U.S. patent application number 12/649448 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-29 for swivel mount system for a monitor.
Invention is credited to Sung I. Oh.
Application Number | 20100102181 12/649448 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40930726 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100102181 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Oh; Sung I. |
April 29, 2010 |
Swivel Mount System For A Monitor
Abstract
A mount system supports a monitor against a supporting surface
such as a wall. The mount system allows the monitor to swing open
adjacent to one of its edge and extends the monitor away from the
wall so that the edge of the monitor does not hit the wall. A motor
or a linear actuator may be used to move the monitor through a
motorized action.
Inventors: |
Oh; Sung I.; (West Covina,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUNG I. OH, PROFESSIONAL LAW CORPORATION
710 QUAIL VALLEY LANE
WEST COVINA
CA
91791
US
|
Family ID: |
40930726 |
Appl. No.: |
12/649448 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12360859 |
Jan 28, 2009 |
7661643 |
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12649448 |
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61025844 |
Feb 4, 2008 |
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61029346 |
Feb 17, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/201 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 13/02 20130101;
F16M 11/08 20130101; F16M 11/18 20130101; Y10S 248/919
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/201 |
International
Class: |
F16M 13/00 20060101
F16M013/00 |
Claims
1-12. (canceled)
13. A mount system adapted to swing a monitor, the mount system
including: a support bracket adapted to couple to a supporting
surface; a monitor bracket having a proximal end and a distal end;
a first arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal
end of the first arm pivotably coupled to the support bracket about
a first pivot axis, and the distal end of the first arm pivotably
coupled adjacent to the proximal end of the monitor bracket about a
second pivot axis; a second arm having a proximal end and a distal
end, the proximal end of the second arm pivotably coupled to the
support bracket about a third pivot axis, and the distal end of the
second arm pivotably coupled adjacent to the proximal end of the
monitor bracket about a fourth pivot axis, locations of the first,
second, third, and fourth pivot axes defined in reference to a XZ
coordinates, the monitor bracket adapted to move between a
retracted position and an extended position, the third pivot axis
farther along the X-axis than the first pivot axis, and in the
retracted position, the second pivot axis being farther along the
X-axis than the first pivot axis, the fourth pivot axis being
farther along the X-axis than the third pivot axis, and the fourth
pivot axis being farther along the X-axis than the second pivot
axis.
14. The mount system according to claim 13, including a motor
mechanically coupled to the distal end of the first arm to move the
monitor bracket between the retracted and extended positions.
15. A mount system adapted to swing a monitor having a rear side,
the mount system including: a support bracket adapted to couple to
a supporting surface; a monitor bracket having a proximal end and a
distal end, the monitor bracket adapted to couple to the rear side
of the monitor; a first arm having a proximal end and a distal end,
the proximal end of the first arm pivotably coupled to the support
bracket about a first pivot axis, and the distal end of the first
arm pivotably coupled adjacent to the proximal end of the monitor
bracket about a second pivot axis; a second arm having a proximal
end and a distal end, the proximal end of the second arm pivotably
coupled to the support bracket about a third pivot axis, and the
distal end of the second arm pivotably coupled adjacent to the
proximal end of the monitor bracket about a fourth pivot axis,
locations of the first, second, third, and fourth pivot axes
defined in reference to a XZ coordinates, the monitor bracket
adapted to move between a retracted position and an extended
position, the third pivot axis farther along the X-axis than the
first pivot axis, and in the retracted position, the second pivot
axis being farther along the X-axis than the first pivot axis, the
second pivot axis farther along the Z-axis than the fourth pivot
axis, the fourth pivot axis being farther along the X-axis than the
third pivot axis, and the fourth pivot axis being farther along the
X-axis than the second pivot axis.
16. The mount system according to claim 15, including a motor
mechanically coupled to the distal end of the first arm to move the
monitor bracket between the retracted and extended positions.
