U.S. patent application number 13/295143 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-14 for monitor mounting apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to SYNCMOLD ENTERPRISE CORP.. The applicant listed for this patent is KENG-JUI CHANG, KUO-YUAN CHOU, CHUNG-CHENG HU, HSIEN HUEI HUANG, DER-WEI LU, CHYI-PYN PENG. Invention is credited to KENG-JUI CHANG, KUO-YUAN CHOU, CHUNG-CHENG HU, HSIEN HUEI HUANG, DER-WEI LU, CHYI-PYN PENG.
Application Number | 20130037670 13/295143 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46460984 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130037670 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LU; DER-WEI ; et
al. |
February 14, 2013 |
MONITOR MOUNTING APPARATUS
Abstract
The instant disclosure relates to a monitor mounting apparatus
for disposing on a working surface. The mounting apparatus includes
a base, an adjusting unit, and a tilt bracket. The base is arranged
on the working surface and has at least one guiding member. The
adjusting unit includes at least one sliding member and at least
one connecting member interconnected. The sliding member may be
slidably arranged on the guiding member. The tilt bracket has an
outer end portion and at least one connecting portion. The
connecting portion is pivotally connected to the connecting member,
and the outer end portion is defined on one end of the tilt bracket
away from the connecting member. The tilt bracket may be oriented
at various angular and vertical positions. The user may adjust the
monitor mounting apparatus to suit the person's needs.
Inventors: |
LU; DER-WEI; (NEW TAIPEI
CITY, TW) ; HUANG; HSIEN HUEI; (NEW TAIPEI CITY,
TW) ; CHOU; KUO-YUAN; (NEW TAIPEI CITY, TW) ;
HU; CHUNG-CHENG; (NEW TAIPEI CITY, TW) ; CHANG;
KENG-JUI; (NEW TAIPEI CITY, TW) ; PENG; CHYI-PYN;
(NEW TAIPEI CITY, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LU; DER-WEI
HUANG; HSIEN HUEI
CHOU; KUO-YUAN
HU; CHUNG-CHENG
CHANG; KENG-JUI
PENG; CHYI-PYN |
NEW TAIPEI CITY
NEW TAIPEI CITY
NEW TAIPEI CITY
NEW TAIPEI CITY
NEW TAIPEI CITY
NEW TAIPEI CITY |
|
TW
TW
TW
TW
TW
TW |
|
|
Assignee: |
SYNCMOLD ENTERPRISE CORP.
NEW TAIPEI CITY
TW
|
Family ID: |
46460984 |
Appl. No.: |
13/295143 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/284.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 11/10 20130101;
F16M 13/02 20130101; F16M 13/022 20130101; F16M 2200/041 20130101;
F16M 13/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/284.1 |
International
Class: |
H05K 7/00 20060101
H05K007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 10, 2011 |
TW |
100214807 |
Claims
1. A monitor mounting apparatus arranged on a working surface,
comprising: a base, arranged on the working surface, having at
least one guiding member; an adjusting unit having at least one
sliding member and at least one interconnected connecting member,
wherein the sliding member is movable with respect to the guiding
member; and a tilt bracket having at least one connecting portion,
wherein the connecting portion is pivotally connected to the
connecting member of the adjusting unit, wherein an outer end
portion is defined on one end of the tilt bracket away from the
connecting member; and wherein the tilt bracket can be pivotally
oriented between a first operational position and a second
operational position, wherein the shortest distance between the
outer end portion and the working surface is less when the tilt
bracket is at the first operational position than when the tilt
bracket is at the second operational position.
2. The monitor mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the guiding
member is an elongated plate having a pair of oppositely bent side
portions which defines an elongated slot wherein the sliding member
of the adjusting unit is slidably adapted to travel along the
elongated slot.
3. The monitor mounting apparatus of claim 2, wherein the base has
a rear wall adapted for mounting to the working surface, wherein
the tilt bracket has a support plate, wherein when the tilt bracket
is oriented at the first operational position, the angle between
the support plate of the tilt bracket and the rear wall of the base
is 0.degree., wherein when the tilt bracket is oriented at the
second operational position, the angle between the support plate
and the rear wall is 90.degree..
