U.S. patent application number 12/876558 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-21 for quick mounting device.
Invention is credited to Benjamin J. SMITH.
Application Number | 20110174943 12/876558 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44276866 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110174943 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SMITH; Benjamin J. |
July 21, 2011 |
QUICK MOUNTING DEVICE
Abstract
A quick mounting device for appliances that utilizes at least
one locking mechanism and at least one adjustable locking
orientation to provide at least 3 locking factors for facilitating
quick mechanical connection between an appliance and a wall,
ceiling, floor or other support.
Inventors: |
SMITH; Benjamin J.; (Las
Vegas, NV) |
Family ID: |
44276866 |
Appl. No.: |
12/876558 |
Filed: |
September 7, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61296962 |
Jan 21, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/220.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02G 3/20 20130101; H02G
3/185 20130101; B60R 25/00 20130101; H02G 3/14 20130101; F16M
11/041 20130101; H02G 3/16 20130101; F16M 2200/024 20130101; F16M
13/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/220.21 |
International
Class: |
F16M 13/02 20060101
F16M013/02 |
Claims
1. A quick mounting device for appliances, comprising at least one
locking mechanism with at least one adjustable locking orientation
to provide at least three locking factors for facilitating quick
and adjustable mechanical connection between an appliance and a
wall, ceiling, floor or other support.
2. The quick mounting device of claim 1, wherein the at least three
locking factors include at least two locking mechanisms and one
adjustable locking orientation mechanism.
3. The quick mounting device of claim 2, wherein the adjustable
locking orientation mechanism adjustably locks around the
z-axis.
4. The quick mounting device of claim 1, wherein the three locking
factors include at least one locking mechanism and at least two
adjustable locking orientation mechanisms.
5. The quick mounting device of claim 4, wherein the adjustable
locking orientation mechanisms adjustably lock around the x-axis
and around the y-axis.
6. The quick mounting device of claim 1, wherein the at least three
locking factors include at least one locking mechanism and at least
three adjustable locking orientation mechanisms around the x, y,
and z-axes.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This non-provisional utility patent application claims the
benefit of prior filed U.S. provisional application Ser. No.
61/296,962 filed Jan. 19, 2010, which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to mounting devices in general
and particularly to appliance mounting devices allowing quick
connection and mounting of electrical appliances at electrical
outlets.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0003] There are numerous mechanical, electronic and
electro-mechanical devices that require mounting on a surface such
as a ceiling, wall or other surface. Typically the devices require
a strong mechanical attachment to the ceiling, wall or other
surface while at the same time requiring an electrical connection
to power typically supplied by wiring in the ceiling, wall or other
surface. Such devices include but are not limited to: ceiling fans,
chandeliers and other lighting fixtures, hanging retractable power
shop tools/devices, televisions (tubes, flat screens, plasma,
etc.), projectors, speakers, cameras, fire/smoke/heat/gas
detectors, garage door openers, microwave ovens and numerous other
hanging fixtures.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,044 issued Jul. 25, 2000 and assigned to
Pelco for a quick connect/disconnect mechanism describes a latch
and catch quick connect/disconnect mechanism for mechanically
mounting an electric or electronic device within a receptacle box
or housing.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,068 issued Mar. 28, 2000 and assigned to
Peerless Industries Inc for a low profile LCD projector mount
describes a low profile projector mount having an upper element
attached to the ceiling with slide guides projecting from its
bottom surface and a lower element attached to the projector with
flanges in slideable engagement with the guides. The upper element
further has a spring-based latching mechanism.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,903 issued Feb. 22, 2005; U.S. Pat. No.
6,376,770 issued Apr. 23, 2002; US Pub. No. 2005/0126813 published
Jun. 16, 2005 & US Pub. No. 2003/0124905 published Jul. 3, 2003
assigned to Eclectic Limited for a quick connecting universal
electrical box and wiring system describes a quick connecting
universal electrical box mounting system for the installation of
electrical sockets, switches or any electronic component that is
typically installed into a wall for users to access.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,403,278 issued Sep. 6, 1983 and assigned to
Harvstone Manufacturing Corporation for a mounting system for
suspended lighting fixtures describes a quick mounting system for
suspended light fixtures, including a box which is open at one side
and a plate dimensioned to cover the opening, a disengagable pivot
positioned at one end of the box and plate, and a hooking means at
the opposite end of the box and plate.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 7,201,354 issued Apr. 10, 2007 and assigned to
KTV, USA Inc. for a video monitor mounting system describes a video
monitor mounting system for use in conjunction with seat back, head
restraint or roof mount applications. It includes a mounting tray
fixed in a hollowed out socket formed in a seat back, the rear face
of a head restraint or within a roof mount overhead console.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 3,693,921 issued September 1972 and assigned
to the United States of America as represented by the Navy for a
quick release mounting apparatus describes an apparatus for stable
mounting of a device, such as a TV camera, to an underwater
support, and which can be easily and quickly locked or unlocked
from the support by manipulation of a lever.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,901 issued Oct. 21, 2003; U.S. Pat. No.
