U.S. patent application number 12/437077 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-12 for system and method for mounting a flat panel device.
Invention is credited to Ronald W. Taylor.
Application Number | 20090278007 12/437077 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41266093 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090278007 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Taylor; Ronald W. |
November 12, 2009 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOUNTING A FLAT PANEL DEVICE
Abstract
A system and method for mounting a flat panel device are
provided. The system includes a frame having a receiving space
configured to receive a flat panel device therein, and a tension
plate attached to the frame that provides for leveling of the frame
and retention of the frame in the wall. The method includes
providing a frame having a receiving space configured to receive a
flat panel device therein and a tension plate attached to the
frame, inserting the frame into a hole in a wall on which the flat
panel device is to be mounted, adjusting the tension plate to level
the frame and retain the frame in the hole, and mounting the flat
panel device in the receiving space.
Inventors: |
Taylor; Ronald W.; (Aldie,
VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KED & ASSOCIATES, LLP
P.O. Box 221200
Chantilly
VA
20153-1200
US
|
Family ID: |
41266093 |
Appl. No.: |
12/437077 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61051485 |
May 8, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/222.13 ;
248/220.21; 248/231.9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 13/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/222.13 ;
248/231.9; 248/220.21 |
International
Class: |
A47B 96/06 20060101
A47B096/06; A47F 5/08 20060101 A47F005/08 |
Claims
1. A system for mounting a flat panel device on a wall, the system
comprising: a frame having a receiving space configured to receive
a flat panel device therein; and a tension plate attached to the
frame that provides for leveling of the frame and retention of the
frame in the wall.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the frame is rectangular in
shape.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the frame is formed of a
substantially rigid material.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the frame is formed of a carbon
fiber or a metal.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the metal comprises steel,
aluminum, or a sheet metal.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the frame is molded, welded, or
press formed to form the frame as a solid structure.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a flange at a
front outer edge thereof configured to cover an area of a wall cut
for installation of the system.
8. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one
attachment device configured to attach the tension plate to the
frame, the at least one attachment device being adjustable to
provide for leveling of the frame and retention of the frame in the
wall.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least one attachment
device comprises: one or more threaded adjustment bolts configured
to mate with one or more threaded holes provided in the tension
plate; one or more corresponding washers provided on the respective
adjustment bolt and configured to limit vertical movement of the
tension plate; and one or more corresponding locking nuts
configured to retain the connection between the respective
adjustment bolt and the tension plate.
10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
retainer plates configured to be mounted to an existing stud of a
wall.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of retainer
plates are each configured to be mounted to an existing stud of a
wall by a plurality of bolts configured to mate with a plurality of
receiving holes formed in the respective retainer plate.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of
retainer plates comprises a notch and angle that forms a recess
configured to mate with one of the tension plate or a locking wedge
provided on an exterior of the frame.
13. The system of claim 1, further comprising: one or more hanger
rails installed within the receiving space; and one or more
mounting rails configured to be attached to a flat panel device,
wherein the one or more mounting rails each comprise one or more
mounting hooks configured to mate with the one or more hanger rails
to mount the flat panel device in the receiving space.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein upper and lower edges of the
one or more hanger rails are attached to a rear wall of the
receiving space to form a channel configured to receive electronic
wirings.
15. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a locking wedge
provided on an exterior wall of the frame opposite to an exterior
wall of the frame to which the tension place is attached.
16. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one
j-box.
17. The system of claim 16, further comprising at least one cover
configured to be attached to the at least one j-box, the at least
one cover having at least one hole for passing electronic cabling
therethrough.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein the flat panel device comprises
one of a LCD device, a PDP device, or an OLED device.
19. A method of mounting a flat panel device on a wall, the method
comprising: providing a frame having a receiving space configured
to receive a flat panel device therein and a tension plate attached
to the frame; inserting the frame into a hole in a wall on which
the flat panel device is to be mounted; adjusting the tension plate
to level the frame and retain the frame in the hole; and mounting
the flat panel device in the receiving space.
