U.S. patent application number 12/348217 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-09 for mount and retaining clip therefor.
Invention is credited to Raymond Worrall.
Application Number | 20090173855 12/348217 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39111207 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090173855 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Worrall; Raymond |
July 9, 2009 |
Mount And Retaining Clip Therefor
Abstract
A mount (10) for securely mounting an item has at least one
first component (12, 14) configured to be secured to an item to be
mounted and a second component (16) configured to be secured to a
support. The first (12, 14) and second (16) components have
complimentary inter-engaging means (20, 52) at a first point of
contact (22), and a retaining clip (34) at a second point of
contact to fix the relative position of the first component (12,
14) with respect to the second component (16).
Inventors: |
Worrall; Raymond;
(Wolverhampton, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WELLS ST. JOHN P.S.
601 W. FIRST AVENUE, SUITE 1300
SPOKANE
WA
99201
US
|
Family ID: |
39111207 |
Appl. No.: |
12/348217 |
Filed: |
January 2, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/222.12 ;
248/220.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 11/2014 20130101;
F16M 2200/061 20130101; F16M 2200/02 20130101; F16M 11/10 20130101;
F16M 13/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/222.12 ;
248/220.21 |
International
Class: |
A47B 96/06 20060101
A47B096/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 7, 2008 |
GB |
0800211.5 |
Claims
1. A mount comprising a first component configured to be secured to
an item to be mounted and a second component configured to be
secured to a support, the first and second components having
complimentary inter-engaging means at a first point of contact, and
wherein a retaining clip is provided at a second point of contact
to fix the relative position of the first component with respect to
the second component.
2. A mount according to claim 1, wherein the retaining clip
comprises a leaf spring configured to lock the first and second
components together when pressure is applied to the retaining clip
by one of the first or second components.
3. A mount according to claim 1, wherein the retaining clip is
provided on one of the first or second components and is configured
to engage with the other of the first or second components when the
first component is engaged with the second component and gravity is
allowed to bring the first component to its rest position.
4. A mount according to claim 1, wherein the retaining clip is
configured to disengage with the first component and/or the second
component by relative sliding movement.
5. A mount according to claim 1, wherein the retaining clip is
provided on the first component and is configured to engage with a
projection on the second component to retain the two components
together.
6. A mount according to claim 1, wherein multiple retaining clips
are employed.
7. A mount according to claim 1, wherein the position of the
retaining clip(s) with respect to one or other of the first and
second components can be varied.
8. A mount according to claim 7, wherein the retaining clip(s) are
slideable along the length of one or other of the first and second
components.
9. A mount according to claim 1, wherein the location of the
retaining clip is fixed by a locating means in the form of a detent
or a projection provided on the retaining clip or the first or
second component.
10. A mount according to claim 1, wherein the first and/or second
points of contact between the first and second components are
variable so that a single mount can be used for the mounting of a
variety of differently sized items.
11. A mount according to claim 1, wherein the first component
comprises of two or more discrete parts, each comprising one
portion of the complementary inter-engaging means.
12. A mount according to claim 11, wherein each of the two or more
discrete parts is provided with a retaining clip.
13. A mount according to claim 1, wherein the second component is
configured for mounting on an arm or arms, which serve to extend
the range of movement permitted by the mount.
14. A mount according to claim 1, wherein the item to be mounted is
a flat panel display.
15. A mount comprising a first component configured to be secured
to an item to be mounted and a second component configured to be
secured to a support, the first and second components having
complimentary inter-engaging means at a first point of contact
which allows the first component to pivot relative to the second
component such that gravity can serve to bring the first and second
components together at a second point of contact whereupon a
retaining clip is provided to lock the first and second components
together.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a mount and a retaining clip
therefor. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates
to a mount for flat panel displays, such as computer monitors and
liquid crystal and plasma television sets, and a retaining clip
therefor.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] With the increase in size and weight of flat panel displays
there is an increasing need for a mount that is secure and yet easy
to use.
[0003] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a
mount and a retaining clip therefore which addresses these
issues.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention there
is provided a mount comprising a first component configured to be
secured to an item to be mounted and a second component configured
to be secured to a support, the first and second components having
complementary inter-engaging means at a first point of contact, and
wherein a retaining clip is provided at a second point of contact
to fix the relative position of the first component with respect to
the second component.
[0005] Thus, the present invention enables an item to be mounted
simply by attaching it to a first component, attaching a second
component to a desired support, engaging the first component (and
thereby the item) on the second component on the support and
retaining the two components in a fixed position by means of the
retaining clip. The retaining clip serves to prevent the first and
second components from becoming unintentionally disengaged and
therefore provides additional security.
[0006] In a particular embodiment, the item to be mounted is a flat
panel display.
[0007] The second point of contact is preferably remote from the
first point of contact.