6,503,099 issued Jan. 7, 2003; & U.S. Pat. No. 6,799,982 issued
Oct. 5, 2004 assigned to Angelo Fan Brace Licensing LLC for a quick
connect device for electrical fixture describes a quick-connect
device for hanging fans, lighting fixtures, and the like. A
horizontal sliding connector is provided between the ceiling box
and the electrical fixture to take the weight of the fixture as it
is inserted.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,676,442 issued Jan. 13, 2004 and assigned to
Angelo Fan Brace Licensing LLC for a quick connect device with easy
installation features including plug and spring describes a
quick-connect device for hanging fans, lighting fixtures, and the
like.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 7,160,148 issued Jan. 9, 2007; U.S. Pat. No.
6,997,740 issued Feb. 14, 2006; US Pub No. 2002/0111063 published
Aug. 15, 2002 & US Pub No. 2005/0272306 published Dec. 8, 2005
and assigned to Angelo Fan Brace Licensing LLC for a ceiling
fixture with easy installation features describes a quick connect
device for electrically and physically mounting the fan to a
ceiling.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 3,798,584 issued March 1974 for a quick
connect ceiling electrical fixture mounting describes a quick
connect mounting for connecting an electrical fixture to a
conventional outlet box positioned within a ceiling. An electrical
fixture may be readily plugged into the ceiling and removed
therefrom in the same manner as a conventional electrical plug is
inserted into and withdrawn from a wall outlet.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 7,175,152 issued Feb. 13, 2007 and assigned to
CSAV Inc. for a display mounting device describes a flat panel
display mounting apparatus that enables quick and easy mounting and
dismounting of the flat panel display.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 4,645,286 issued Feb. 24, 1987 and assigned to
Elliot Isban for a quick connect power tap system describes a
coupling system which allows for quickly changing electrical
fixtures without rewiring.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 4,645,289 issued Feb. 24, 1987 to inventor
Elliot Isban for a quick connect power tap system describes an
improvement to U.S. Pat. No. 4,645,286 (described above).
[0017] US Pub. No. 20090280673 published Nov. 12, 2009 for a quick
connect assembly; US Pub. No. 20070167072 published Jul. 19, 2007
for a quick connect device for electrical fixtures and US Pub. No.
20050148241 published Jul. 7, 2005 for a quick connect device for
electrical fixtures describe a device for quick connecting and
supporting fixtures, such as electrical fixtures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention relates to a system for quickly
mounting appliances to support structures.
[0019] It is a primary object of the invention is to provide a
mounting device that utilizes one or more locking mechanism with
one or more adjustable locking orientations to provide at least 3
locking factors for facilitating quick mechanical connection
between an appliance and a wall, ceiling, floor or other
support.
[0020] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
mounting device that facilitates quick electrical and mechanical
connections between an electrical appliance and an electrical
outlet on a wall, ceiling, floor or other support.
[0021] Another object of the invention is to provide such a
mounting device that can be used by unskilled or inexperienced
users to quickly and easily install appliances.
[0022] A still further object of the invention is to provide such a
mounting device which allows a user to install or remove an
electrical fixture from an electrical outlet without the need of
special tools or the assistance of a trained electrician and to do
so easily and quickly.
[0023] Another object of the invention is to provide a device as
described which is capable of connecting a wide variety of
electrical appliance and fixture configurations to various types of
outlets on walls, ceilings, floor and other supports, electrical
junction boxes or even flat wall surfaces that are not provided
with electrical outlets.
[0024] Accordingly, a broad embodiment of this invention is to
provide an appliance mounting device that includes at least three
locking factors and that 1) requires no tools for mounting assembly
and has 2) matingly attachable components that are 3) quickly, 4)
securely and 5) reversibly attachable to one another. The device
furthermore utilizes materials with high tensile, compression and
shear strength to support heavy devices and withstand heavy
forces.
[0025] These and other aspects of the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art after a reading of the
following description of the preferred embodiment when considered
with the drawings, as they support the claimed invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the
top assembly of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a top view of one embodiment of the bottom
assembly of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the
invention.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the
invention.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a close-up view of locking mechanism of an
embodiment of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 6A is an exploded, perspective top view of one
embodiment of the top assembly of the invention.
[0032] FIG. 6B is an exploded, perspective bottom view of one
embodiment of the top assembly of the invention.
[0033] FIG. 6C is an exploded, perspective top view of one
embodiment of the cam plate of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 6D is an exploded, perspective top view of one
embodiment of the bottom assembly of the invention.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a perspective top view of the top plate showing
the hook holes with scalloped areas.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a side view of one embodiment of the
invention.
[0037] FIG. 9 is a detailed side view of the top of one embodiment
of the invention.