17. The mount system according to claim 15, where the second pivot
axis is farther along the Z-axis than the first pivot axis.
18. The mount system according to claim 17, where the fourth pivot
axis is farther along the Z-axis than the third pivot axis.
19. The mount system according to claim 15, where the first pivot
axis is farther along the Z-axis than the third pivot axis.
20. The mount system according to claim 17, where the first pivot
axis is farther along the Z-axis than the third pivot axis.
21. The mount system according to claim 20, where the first pivot
axis is farther along the Z-axis than the third pivot axis.
Description
1. RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to two provisional
application Ser. Nos.: (1) 61/025,844, filed Feb. 4, 2008; and (2)
61/029,346, filed Feb. 17, 2008, which are both hereby incorporated
by references.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention is directed to a mounting system that is
adapted to couple to a back side of a monitor and swing the monitor
near one its side.
[0004] 2. Background of the Invention
[0005] Flat panel monitors such as computer monitors, LCD, plasma,
slim televisions, and the like (collectively referred to as
"monitor(s)") are becoming popular because they can be mounted onto
a wall to save floor space and for their aesthetically pleasing
appearance. In many applications, the monitor is placed on a table,
mounted to a wall, or even hanging from a ceiling. In these
applications, however, in order to reposition the monitor, the
viewer needs to walk over to the monitor and physically move the
monitor to a new viewing angle.
[0006] Motorized swinging mounts are now available that are
designed to swing the monitor on its side muck like a door that
swings from one of its sides attached to hinges. These motorized
swinging mounts are provided with a pivot point that swings opens
and closes through motorized action. The motorized swinging mounts
are designed so that its pivot points are design to be juxtaposed
on the outer edge of the monitor so that the monitor can swing open
90 degrees. Such motorized swinging mounts, however, have a number
of limitations. First, with the pivot point on the back side and
located on the out side edge of the monitor, much of the motorized
swinging arm is exposed so that it is esthetically unpleasing.
Second, in many applications, it may be desirable to install the
motorized mount or the combination of the monitor and the motorized
mount into a recessed wall. Such recessed installation, however,
minimizes the gap between monitor and the wall so that the
motorized swinging arm is prevented from swinging the monitor to
the fully open position or 90 degrees. Accordingly, there is a need
for a mount that can swing open a monitor from one of its side
without being exposed from the side of the monitor.
INVENTION SUMMARY
[0007] This invention is directed to a mount system adapted to
support a monitor against a supporting surface such as a wall. The
mount system includes a support bracket adapted to couple to a
supporting surface. One or more monitor brackets may be provided,
each having a proximal end and a distal end. At least two arms may
be provided between the support bracket and the monitor brackets.
The at least two arms includes a first arm having a proximal end
and a distal end. The proximal end of the first arm may be
pivotably coupled to the support bracket about a first pivot axis,
and the distal end of the first arm may be pivotably coupled
adjacent to the proximal end of the monitor bracket about a second
pivot axis.
[0008] The mount system may include a second arm having a proximal
end and a distal end. The proximal end of the second arm may be
pivotably coupled to the support bracket about a third pivot axis,
and the distal end of the second arm may be pivotably coupled
adjacent to the proximal end of the monitor bracket about a fourth
pivot axis. Such pivot axes allows the monitor bracket to move
between a retracted position and an extended position relative to
the supporting bracket.
[0009] The locations of the first, second, third, and fourth pivot
axes may be defined in reference to a XZ coordinates. To allow the
monitor bracket to swing open and extend away from the supporting
bracket, the first, second, third, and fourth pivot axis may be
defined as the following. The distance between the first and second
pivot axes may be longer than the distance between the third and
fourth pivot axes. The third pivot axis may be farther along the
X-axis than the first pivot axis. In the retracted position, the
second pivot axis may be farther along the X-axis than the first
pivot axis; the fourth pivot axis may be farther along the X-axis
than the third pivot axis, and the fourth pivot axis may be farther
along the X-axis than the second pivot axis.