[0008] The complementary inter-engaging means may comprise at least
one hook and at least one lip for engagement with the hook. The
hook may be provided on the first component and the lip may be
provided on the second component. In one embodiment, the hook is
provided at or towards the upper end of the first component, when
in use, and the at least one lip is provided at or towards the
upper end of the second component, when in use.
[0009] The retaining clip may be configured as a latching or
locking mechanism.
[0010] The retaining clip may be configured to flex to allow the
other of the first component or second component to adopt a
retained position and whereupon the retaining clip is relaxed to
retain the first and second components together. In a particular
embodiment, a spring clip constitutes the retaining clip.
Alternatively, a leaf spring or resilient plunger may constitute
the retaining clip. The leaf spring may be configured to lock the
first and second components together when pressure is applied to
the retaining clip by one of the first or second components.
[0011] In one embodiment, the retaining clip is provided on one of
the first or second components and is configured to engage with the
other of the first or second components simply when the first
component is engaged with the second component and gravity is
allowed to bring the first component to its rest position.
[0012] The retaining clip may be configured to engage with the
other of the first and second components automatically so that
manual operation of the retaining clip is not required. By
`automatically` it will be understood that the retaining clip does
not require individual priming or adjustment to allow engagement of
the components. This is particularly advantageous when heavy items
are being mounted.
[0013] The retaining clip may be configured to disengage with one
of the first component or second component by manual manipulation.
In one embodiment, the retaining clip is configured to disengage
with the first and/or second components by relative sliding
movement. For example, the retaining clip may be configured to
slide horizontally to disengage the retaining clip from the first
and/or second component. In certain embodiments the retaining clip
may be configured to disengage the first component from the second
component at the second point of contact (i.e. unlock the mount)
but wherein the retaining clip is retained on one of the first or
second components. In other embodiments the retaining clip might be
configured for complete detachment from the first and second
components.
[0014] The retaining clip may be formed from nylon and may be
moulded. The retaining clip may be formed as a discrete component
or may be integral with the one of the first component or second
component.
[0015] In a particular embodiment, the retaining clip is provided
on the first component and is configured to engage with a
projection on the second component to retain the two components
together.
[0016] Multiple retaining clips may be employed for added
security.
[0017] The position of the retaining clip(s) with respect to one or
other of the first and second components may be varied. The
retaining clip(s) may be slideable along the length of one or other
of the first and second components.
[0018] A locating means may be provided to fix the location of the
retaining clip on one or other of the first or second components.
The locating means may be in the form of a detent or projection
provided on the retaining clip or the first or second
component.
[0019] The points of engagement between the first and second
components (e.g. the first and/or second points of contact) may be
variable so that a single mount can be advantageously used for the
mounting of a variety of differently sized items.
[0020] The first component may comprise two or more discrete parts,
each comprising one portion of the complementary inter-engaging
means. Each part may also be provided with a retaining clip.
[0021] The second component may be configured for mounting directly
on a wall or other support or may be configured for mounting on an
arm or arms, which serve to extend the range of movement permitted
by the mount.
[0022] The first and/or second components may be made from
steel.
[0023] Advantageously, the present invention provides a
quick-release mount for a flat panel display comprising a pivot for
holding a display captive to hang on a support such as to allow
engagement of a quick-release clip positioned at a spaced location
from the pivot.
[0024] The support may be a wall or a stand.
[0025] According to a second aspect of the present invention there
is provided a retaining clip for a mount comprising an attachment
means for attachment to one of a first or second component of a
mount and a flexible part configured to flex to allow the other of
the first or second component to adopt a retained position with
respect to the one of the first or second components to retain the
first and second components in a fixed relative position.
[0026] Preferably the retaining clip of the second aspect of the
invention is configured for use with the mount of the first aspect
of the invention, as described above.
[0027] According to a third aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method of mounting an item comprising attaching the
item to a first component of a mount, attaching a second component
of the mount to a desired support, inter-engaging the first and
second components and retaining the first and second components in
a fixed relative position by means of a retaining clip.
[0028] The first and second components may be inter-engaged in one
position and then moved or pivoted relative to each other to a
second position in which they are retained by the retaining
clip.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0030] FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of mount according to
a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C show end views of the mount of FIG. 1
illustrating respectively the sequential attachment of a first
component of the mount to a second component of the mount;
[0032] FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of a retaining clip
employed in the mount of FIG. 1;
[0033] FIGS. 4A and 4B show rear perspective views of a mount
according to a second embodiment of the present invention,
respectively configured to engage with a wide and a narrow
horizontal fixing means of a flat panel display;
[0034] FIG. 5 shows a front perspective view of mount according to
a third embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C show front perspective views of the
mount of FIG. 5 attached respectively to a rotatable support, a
single extension arm and a double extension arm; and
[0036] FIG. 7 shows a front perspective view of mount according to
a fourth embodiment of the present invention, attached to a
quadrilateral arm support.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS
[0037] With reference to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a mount 10
according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The mount
10 comprises two first components 12, 14 forming a front of the
mount 10 and a second component 16 forming a rear of the mount. The
two first components 12, 14 are configured for attachment to an
item to be mounted which, in this case, is a flat panel display
(not shown). The second component 16 is configured for attachment
to a support surface such as a wall (not shown). The first
components 12, 14 and the second components 16 are formed from
respective planar steel plates, which are cut and bent to
shape.