[0038] FIG. 10 is front view of one embodiment of the
invention.
[0039] FIG. 11 is a back view of one embodiment of the
invention.
[0040] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the front assembly of one
embodiment of the invention.
[0041] FIG. 13 is a side view of the latching mechanism.
[0042] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an example installation of
the present invention.
[0043] The problems associated with the current methods of
attaching such devices are numerous and include issues of safety,
time and convenience. Current methods and devices for attachment
require the simultaneous or near simultaneous connection of
electrical connections and mechanical support attachments all while
typically balancing on a ladder and using dangerous powered or
unpowered tools. Current methods and devices are time-consuming;
requiring different mechanical and electrical connections with each
device--the majority of which are not user friendly. Many consumers
must resort to the expense of a professional installer or handyman
to make the required electrical and mechanical connections.
[0044] What is needed is an appliance mounting device that improves
the safety, time and ease of installation for appliances,
especially electrical appliances, allows for orientation of the
appliance, and provides adequate support for heavy appliances,
especially appliances greater than 200 lbs.
[0045] The present invention provides a quick mounting system and
methods thereof that are operable for affixing or mounting and
orienting electric, electronic, mechanical and electro-mechanical
devices to a ceiling, wall or other surfaces that addresses the
above needs and deficiencies of current methods and devices.
Advantageously, the mounting system and methods of the present
invention are operable virtually anywhere a device or an object
needs to be installed off the ground, but without the use of tools.
The manually-operated locking mechanism is constructed and
configured such that a user can quickly and securedly lock the
device and/or object in place using only a human hand (not tools)
as well as unlock it without the use of any tools. The quick
mounting system and methods of the present invention are
constructed, configured, and operable to attach/mount electrical,
electronic, and mechanical devices with or without an electrical
connection as well as other objects that need to be mounted on
walls, ceilings or other surfaces.
[0046] The present invention provides a quick mounting system and
methods therefore, that are operable for affixing or mounting and
orienting electric, electronic, mechanical and electro-mechanical
devices to a ceiling, wall or other surfaces that addresses the
above needs and deficiencies of current methods and devices.
Advantageously, the mounting system and methods of the present
invention are operable virtually anywhere a device or an object
needs to be installed off the ground, but without the use of tools.
The manually-operated locking mechanism is constructed and
configured such that a user can quickly and securedly lock the
device and/or object in place using only a human hand (no tools) as
well as unlock it without the use of any tools. The lockable
orientation system is constructed, configured and operable to allow
orientation and locking of the attached appliance. The quick
mounting system and methods of the present invention, are
constructed, configured, and operable to attach/mount electrical,
electronic, and mechanical devices with or without an electrical
connection to a power source directly as well as other objects that
need to be mounted on walls, ceilings or other surfaces.
[0047] Referring now to the drawings in general, the illustrations
are for the purpose of describing a preferred embodiment of the
invention and are not intended to limit the invention thereto. With
reference to the figures, only FIGS. 1, 7 & 8 illustrate the
electrical connectors integrated with the quick mount system as one
embodiment of the present invention. While other figures do not
show an electrical connector integrally constructed with the
present invention in every embodiment, generally, when applicable,
an electrical connector is configured and positioned through the
center of the top and bottom assemblies, respectively, of the quick
mount system for those embodiments; however, in the case where no
electrical supply is required for the operation (if any) of the
object to be mounted or affixed securedly to a surface, then the
electrical connector is omitted intentionally. The dimensions,
specifications, materials and other call outs on the engineering
drawings are representative only and not critical to the quick
mount system. Apart from the illustrations provided as examples,
but not limitations, of the present invention, it is intended that
different or other dimensions, specifications, materials and call
outs are considered within the scope of the invention.
[0048] In the present disclosure, the term "mounting assembly" is
the action where a first component of the device with an appliance
attached is attached to a second component of the invention that is
already attached to a wall, ceiling, floor or other support. That
is, the respective components of the present invention are already
attached to the appliance and the support and these components are
brought together to attach, mount or affix the appliance to the
support.
[0049] The present invention advantageously uses a combination of
locking mechanisms, adjustable locking orientations, and
appropriate high-strength materials, to securedly affix and orient
an object to a support.
[0050] The present invention utilizes at least one locking
mechanism and at least one adjustable locking orientation to
provide at least 3 locking factors in an embodiment. A locking
factor can be a locking mechanism or an adjustable locking
orientation. An adjustable locking orientation adjustably orients
and locks the mounted object along or around an orientation axis,
which is any of the x, y or z axes along or around which an object
can be moved. A locking mechanism is any mechanical means which
prevents the movement of the object along or around one or more
orientation axes, but does not provide adjustable orientation.
[0051] The present invention thus advantageously combines locking
mechanisms with adjustable locking orientations to securedly orient
and affix an object to a support. An example embodiment is shown in
FIGS. 1-6D, wherein a device according to the present invention has
at least three locking factors, including two locking mechanisms
that affix the object to a support and prevent the translation of
the object along the x, y and z-axes. The z-axis projects out of
the support, whereas the x and y-axes are parallel to the support.