20. The method of claim 1, further comprising: attaching a
plurality of retainer plates to existing studs of the wall; and
inserting the frame into the wall so that the tension plate is
positioned adjacent the plurality of retainer plates.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/051,485, filed May 8, 2008, which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] A system and method for mounting a flat panel device are
disclosed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to
the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to
like elements, and wherein:
[0004] FIG. 1 is a front exploded perspective view of a flat panel
device mounting system according to an embodiment;
[0005] FIG. 2 is a rear exploded perspective view of the flat panel
device mounting system of FIG. 1;
[0006] FIG. 3 is a front view of the flat panel device mounting
system of FIG. 1;
[0007] FIG. 4 is a partial exploded side cross-sectional view of
the flat panel device mounting system of FIG. 1, taken along line
IV-IV of FIG. 3, mounted to existing studs of a wall;
[0008] FIG. 5 is a top view of the flat panel device mounting
system of FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 6 is a top cross-sectional view of the flat panel
device mounting system of FIG. 1, taken along line VI-VI of FIG.
3;
[0010] FIG. 7 is a side exploded view of an exemplary of retaining
plate, tension plate, and adjustment device according to an
embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 8 is a side view of an exemplary flat panel device
mounting rail according to an embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 9 is a rear view of the flat panel device mounting rail
of FIG. 8; and
[0013] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method for installing a flat
panel device according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to the mounting of flat
panel technologies or devices, including but not limited to current
flat panel technologies, such as liquid crystal display (LCD)
devices, plasma display panel (PDP) devices, and similar devices,
as well as future flat panel devices, such as OLED (organic light
emitting diode) thin panel display devices, in a pre-constructed
recessed cavity retro fitted in a non load bearing interior wall.
Embodiments may provide a substantially ridged recessed wall
mounting structure to support all sizes and styles of flat panel
technologies without the need for heavy wall reinforcement, custom
carpentry, or millwork. The recessed nature of the mount provides a
clean look with hidden cabling path(s), and resolves potential ADA
challenges in high walking traffic areas. Additionally, future
recessed applications, such as post electrical back box, post low
voltage cable management, in wall shelving, and the like, can
benefit from this mounting application.
[0015] Embodiments may be constructed of carbon fiber or all metal
components, such as steel, aluminum, sheet metal, and similar
materials, creating a box style cavity, with universal mounting
infrastructure, cabling pathways, sealed fire retardant
construction, a mechanically adjusted leveling and locking device,
suited for in wall recessed mounting of current and future flat
panel technologies, such as LCD devices, PDP devices, or OLED
devices.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a front exploded perspective view of a flat panel
device mounting system according to an embodiment. The flat panel
device mounting system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a frame 10. The
frame 10 is configured to receive a flat panel device 500 in a
cavity or receiving space 10a. The frame 10 creates a back cavity
or recessed box for the flat panel device 500 to be recessed into a
wall.
[0017] The frame 10 may be rectangular or another suitable shape
corresponding to a shape of the flat panel device to be mounted.
Further, the frame 10 may be formed of carbon fiber or a metal,
such as steel, aluminum, sheet material, or a similar material.
Furthermore, the frame 10 may be a solid structure molded, welded,
or press formed, for example.
[0018] A front of the frame 10 may include a flange 10b configured
to cover and seal an area of a wall cut for installation of the
system 1. The flange 10b may extend around the front of the frame
10, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The flange 10b may be, for example,
approximately 2 inches in width; however, other widths may be
appropriate based on a particular size and/or application of the
mounting system.
[0019] The front (i.e. flange 10b) of the frame 10 may be capable
of being resurfaced with, for example, paint, wood, plastics,
and/or other decorative trims to a customer's requirements.
Polished or brushed finishes may require treatment of the frame to
accomplish a unique look.
[0020] The flat panel device mounting system 1 may further include
one or more retaining plate(s) 20. The retaining plate(s) 20 may be
attached directly to an existing stud 110, such as an existing wood
or metal stud, of a wall by an attachment device, such as, for
example, holes 20b and bolts 20c. The retaining plate(s) 20 may be
formed of metal or another suitable material. A shape and dimension
of the retaining plate(s) 20 may allow for an exact gauge of depth
to be positioned on the stud 110 to an edge of a drywall or plaster
wall surface. The retaining plate(s) 20 may each include a notch
and angle 20a provided, respectively, at a top or bottom edge of
the respective retaining plate 20 that allows a tension plate 30
and a locking wedge 120, discussed herein below, to firmly "lock"
the frame 10 in position in a wall, as discussed herein below.