4. The monitor mounting apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a
self-positioning mechanism, including a pair of fixing members and
a gas spring, wherein the fixing members are respectively secured
to the rear wall of the base and one of the sliding members of the
adjusting unit, and wherein the opposite ends of the gas spring are
pivotally respectively connected to the fixing members.
5. The monitor mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
connecting member has a plate-like shape and the tilt bracket has a
support plate, wherein the connecting portion extends from the
support plate and pivotally connects to one end of the connecting
member, while the other end of the connecting member is fixed to
the sliding member.
6. The monitor mounting apparatus of claim 5, wherein the
connecting portion of the tilt bracket has a notch, wherein the
connecting member has a locking hole formed thereon, wherein the
adjusting unit further includes a locking mechanism, and wherein
the locking mechanism works cooperatively with the locking hole for
selectively engaging the notch of the connecting portion.
7. The monitor mounting apparatus of claim 6, wherein the locking
mechanism includes a retainer, a compression spring, and an insert,
wherein opposite ends of the retainer are secured around the
locking hole onto the connecting member, wherein the retainer and
the connecting member cooperatively define an accommodating space
for receiving the compression spring, wherein the accommodating
space is in communication with the locking hole, wherein the insert
is partly projected through the compression spring and the locking
hole, with the compression spring abutting to the retainer and the
insert on opposite ends thereof, and wherein the insert can be
selectively pushed out of the locking hole for engaging the
notch.
8. The monitor mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjusting
unit further includes at least one washer assembly and at least one
stabilizing unit, wherein the washer assembly is arranged on the
connecting section between the tilt bracket and the connecting
member, wherein the stabilizing unit includes a L-bracket and a
constant-force spring arranged thereon, wherein the L-bracket is
fixed to the rear wall of the base, and wherein the constant-force
spring is fixed to the L-bracket with one end connected to the
sliding member.
9. The monitor mounting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at
least one tilt arm, wherein the base further has at least one
fixing portion, wherein the tilt arm has a first end portion and an
opposite second end portion, wherein the first end portion is
capable of pivotally connected to the fixing portion of the base,
wherein the second end portion is capable of pivotally connected to
the connecting portion of the tilt bracket, when the tilt bracket
is oriented at the first operational position, the connecting
section between the sliding member and the connecting member is
oriented at a first position, while when the tilt bracket is
oriented at the second operational position, the connecting section
between the sliding member and the connecting member is oriented at
a second position.
10. The monitor mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the
tilt bracket is oriented at the first operational position, the
distance between the top edge portion of the sliding member and the
top edge portion of the guiding member is greater than the distance
therebetween when the tilt bracket is oriented at the second
operational position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The instant disclosure relates to a monitor mounting
apparatus; more particularly, to a mounting apparatus capable of
providing (simultaneous) elevation and angle adjustment for an
attached monitor.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] For conventional monitor mounting apparatus, such as the
"Display Mounting Bracket" disclosed by Taiwan Patent (Patent No.:
M390389) as shown in FIG. 1, the bracket usually comprises a
wall-mounted first support bar 10, a second support bar 20
pivotally connected to the lower portion of the first support bar
10, and a tilt arm 30 pivotally connected to the first support bar
10 and the second support bar 20 on opposite ends thereof, to
enable the angular adjustment of a display 40. However, this design
or many other similar variants can only provide a limited angular
adjustment range for the display 40 suitable for eye-level viewing
only.
[0005] Nevertheless, with the widespread use of touch screen
displays, a monitor/display can be used for surfing the Internet
through the touch-control technology in addition to regular
viewing. When the monitor is used for touch/stylus operations, for
ergonomic purposes, it is often preferred to arrange the monitor in
a direction perpendicular to the mounting wall below the shoulders
of a user. Conventional bracket designs could not meet these
ergonomic principles. Therefore, the user would be restrained in an
uncomfortable position while using the display.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to an embodiment of the instant disclosure, a
mounting apparatus for use with a monitor (e.g., touch screen
monitor), such that the angular and vertical position of the
monitor may be adjusted, is provided to meet the user's needs.