The device orientation is lockable along the x and y-axes through
the use of locking hooks and support pins and lockably adjustable
around the z-axis through the use a z-axis rotation locking
mechanism as shown in US Pub. No. 20040186579 published Sep. 23,
2004 for adjustable bone prostheses and related methods, US Pub.
No. 20040151535 published Aug. 5, 2004 for Adjustable locking mount
and methods of use, US Pub. No. 20030129019 published Jul. 10, 2003
for Adjustable locking mount and methods of use, US Pub. No.
20030129018 published Jul. 10, 2003 for Adjustable locking mount,
US Pub. No. 20020116789 published Aug. 29, 2002 for Adjustable
locking mount and methods of use and U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,462 for
rotatable and fore-aft slidable seat mount and controls;
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In this
embodiment, the z-rotation locking mechanism is juxtaposed between
the appliance and the first component of the appliance mounting
device, including an additional bracket mounting the appliance to
the z-axis rotation locking mechanism to provide sufficient space
to adjust and lock the z-axis rotation locking mechanism. Thus, the
device is orientable around the z-axis, but not along the z-axis.
That is, the appliance can rotate around the z-axis but cannot
translate along the z-axis.
[0052] The locking mechanism described in US Pub. Nos. 20040186579,
20040151535, 20030129019, 20030129018, and 20020116789 can also be
used to provide rotation locking mechanisms for the x- and y-axes
(see US Pub No 20020116789 FIGS. 1 through 12), thus providing
rotationally adjustable locking mechanisms around the x-, y-, and
z-axes; and also for locking translation along the x- and y-axes
and rotational locking around the z-axis (see US Pub No 20020116789
FIGS. 13, 14 and 15).
[0053] Another example embodiment is shown in FIGS. 8-12
(rectangular device), wherein a device according to the present
invention has at least three locking factors, including one locking
mechanism that affixes the object to a support and two adjustable
locking orientation axes. In this example embodiment, the object is
locked along the y-axis and can be lockably rotated around the x-,
y- and z-axes using the adjustable locking mechanism described in
US Pub. Nos. 20040186579, 20040151535, 20030129019, 20030129018,
and 2002011678. Again, in this embodiment, the z-rotation locking
mechanism is juxtaposed between the appliance and the first
component of the appliance mounting device, and includes an
additional bracket mounting the appliance to the z-axis rotation
locking mechanism to provide sufficient space to adjust and lock
the z-axis rotation locking mechanism.
[0054] The present invention is designed to affix and support heavy
objects, and thus requires appropriate materials able to withstand
high tensile, compressive and shear stresses. Example materials
include iron and iron alloys such as steel, titanium alloys, brass,
bronze, carbon composites including carbon nanotube composites, and
the like.
[0055] In order to make the final assembly easier, the secondary
connections are built in. The electrical, communication and similar
connections are built in such that when the installer brings the
two components of the mounting device together in the final
assembly, the male and female ends of the secondary connections
come together to close the connection.
[0056] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, in one example embodiment
described herein, the quick mount system, generally described as
100, includes a top assembly, generally described as 200, and a
bottom assembly, generally described as 300. The main
weight-bearing components of the device may be manufactured from
mild steel. However, the device may be manufactured of any material
that has the requisite strength and impact properties that may vary
according to the type of apparatus the mounting device is designed
to mount. With continuing reference to FIG. 1, included in the top
assembly 200 is a female electrical connector 3. The bottom
assembly 300 includes a male electrical connector 4 designed to
mate with the female electrical connector. In some embodiments, the
connectors could be reversed, that is to say, the female connector
may be housed in the bottom assembly and the male connector housed
in the top assembly. In either case, the male and female connectors
are preferably located substantially through the center of the
bottom and top assemblies but in any event in such manner so that
when the assemblies are brought together as intended by the
invention the male and female electrical connectors mate so as to
form an electrical connection. The electrical connectors are
preferably low profile, rear-mounting connectors; however, other
designs, constructions and configurations are operable with the
present invention, with disclosed and/or unillustrated
embodiments.
[0057] FIGS. 1, 3, 6A and 6B show the top assembly in detail
including the top plate 2 and the three support pins 12 attached to
the top plate 2. The top plate 2 would be attached to the wall,
ceiling or other surface via the mounting slots 16. The optional
electrical connector 3 (shown in FIGS. 1, 6A and 6B; not shown in
FIGS. 2 through 5) in the top assembly 200 is connected to the
power or other electrical supply in the wall, ceiling or other
surface.