[0021] That is, the flat panel device mounting system 1 may further
include the tension plate 30, which may be configured to be
"locked" to the retaining plate(s) 20, as shown in FIGS. 3-7. In
this embodiment, the tension plate 30 is shown attached to a lower
exterior wall of the frame 10; however, alternatively, the tension
plate may be attached to an upper or side exterior wall of the
frame 10. The tension plate 30 functions to level and support the
frame 10, and thus, the flat panel device 500. The tension plate 30
is configured to fit in a recess 20d formed by the notch and angle
20a of the respective retainer plate, as shown in FIG. 7. As shown
in FIG. 1, an adjustment device 45, in this embodiment comprising
one or more adjustment bolt(s) 50, washer(s) 60, and corresponding
locking nut(s) 70 may be provided, the one or more adjustment
bolt(s) 50 mating with one or more threaded hole(s) 30a provided in
the tension plate 30. The tension plate 30 allows the frame 10 to
be leveled by adjustment of the adjustment bolt(s) 50. Further,
compressive force provided by the tension plate 30 maintains the
positioning of the frame 10 in the wall.
[0022] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-9, the one or more adjustment
bolt(s) 50 carry a load of the frame 10 and flat panel device 500
to the tension plate 30. The adjustment bolt(s) 50 may be inserted
through the frame 10 via one or more non-threaded hole(s) 50a at
predetermined locations based on a size of the frame 10. The
adjustment bolt(s) 50 may each receive a corresponding washer 60
and be held in place by a locking nut 70. The washer 10 may be
provided on the respective adjustment bolt 50 between a head 50b of
the adjustment bolt 50 and the frame 10, as shown in FIG. 1. The
washer 60 may be attached or welded to the adjustment bolt 50 to
limit vertical movement of the respective adjustment bolt 50. The
locking nut 70 may be, for example, attached or welded to the
adjustment bolt 50 to retain the connection between the tension
plate 30 and the adjustment bolt 50. In the embodiment of FIGS.
1-9, use of the locking nut(s) 70 allow movement of the adjustment
bolt(s) 50 downward, the retainer plate(s) 20 pushing upward to
lift the frame 10 and "lock" it into position. The adjustment
bolt(s) 50 may each be, for example, an approximately 1/2 inch
bolt, approximately 2.5 to 3 inches long.
[0023] One or more mounting rail(s) 150 may be provided to mount
the flat panel device 500 within the receiving space 10a of the
frame 10, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8. The mounting rail(s) 150 each
may be in the form of a rail including one or more mounting rail
hook(s) 150a. The embodiment of FIG. 4 includes two mounting rail
hooks 150a. The mounting rail(s) 150 may be configured to be
attached to the flat panel display 500, as shown in FIG. 4, by, for
example, one or more locking stud(s) 80. In this way, a hook to
rail assembly may be provided which mounts the flat panel device
500 in the receiving space 10a formed by the frame 10, as discussed
herein below.
[0024] One or more mounting rail slot(s) 160 may be provided on the
mounting rail(s) 150, as shown in FIG. 9. The mounting rail slot(s)
160 may be in the form of a slot cut into a vertical center line of
the respective mounting rail 150. This allows for center line
adjustment using a dead center mark 200 to a center line of a
horizontal position of the flat panel device 500. The dead center
mark 200 enables multiple sized flat panel devices to be installed
and centered with respect to an interior of the receiving space 10a
formed by the frame 10.
[0025] The one or more locking stud(s) 80 may be provided, to
attach or "lock" the one or more mounting rail(s) 150 to the flat
panel device 500, as shown in FIG. 4. The one or more locking
stud(s) 80 may each be a threaded bolt. Further, a bolt head 80a of
each of the locking stud(s) 80 may have locking edges or make use
of a locking washer (not shown) to maintain its position.
[0026] One or more hanging rail(s) 90 may be provided within the
receiving space 10a of the frame 10. The hanging rail(s) 90 may be
formed integral with, attached to, or welded as a part of a cable
channel(s) 40 as discussed herein below. The hanging rail(s) 90
allow the mounting rail(s) 150 and the mounting rail hook(s) 150a
to latch onto the frame 10 to adjustably mount the flat panel
device 500 within the receiving space 10a. The mounting rail
hook(s) 150a may be in the form of a hook having, for example, an
approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch deep edge that allows a respective
mounting rail 150 to hook onto a respective hanging rail 90. The
mounting rail(s) and hook(s) may be angled to allow for a tight
gravity created fit.