[0007] The mounting apparatus to be arranged on a mounting surface
(e.g., wall surface) comprises: a base having at least one
elongated guiding member; an adjusting unit having at least one
sliding member and at least one connecting member, where the
sliding member can be slidably arranged on the corresponding
guiding member; and a tilt bracket having an outer end portion and
at least one connecting portion, where the connecting portion is
pivotally connected to the corresponding connecting member, whereas
the outer end portion is defined on one end of the tilt bracket
away from the connecting member. The tilt bracket can be oriented
between a first operational position and a second operational
position. When the tilt bracket is oriented at the first
operational position, the distance between the outer end portion
and the wall surface is less than the distance therebetween when
the tilt bracket is tilted at the second operational position.
[0008] The guiding member is preferably constructed as a C-channel
having an elongated slot formed thereon. The sliding member of the
adjusting unit is plate-shaped and slidably adapted to travel along
the elongated slot.
[0009] The base preferably has a rear wall in contact with the wall
surface, and the tilt bracket has a support plate. When the tilt
bracket is at the first operational position, the support plate is
parallel to the rear wall of the base. Whereas when the tilt
bracket is at the second operational position, the tilt bracket is
arranged normally to the base.
[0010] In another embodiment, the base further includes a
self-positioning mechanism. The mechanism includes two fixing
members and a gas spring. One of the fixing members is secured to
the rear wall of the base. Whereas the other fixing member is
secured to one of the sliding member of the adjusting unit. The gas
spring may be pivotally connected to the fixing members on opposite
ends thereof
[0011] The connecting member is preferably plate-shaped. The tilt
bracket has a support plate. The connecting portion may extend from
the support plate and be pivotally connected to one end of the
connecting member. Whereas the other end of the connecting member
is fixed to the sliding member.
[0012] In yet another embodiment, the connecting portion of the
tilt bracket has a notch. The connecting member of the adjusting
unit has a locking hole formed thereon. The adjusting unit further
includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism can selectively
abut to the edge portion of the notch of the connecting portion via
the locking hole.
[0013] The locking mechanism includes a retainer, a compression
spring, and an insert. The two ends of the retainer are secured in
opposite directions with respect to the locking hole on the
connecting member. An accommodating space is defined between the
retainer and the connecting member. The accommodating space
communicates to the opposite side of the connecting member via the
locking hole. The compression spring is received by the
accommodating space, and the insert is projected through the
compression spring and the locking hole. Whereas the compression
spring is abutted by the retainer and the insert at opposite ends.
The insert may protrude selectively from the locking hole and be
received by the notch.
[0014] In some embodiments, the adjusting unit further includes at
least one washer assembly and at least one stabilizing unit. The
washer assembly is used for the connection between the tilt bracket
and the connecting member. The stabilizing unit has an L-bracket
and a constant-force spring. The L-bracket is fixed to the rear
wall of the base. The constant-force spring is arranged on the
L-bracket and is fixed to the sliding member on one end
thereof.
[0015] In some embodiments, the mounting apparatus further includes
at least one tilt arm. The tilt arm has a first end portion and a
second end portion formed thereon oppositely. The base further has
at least one fixing portion. The first end portion of the tilt arm
may be pivotally connected to the fixing portion of the base.
Whereas the second end portion of the tilt arm may be pivotally
connected to the connecting portion of the tilt bracket. When the
tilt bracket is oriented at the first operational position, the
sliding member and the connecting member are oriented at a first
position. When the tilt bracket is oriented at the second
operational position, the sliding member and the connecting member
are oriented at a second position.
[0016] When the tilt bracket is oriented at the first operational
position, the distance between the top edge portion of sliding
member and the top edge portion of the guiding member is greater
than the distance therebetween when the tilt bracket is oriented at
the second operational position.
[0017] For the mounting apparatus of the instant disclosure, which
is capable of adjusting the angular and vertical position of the
monitor, utilizes the aforementioned sliding member and connecting
member of the adjusting unit, to pivotally orient the tilt bracket
at the first operational position, the second operational position,
or other allowable angular positions. Thereby, the ability to
adjust the angular and vertical position of the monitor is
achieved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a side view of a monitor mounting bracket of the
related art.
[0019] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a monitor mounting apparatus
for a first embodiment of the instant disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the monitor mounting
apparatus in FIG. 2 oriented at a vertical position.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the monitor mounting
apparatus in FIG. 2 oriented at a horizontal position.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the monitor mounting
apparatus in FIG. 2 oriented at an intermediate position.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the monitor mounting
apparatus in FIG. 2 in use, where the monitor is oriented at the
vertical position.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the monitor mounting
apparatus in FIG. 2 in use, where the monitor is oriented at the
horizontal position.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a monitor mounting apparatus
for a second embodiment of the instant disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a partial exploded view of a monitor mounting
apparatus for a third embodiment of the instant disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a partial exploded view of the monitor mounting
apparatus in FIG. 9 taken from another angle.
[0028] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the monitor mounting
apparatus in FIG. 9 while in use.
[0029] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a monitor mounting
apparatus for a fourth embodiment of the instant disclosure in
use.
[0030] FIG. 13 is a partial exploded view of the monitor mounting
apparatus in FIG. 12.
[0031] FIG. 14 is a partial exploded view of the monitor mounting
apparatus in FIG. 12 taken from another angle.
[0032] FIG. 15 is another perspective view of the monitor mounting
apparatus in FIG. 12 while in use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] In order to further appreciate the characteristics and
technical contents of the instant disclosure, references are
hereunder made to the detailed descriptions and appended drawings
in connection with the instant disclosure. However, the appended
drawings are merely shown for exemplary purposes, rather than being
used to restrict the scope of the instant disclosure.
First Embodiment
[0034] Please refer to FIGS. 2 and 3, which show a monitor mounting
apparatus for a first embodiment of the instant disclosure. The
mounting apparatus comprises a base 1, an adjusting unit 2, a pair
of tilt arms 3, a tilt bracket 4, and six pivot pins 5.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the base 1 has a plate-shaped rear wall
11 and a pair of sidewalls 12 extending perpendicularly from
opposite side portions thereof. Each of the sidewalls 12 is
provided with an elongated guiding member 13 on the mutually facing
surface thereof An ear-shaped fixing portion 14 is protruded from
each of the sidewall 12 away from the rear wall 11.
[0036] The opposite longitudinal side portions of each guiding
member 13 are bent toward each other in defining an elongated slot
131 therebetween. Each of the fixing portions 14 has a hole 141
formed thereon.
[0037] The aforementioned adjusting unit 2 includes a pair of
sliding members 21 and a pair of connecting members 22. Each of the
sliding members 21 has a shape that substantially complements the
slot 131 of the guiding member 13. Each of the connecting members
22 has a plate-like shape and a hole 221 is formed on one end
thereof The other end portion of each connecting member 22 is fixed
to the corresponding sliding member 21.
[0038] Each of the sliding members 21 of the adjusting unit 2 can
be slidably arranged in the slot 131 of the corresponding guiding
member 13 of the base 1.
[0039] Each of the tilt arms 3 is plate-shaped, where a first end
portion 31 and an opposite second end portion 32 are formed
thereon. For each of the tilt arms 3, a hole 311, 321 are formed on
the first end portion 31 and the second end portion 32,
respectively.
[0040] Two pivot pins 5 are inserted through the respective holes
141 of the fixing portions 14 of the base 1 and the respective
holes 311 of the first end portions 31 of the tilt arms 3. Thereby,
the tilt arms 3 are pivotally connected to the respective fixing
portions 14 of the base 1.
[0041] The tilt bracket 4 has a flat support plate 41 and a pair of
opposite connecting portions 42 extending normally therefrom. Each
of the connecting portions 42 has a pair of holes 421, 422 formed
oppositely thereon.
[0042] Two pivot pins 5 are inserted through the respective holes
221 of the connecting members 22 of the adjusting unit 2 and the
respective holes 421 of the connecting portions 42. Thereby, the
connecting portions 42 are pivotally connected to the respective
connecting members 22 of the adjusting unit 2. Likewise, two more
pivot pins 5 are inserted through the respective holes 321 of the
second end portions 32 of the tilt arms 3 and the respective holes
422 of the connecting portions 42. Thus, the connecting portions 42
are pivotally connected to the respective second end portions 32 of
the tilt arms 3.
[0043] Moreover, the support plate 41 has an outer end portion 411
(as shown in FIG. 3) defined thereon away from the connecting
members 22.
[0044] The pivot pins 5 may generally be any rivet, screw, bolt,
split pin, spring pin, snap pin, combination of screw and nut or
nail and buckle, or other types of fasteners without
restrictions.
[0045] Please refer to FIGS. 3 and 4. The tilt bracket 4 can be
actuated by the adjusting unit 2 to a first operational position
(as shown in FIG. 3, where the first operational position is herein
depicted by the vertical orientation of the tilt bracket 4) or a
second operational position (as shown in FIG. 4, where the second
operational position is herein depicted by the horizontal
orientation of the tilt bracket 4).
[0046] More specifically, when the tilt bracket 4 is oriented at
the first operational position, the support plate 41 of the tilt
bracket 4 is parallel to the rear wall 11 of the base 1. In other
words, the angle therebetween is 0.degree.. Concurrently, the
connecting sections between the sliding members 21 and the
respective connecting members 22 are oriented at a first position
(highest position). In other words, most of the sliding members 21
of the adjusting unit 2 are extendably exposed from the respective
guiding members 13 of the base 1. The distance between the top edge
portion of the sliding member 21 and the corresponding top edge
portion of the guiding member 13 is defined as D1.
[0047] When the tilt bracket 4 is oriented at the second
operational position, the support plate 41 is substantially
perpendicular to the rear wall 11 of the base 1. In other words,
the angle formed therebetween is substantially 90.degree.. One end
of the tilt bracket 4 is connected to the connecting members 22 of
the adjusting unit 2, whereas the opposite end of the tilt bracket
4 is connected to the tilt arms 3. Thus, some of the weight of the
tilt bracket 4 (or the weight of the tilt bracket 4 plus the
supported article) is upheld diagonally by the tilt arms 3. Because
the tilt arms 3 are dimensionally longer than the sliding members
21, thus, the tilt bracket 4 can by firmly upheld in the second
operational position without collapsing.
[0048] When the tilt bracket 4 is oriented at the second
operational position, the connecting sections between the sliding
members 21 and the respective connecting members 22 are at a second
position (lowest position). In other words, most of the sliding
members 21 of the adjusting unit 2 are received within the
respective slots 131 of the base 1. The distance between the top
edge portion of the sliding member 21 and the top edge portion of
the corresponding guiding member 13 is herein defined as D2, where
D2<D1.
[0049] For the instant embodiment, when the tilt bracket 4 is at
the second operational position, the angle between the tilt bracket
4 and the base 1 is 90.degree.. However, the angle formed
therebetween is not restricted thereto. Based on needs, the range
of the angle formed therebetween may be from 60.degree. to
110.degree..
[0050] In accordance to another scenario, the tilt bracket 4 may be
arranged at any intermediate position between the first and second
operational positions. If the angle between the support plate 41 of
the tilt bracket 4 and the rear wall 11 of the base 1 is 90.degree.
when the tilt bracket 4 is at the second operational position, an
acute angle is formed therebetween when the tilt bracket 4 is at
the intermediate position. In other words, the mounting bracket is
capable of making angular adjustment to fit the needs of the user.
At the intermediate position, the distance between the top edge
portion of the sliding member 21 and the corresponding top edge
portion of the guiding member 13 is defined herein as D3, where
D2<D3<D1.
[0051] Please refer to FIGS. 6 and 7. When the mounting bracket is
put in use, the rear wall 11 of the base 1 can be affixed to a
working surface 6 (i.e., a wall surface 61). A monitor 7 is
disposed onto the tilt bracket 4, allowing the monitor 7 to be
selectably adjusted by the user between the first and second
operational positions. In addition, the distance between the outer
end portion 411 of the tilt bracket 4 and the wall surface 61 is
less when the tilt bracket 4 is at the first operational position,
as compared to the distance when the tilt bracket 4 is at the
second operational position. In other words, the center of the
monitor 7 is closer to the wall surface 61 while at the first
operational position versus the second operational position.
[0052] The aforementioned monitor 7 may be a touch-screen monitor.
Therefore, when the user intends to view the monitor, the tilt
bracket 4 may be adjusted to the first operational position.
Concurrently, the center of the monitor 7 is closer to the wall
surface 61, and the connecting sections between the sliding members
21 and the respective connecting members 22 are at the highest
position. The higher position is more suitable for viewing the
monitor 7 by the user. The center of the monitor 7 approximately
levels to the eyes of the user, while the mounting bracket is
concealed by the monitor 7 in achieving aesthetic effect.
[0053] When the user intends to interface the touch-screen monitor,
the tilt bracket 4 can be adjusted to the second operational
position. Concurrently, the center of the monitor 7 is farther away
from the wall surface 61, and the connecting sections between the
sliding members 21 and the connecting members 22 are at the lowest
position. In other words, the touch-screen monitor is brought down
to a lower elevation, which is more accessible by the user. The
center of the touch-screen monitor is approximately below the
shoulders of the user (e.g., near the abdomen) in accordance to the
concept of ergonomics. Thereby, the user can be protected from
suffering unnecessary stress or strain due to improper posture.
Likewise, when the tilt bracket 4 is adjusted to the second
operational position, the mounting bracket is concealed by the
monitor 7 in achieving aesthetic effect.
[0054] Moreover, the tilt bracket 4 for the mounting bracket can
also be adjusted to any intermediate position to fit the user's
needs.
Second Embodiment
[0055] Please refer to FIG. 8, which shows a display mounting
bracket for a second embodiment of the instant disclosure. In
comparison to the previous embodiment, the difference is that the
base 1 of the instant embodiment is further provided with a
self-positioning mechanism 23. The self-positioning mechanism 23
includes a pair of fixing members 231 and a gas spring 232. The gas
spring 232 has a pressure cylinder filled during manufacturing with
nitrogen. The pressured gas generates an axial force on the
cylinder-rod system, but is not restricted thereto. A metallic
spring is also serviceable.
[0056] More specifically, the fixing members 231 are arranged in
adjacent to the respective sidewalls 12 of the base 1. The fixing
members 231 are fixed to the rear wall 11 of the base 1 and one of
the sliding members 21, respectively. The gas spring 232 are
pivotally connected on opposite ends to the respective fixing
members 231.
[0057] When the mounting bracket is put in service, the gas spring
232 works as a compression spring and enables the sliding members
21 of the adjusting unit 2 to self-position, thus less user effort
is needed to move the sliding member 21 along the guiding member
13. When the fixing members 231 and the gas spring 232 are leveled,
the gas spring 232 is at the most compressed state, thus storing
the greatest amount of mechanical energy. When the two fixing
members 231 and 232 are biased out of the leveled state, as shown
in FIG. 8, the gas spring 232 would release the stored mechanical
energy and generate a pushing force on the fixing members 231 as
the elevation of the sliding members 21 changes, thus assisting the
sliding movement of the tilt bracket 4 toward the first or second
operational position.
Third Embodiment
[0058] Please refer FIGS. 9 to 11, which show a monitor mounting
apparatus for a third embodiment of the instant disclosure. In
comparison to the second embodiment, the difference being the
adjusting unit 2 of the instant embodiment is further provided with
at least one locking mechanism 24. The locking mechanism 24
includes a retainer 241, a compression spring 242, and an insert
243.
[0059] Furthermore, at least one of the connecting portions 42 of
the tilt bracket 4 has a notch 423 along the edge portion thereof
away from the support plate 41 for complementing the locking
mechanism 24. Whereas each of the connecting members 22 of the
adjusting unit 2 has a fixing hole 222 formed thereon.
[0060] The retainer 241 is U-shaped with one end thereof projected
through by the pivot pin 5. The same pivot pin 5 further penetrates
the hole 221 of the connecting member 22 of the adjusting unit 2
and the hole 421 of the notched connecting portion 42. Whereas the
opposite end of the retainer 241 is in contact with the
corresponding connecting member 22. In other words, the retainer
241 is secured onto the corresponding connecting member 22, where
an accommodating space 244 is formed therebetween facing the
locking hole 222. The accommodating space 244 is in communication
with the interior facing surface of the corresponding connecting
member 22 away from the retainer 241 via the locking hole 222.
[0061] The compression spring 242 is arranged in the accommodating
space 244. The insert 243 is partly projected through the
compression spring 242 and the corresponding locking hole 222,
where the compression spring 242 is abutted to the retainer 241 and
the insert 243 on opposite ends thereof The compressed spring 242
exerts a force on the insert 243. In view of FIG. 10, the exerted
force would be a leftward force applied to the insert 243.
Meanwhile, when the tilt bracket 4 is at the second operational
position, the locking hole 222 is aligned to the notch 423. The
alignment allows the insert 243 to be pushed out of the locking
hole 222 by the compression spring 242 and received by the notch
423. Thus, the corresponding connecting portion 42 of the tilt
bracket 4 can rest on the insert 243 and be upheld securely at the
second operational position.
[0062] Moreover, a handle (not shown) may be connected to the
insert 243. To disengage the insert 243 from the tilt bracket 4,
the user can operate the handle to release the insert 243 from the
locking hole 222.
[0063] For the instant embodiment, the locking mechanism 24 enables
the tilt bracket 4 to be upheld securely at the second operational
position. However, in practice, the exact locations of the locking
mechanism 24 and the locking holes 222 are not restricted but can
be arranged accordingly to assist in upholding the tilt bracket 4
at any angular position.
Fourth Embodiment
[0064] Please refer to FIG. 12, which shows a monitor mounting
apparatus for a fourth embodiment of the instant disclosure. In
comparison to the first embodiment, the mounting apparatus of the
instant embodiment is not provided with the tilt arms 3, while the
adjusting unit 2 of the instant embodiment further includes a pair
of washer assemblies 25 and a stabilizing unit 26.
[0065] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, each of connecting members 22
of the adjusting unit 2 is U-shaped having opposite sidewalls. One
of the sidewalls of each connecting member 22 is secured to the top
inner portion of the respective sliding member 21. Whereas the
other sidewall is secured by a fastener 5' (screw and nut). The
screw, in particular, penetrates the respective hole 421 of the
connecting portion 42, the washer assembly 25, the corresponding
sidewall of the connecting member 22, and screws into the nut.
Thereby, the connecting portions 42 of the tilt bracket 4 are
pivotally connected to the respective connecting members 22 of the
adjusting unit 2.
[0066] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the screw (fastener 5') has a
non-cylindrical body with two opposite flat surfaces. The
corresponding hole 421 of the connecting portion 42 is shaped
correspondingly with the screw body. Therefore, the fasteners 5'
can pivot along with the tilt bracket 4. Each of the washer
assemblies 25 includes a pair of torque washers 251 and seven
washers 252, 253. One of the torque washers 251 is a concave washer
2511, whereas the other torque washer 251 is a convex washer
2512.
[0067] The concave washer 2511 has a circular hole formed centrally
thereon, for allowing the screw body (fastener 5') to be rotatably
penetrated therethrough. The concave washer 2511 is fixedly engaged
to the other sidewall of the corresponding U-shaped connecting
member 22. Thus, the concave washer 2511 is restricted against
pivoting with the tilt bracket 4. A pair of grooves and a pair of
ribs are arranged alternatively on the surface of the concave
washer 2511 facing away from the connecting member 22 (as in FIG.
13, the grooves are arranged on the upper and lower portions of the
concave washer 2511, while the ribs are arranged on the left and
right portions of the concave washer 2511). Each of the grooves and
each of the ribs are arranged normally to each other on the concave
washer 2511. The thickness of the concave washer 2511 gradually
increases from the grooves toward the ribs.
[0068] The convex washer 2512 has a hole formed centrally thereon,
where shape of the hole matches the shape of the screw body
(fastener 5'). The hole allows the screw body to penetrate the
convex washer 2512 and fixedly engaged therewith. Through the
fastener 5', the convex washer 2512 can pivot with the tilt bracket
4. Two protrusions are formed on the convex washer 2512 facing
toward the concave washer 2511. The protrusions are aligned on the
same axis in being 180.degree. apart from each other.
[0069] Moreover, when the tilt bracket 4 and the monitor 7 are
oriented at the first operational position, the protrusions of the
convex washer 2512 are received by the grooves of the concave
washer 2511. When adjusting toward the second operational position
(as in FIG. 12), the protrusions of the convex washer 2512 would
rotatably rubbing the surface of the concave washer 2511 in
response to the weight of the tilt bracket 4 and the monitor 7,
thereby anchoring the tilt bracket 4 at desired angular position.
In addition, when adjusting the monitor 7 from the first
operational position toward the second operational position, the
center of mass of the monitor 7 is gradually shifted outward with
respect to the mounting apparatus itself. Thus, the induced torque
gradually increases. Since the thickness of the concave washer 2511
gradually increases from the grooves toward the ribs, the rubbing
between the protrusions of the convex washer 2512 and the surface
of the concave washer 2511 also gradually increases. Thus, when the
convex washer 2512 is rotated against the concave washer 2511, the
rotation becomes increasingly tighter. Thereby, the tilt bracket 4
and the monitor 7 can be adjusted to any angular position within
the adjustment range of first and second operational positions.
[0070] The seven washers 252, 253 include two convex washers 252
and five locking washers 253. Each of the convex washers 252 are
provided with a hole formed centrally thereon matching in shape
with the screw body (fastener 5'). The hole allows the screw body
to penetrate the corresponding convex washer 252 and fixedly
engaged therewith. Thus, the convex washers 252 can be pivoted with
the tilt bracket 4. Furthermore, depending on the tightness between
the washers of each washer assembly 25, the contacting surfaces
between the convex washers 252 and adjacent washers (i.e., convex
washer 2512 and locking washer 253) would vary in providing
different torque. The locking washers 253 serve to lower the
friction between different fastening parts.
[0071] Please refer to FIGS. 12 and 15. The aforementioned
stabilizing unit 26 includes an L-bracket 261 and a constant-force
spring 262. The L-bracket 261 is arranged adjacent to one of the
sidewall 12 of the base 1 and secured to the top portion of the
rear wall 11 of the base 1. The constant-force spring 262 is
constructed as a rolled ribbon having a protruding section. The
constant-force spring 262 is disposed on the L-bracket 261 and
adjacent to the corresponding top portion of the guiding member 13.
Whereas the protruding section of the constant-force spring 262 is
secured to the bottom portion of the corresponding sliding member
21.
[0072] More specifically, when the sliding members 21 are moved
between the highest and lowest positions, one of the sliding
members 21 would unroll the constant-force spring 262 in creating a
constant restoring force. The length of the unrolled constant-force
spring 262 depends on the location of the sliding members 21. The
restoring force of the constant-force spring 262 is substantially
the weight of the tilt bracket 4 and the monitor 7. Thereby, the
tilt bracket 4 and the monitor 7 can be anchored anywhere in
between the highest and lowest positions of the sliding members
21.
[0073] The washer assemblies 25 and the stabilizing unit 26 enable
the mounting apparatus to adjust the connecting members 22 and the
sliding members 21, respectively, in an independent fashion. Thus,
the tilt bracket 4 and the monitor 7 can be adjusted accordingly to
meet the user's needs.
[0074] Based on the above, the mounting apparatus of the instant
disclosure uses the sliding members 21 and the connecting members
22 of the adjusting unit 2 to anchor the tilt bracket 4 at any
angular position within the range defined by the first and second
operational positions. Thus, the ability to adjust the height and
the angular orientation of the tilt bracket 4 is achieved.
[0075] Furthermore, the mounting apparatus can further be provided
with the self-positioning mechanism 23 and the locking mechanism
24. Thus, the mounting apparatus can be self-positioned in saving
effort exerted by the user and providing convenience.
Alternatively, the mounting apparatus can use the washer assemblies
25 and the stabilizing unit 26 to cooperatively adjust the angular
and vertical positions of the tilt bracket 4, respectively.
[0076] The descriptions illustrated supra set forth simply the
preferred embodiments of the instant disclosure; however, the
characteristics of the instant disclosure are by no means
restricted thereto. All changes, alternations, or modifications
conveniently considered by those skilled in the art are deemed to
be encompassed within the scope of the instant disclosure
delineated by the following claims.
* * * * *