[0058] FIGS. 2, 4, 6C and 6D show the bottom assembly 300 and its
components. The bottom assembly 300 includes a bottom plate 1 which
is attached to the device to be mounted (e.g., ceiling fan, flat
screen TV, cabinet, etc.) via the special bolts 17 and the
electrical connector 4 in the bottom assembly 300 is connected to
the power requirements of the device to be mounted. Once the top
assembly 200 is attached to the ceiling, wall or other surface and
the bottom assembly 300 is attached to the device to be mounted on
the ceiling, wall or other surface, the top assembly 200 and the
bottom assembly 300 are merely brought together and a mechanical
and electrical connection is securely made as described below.
[0059] With reference to FIGS. 2, 4, 6A and 6B and US Pub. Nos.
20040186579, 20040151535, 20030129019, 20030129018, and 2002011678,
the bottom assembly includes a z-axis rotation locking mechanism
juxtaposed between the appliance and the first component of the
appliance mounting device, and includes an additional bracket for
mounting the appliance to the z-axis rotation locking mechanism to
provide sufficient space to adjust and lock the z-axis rotation
locking mechanism. The rotation locking mechanism permits the
appliance to be rotated around the z-axis, thus permitting
orientation of the appliance in a desired direction.
[0060] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 6A-D, three hooks 5 are
attached via hook mounts 6, rivets 7 and hook springs 8 to the
interior of the bottom plate 1. The hooks 5 are allowed to pivot
around the rivets 7 and the hook springs 8 push the hooks toward
the periphery of the assembly. The hook mounts 6 are permanently
fastened to the bottom plate via screws or rivets. With additional
reference to FIG. 1, the hooks 5 include a beveled edge 28 and the
hooks are located on the bottom plate 1 so that when the bottom
assembly 300 is brought up to and connected with the top assembly
200, the beveled edge 28 causes the hooks to retract toward the
center of the assembly and slide around the hook slots 9 attached
to the top assembly 200. Once past the hook slots, the hooks 5
extend toward the periphery and latch into hook slots 9. The hooks
5 are spring loaded in such manner that when the cam plate 10 is
properly oriented, via the cam positioning tabs 11A and 11B, in the
neutral or middle position as described below, the hooks pass
freely past the hook slots in the top assembly 200 and catch
securely in the hook slots.
[0061] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, the hooks may pass
through hook holes 35 in the top plate 2 and catch securely on
scalloped areas 36 on the exterior surface of the top plate 2
adjacent the hook holes.
[0062] At that point, there is a mechanical connection between the
top assembly 200, which is connected to the wall, and the bottom
assembly 300, which is connected to the device to be mounted on the
wall, surface, or ceiling, as well as an electrical connection
between the device and a power supply in the wall (not shown).
Thus, the device is mechanically connected to the wall, ceiling or
other surface and operably connected with the appropriate power
supply.
[0063] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 6C, which are illustrations of
one embodiment of the present invention, an example is provided
showing a cam plate 10, with a moving tab 11A and a fixed tab 11B
attached to the cam plate 10, wherein the cam is operable for
holding the hooks 5 in one of three positions, and is also operable
for engage and disengage actions for the support pins 12 with
respect to the key slots 13. In this embodiment, the moving tab 11A
moves radially towards the center against the tab spring 20 which
is stopped or held in place by the tab spring stop 22. The moving
tab 11A has on the side opposite the tab spring 20 a locking pin
24, which is a modified dowel pin.
[0064] With reference to FIG. 5, when the moving tab 11A is not
being manually pressed radially toward the center of the assembly,
the locking pin 24 is engaged in one of three locking pin holes 26
in the bottom plate 1. When the locking pin 24 is engaged in one of
the three locking pin holes 26 the cam plate 10 is prevented from
rotating within the bottom assembly 300. When the moving tab 11A is
manually pressed radially toward the center of the assembly the
locking pin 24 disengages from the locking pin hole 26 and the cam
plate 10 can be rotated. Each of the locking pin holes 26
represents one of three states or positions into which the cam
plate 10 can be placed. In other words, the moving tab 11A moves
radially against the tab spring 20 to release and lock the cam
plate 10 into one of three positions.
[0065] Alternatively, the tabs may both be fixed tabs and merely
provide finger holds for rotating the cam plate into the available
positions, without locking the cam in the position.
