mounting plate 208. The pivot bracket 210 includes a
hinge 212 which connects an arm 204. In turn, the arm 204 connects
to a media screen mounting plate 202 via hinge 206. Again, the
screen mounting plate 202 preferably conforms to mounting
standards, such as those set out by VESA.
[0046] The bracket 200 includes two locking mechanisms: a
rotational locking mechanism and an arm locking mechanism. The
rotational locking mechanism includes a spring biased locking pin
218 within a hollow cylinder 214 on the pivot bracket 210. The
locking pin 218 is biased through an unseen aperture in the bracket
210 and into an aperture 219 in the ceiling mounting plate 208. In
the present example, the mounting plate 208 has four apertures that
the locking pin 218 can pass through. Thus, the locking pin 208
prevents the pivot bracket 210 from rotating. When the user wishes
to change the rotational orientation of the media screen, the
locking pin 218 can be pulled against the bias with pull ring
216.
[0047] The second locking mechanism locks the arm 204 in an
extended or folded position by laterally moving a spring biased
locking pin 224. The locking pin 224 includes locking member 222
which is small enough to pass into notched area 204B, but too large
to pass through curved slot 204A. A spring 220 biases the locking
pin 224 sideways so that if the arm 204 is moved so that the
locking member 222 is aligned with the notched area 204B, it will
pass into that area. However, the large size of the locking member
222 prevents it from moving into the curved slot 204A. Thus, the
arm 204 is locked in place. If the user desires to unlock the arm
204, locking pin 224 can be pulled by grasping one end and pulling
the pin 224 sideways to remove the locking member 222 from the
notched area 204B.
[0048] In the present example, only two notched areas 204B are
present, one locking the arm 204 in an extended position as shown
in FIG. 12 with TV 250 and another for locking the arm 204 in a
folded position. Thus, the media screen can be folded against the
ceiling, secured from movement and out of the way to provide
maximum space for the user. However, additional notched areas 204B
can be included to allow locking of the arm 204 in various other
positions.
[0049] Turing to FIGS. 13-16, another preferred embodiment of a
sliding thin media display bracket 300 is illustrated according to
the present invention. A first mounting panel 302 is coupled (e.g.,
via mounting screws through screw holes in the panel 302) to the
back of the thin media display so that angled portions 302A and
302B are angled away from the display.
[0050] A second mounting panel 304 is mounted to the wall or
similar vertical surface of the vehicle so that angled portions
304A and 304B are angled away from the wall. As best seen in FIGS.
14 and 15, the side angled portions 302A and 304A of each panel 302
and 304 have complementary angles which all allow the first panel
302 to slide between side portions 304A of the second panel 304,
thus retaining the first panel 302 from lateral and further
downward movement.
[0051] The second panel 304 also includes a locking mechanism 308,
including a locking handle 310 that is pivotally mounted on the
second panel 304 and partially positioned through a slot in the
lower portion 304B of the second panel 304, as best seen in FIG.
16.
[0052] The locking handle 310 is biased by spring 312 into a
substantially perpendicular position. As the first panel 302 is
slid against the second panel 204, a locking pin 306 on the first
panel 302 moves against the top angled portion of the locking
handle 301, pushing the handle 310 away from the spring 312. Once
the first panel 302 and thus the locking pin have moved low enough,
the locking pin 306 fits within notched area 310A of the handle
310, allowing the handle 310 to regain its previous vertical
position. In this respect, the handle 310 locks the first panel 302
to the second panel 304, preventing vertical movement caused, for
example, by bumps or other jarring common to a vehicle.
[0053] When the user wishes to remove the media display and
therefore the first panel 302 from the second panel 304, the user
moves the handle 310 so that the notched area 310A moves away from
the spring 312, releasing the locking pin 306 and allowing the
first panel 302 to move vertically.
[0054] FIGS. 17-21 illustrate another preferred embodiment of a
thin media display mounting bracket 400 according to the present
invention. The mounting bracket 400 is configured to move an
attached thin media display both vertically and horizontally to
achieve a desired viewing angle for a nearby user.
[0055] As best seen in the exploded view of FIG. 21, the mounting
bracket 400 is secured to the wall of a vehicle with wall plate 402
(e.g., with screws or bolts). An intermediate member 404 pivotally
mounts to a joint portion 402A of the wall plate 402 via pivot pin
410 which allows the intermediate member 404 to pivot vertically
(when oriented as in FIGS. 17, 19 and 21).
[0056] The vertical position of the intermediate member 404 can be
locked or restricted by tightening knob 412 onto a screw positioned
through slot 404A and an aperture in the joint portion 402A. Thus,
the user can tighten or loosen the knob 412 to press against the
area of the intermediate member 404 around slot 404A to maintain
the vertical position of the intermediate member 404. Similarly,
the knob 412 can be loosened to allow the intermediate member 404
to pivot on pin 410 as the screw of the knob 412 moves within the
slot 404A.
[0057] The mounting bracket 400 also includes a display mounting
plate 406 with joint plate 406A. The joint plate 406A includes an
aperture through which pin 408 of the intermediate member 404
passes, thereby pivotally mounting the mounting plate 406 so as to
pivot horizontally. A second knob 414 on the intermediate member
404 includes a screw that passes through slot 406B on joint plate
406A and through an aperture in the intermediate member 404. In
this respect, the user can rotate the second knob 414 to restrict
horizontal pivoting of the display mounting plate 406.
[0058] The user initially mounts the bracket 400 (e.g., with
screws) via wall mounting plate 402 in any desired orientation,
such as from a wall in the positions seen in FIGS. 17 and 18 or
from a vehicle ceiling in the position seen in FIG. 19. Next, the
thin media display (e.g., LCD TV) is mounted to the bracket 400 via
mounting plate 406. Finally the user adjusts the desired vertical
and horizontal orientation of the display by loosening and
tightening knobs 412 and 414 to selectively lock and release the
various portions as previously described.
[0059] It should be understood that different elements of the
previously described embodiments may be combine or otherwise
incorporated together. For example, the locking slide bracket 151
may be used with any of the previously described embodiments. In
another example, different locking mechanisms may be used on the
previously described embodiments, such as a locking pin, a notch
engaging mechanism or a locking knob.
[0060] Although the invention has been described in terms of
particular embodiments and applications, one of ordinary skill in
the art, in light of this teaching, can generate additional
embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of
or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, it is
to be understood that the drawings and descriptions herein are
proffered by way of example to facilitate comprehension of the
invention and should not be construed to limit the scope
thereof.
* * * * *