[0010] With the monitor bracket swing opening and extending away
from the support bracket, the mount system may be located behind
and inside of the edge of the monitor because the side of the
monitor does not run into the wall. This allows the mount bracket
to be hidden so that it is less noticeable.
[0011] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the
invention will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in
the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features, and advantages be included within this
description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected
by the following claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The invention can be better understood with reference to the
following drawings and description. The components in the figures
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the
figures, like referenced numerals designate corresponding parts
throughout the different views.
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a mount system in
reference to X, Y, and Z coordinates adapted to swivel a
monitor.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the mount system of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 shows the mount system of FIG. 1 in an extended
position relative to a wall.
[0016] FIG. 4 shows a mount system having a motor to move a monitor
through motorized action.
[0017] FIG. 5 shows a mount system having an actuator to move a
monitor through motorized action.
[0018] FIG. 6 shows a mount system of FIG. 5 in an extended
position by extending the actuator.
[0019] FIG. 7 shows another mount system moving from a retracted
position to an extended position as indicated by the direction
arrows.
[0020] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of yet another mount
system.
[0021] FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of the mount system of FIG.
8.
[0022] FIG. 10 shows a top view of the mount system of FIG. 8.
[0023] FIG. 11 shows a front view of the mount system of FIG.
8.
[0024] FIG. 12 shows a side view of the mount system of FIG. 8.
[0025] FIG. 13 shows a rear view of monitor brackets of the mount
system of FIG. 8.
[0026] FIG. 14 shows a side view of an adapter bracket adapted to
couple to the back side of a monitor.
[0027] FIG. 15 shows the adapter bracket of FIG. 14 adapted to
couple to the mount system of FIG. 8.
[0028] FIG. 16 shows a schematic diagram of still another mount
system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a mount system 10 in
reference to X, Y, and Z coordinates adapted to swivel a monitor 11
(shown in dotted lines) about its right side 13 (when facing the
monitor). The mount system includes a chamber 12 having a rear
surface 14 adapted to couple to a support surface such as a wall.
The chamber 12 may have an adjacent side wall 15; and first and
second end plates 17 and 19. The chamber 12 may also support a
first post 16 and a second post 18 between the first and second end
plates 17 and 19 such that the two posts may rotate about their
respective longitudinal axes or Y-axis. The second post 18 may be
closer to the rear surface 14 than the first post 16; and the first
post 16 may be closer to the adjacent side wall 15 than the second
post 18. The mount system 10 may include a third post 20 and a
fourth post 22. The first post 16 may be coupled to the third post
20 via arms 24 and 26; and the second post 18 may be coupled to the
fourth post 22 via arms 28 and 30. The first, second, third, and
fourth posts may be substantially parallel with respect to each
other.
[0030] The third post 20 may be adapted to receive a first shaft
32; and the fourth post 22 may be adapted to receive a second shaft
34 such that the first and second shafts 32 and 34 may rotate about
their respective longitudinal axes or Y-axis. The first shaft 32
may have a first end 36 and a second end 38, which are coupled to a
monitor bracket 40. The monitor bracket 40 may have a U-shape with
two parallel portions 41 and 43 substantially along the X-axis. The
second shaft 34 may have a first end 42 and a second end 44, which
are coupled to the monitor bracket 40. A variety of monitor
mounting brackets known to one skilled in the art may be used to
attach the back side of the monitor 11 to the two portions 41 and
43 of the monitor bracket 40.
[0031] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the mount system 10 with a
portion of the monitor bracket 40, and the right portion 13 of the
monitor 11. Note that the monitor bracket 40 may be coupled to the
shafts 32 and 34 so that that the longitudinal axis of the monitor
bracket may be substantially along the line defined by the two
posts 20 and 22. FIG. 2 shows the mount system 10 in a retracted
position relative to the wall 50; and FIG. 3 shows the mount system
in an extended position relative to the wall 50. With the monitor
bracket coupling the two posts 20 and 22, the distance between the
two posts 20 and 22 is substantially maintained between the
retracted and extended positions.
[0032] As one example, the first, second, third, and fourth posts
16, 18, 20, and 22 may be arranged so that in the retracted
position, the first, third, and fourth posts 16, 20, and 22 are
substantially along the X-axis or substantially parallel with the
wall 50; and in the extended position, the second, third, and
fourth posts 18, 20, and 22 are substantially along the Z-axis. As
a user pulls on the left side 15 of the monitor 11, the third and
fourth posts 20 and 22 rotate in the clockwise directions relative
to their respective posts 16 and 18 such that the right side 13 of
the monitor 11 moves away from the wall 50. This movement allows
the mount system 10 to be attached behind the monitor 11 so that
the mount system 11 is not exposed in the retracted position.
[0033] FIG. 4 shows that the mount system 10 may include a motor 60
mechanically coupled to the first post 16 to move the mount system
10 between the retracted position and the extended position through
a motorized action. For instance, the motor 60 may rotate the first
post 16 about a clockwise direction to extend the mount system and
vice versa. Alternatively, the motor 60 may be mechanically coupled
to any one of the other posts such as the second, third or fourth
post to move the mount system 10 between the retracted position and
the extended position through a motorized action. Yet another
alternative is to mechanically couple the motor to one of the
shafts 32 or 34.
[0034] FIG. 5 shows that the mount system 10 may include an
actuator 70 to move the mount system 10 between the retracted
position and the extended position through a motorized action. The
actuator may be by linear type that has a piston 71 that extends
and retracts relative to the housing 73. The actuator 70 may have a
proximal end 72 and a distal end 74. The proximal end 72 may be
pivotably coupled to the chamber 12 and the distal end 74 may be
pivotably coupled to the third post 20. It is within the scope of
this invention to use a variety of different type of actuator such
as a jack type motorized actuator.
[0035] FIG. 5 shows the actuator 10 in a retracted position, which
in turn causes the mount system 10 to be in the retracted position.
FIG. 6 shows that as the actuator 70 extends, the third post 20
extends as well causing the mount system to extend. Alternatively,
the distal end 74 of the actuator 70 may be pivotably coupled to
the fourth post 22 such that when the actuator 70 is in an extended
position, the mount system is in the retracted position, and vice
versa.
[0036] FIG. 7 shows a mount system 100 moving from the retracted
position to the extending position as indicated by the direction
arrows. The mount system 100 illustrates that the first, second,
third, and fourth posts 16, 18, 20, and 22 may be arranged in a
different manner relative to the mount system 10. For instance, in
the retracted position, the fourth post 22 may not be aligned with
the first and third posts 16 and 20; and conversely, in the
extended position, the fourth post 22 may not be aligned with the
first and third posts 16 and 20, in comparison to the mount system
10.
[0037] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of another mount system 100
in reference to X, Y, and Z coordinates. The mount system 100
includes a first support bracket 102 and a second support bracket
104. A third support bracket 106 may be provided between the first
and second support brackets 102 and 104 to couple to the two
support brackets together. The first and second support brackets
102 and 104 may have a C-shape configuration. The first and second
support brackets 102 and 104 may be adapted to directly or
indirectly couple to a supporting surface such as a wall. Each of
the support brackets 102 and 104 may have a base 132 between the
two side flanges 134 and 136. The dimensions of the two support
brackets 102 and 104 may be substantially similar to each
other.
[0038] The mount system 100 may include a first monitor bracket 108
and a second monitor bracket 110. A third monitor bracket 112 may
be provided between the first and second monitor brackets 108 and
110 to couple to the two monitor brackets together. The first and
second monitor brackets 108 and 110 may have a C-shape
configuration. The first and second monitor brackets 102 and 104
may be adapted to directly and indirectly couple to the back side
of a monitor. Each of the monitor brackets 108 and 110 may have a
base 138 between the two side flanges 140 and 142. The dimensions
of the two monitor brackets 108 and 110 may be substantially
similar to each other.
[0039] The mount system 100 may include a first arm 114 having a
proximal end 116 and a distal end 118. The proximal end 116 may be
pivotably coupled to the first support bracket 102 about a first
pivot axis 120, which is substantially aligned with the Y-axis. The
proximal end 116 may be sized to fit between the two side walls 134
and 136 and rotate about the pivot axis 120. The distal end 118 may
be pivotably coupled to the first monitor bracket 108 about a
second pivot axis 122, which is substantially aligned with the
Y-axis, The distal end 118 may be sized to fit between the two side
walls 140 and 142 and rotate about the pivot axis 122.
[0040] The mount system 100 may include a second arm 124 having a
proximal end 126 and a distal end 128 (shown in dotted line in FIG.
8). The proximal end 126 may be pivotably coupled to the second
support bracket 104 about a third pivot axis 130, which is
substantially aligned with the Y-axis. The distal end 128 may be
pivotably coupled to the second monitor bracket 104 about a fourth
pivot axis 131, which is substantially aligned with the Y-axis. The
first and distal ends 126 and 128 of the second arm 124 may be
pivotably coupled to the support bracket 104 and the second monitor
bracket 110, respectively, in a similar manner as the first arm
114. Accordingly, each of the first and second arms 114 and 124 may
substantially support the weight of the monitor. As described in
more detail below, the two arms 114 and 124 with their respective
pivot axes separated by a predetermined distance along the Y-axis
work together to rotate the monitor between a retracted position
and an extended position substantially along the XZ plane.
[0041] In FIG. 8, a portion of the monitor brackets 108 and 110
have been removed to better show the first and second arms 114 and
124. FIG. 8 also shows the mount system 100 in a retracted position
where the first and second monitor brackets 108 and 110 may be
substantially parallel with the first and second support brackets
102 and 104.
[0042] FIG. 9 shows one example of the relative positions of the
pivot axes 120, 122, 126, and 128 along the XZ plane, and their
respective movements between a retracted position 200 (represented
in solid lines) and an extended position 202 (represented in dotted
lines). The pivot axes 120 and 126 of the first and second arms 114
and 124, respectively, may be substantially along the X-axis to
minimize the depth (distance along the Z-axis) of the first and
second support bracket 102 and 104. In the retracted position, the
pivot axes 120 and 122 may be substantially along the X-axis as
well to minimize the depth of the mount system 100. The pivot axis
128 may be in the positive (+) Z-axis direction and negative (-)
X-axis direction relative to the pivot axis 122. The distance
between the pivot axes 122 and 128 in the Z-axis gives the two arms
114 and 124 improved leverage, in comparison to the two pivot axes
122 and 128 along the X-axis, to resist the weight of the monitor
from leaning the monitor forward in the retracted position. The
distance between the pivot axes 122 and 128 in the X-axis gives the
two arms 114 and 124 leverage to resist the weight of the monitor
from twisting the monitor in a counter-clock wise direction when
facing the monitor in the retracted position.
[0043] FIG. 9 shows that with the two arms 114 and 124 separated
along the Y-axis, the two arms 114 and 124 may cross each other
without interference. For instance, in the extended position, the
two arms 114 and 124 cross each other at a location 204 in the XZ
plane. This allows for greater design flexibility and greater range
of movement between the retracted position and the extended
position. Moreover, with the two arms 114 and 124 separated in
along the Y-axis, video and audio cables and the power cord for the
monitor may be passed through the space between the two arms 114
and 124 so that the cables and power cords do not interfere with
the movement of the mount system between the retracted and extended
positions. In addition, a linear actuator may be provided in the
space between the two arms 114 and 124 so that the linear actuator
does not interfere with the movement of the two arms. As such,
having the two arms 114 and 124 separated at a predetermined
distance along the Y-axis provides design flexibility and greater
range of movement.
[0044] FIG. 10 shows the mount system 100 in a retracted position
along the XZ coordinates. In the retracted position, the monitor
brackets 108 and 110 may be substantially parallel with the support
brackets 102 and 104, which may be anchored to the wall 206. The
monitor brackets 108 and 110 may have a plurality of elongated
openings 210 adapted to receive a bolt to attach the monitor to the
monitor brackets 108 and 110, as discussed in more detail
below.
[0045] FIG. 11 shows the support brackets 102 and 104 along the XY
coordinates. The proximal end 116 of the first arm 114 may be
coupled to the two flanges 134 and 136 of the first support bracket
102 and adapted to rotate about the first pivot axis 120. The
proximal end 126 of the second arm 124 may be coupled to the two
flanges of the first support bracket 104 and adapted to rotate
about the third pivot axis 130, The base 132 of the first bracket
102 may have a number of holes 208 adapted to receive a screw to
attach the support bracket 102 to the wall 206.
[0046] FIG. 12 shows the support brackets 102 and 104 along the YZ
coordinates. The third support bracket 106 separates the first and
second support brackets 102 and 104 by about a distance Y such that
the two arms 114 and 124 may be separated by about the same
distance Y as well.
[0047] FIG. 13 shows the monitor brackets 108 and 110 along the XY
coordinates. The distal end 118 of the first arm 114 may be coupled
to the two flanges 140 and 142 of the first monitor bracket 108 and
adapted to rotate about the second pivot axis 122. The distal end
128 of the second arm 124 may be coupled to the two flanges of the
second monitor bracket 110 and adapted to rotate about the fourth
pivot axis 132. The third monitor bracket 112 may couple the first
and second monitor brackets 108 and 110 together adjacent to the
third and fourth pivot axes 122 and 132. In addition, a fourth
monitor bracket 150 may couple the first and second monitor
brackets 108 and 110 together on the opposite end of the two
monitor brackets 108 and 110.
[0048] FIG. 14 shows an adapter bracket 300 adapted to couple to
the back side 302 of a monitor 304, and couple to the first and
second monitor brackets 108 and 110. The weight of the monitor 304
may have a center of gravity represented as 306. The weight of the
monitor 304 may cause the monitor 302 to lean forward. Moreover, in
many situations, support surface such as the wall may not be
perfectly upright or vertical. In such situations, there is a need
to adjust for the tilt of the monitor so that the monitor 304 may
be mounted in an upright position if it is desired.
[0049] The adapter bracket 300 includes a base 308. Extending from
the base 308 may be a first extension 310 and a second extension
312. The first extension 310 may be curved to have a radius of
curvature R1 relative to a focal point 314; and the second
extension 312 may be curved to have a radius of curvature R2
relative to the focal point 314. As shown in FIG. 15, to compensate
for the monitor tilting down due to its own weight, the monitor may
be coupled to the monitor brackets in a tilted upward position by
tilting the monitor relative to the focal point 314. With the
extensions 310 and 312 curved relative to the focal point 314, the
two extensions 310 and 312 substantially maintains contact with the
flanges of the two monitor brackets 108 and 110, respectively. The
adapter bracket 300 may be securely attached to the monitor
brackets 108 and 110 by inserting bolts 316 through the extensions
and through the opening 210 of the two monitor brackets 108 and
110, and tightening each of the bolt with a nut 318.
[0050] FIG. 16 shows another arrangement of the pivot axes 120-128
along the XZ plane. In this example, the four pivot axes 120-128
may be substantially along the X-axis in the retracted position to
minimize the depth of the mount system 100.
[0051] While various embodiments of the invention have been
described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible
within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the invention is
not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and
their equivalents.
* * * * *