[0066] The first position is "neutral" or "device installation" or
"engage", which for the embodiment illustrated, is the middle
position of the three available positions. In the neutral or device
installation position, the hooks are positioned in such manner that
the beveled edge of the hooks will contact the hook slots when the
bottom assembly is brought toward the top assembly, causing the
hooks to retract and slide inside the hook slots 9 in the top
assembly 200 when the bottom assembly 300 and the top assembly 200
are brought together. In this neutral position, once the hooks 5
are through the hook slots 9, the hook springs 8 operate to pivot
the hooks 5 around the rivet 7 so that the hooks 5 engage over the
hook slots. Once in this position, the two assemblies 300, 200 are
mechanically and electrically connected, thus mechanically
connecting the appliance to the support; e.g., the ceiling fan to
the ceiling; the TV to the wall. The cam plate 10 via the tabs 11A,
11B is then moved to a "locked" position such that the cam plate 10
and the hooks 5 are locked in place over the hook slots of the top
assembly 200 so that the hooks 5 are fully engaged in the top
assembly 200 and thus the bottom assembly 300 which is connected to
the hooks 5 via the hook mounts 6 cannot be disengaged from the top
assembly 200. The cam plate 10 via the tabs 11A, 11B may also be
moved to an "open" or "retracted" or "release" position. In the
release position, the interior cam profile 15 will force the hooks
5 to retract towards the center of the assembly against the
pressure of the hook springs 8 in such position that they will
slide out of the hook slots 9, thus disengaging the bottom assembly
300 from the top assembly 200 (and thus, mechanically and
electrically disconnecting the ceiling fan, TV, etc., from the wall
or ceiling). In addition to controlling the hooks 5, the tabs 11A,
11B also operate the cam plate 10 in such a manner that the support
pins 12 on the top assembly 200 engage or disengage as desired with
the key slots 13 on the cam plate 10. In the locked position, the
cam plate 10 is positioned in such manner to ensure that the
support pins 12 are tightly engaged and locked into the key slots
13 and, therefore, the top assembly 200 and bottom assembly 300
remain securely engaged. In the open or retracted position, the cam
plate 10 is positioned in such manner to ensure that the support
pins 12 are disengaged and free to slide out of the key slots 13
thus enabling the top assembly 200 and the bottom assembly to be
slid apart. The support pins 12 are permanently attached to the top
assembly 200 via screws and extend downward toward the bottom
assembly 300. The cam plate 10 with key slots 13 is located in and
attached to the bottom assembly 300, for example, by retaining pins
25. Each of the key slots 13 has a wide end 13A and a narrow end
13B. The key slots 13 are located in the cam plate 10 in such a way
that when the tabs 11A, 11B and cam plate 10 are in the open
(retracted) or neutral (device installation) positions, the support
pins 12 may slide in and out of the key slot 13A. However when the
tabs 11A, 11B and the cam plate 10 are in the locked position, the
cam plate 10 is rotated in such a manner that the head 12A of the
support pins 12 are engaged below the narrow end of the key slot
13B and are unable to slide out of the key slot 13B. In this way,
the bottom assembly 300 and the top assembly 200 are bound together
by both the hooks 5 and the support pins 12. To disengage the top
assembly 200 from the bottom assembly 300, the tabs 11A, 11B and
the cam plate 10 are moved to the neutral or open position which
places the support pins 12 in an area of the key slots 13A wide
enough that the support pins 12 will slip out of the key slot 13A
and become disengaged from the key slot.
[0067] Thus, the quick mounting device for appliances includes a
top assembly attachable to a support and a bottom assembly
attachable to an appliance. The top assembly further includes a top
plate with mounting slots, support pins, hook slots, and an
electrical connector; wherein the mounting slots are positioned to
mount the plate to the support, the support pins and the hook slots
are securely fastened to the top assembly and project downward.
[0068] a. The bottom assembly includes a bottom plate with mounting
bolts; hooks; hook mounts with rivets and springs; a cam plate with
key slots having a wide end and a narrow end and an interior
profile; cam retaining pins, cam positioning tabs and a mating
electrical connector. The mounting bolts secure the plate to the
appliance; the hook mounts are securely fastened to the bottom
assembly; the hooks are fastened to and pivot around the hook
mounts by the rivets; the springs rotate the hooks toward the
periphery of the plate; the retaining pins hold the cam in the
plate and permit the cam to rotate in the plate; the cam
positioning tabs provide finger holds for rotating the cam; the
interior cam profile has three positions to permit the hooks to
slide past the hook slots for engaging or retract towards the
center for removal or expand towards the periphery for locking.
[0069] b. The assemblies are engagable by positioning the cam in
the engage position; lifting the bottom assembly toward the top
assembly such that the hooks slide past and then engage the hook
slots and the support pins extend through the wide end of the cam
key slots; [0070] c. The assemblies are lockable by rotating the
cam to the locked position, thereby locking the support pins with
the narrow end of the key slots and fully extending the hooks into
the hook slots. [0071] d. The electrical connectors positioned to
mate when the top and bottom assemblies are brought together.
[0072] e. Thereby the present invention provides a mounting device
that is quickly and easily engaged and disengaged mechanically and
electrically without the use of tools and furthermore has two
mechanical engagement mechanisms.
[0073] The cam tabs may further include a moving cam tab with a
locking pin with spring and the lower plate includes three locking
pin holes corresponding to an engage position, a lock position, and
a release position; the moving tab with locking pin positionable in
any of the three locking pin holes and releasably locking the cam
in the position.