[0027] As set forth above, the flat panel display mounting system 1
may further include one or more cable channel(s) 40 provided formed
integral with, attached to, or welded to the one or more hanging
rail(s) 90. The cable channel(s) 40 may be formed by welding a top
and bottom of the hanging rail(s) 90 to an interior of the
receiving space 10a of the frame 10. The cable channel(s) 40 allow
cabling to be easily run from one side of the frame 10 to the other
without interference from the flat panel device 500 or crossing
video (low voltage) or power (high voltage) lines.
[0028] One or more j-box(es) 100 may be provided. Each j-box 100
may be, for example, an approximately 2 inch
deep.times.approximately 3 inch tall.times.approximately 2 inch
wide box formed integral with, attached to, or welded to the frame
10. A left side j-box 100, as shown in FIG. 1, may be configured to
hold a power receptacle. A cover 130, which may be in the form of a
"snap cover", may be provided to seal and hide an opening for cable
management and fire rating. A right side j-box 100, for example,
may allow low voltage cabling to pass into the frame 10 and cable
channel(s) 40 connecting to the flat panel device 500.
[0029] The one or more cover(s) 130 may each include at least one
hole 130a through which electronic cabling may be passed. The one
or more cover(s) 130 may be formed of an L shaped plate. The L
shaped plate may be formed of metal, for example. Two small tabs
(not shown) may be provided at a front of the L shaped plate to fit
under an edge of the respective cable channel 40, firmly holding
the plate in place as a top of the L shaped plate snaps under a
front edge of the j-box 100. Removal of the respective cover 130
may be facilitated by a small notch (not shown) provided in a top
of the L shaped plate and pulled loose with, for example, a flat
head screw driver.
[0030] The existing wall stud(s) is/are referred to in the drawings
by reference numeral 110. The existing wall stud(s) 110 may be, for
example, standard studs, metal or wood, commonly called a 2.times.4
(stud actual dimensions are typically approximately 1.5
inch.times.approximately 3.5 inch). The frame 10 may be set in a
larger dimension wall space as needed. Smaller wall cavities may be
custom milled per application.
[0031] A locking wedge 120 may be provided, as shown in FIG. 5. In
this embodiment, the locking wedge 120 is shown at an upper
exterior wall of the frame 10; however, alternatively, the locking
wedge may be provided at a lower or side exterior wall of the frame
10. In any case, the locking wedge 120 may be provided at an
exterior wall opposite to an exterior wall to which the tension
plate 30 is attached. The locking wedge 120 may be, for example, an
approximately 1/2 inch tall wedge with a small tooth edge. The
small tooth edge allows the locking wedge 120 to lock into the
retaining plate(s) 120. The locking wedge 120 may be, for example,
formed integrally with the frame 10 or may be welded to the
exterior of the frame 10.
[0032] One or more hole(s) 140 may be provided in, for example, a
side 10c of the frame 10, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Each of the
hole(s) 140 may function as a pass through location for, for
example, high voltage and low voltage cabling. The cabling may be
secured with a threaded clamping device (not shown). One or more
cable clamp(s) 180 may be provided as required per building code
for high voltage cable management.
[0033] One or more AC receptacle(s) 190 may be provided, as shown
in FIG. 4. The one or more AC receptacle(s) 190 may be in the form
of a standard single gang power receptacle, most commonly referred
to as a dual outlet or wall outlet. A single clock style outlet may
be acceptable for power as well.
[0034] According to one embodiment, the frame 10 may be made of an
approximately 1/16 inch to approximately 1/8 inch thick material,
such as carbon fiber, aluminum, steel, sheet metal, or another
similar or suitable material, depending on a size of the flat panel
device to be mounted. As set forth above, the frame may be a solid
structure molded, welded, or press formed. The tension plate 30 may
be made of an approximately 1/8 inch to approximately 1/4 inch
thick steel plate to support the weight and stress across the wall
studs 110 on which it sits. The adjustment bolt(s) 50 may be
approximately 1/2 inch reverse thread bolts for leveling and
tensioning. An approximately 1/2 inch washer 60 and locking nut 70
may be welded at a top most position of the approximately 1/2 inch
bolt after it is placed though the holes 30a in the frame 10,
allowing for proper freedom of the adjustment bolt(s) 50 to spin
while tensioning the tension plate 30 below. Approximately 1/16
inch thick channels 40, which may be made of metal, may be welded
to the interior of the receiving space of the frame 10 for
structural support and may provide upper and lower hanging rail(s)
90 to hold the mounting hook(s) 150a of the mounting rail(s) 150
(attached to a flat panel device 500). Access to cables may be
managed in a space between the frame exterior and the hanging rail
interior space from either side of the frame to the inside of the
frame. A left side of the frame may manage a power source and a
right side of the frame may manage all other structured cable audio
and video requirements for the flat panel device 500. These
channels may be no deeper than approximately 3/4 inch to
accommodate up to an approximately 1/2 inch in size cable and
connector.
[0035] As set forth above, the front of the frame (i.e., the
flange) may be capable of being resurfaced with, for example,
paint, wood, plastics, and/or other decorative trims to a
customer's requirements. Polished or brushed finishes may require
treatment of the frame to accomplish a unique look.
[0036] The frame may be made available in different sizes to
accommodate all sizes of flat panel devices, such as LCD devices,
PDP devices, and future OLED devices, with or without attached
speakers. For example, one size may hold an approximately 30 inch
16:9 format panel up to an 80 inch 16:9 format panel. The frames
may be ordered using, for example, a model number or exact flat
panel dimensions. The frame may allow for approximately 1.5 inch of
space at all edges of the frame to an outer edge of the flat panel
device for heat ventilation. A depth of the frame may allow for a
maximum recess of approximately 3.5 inch from a drywall edge to an
interior of the wall. Although many models of flat panel devices
today have an overall depth of approximately 3.9 inch to
approximately 4.5 inch, back and sides of the flat panel device
would be sufficiently hidden from view for a clean look, while
centering a majority of a weight over supporting lower studs.
[0037] One existing issue with prior art mounts is that they
require reinforcement of the wall, additional framing, wood
backing, and/or other structural changes to attach a flat panel
device to a wall. The embodiments disclosed herein provide a
mounting solution to center more weight over studs in the wall and
retain its position by tightening a tension plate for a locking,
snug fit.
[0038] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method for installing a flat
panel device 500 using a system 1 such as that shown in FIGS. 1-9.
As shown in FIG. 10, in step S210, a hole of suitable dimension may
be cut in a desired location in a desired wall in which the system
1 is to be mounted. This may involve cutting away the drywall (or a
like wall surface) and removing small sections of the existing
(i.e., metal or wood) studs 110 in any interior wall space. The cut
drywall section may be cut approximately 1 inch larger that
dimensions of the frame 10. Retainer plate(s) 20 may be mounted to
the existing wall studs 110, in step S220.
[0039] All electronic wiring may at this point be accessed from
either side of the pre-drilled or cut-out wall sections. Power may
be run by a professional electrician to a single outlet box
provided in the flat panel device 500. All other cables or
electronic wiring may be run to an opposite side of the frame 10 to
insure there is no signal interference from the AC line or
outlet.
[0040] Mounting rail(s) 150 may be attached onto the flat panel
display 500, in step S230. In step S240, with the frame 10 angled,
the tension plate 30 may be balanced on lower retainer plate(s) 20
and any cabling or electronic wiring inserted into the wall. By
resting the tension plate 30 on an edge of the cut-out hole, one or
two people may run the cabling or electronic wiring through the
frame 10 into the provided cable channel(s) 40 through pass-through
hole(s) 140 provided in the frame 10. The cable channel(s) 40 may
be stuffed with insulation after the cabling or electronic wiring
is installed to suppress drafting from fire (see local fire codes
for best application). The frame 10 may then be tipped upwards with
the tension plate 30 at a bottom most position. In step S250, the
frame 10 may be correctly positioned into the wall so that the
flange 10b covers the edges of the hole. Then, the adjustment
device 45 may be adjusted to level the frame 10 and secure it to
the wall, in step S260. Once in place, the tension plate 30 may be
adjusted so that the locking wedge 120 touches each stud 110 at a
top-most position and for leveling purposes. This allows the frame
10 to be wedged into the hole or opening and then tightened to hold
onto the drywall from each side of the frame 10. The flat panel
device 500 may be lifted into position to slide onto the hanging
rail(s) 90 provided in the receiving space 10a of the frame 10, so
that the mounting rail(s) 150 of the flat panel display 500 are
mounted onto the hanging rail(s) 90 within the receiving space 10a
of the frame 10, and any additional cabling or electronic wiring
may be inserted into cabling channel(s) 40, in step S270. All holes
may be configured to self seal for fire code purposes. Further,
wires may be attached at this point from an underside of the flat
panel device 500, with enough slack to hide all connections and
cables.
[0041] In place of heavy wall reinforcement, installation of the
flat panel device mounting system according to embodiments
disclosed herein merely requires the cutting away of the drywall
(or a like wall surface) and removing small sections of the
existing (metal or wood) studs in any interior wall space, which
allows the system to securely lock into place with minimal effort.
The retaining plates, which may be formed of metal, may be attached
to multiple studs top and bottom. The tension plate, which may be
provided at an underside of the mount, allows for secure tightening
and leveling of the frame. The flange, which may extend around the
front exterior of the frame, may provide a finished look for the
rough cut opening. Once installed, the clean cable management
solution of the disclosed embodiments, in home or office interiors,
may eliminate the need for additional framing. The system may
provide it's own finished edge with a number of styles and material
type options. Further, there is enough space around the flat panel
device to allow for proper cooling without the aid of a fan. An
optional fan may be used in warmer climate application. Hidden
cable path(s) may accommodate multiple inputs and up to a largest
input type for an LCD device or PDP device, a VGA computer cable. A
universal mounting plate may be provided, designed specifically to
work with this frame or to accommodate an existing mount for tilt
and pivot requirements. A set size may be provided for each range
of flat panel device to keep production costs at a minimum, but not
overwhelming a size of the flat panel device being installed.
[0042] Locking thread screws may be used for the tension plate of
the frame to prevent the frame from becoming loose through
vibration (for example, vibration caused by doors closing,
hammering on opposite sides of the wall, or construction above or
below floors). To set the frame in place, a location may be
designated at a proper height based on a consumer's application.
Either by contractor or homeowner, a section of wall drywall and
studs (non load bearing wall) may be cut approximately 1 inch
larger than the dimensions of the frame. All wiring may at this
point be accessed from either side of the pre-drilled or cut-out
wall sections. Power may be run by a professional electrician to a
single outlet box provided in the flat panel device. All other
cables or electronic wiring may be run to an opposite side of the
frame to insure there is no signal interference from the AC line or
outlet. By resting the tension plate on an edge of the cut-out, one
or two people may run the cabling or electronic wiring through the
frame into the provided cable channel(s) through pass-through holes
provided in the frame. The cable channel(s) may be stuffed with
insulation after the wires are installed to suppress drafting from
fire (see local fire codes for best application). The frame may
then be tipped upwards with the tension plate at the bottom-most
position. Once in place, the tension plate may be adjusted so that
the top locking wedge touches each stud at the top and for leveling
purposes. This allows the frame to be wedged into the opening and
then tightened from each side of the frame to hold onto the
drywall. The mounting rail(s) may be attached to a back of the flat
panel device that is being mounted. The flat panel device may then
be lifted into position to slide onto the hanging rail(s) provided
at the back of the frame. The holes may self seal for fire code
purposes. Wires may be attached at this point from an underside of
the flat panel device, with enough slack in the cord to hide all
connections and cables.
[0043] It is estimated that it should take approximately two people
no longer than approximately one hour to cut, set, and adjust the
mounting system. This may offer a significant reduction in
production time from reconstructing and framing exact sizes for
recessed applications. It also allows for fixed mounting in walls
that can not allow for rear reinforcement by plywood or studs. The
cost difference in this application to current man hours and
materials needed may be approximately half the cost or better
depending on how much finish work is required by other trades in
those current installations.
[0044] Ultimately, improvements to the design may be made as
technology changes to accommodate future display types. This same
application may have some use in retrofitting recessed shelving and
back box capability for electrical pathways and data junction
boxes.
[0045] Any reference in this specification to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," "example embodiment," etc., means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the
specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it
is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the
art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in
connection with other ones of the embodiments.
[0046] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a
number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood
that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by
those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope
of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various
variations and modifications are possible in the component parts
and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within
the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims.
In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts
and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to
those skilled in the art.
* * * * *