[0038] The two first components 12, 14 are spaced apart and aligned
horizontally. Each of the two first components 12, 14 comprises a
longitudinal support panel 18 arranged perpendicularly to the wall.
A hook 20 is formed at the upper end of the support panel 18 to
form a channel 22 in the support panel 18, which is parallel to the
wall. Along the length of the support panel 18, a flange 24 is
provided. The flange 24 forms a flat surface which is parallel to
the wall and includes a hole 26 in its upper section a
longitudinally extending cut-out 28 in its mid-section (designed to
reduce the weight of the two first components 12, 14) and a
longitudinally extending slot 30 in its lower section. The hole 26
and slot 30 are configured to receive screws therethrough for
attachment to the rear of the flat panel display. In this
embodiment, each flange 24 is turned outwardly from the centre of
the mount 10. However, in alternative embodiments it may be
desirable for each flange 24 to be turned inwardly or for one
flange 24 to be turned inwardly and one flange 24 to be turned
outwardly.
[0039] Towards the base of each support panel 18 there is provided
a horizontal ledge 32, which is again turned outwardly from the
centre of the mount 10. The ledge 32 is configured for attaching a
retaining clip 34 to each of the two first components 12, 14.
[0040] As is more clearly shown in FIG. 3, the retaining clip 34
comprises a tubular section 36 configured to be slid over the ledge
32. A flap 38 is attached to the tubular section 36 via an upwardly
projecting hinge 40 disposed along the end of the tubular section
36 nearest the wall. The flap 38 extends inwardly and slightly
upwardly towards the flange 24. At the end of the flap 38 nearest
the flange 24 there is provided a horizontally extending cutout 42
in the upper surface of the flap 38. The retaining clip 34 is
formed from moulded nylon and is relatively resilient. In some
embodiments (not shown), a locating means may be provided to fix
the location of the retaining clip 34 with respect to the two first
components 12, 14.
[0041] Referring back to FIG. 1, the second component 16 comprises
a flat mounting section 44 having a series of holes 45, vertical
out-outs 46 (designed to reduce the weight of the second component
16), and horizontal slots 47 therein. In use, the mounting section
44 is placed flat against the wall and attached thereto by
inserting screws or the like through the uppermost central hole 45
and the lowermost central horizontal slot 47 the horizontal slot 47
allowing for some adjustment in the position of the second
component 16. The intermediate holes 45 and horizontal slots 47 are
for attachment to an alternative first component (not shown).
Horizontal sections 48, 50 (projecting away from the wall) extend
respectively along the top and bottom edges of the mounting section
44. Extending upwardly from the free end of the top horizontal
section 48 is a lip 52. Extending downwardly from the free end of
the bottom horizontal section 50 is a skirt 54.
[0042] When in use, the two first components 12, 14 are attached to
the rear of a flat panel display via their respective flanges 24
and the second component 16 is attached to a support such as a wall
via its mounting section 44. With reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C,
the first components 12, 14 are then brought into engagement with
the second component 16 by placing the respective hooks 20 over the
lip 52 so that the lip 52 is engaged in the channels 22. Thus, in
this embodiment, the hooks 20 and lip 52 constitute complementary
inter-engaging means. The lower ends of the two first components
12, 14 are then swung (i.e. pivoted) towards the wall. As shown in
FIG. 2B, the lower end of the skirt 54 is arranged to contact the
flap 38 close to the hinge 40. Subsequent movement of the two first
components 12, 14 towards the wall results in the flap 38 flexing
downwardly as a result of the pressure exerted by the skirt 54.
When the first two components 12, 14 are vertical (i.e. when each
support panel 18 is in contact with the front face of the skirt 54)
the lower end of the skirt 54 is arranged to be disposed in the
cutout 42. This allows the spring bias of the retaining clip 34 to
return the flap 38 to its relaxed position to retain the skirt (and
therefore the second component) in contact with the first
components 12, 14 as shown in FIG. 2C.
[0043] FIGS. 4A and 4B show rear perspective views of a mount 60
according to a second embodiment of the present invention,
respectively configured to engage with a wide and a narrow
horizontal fixing means of a flat panel display (not shown). Whilst
some of the parts of the mount 60 are of a different size or shape
to those shown for the mount 10 in FIG. 1, the construction of the
mount 60 is essentially the same as that for the mount 10 and so
like reference numerals will be used for like parts.
[0044] In FIG. 4A the mount 60 is configured to engage with a
relatively wide fixing means of a flat panel display and so it can
be seen that the two first components 12, 14 are attached to the
second component 16 at positions near the respective sides of the
second component 16. In contrast, in FIG. 4B the same mount 60 is
employed but this time the two first components 12, 14 are
positioned much nearer to the centre of the second component 16
and, accordingly, the mount 60 in this case is configured to engage
with a relatively narrow fixing means of a flat panel display. In
both cases it can be seen that the first components 12; 14 are
engaged with the second component 16 in the same manner as
described above (i.e. by placing the respective hooks 20 over the
lip 52 so that the lip 52 is engaged in the channels 22 and
allowing the lower end of the skirt 54 to pass over the flap 38 of
the retaining clip 38 until it is retained in the cut-out 42).
Thus, the operation of the mount 60 is identical to that of the
mount 10.
[0045] FIG. 5 shows a front perspective view of mount 70 according
to a third embodiment of the present invention. The construction of
the mount 70 is similar to that of the mount 10 of FIG. 1 and so
like reference numerals will be used for like parts. In fact the
only difference between the mount 70 and the mount 10 is that the
flanges 24 of the two first components 12, 14 of the mount 70 are
not directly attached to the support panels 18 but rather are
tiltably attached via extension panels 72. Angled slots 74 are
provided in the support panels 18 of mount 70 and screws 76 are
provided on the extension panels 72 to engage in the slots 74. Once
the desired degree of forward or backward tilt has been selected
the screws 76 may be fixed in position in the slots 74 by nuts 78
and washers 80. Some embodiments of the mount 70 may be
self-holding wherein it is not necessary to lock the screws 76 in
order to maintain the desired degree of tilt. In all other
respects, the construction and operation of the mount 70 is
identical to that of the mount 10 described above.
[0046] FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C show front perspective views of the
mount 70 of FIG. 5 attached to various different support
structures. Although the mount 70 may be mounted directly on a wall
or other support surface (in the same manner as described above for
the mount 10) it may be desirable to position the mount 70 (or the
mounts 10 or 60) on an intermediate support structure. Similarly,
the mount 10 of FIG. 1 may be mounted on an intermediate support
structure such as those shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C.
[0047] In FIG. 6A the mount 70 is pivotally mounted on a back plate
90 such that the mount 70 can be rotated about a vertical axis
disposed adjacent the support surface. In FIG. 6B the mount 70 is
pivotally mounted on the end of an extension arm 92, which itself
is pivotally mounted on the back plate 90. In FIG. 6C a double set
of extension arms 94 are pivotally mounted on the back plate 90 and
pivotally connected to the extension arm 92 on which the mount 70
is pivotally mounted. Thus, it is possible to apply embodiments of
the present invention to a wide variety of mounts.
[0048] FIG. 7 shows a front perspective view of mount 100 according
to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The mount 100 is
similar to the mount 70 of FIG. 5 but with a wider second component
16 and longer first components 12, 14 so as to allow for fixing to
a wider set of fixing means on a flat panel display (not shown).
The construction and operation of the mount 100 is identical to
that described above in relation to mount 70. However, the mount
100 may alternatively comprise the construction of mount 10 (i.e.
it need not include the tilt mechanism as shown). Although the
mount 100 may be attached directly to a wall or other support
surface it may also be attached to a variety of different support
structures such as those described above. As shown in FIG. 7, the
mount 100 is attached to a further support structure comprising a
back plate 102 and a quadrilateral arm structure 104. The
quadrilateral arm structure 104 comprises four pivotable
joints--two opposite joints being pivotally attached, respectively,
to the back plate 102 and mount 100. Thus, the mount 100 in this
embodiment may be placed in a variety of positions with respect to
the back plate 102. The mounts 10 and 70 described above may also
be attached to the support structure shown in FIG. 7.
[0049] Whilst all of the above described embodiments comprise
inter-engaging means in the form of a hook 20 and a lip 52 provided
at or towards the upper ends of the first and second components 12,
14, 16 respectively, and a retaining clip provided at or towards
the lower ends, the present invention is not limited to such an
arrangement and embodiments may be devised with other types of
inter-engaging means as well as having inter-engaging means and
retaining clips provided at other positions.
[0050] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
various modifications may be made to the above-described
embodiments without departing from the scope of the present
invention. For example, whilst the above discussion has been
concerned with mounts suitable for mounting flat panel displays,
the invention is equally applicable to mounts for other items.
* * * * *