[0074] To use the quick mount device, the user attaches the top
assembly 200 to the wall, ceiling or other surface by using screws,
bolts or other suitable attachment means through the mounting slots
16 into the wall, ceiling or other surface. If electric power to
the device is required, the user may also connect the electrical
connector 3 in the top assembly to a power supply. The user then
attaches the bottom assembly 300 to the device to be mounted
(ceiling fan, etc.) via the special mounting bolts 17. If
electrical power is required, the user connects the electrical
connector 4 in the bottom assembly to the power leads of the device
to be mounted.
[0075] The user then moves the cam plate 10 via the tabs 11A, 11B
to the neutral position. As the user lifts the device to be mounted
toward the top assembly 200 and the hooks 5 begin to engage the
hook slots 9 in the top assembly 200, the hooks 5 will pivot around
the rivet 7 in such a way to allow the hooks 5 to pass through the
hook slots 9. Once the hooks 5 are through the hook slots 9, the
hook springs 8 rotate the hooks 5 around the rivets 7 in the
opposite direction securing the hooks 5 over the hook slots 9.
Thus, merely by lifting the device into place, the device is
attached, without the use of tools, to the top assembly 200 and
thus the ceiling, wall or other support. Absent the quick mount
device, the user would have to lift the device into place and use
one arm/hand to hold the device in place while using some sort of
tool with the other arm/hand to secure the device to the ceiling or
wall. Instead, with the quick mounting device, the hooks 5 hold the
device in place thus freeing up both of the user's arm/hands to
further secure the device without tools to the ceiling or wall as
follows. Once the hooks 5 are engaged over the top assembly 200,
the user via the tabs 11A, 11B rotates the cam plate 10 to the
locked position. In the locked position, the support pins 12 on the
top assembly 200 engage the narrow end of the key slots 13B thus
bringing the top assembly 200 and bottom assembly 300 tightly
together. The bottom assembly 300 is now completed supported and
securely attached to the top assembly 200 by the support pins 12
and not the hooks 5. In fact, in the locked position, the hooks 5
may be raised off of the surface of the top assembly 200. Also, in
the locked position the cam profile 15 fully engages the hooks 5 in
position over the top assembly 200, giving the device two
mechanisms of engaging or holding the assemblies together. Thus,
even were the support pins 12 or the key slots 13 to fail, the
bottom assembly 300 and the top assembly 200 would remain securely
mated and the device would remain mounted on the ceiling or wall
because of the hooks.
[0076] With the appliance mounted, it can next be oriented around
the z-axis using the z-axis rotation locking mechanisms previously
described.
[0077] To remove the device from the ceiling or wall, the tabs 11A,
11B are rotated into the release, retracted, and/or open position.
At that point, the support pins 12 are positioned in the wide end
of the key slots 13A, where they are operable to be disengaged from
the bottom assembly and the hooks 5 are held in a retracted
position whereby they can freely pass by the hook slots 9 in the
top assembly 12. Thus, the top assembly 200 and the bottom assembly
300 are selectively operable for being disengaged from one another,
thereby providing for selective, intentional removal of the device
or object from the wall, surface, or ceiling.
[0078] Another example embodiment described herein is shown in
FIGS. 8-12, the quick mount system includes a back plate 101 and a
front assembly 102. The plates and main components of the device
may be manufactured from mild steel. However, the device may be
manufactured of any material that has the requisite strength and
impact properties that may vary according to the type of apparatus
the mounting device is designed to mount. With continuing reference
to FIG. 8, included in the front assembly 102 is a male electrical
connector 103. The back plate 101 includes a female electrical
connector 104 designed to mate with the male electrical connector.
In some embodiments, the connectors could be reversed, that is to
say, the male connector may be housed in the back plate and the
female connector housed in the front assembly. In either case, the
male and female connectors are preferably located substantially
through the center of the back plate and front assemblies but in
any event in such manner so that when the plates are brought
together as intended by the invention the male and female
electrical connectors mate so as to form an electrical connection.
The electrical connectors are preferably low profile, rear-mounting
connectors but may be of other designs as well.
[0079] FIGS. 8, 9 and 12 show the back plate in detail. The back
plate 101 would be attached to the wall, ceiling or other surface
via the mounting slots 105. The optional electrical connector 104
(shown in FIG. 8; not shown in FIG. 9, 9A or 9B) in the back plate
101 is connected to the power or other electrical supply in the
wall, ceiling or other surface.
[0080] FIGS. 8, 9 and 11 show the front assembly 102 and its
components. The front assembly 102 is attached to the device to be
mounted (e.g., ceiling fan, flat screen TV, cabinet, etc.) via the
special bolts 117 (shown in FIG. 10) and the electrical connector
103 (not shown) in the front assembly 102 is connected to the power
requirements of the device to be mounted. Once the back plate 101
is attached to the ceiling, wall or other surface and the front
assembly 102 is attached to the device to be mounted on the
ceiling, wall or other surface, the front assembly 102 and the back
plate 101 are brought together and a mechanical and electrical
connection is securely made as described below.
[0081] With reference to FIG. 8, the back plate includes a top lip
110, a locking angle 115, and a bottom lip 120. With reference to
FIG. 12, the front assembly includes a plate 130 with top retaining
lip 132, a locking bar 140 and a retaining assembly 150.
[0082] The locking bar 140 prevents the front assembly from rising
vertically when attached to the back plate by being appropriately
positioned under the locking angle 115 of the back plate. The
locking bar 140 is fastened to the front plate 130 in the
appropriate position by appropriate fasteners.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 12, the bottom retaining assembly includes
a latching bar 155 with a bottom retaining lip 160 that includes a
beveled edge 165, guide bolts 170, and retaining springs 172. The
bottom retaining assembly further includes a bottom pull ring 180
and/or a top push rod 185.
[0084] The latching bar is fastened to the guide bolts. The guide
bolts are positioned to slide through the support bar in order to
permit the latching bar to slide toward and away from the support
bar. The latching bar is retained toward the support bar by the
retaining springs. The bottom pull ring and, optionally, the top
push rod, when activated, move the latching bar away from the
support bar.
[0085] The combination of locking bar and bottom retaining assembly
provide a locking mechanism that prevents movement of the appliance
along the y-axis.
[0086] Another example embodiment includes a 2-axis orientation and
locking mechanism, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,462. This
orientation and locking mechanism, when used to attach the
appliance to the appliance mounting component, permits the
appliance to be adjustably rotated and locked around the z-axis and
to be adjustable translated along the x- or y-axis, depending on
the orientation of the locking mechanism.
[0087] Thus, the example embodiment includes at least 3 locking
factors to permit locking along or around one axis and orientation
along or around at least two axes.
[0088] To use the quick mount device, the user attaches the back
plate to the wall, ceiling or other surface by using screws, bolts
or other suitable attachment means through the mounting slots 105.
If electric power to the device is required, the user may also
connect the electrical connector (not shown) in the back plate to a
power supply. The user then attaches the front assembly 102 to the
device to be mounted (ceiling fan, etc.) via the special bolts 117.
If electrical power is required, the user connects the electrical
connector in the front assembly 102 to the power leads of the
device to be mounted.
[0089] Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the top retaining lip
132 of the front assembly is positioned over and slid down onto the
top lip 110 of the back plate. The front assembly with appliance is
then pivoted toward the back plate in order to bring the bottom
retaining lip 160 of the latching bar into juxtaposition with the
bottom lip 120 of the back plate (see FIG. 8). The beveled edge 165
of the bottom retaining lip causes the bottom retaining assembly
150 to lower as pressure is applied to the beveled edge. Once the
bottom lip 120 has moved past the bottom retaining lip 160 and into
the latching groove 136, the bottom latching bar, under pressure
from the retaining springs 172, moves toward the locking bar 140,
thereby latching the bottom lip with the bottom retaining lip, and
thus the front assembly and appliance to the back plate.
[0090] At that point, there is a mechanical connection between the
back plate 101, which is connected to the wall, and the front
assembly 102, which is connected to the device desired to be
mounted on the wall as well as an electrical connection between the
device and the power supply in the wall. Thus, the device is
mechanically connected to the wall, ceiling or other surface and
optionally connected with the desired power supply.
[0091] The appliance can next be oriented using the any of the
rotational and translational locking mechanism previously
described.
[0092] To detach the appliance from the support, the pull ring or
push rod is activated, releasing the front assembly from back
plate. The appliance is then rotated away from the back plate and
slid away from the top retaining edge, such that the top retaining
lip 132 is no longer holding the top lip 110. The appliance is then
free to be moved away from the back plate.
[0093] Thus, merely by lifting the device into place and pushing it
toward the back plate, the device is attached, without the use of
tools, to the back plate and thus the ceiling or wall or other
support. Absent the quick mount device, the user would have to lift
the device into place and use one arm/hand to hold the device in
place while using some sort of tool with the other arm/hand to
secure the device to the ceiling or wall. Instead, the quick
mounting device frees up both of the user's arm/hands to further
secure the device without tools to the ceiling or wall.
[0094] As shown in FIG. 13, the bottom lip includes a locking angle
of about 40 degrees and the beveled edge of the bottom retaining
lip is about the same angle to facilitate the sliding of the
latching bar down as pressure is applied.
[0095] While the examples have shown the use of a single mounting
device, it is possible to use a multiplicity of devices to mount
heavier appliances. For example, cabinets can be mounted to walls
using two mounting devices. The front and back components of two
devices would first be attached in a level manner to the support
and to the cabinet, respectively, and then the cabinet mounted on
the support.
[0096] Certain modifications and improvements will occur to those
skilled in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. The
above-mentioned examples are provided to serve the purpose of
clarifying the aspects of the invention and it will be apparent to
one skilled in the art that they do not serve to limit the scope of
the invention. All modifications and improvements have been deleted
herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly
within the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *