U.S. patent application number 16/862714 was filed with the patent office on 2021-11-04 for support system for modular display system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Draper, Inc.. Invention is credited to Steven E. Enochs, Adam Timmins.
Application Number | 20210343197 16/862714 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004829608 |
Filed Date | 2021-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210343197 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Timmins; Adam ; et
al. |
November 4, 2021 |
SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR MODULAR DISPLAY SYSTEM
Abstract
Systems and methods for supporting a plurality of display units
are disclosed. The systems and methods may support the plurality of
display units to form an overall display wall.
Inventors: |
Timmins; Adam; (Noblesville,
IN) ; Enochs; Steven E.; (New Palestine, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Draper, Inc. |
Spiceland |
IN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004829608 |
Appl. No.: |
16/862714 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 9/3026 20130101;
H05K 5/0017 20130101; H05K 5/0204 20130101; H05K 5/0021
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G09F 9/302 20060101
G09F009/302; H05K 5/00 20060101 H05K005/00; H05K 5/02 20060101
H05K005/02 |
Claims
1. A support system for a plurality of display units adapted to be
coupled to an environmental support structure, the support system
comprising: a frame adapted to support the plurality of display
units, the frame comprising a first frame member and a second frame
member spaced apart from the first frame member, the first frame
member defining a first support plane and the second frame member
defining a second support plane, wherein a viewing direction of the
plurality of display units is angled relative to the second support
plane; and a plurality of mounts adapted to be supported by the
environmental support structure and to support the frame, the
plurality of mounts comprising a first mount and a second mount,
the first mount comprising: a first side defining an environmental
mounting plane, the first side adapted to be positionable adjacent
the environmental support structure; a second side, the first frame
member being coupled to the second side of the first mount; and an
adjustment assembly which provides an offset adjustment of the
first support plane relative to the environmental mounting plane
and an angular adjustment of the first support plane relative to
the environmental mounting plane; and the second mount comprising:
a first side adapted to be positionable adjacent the environmental
support structure; and a second side, the second frame member
coupled to the second side of the second mount, wherein the
adjustment assembly of the first mount is adapted to position the
first support plane of the first frame member parallel to the
second support plane of the second frame member and angled relative
to the environmental mounting plane of the first mount.
2. The support system of claim 1, wherein the viewing direction of
the plurality of display units is substantially perpendicular to
the second support plane.
3. The support system of claim 1, wherein the adjustment assembly
of the first mount is adapted to position the first support plane
of the first frame member in a coplanar orientation relative to the
second support plane of the second frame member and angled relative
to the environmental mounting plane of the first mount.
4. The support system of claim 1, further comprising a display
mount adapted to support the plurality of display units, the
display mount coupled to the first frame member and the second
frame member, and the display mount defining a mounting plane
parallel to the second support plane of the second frame
member.
5. The support system of claim 4, wherein the display mount
comprises: a main body adapted to support the plurality of display
units; and an adjuster coupled to the main body, the adjuster
providing a transverse adjustment of the display mount relative to
the first frame member and the second frame member in the mounting
plane.
6. A support system for a plurality of display units adapted to be
coupled to an environmental support structure, the support system
comprising: a frame adapted to support the plurality of display
units, the frame comprising a first frame member; and a plurality
of mounts adapted to be supported by the environmental support
structure and to support the frame, the plurality of mounts
comprising a first mount, the first mount comprising: a first side
portion comprising a mounting surface adapted to be positioned
adjacent the environmental support structure; and a second side
portion comprising an adjustment mounting assembly supporting the
first frame member, the adjustment mounting assembly being movable
in an adjustment direction relative to the mounting surface to move
the first frame member in the adjustment direction relative to the
mounting surface, the adjustment direction being substantially
perpendicular to the mounting surface.
7. The support system of claim 6, wherein the first frame member is
slidable along the adjustment mounting assembly in a transverse
direction substantially perpendicular to the adjustment
direction.
8. The support system of claim 6, wherein the adjustment mounting
assembly is a first adjustment mounting assembly, and wherein the
second side portion further comprises a second adjustment mounting
assembly supporting the first frame member, the second adjustment
mounting assembly being movable in the adjustment direction
relative to the mounting surface to move the first frame member in
the adjustment direction relative to the mounting surface.
9. The support system of claim 6, wherein the adjustment mounting
assembly comprises a differential screw, the differential screw
being adjustable in the adjustment direction relative to the
mounting surface to move the first frame member in the adjustment
direction relative to the mounting surface.
10. The support system of claim 9, wherein the differential screw
comprises left-handed threads on a first end and right-handed
threads on a second end opposite the first end.
11. A support system for a plurality of display units adapted to be
coupled to an environmental support structure, the support system
comprising: a frame adapted to support the plurality of display
units, the frame comprising a first frame member; and a plurality
of mounts adapted to be supported by the environmental support
structure and to support the frame, the plurality of mounts
comprising a first mount, the first mount comprising: a base
adapted to be positioned adjacent the environmental support
structure; and an adjustment mounting assembly movably coupled to
the base, the adjustment mounting assembly slidably supporting the
first frame member relative to the base in a first direction, and
the adjustment mounting assembly being movable in a second
direction relative to the base to move the first frame member in
the second direction relative to the base, the second direction
being substantially perpendicular to the first direction.
12. The support system of claim 11, further comprising a display
mount adapted to be supported by the frame and adapted to support
the plurality of display units, and the display mount being
adjustable relative to the frame in a third direction, the third
direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction
and the second direction.
13. The support system of claim 11, wherein the adjustment mounting
assembly comprises a differential screw, the differential screw
being adjustable in the second direction relative to the base to
move the first frame member in the second direction relative to the
base.
14. A support system for a plurality of display units, the support
system comprising: a plurality of mounts adapted to support the
plurality of display units, a first mount of the plurality of
mounts including a plurality of display unit interfaces, a first
display unit interface of the plurality of display unit interfaces
comprising a receiver which receives a coupler adapted to be
coupled to a first display unit of the plurality of display units,
the receiver comprising: a receiver portion adapted to receive the
coupler upon the coupler moving in a first direction relative to
the first mount; an intermediate portion accessible from the
receiver portion; and a securement portion accessible from the
intermediate portion, the securement portion being offset from the
receiver portion in (1) a second direction transverse relative to
the first direction, and (2) a third direction transverse relative
to the first direction and the second direction.
15. The support system of claim 14, wherein the receiver portion
receives the coupler such that a coupler axis is in a first
orientation, and the securement portion holds the coupler relative
to the first mount while the coupler axis is in a second
orientation different from the first orientation in a plurality of
degrees of freedom.
16. The support system of claim 14, wherein the receiver portion is
enlarged relative to the securement portion.
17. A support system for a plurality of display units adapted to be
coupled to an environmental support structure, the support system
comprising: a plurality of structural mounts adapted to be
supported by the environmental support structure, a first
structural mount of the plurality of structural mounts comprising:
a base adapted to be positioned adjacent the environmental support
structure; and an adjustment mounting assembly movably coupled to
the base; a frame supported by the plurality of structural mounts,
the frame comprising a first frame member being slidably supported
by the adjustment mounting assembly of the first structural mount
in a first direction relative to the base of the first structural
mount, and the adjustment mounting assembly being movable in a
second direction relative to the base of the first structural mount
to move the first frame member in the second direction relative to
the base of the first structural mount, the second direction being
substantially perpendicular to the first direction; a plurality of
display mounts supported by the frame, a first display mount of the
plurality of display mounts comprising: a main body adapted to
support the plurality of display units; and an adjuster coupled to
the main body, the adjuster being adjustable to move the first
display mount in a third direction relative to the frame, the third
direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction
and the second direction.
18. The support system of claim 17, wherein the adjustment mounting
assembly is a first adjustment mounting assembly, and wherein the
first structural mount further comprises a second adjustment
mounting assembly slidably supporting the first frame member in the
first direction relative to the base of the first structural mount,
the second adjustment mounting assembly being movable in the second
direction relative to the base of the first structural mount to
move the first frame member in the second direction relative to the
base of the first structural mount.
19. The support system of claim 18, wherein the first adjustment
mounting assembly comprises a first differential screw, the first
differential screw being adjustable in the second direction
relative to the base of the first structural mount to move the
first frame member in the second direction relative to the base of
the first structural mount, and wherein the second adjustment
mounting assembly comprises a second differential screw, the second
differential screw being adjustable in the second direction
relative to the base of the second structural mount to move the
second frame member in the second direction relative to the base of
the second structural mount.
20. A coupler for coupling a display unit to a mount, one of the
display unit and the mount including an aperture, the coupler
comprising: a first end portion adapted to be received by the
aperture, the first end portion comprising a first shoulder; a
second end portion opposite the first end portion and adapted to
couple to the other of the display unit and the mount; a second
shoulder movable relative to the first shoulder; and a biasing
element biasing the second shoulder toward the first shoulder such
that the coupler is adapted to compressively engage the one of the
display unit and the mount between the first shoulder and the
second shoulder.
21. The coupler of claim 20, further comprising a third shoulder,
the biasing element being compressed between the second shoulder
and the third shoulder.
22. The coupler of claim 20, wherein the biasing element comprises
a compression spring.
23. The coupler of claim 22, wherein the compression spring
comprises a crest-to-crest wave spring.
24. A method of forming a display wall with a plurality of display
units on an environmental support structure, the method comprising:
(a) coupling a support system to the environmental support
structure; the support system including a plurality of display unit
interfaces, each display unit interface including a plurality of
elongated receivers; (b) assembling a first display unit to a first
group of the display unit interfaces including a first display unit
interface, wherein the first display unit is coupled to the first
display unit interface with a first receiver of the first display
unit interface, the first group of display unit interfaces
supporting the first display unit; (c) assembling a second display
of the plurality of display units to a second group of the display
unit interfaces different than the first group of display unit
interfaces, the second group of display unit interfaces including
the first display unit interface, wherein the second display unit
is coupled to the first display unit interface with a second
receiver of the first display unit interface, the second group of
display unit interfaces supporting the second display unit; and (d)
prior to steps (b) and (c) adjusting the support system to position
the first group of display unit interfaces and the second group of
display unit interfaces to support the first display unit and the
second display unit with parallel viewing directions.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein step (a) comprises coupling a
first mount and a second mount of the support system to the
environmental support structure, and coupling a first frame member
and a second frame member of the support system to the first mount
and the second mount, respectively; and wherein step (d) comprises
prior to steps (b) and (c) adjusting the first frame member via the
first mount to position a first support plane of the first frame
member parallel to a second support plane of the second frame
member.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein step (a) further comprises
coupling a display mount to the first frame member and the second
frame member, the display mount comprising the first display unit
interface; and wherein step (d) further comprises prior to steps
(b) and (c) adjusting the display mount in a mounting plane defined
by the display mount and parallel to the second support plane of
the second frame member.
27. A method of forming a display wall with a plurality of display
units on an environmental support structure, the method comprising:
(a) coupling a support system to the environmental support
structure, the support system having an outer envelope and the
environmental support having a non-planar contour within the outer
envelope of the support system; the support system including a
plurality of display unit interfaces; (b) supporting a first
display unit of the plurality of display units with a first group
of the display unit interfaces including a first display unit
interface; (c) supporting a second display of the plurality of
display units with a second group of the display unit interfaces
different than the first group of display unit interfaces; and (d)
prior to steps (b) and (c) adjusting the support system to position
the first group of display unit interfaces and the second group of
display unit interfaces to support the first display unit and the
second display unit with parallel viewing directions.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein step (a) comprises coupling a
first mount and a second mount of the support system to the
environmental support structure, and coupling a first frame member
and a second frame member of the support system to the first mount
and the second mount, respectively; and wherein step (d) comprises
prior to steps (b) and (c) adjusting the first frame member via the
first mount to position a first support plane of the first frame
member parallel to a second support plane of the second frame
member and angled relative to the non-planar contour of the
environmental support.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein the first mount comprises a
differential screw, and wherein step (d) comprises prior to steps
(b) and (c) adjusting the first frame member by adjusting the
differential screw.
30. A method of forming a display wall with a plurality of display
units, the method comprising: assembling a support system
comprising a plurality of mounts; and assembling the plurality of
display units to the support system, comprising: piloting a first
display unit of the plurality of display units, along a first
direction, to a securable position relative to the plurality of
mounts; and securing the first display unit by moving the first
display unit from the securable position to a secured position
along (1) a second direction transverse relative to the first
direction, the second direction including a downward component, and
(2) a third direction transverse relative to the first direction
and the second direction, the third direction including a
horizontal component, wherein the secured position is offset from
the securable position in both the second direction and the third
direction.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein securing the first display unit
by moving the first display unit from the securable position to the
secured position comprises receiving a coupler in a receiver.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the receiver comprises a
receiver portion, an intermediate portion accessible from the
receiver portion, and a securement portion accessible from the
intermediate portion, and wherein receiving the coupler in the
receiver comprises moving the coupler in the intermediate portion
while moving the coupler in both the second direction and the third
direction.
33. A method of forming a display wall with a plurality of display
units, the method comprising: assembling a support system,
comprising: providing a frame member; providing a plurality of
mounts, a first mount of the plurality of mounts comprising a base
and an adjustment mounting assembly movably coupled to the base;
slidably coupling the frame member to the adjustment mounting
assembly in a first direction; coupling the first mount to an
environmental support structure; moving the adjustment mounting
assembly in a second direction relative to the base to move the
first frame member in the second direction relative to the base,
the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first
direction; and assembling the plurality of display units to the
support system.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein the frame member is a first
frame member, and further comprising: coupling a second frame
member to a second mount of the plurality of mounts; and coupling
the second mount to the environmental support structure; wherein
moving the adjustment mounting assembly in the second direction
relative to the base to move the first frame member in the second
direction relative to the base comprises aligning the first frame
member with the second frame member.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein coupling the first mount to the
environmental support structure comprises coupling the first mount
to a non-planar contour of the environmental support structure.
36. The method of claim 33, wherein moving the adjustment mounting
assembly in the second direction relative to the base to move the
first frame member in the second direction relative to the base
comprises moving a differential screw in the second direction
relative to the base.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for
supporting a plurality of display units, and in particular to
systems and methods for supporting a plurality of display units to
form an overall display.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] It is known to position a plurality of display units
adjacent each other to form an overall display. Exemplary display
units include various digital displays including any number of
image formation devices, including light emitting diode (LED)
displays, plasma displays, laser phosphor displays (LPD), liquid
crystal displays, and other suitable types of digital displays.
Each display unit includes a viewing screen. By positioning the
display units adjacent to each other the viewing faces of the
individual displays may be coordinated to form an overall display.
A need exists for a support system which enables precise alignment
of the plurality of display units relative to each other.
SUMMARY
[0003] The present disclosure provides support systems and methods
for supporting a plurality of display units.
[0004] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a
support system for a plurality of display units is provided. The
support system is adapted to be coupled to an environmental support
structure. The support system includes a frame that is adapted to
support the plurality of display units. The frame includes a first
frame member and a second frame member spaced apart from the first
frame member. The first frame member defines a first support plane
and the second frame member defines a second support plane, and a
viewing direction of the plurality of display units is angled
relative to the second support plane. The support system further
includes a plurality of mounts that are adapted to be supported by
the environmental support structure and to support the frame. The
plurality of mounts includes a first mount and a second mount. The
first mount includes a first side that defines an environmental
mounting plane, and the first side is adapted to be positionable
adjacent the environmental support structure. The first mount
further includes a second side, and the first frame member is
coupled to the second side of the first mount. The first mount
further includes an adjustment assembly that provides an offset
adjustment of the first support plane relative to the environmental
mounting plane and an angular adjustment of the first support plane
relative to the environmental mounting plane. The second mount
includes a first side that is adapted to be positionable adjacent
the environmental support structure. The second mount further
includes a second side, and the second frame member is coupled to
the second side of the second mount. The adjustment assembly of the
first mount is adapted to position the first support plane of the
first frame member parallel to the second support plane of the
second frame member and angled relative to the environmental
mounting plane of the first mount.
[0005] In an example thereof, the viewing direction of the
plurality of display units is substantially perpendicular to the
second support plane.
[0006] In another example thereof, the adjustment assembly of the
first mount is adapted to position the first support plane of the
first frame member in a coplanar orientation relative to the second
support plane of the second frame member and angled relative to the
environmental mounting plane of the first mount.
[0007] In another example thereof, the support system further
includes a display mount adapted to support the plurality of
display units. The display mount is coupled to the first frame
member and the second frame member, and the display mount defines a
mounting plane parallel to the second support plane of the second
frame member. In a variation thereof, the display mount includes a
main body and an adjuster. The main body is adapted to support the
plurality of display units. The adjuster is coupled to the main
body, and the adjuster provides a transverse adjustment of the
display mount relative to the first frame member and the second
frame member in the mounting plane.
[0008] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a
support system for a plurality of display units is provided. The
support system is adapted to be coupled to an environmental support
structure. The support system includes a frame that is adapted to
support the plurality of display units, and the frame includes a
first frame member. The support system further includes a plurality
of mounts that are adapted to be supported by the environmental
support structure and to support the frame. The plurality of mounts
include a first mount, and the first mount includes a first side
portion and a second side portion. The first side portion includes
a mounting surface that is adapted to be positioned adjacent the
environmental support structure. The second side portion includes
an adjustment mounting assembly that supports the first frame
member. The adjustment mounting assembly is movable in an
adjustment direction relative to the mounting surface to move the
first frame member in the adjustment direction relative to the
mounting surface. The adjustment direction is substantially
perpendicular to the mounting surface.
[0009] In an example thereof, the first frame member is slidable
along the adjustment mounting assembly in a transverse direction
that is substantially perpendicular to the adjustment
direction.
[0010] In another example thereof, the adjustment mounting assembly
is a first adjustment mounting assembly, and the second side
portion further includes a second adjustment mounting assembly
supporting the first frame member. The second adjustment mounting
assembly is movable in the adjustment direction relative to the
mounting surface to move the first frame member in the adjustment
direction relative to the mounting surface.
[0011] In another example thereof, the adjustment mounting assembly
includes a differential screw. The differential screw is adjustable
in the adjustment direction relative to the mounting surface to
move the first frame member in the adjustment direction relative to
the mounting surface. In a variation thereof, the differential
screw includes left-handed threads on a first end and right-handed
threads on a second end opposite the first end.
[0012] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, a support system for a plurality of display units is
provided. The support system is adapted to be coupled to an
environmental support structure. The support system includes a
frame that is adapted to support the plurality of display units,
and the frame includes a first frame member. The support system
further includes a plurality of mounts that are adapted to be
supported by the environmental support structure and to support the
frame. The plurality of mounts include a first mount. The first
mount includes a base that is adapted to be positioned adjacent the
environmental support structure. The first mount further includes
an adjustment mounting assembly that is movably coupled to the
base. The adjustment mounting assembly slidably supports the first
frame member relative to the base in a first direction. The
adjustment mounting assembly is movable in a second direction
relative to the base to move the first frame member in the second
direction relative to the base, the second direction being
substantially perpendicular to the first direction.
[0013] In an example thereof, the support system further includes a
display mount that is adapted to be supported by the frame and
adapted to support the plurality of display units. The display
mount is adjustable relative to the frame in a third direction, the
third direction being substantially perpendicular to the first
direction and the second direction.
[0014] In an example thereof, the adjustment mounting assembly
includes a differential screw. The differential screw is adjustable
in the second direction relative to the base to move the first
frame member in the second direction relative to the base.
[0015] In still another exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, a support system for a plurality of display units is
provided. The support system includes a plurality of mounts that
are adapted to support the plurality of display units. A first
mount of the plurality of mounts includes a plurality of display
unit interfaces. A first display unit interface of the plurality of
display unit interfaces includes a receiver that receives a
coupler, the coupler being adapted to be coupled to a first display
unit of the plurality of display units. The receiver includes a
receiver portion that is adapted to receive the coupler upon the
coupler moving in a first direction relative to the first mount.
The receiver further includes an intermediate portion that is
accessible from the receiver portion. The receiver further includes
a securement portion that is accessible from the intermediate
portion. The securement portion is offset from the receiver portion
in (1) a second direction transverse relative to the first
direction, and (2) a third direction transverse relative to the
first direction and the second direction.
[0016] In an example thereof, the receiver portion receives the
coupler such that a coupler axis is in a first orientation, and the
securement portion holds the coupler relative to the first mount
while the coupler axis is in a second orientation different from
the first orientation in a plurality of degrees of freedom.
[0017] In an example thereof, the receiver portion is enlarged
relative to the securement portion.
[0018] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, a support system for a plurality of display units is
provided. The support system is adapted to be coupled to an
environmental support structure. The support system includes a
plurality of structural mounts that are adapted to be supported by
the environmental support structure. A first structural mount of
the plurality of structural mounts includes a base that is adapted
to be positioned adjacent the environmental support structure and
an adjustment mounting assembly that is movably coupled to the
base. The support system further includes a frame that is supported
by the plurality of structural mounts. The frame includes a first
frame member that is slidably supported by the adjustment mounting
assembly of the first structural mount in a first direction
relative to the base of the first structural mount. The adjustment
mounting assembly is movable in a second direction relative to the
base of the first structural mount to move the first frame member
in the second direction relative to the base of the first
structural mount, the second direction being substantially
perpendicular to the first direction. The support system further
includes a plurality of display mounts that are supported by the
frame. A first display mount of the plurality of display mounts
includes a main body that is adapted to support the plurality of
display units. The first display mount further includes an adjuster
that is coupled to the main body. The adjuster is adjustable to
move the first display mount in a third direction relative to the
frame, the third direction being substantially perpendicular to the
first direction and the second direction.
[0019] In an example thereof, the adjustment mounting assembly is a
first adjustment mounting assembly, and the first structural mount
further includes a second adjustment mounting assembly that
slidably supports the first frame member in the first direction
relative to the base of the first structural mount. The second
adjustment mounting assembly is movable in the second direction
relative to the base of the first structural mount to move the
first frame member in the second direction relative to the base of
the first structural mount. In a variation thereof, the first
adjustment mounting assembly includes a first differential screw
and the second adjustment mounting assembly includes a second
differential screw. The first differential screw is adjustable in
the second direction relative to the base of the first structural
mount to move the first frame member in the second direction
relative to the base of the first structural mount. The second
differential screw is adjustable in the second direction relative
to the base of the second structural mount to move the second frame
member in the second direction relative to the base of the second
structural mount.
[0020] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a
coupler for coupling a display unit to a mount is provided. One of
the display unit and the mount includes an aperture. The coupler
includes a first end portion that is adapted to be received by the
aperture, and the first end portion includes a first shoulder. The
coupler further includes a second end portion opposite the first
end portion. The second end portion is adapted to couple to the
other of the display unit and the mount. The coupler further
includes a second shoulder that is movable relative to the first
shoulder. The coupler further includes a biasing element that
biases the second shoulder toward the first shoulder such that the
coupler is adapted to compressively engage the one of the display
unit and the mount between the first shoulder and the second
shoulder.
[0021] In an example thereof, the coupler further includes a third
shoulder, and the biasing element is compressed between the second
shoulder and the third shoulder.
[0022] In an example thereof, the biasing element includes a
compression spring. In a variation thereof, the compression spring
includes a crest-to-crest wave spring.
[0023] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, a method of forming a display wall with a plurality of
display units on an environmental support structure is provided.
The method includes: (a) coupling a support system to the
environmental support structure; the support system including a
plurality of display unit interfaces, each display unit interface
including a plurality of elongated receivers; (b) assembling a
first display unit to a first group of the display unit interfaces
including a first display unit interface, wherein the first display
unit is coupled to the first display unit interface with a first
receiver of the first display unit interface, the first group of
display unit interfaces supporting the first display unit; (c)
assembling a second display of the plurality of display units to a
second group of the display unit interfaces different than the
first group of display unit interfaces, the second group of display
unit interfaces including the first display unit interface, wherein
the second display unit is coupled to the first display unit
interface with a second receiver of the first display unit
interface, the second group of display unit interfaces supporting
the second display unit; and (d) prior to steps (b) and (c)
adjusting the support system to position the first group of display
unit interfaces and the second group of display unit interfaces to
support the first display unit and the second display unit with
parallel viewing directions.
[0024] In an example thereof, step (a) includes coupling a first
mount and a second mount of the support system to the environmental
support structure, and coupling a first frame member and a second
frame member of the support system to the first mount and the
second mount, respectively; and step (d) includes prior to steps
(b) and (c) adjusting the first frame member via the first mount to
position a first support plane of the first frame member parallel
to a second support plane of the second frame member. In a
variation thereof, step (a) further includes coupling a display
mount to the first frame member and the second frame member, the
display mount including the first display unit interface; and step
(d) further includes prior to steps (b) and (c) adjusting the
display mount in a mounting plane defined by the display mount and
parallel to the second support plane of the second frame
member.
[0025] In still another exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, a method of forming a display wall with a plurality of
display units on an environmental support structure is provided.
The method includes (a) coupling a support system to the
environmental support structure, the support system having an outer
envelope and the environmental support having a non-planar contour
within the outer envelope of the support system; the support system
including a plurality of display unit interfaces; (b) supporting a
first display unit of the plurality of display units with a first
group of the display unit interfaces including a first display unit
interface; (c) supporting a second display of the plurality of
display units with a second group of the display unit interfaces
different than the first group of display unit interfaces; and (d)
prior to steps (b) and (c) adjusting the support system to position
the first group of display unit interfaces and the second group of
display unit interfaces to support the first display unit and the
second display unit with parallel viewing directions.
[0026] In an example thereof, step (a) includes coupling a first
mount and a second mount of the support system to the environmental
support structure, and coupling a first frame member and a second
frame member of the support system to the first mount and the
second mount, respectively; and step (d) includes prior to steps
(b) and (c) adjusting the first frame member via the first mount to
position a first support plane of the first frame member parallel
to a second support plane of the second frame member and angled
relative to the non-planar contour of the environmental support. In
a variation thereof, the first mount includes a differential screw,
and step (d) includes prior to steps (b) and (c) adjusting the
first frame member by adjusting the differential screw.
[0027] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, a method of forming a display wall with a plurality of
display units is provided. The method includes assembling a support
system including a plurality of mounts; assembling the plurality of
display units to the support system, including piloting a first
display unit of the plurality of display units, along a first
direction, to a securable position relative to the plurality of
mounts; and securing the first display unit by moving the first
display unit from the securable position to a secured position
along (1) a second direction transverse relative to the first
direction, the second direction including a downward component, and
(2) a third direction transverse relative to the first direction
and the second direction, the third direction including a
horizontal component, wherein the secured position is offset from
the securable position in both the second direction and the third
direction.
[0028] In an example thereof, securing the first display unit by
moving the first display unit from the securable position to the
secured position includes receiving a coupler in a receiver. In a
variation thereof, the receiver includes a receiver portion, an
intermediate portion accessible from the receiver portion, and a
securement portion accessible from the intermediate portion, and
wherein receiving the coupler in the receiver includes moving the
coupler in the intermediate portion while moving the coupler in
both the second direction and the third direction.
[0029] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, a method of forming a display wall with a plurality of
display units is provided. The method includes assembling a support
system. Assembling the support system includes providing a frame
member; providing a plurality of mounts, a first mount of the
plurality of mounts including a base and an adjustment mounting
assembly movably coupled to the base; slidably coupling the frame
member to the adjustment mounting assembly in a first direction;
coupling the first mount to an environmental support structure; and
moving the adjustment mounting assembly in a second direction
relative to the base to move the first frame member in the second
direction relative to the base, the second direction being
substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The method
further includes assembling the plurality of display units to the
support system.
[0030] In an example thereof, the frame member is a first frame
member, and further including coupling a second frame member to a
second mount of the plurality of mounts; and coupling the second
mount to the environmental support structure. Moving the adjustment
mounting assembly in the second direction relative to the base to
move the first frame member in the second direction relative to the
base includes aligning the first frame member with the second frame
member. In a variation thereof, coupling the first mount to the
environmental support structure includes coupling the first mount
to a non-planar contour of the environmental support structure.
[0031] In another example thereof, moving the adjustment mounting
assembly in the second direction relative to the base to move the
first frame member in the second direction relative to the base
includes moving a differential screw in the second direction
relative to the base.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of
this disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more
apparent and will be better understood by reference to the
following description of exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates a representative front, perspective view
of an exemplary display unit;
[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a representative rear, perspective view
of the exemplary display unit of FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a representative front view of an
exemplary display wall formed by a plurality of display units;
[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a representative top view of the display
wall of FIG. 3;
[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates a representative view of an exemplary
support system for a display unit which is supported by a support
structure;
[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates a representative view of an exemplary
support system for a plurality of display units coupled to a frame
through a common mount;
[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates a representative front view of a display
unit and a plurality of display mounts to support the display
unit;
[0040] FIG. 8 illustrates a representative front view of a
plurality of display units and a common display mount to support
each of the display units;
[0041] FIG. 9 illustrates a rear, perspective view of an exemplary
support system for a plurality of display units;
[0042] FIG. 10 illustrates a front, perspective view of the support
system of FIG. 9;
[0043] FIG. 11 illustrates a partial side view of viewing screens
of display units in a common plane despite the support system of
FIG. 9 coupled to a support structure having uneven portions;
[0044] FIG. 12 illustrates a front, perspective view of a plurality
of display units and a plurality of trim components coupled to the
support system of FIG. 9 to provide a display wall;
[0045] FIG. 13 illustrates a front, perspective detail view of the
support system and a display unit within detail area 13 of FIG.
12;
[0046] FIG. 14 illustrates a front, perspective view of the display
wall of FIG. 12 after coupling each of the display units to the
support system;
[0047] FIG. 15 illustrates a front, perspective view of an
exemplary structural mount of the support system of FIG. 9;
[0048] FIG. 16 illustrates an exploded front, perspective view of
the structural mount of FIG. 15;
[0049] FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of the structural mount of
FIG. 15;
[0050] FIG. 18 illustrates a front view of the structural mount of
FIG. 15;
[0051] FIG. 19 illustrates a side sectional view of the structural
mount of FIG. 15 along line 19-19 of FIG. 18;
[0052] FIG. 20 illustrates a front, perspective view of an
exemplary adjustment element of the structural mount of FIG.
15;
[0053] FIG. 21 illustrates a side view of the adjustment element of
FIG. 20;
[0054] FIG. 22 illustrates a side view of an exemplary frame member
of the support system of FIG. 9;
[0055] FIG. 23 illustrates a front, perspective view of the frame
member of FIG. 22;
[0056] FIG. 24 illustrates a side sectional view of the frame
member of FIG. 22 coupled to the structural mount of FIG. 15, the
structural mount being shown as the side sectional view along line
19-19 of FIG. 18;
[0057] FIG. 25 illustrates a partial side view of frame members of
FIG. 22 providing parallel support planes despite structural mounts
of FIG. 15 being disposed with angled environmental mounting
planes;
[0058] FIG. 26 illustrates a front, perspective view of an
exemplary display mount of the support system of FIG. 9;
[0059] FIG. 27 illustrates a rear, perspective view of the display
mount of FIG. 26;
[0060] FIG. 28 illustrates a front view of the display mount of
FIG. 26;
[0061] FIG. 29 illustrates an exemplary adjuster of the display
mount within detail area 29 of FIG. 26;
[0062] FIG. 30 illustrates the adjuster of the display mount within
detail area 30 of FIG. 27;
[0063] FIG. 31 illustrates a side view of the adjuster of FIGS.
29-30 and the display mount of FIG. 26 and a frame member of FIG.
22 (illustrated with phantom lines);
[0064] FIG. 32 illustrates a front, perspective view of the
adjuster of FIGS. 29-30;
[0065] FIG. 33 illustrates a section view of the adjuster along
line 33-33 of FIG. 32;
[0066] FIG. 34 illustrates a side view of a support bracket of the
display mount of FIG. 26;
[0067] FIG. 35 illustrates a partial rear, perspective view of the
display mount of FIG. 26 and an exemplary adjustment bracket;
[0068] FIG. 36 illustrates a partial front, perspective view of the
display mount of FIG. 26 and the adjustment bracket of FIG. 35;
[0069] FIG. 37 illustrates a rear, perspective view of the
adjustment bracket of FIG. 35;
[0070] FIG. 38 illustrates a front, perspective view of the
adjustment bracket of FIG. 35;
[0071] FIG. 39 illustrates a partial front, perspective sectional
view of the display mount of FIG. 26, the frame member of FIG. 22,
and an exemplary alignment tool;
[0072] FIG. 40 illustrates a front, perspective view of the
alignment tool of FIG. 39;
[0073] FIG. 41 illustrates a rear, perspective view of the
alignment tool of FIG. 39;
[0074] FIG. 42 illustrates a partial front, perspective sectional
view of the display mount of FIG. 26, the frame member of FIG. 22,
and an exemplary coupler coupling the display mount and the frame
member;
[0075] FIG. 43 illustrates a front view of an exemplary receiver of
a display unit interface of the display mount of FIG. 26;
[0076] FIG. 44 illustrates a front view of another exemplary
display mount of the support system of FIG. 9;
[0077] FIG. 45 illustrates a front view of an exemplary receiver of
a display unit interface of the display mount of FIG. 44;
[0078] FIG. 46 illustrates a representative rear, perspective view
of the exemplary display unit of FIG. 1 coupled to exemplary
couplers;
[0079] FIG. 47 illustrates a front, perspective view of an
exemplary coupler adapted to couple a display unit to a mount;
[0080] FIG. 48 illustrates a side view of the coupler of FIG.
47;
[0081] FIG. 49 illustrates a side view of the coupler FIG. 47
coupled to a display mount (illustrated with phantom lines).
[0082] FIG. 50 illustrates a rear, perspective view of the display
mount of FIG. 26 and a plurality of couplers of FIG. 47;
[0083] FIG. 51 illustrates a front, perspective view of an
exemplary trim bracket of the support system of FIG. 9;
[0084] FIG. 52 illustrates a rear, perspective view of the trim
bracket of FIG. 9;
[0085] FIG. 53 illustrates an exemplary method for assembling a
display wall; and
[0086] FIGS. 54-58 illustrate actions associated with the method of
FIG. 53.
[0087] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. The exemplification set out
herein illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the invention and
such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope
of the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0088] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the
embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which are described below.
The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive
or limit the present disclosure to the precise form disclosed in
the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are
chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize
their teachings. Therefore, no limitation of the scope of the
present disclosure is thereby intended. Corresponding reference
characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several
views.
[0089] In some instances throughout this disclosure and in the
claims, numeric terminology, such as first, second, third, and
fourth, is used in reference to various components, inputs, and
other items. Such use is not intended to denote an ordering of the
components. Rather, numeric terminology is used to assist the
reader in identifying the component being referenced and should not
be narrowly interpreted as providing a specific order of
components.
[0090] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for
supporting a plurality of display units. Exemplary display units
include various digital displays including any number of image
formation devices, including light emitting diode (LED) displays,
plasma displays, laser phosphor displays (LPD), liquid crystal
displays, and other suitable types of digital displays.
[0091] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, representative views of a
display unit 10 are provided. Display unit 10 includes a chassis 11
and a viewing screen 12 on a front side 16 of display unit 10.
Chassis 11 houses image formation devices, such as light emitting
diode display devices, plasma display devices, laser phosphor
display devices, liquid crystal display devices, and other suitable
types of display devices, and electronics which control the image
displayed on viewing screen 12. On a rear side 14 of display unit
10, interfaces 13 are provided which may couple to display mounts
or stands to position display unit 10. Interfaces 13 may include
one or more recesses and/or one or more protrusions which cooperate
with corresponding features on a coupler to secure display unit 10
to the respective mount or stand.
[0092] A plurality of display units 10 may be positioned to form a
display wall. FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary display wall 30
formed from thirty display units 10 positioned generally
edge-to-edge in five rows of six display units 10. The viewing
screens 12A-12DD of the thirty display units 10 form a larger
viewing screen 32. As is known in the art, the image formation
devices of the various display units 10 may be controlled to
display portions of an image so that the larger viewing screen 32
of display wall 30 displays the entire image.
[0093] Referring to FIG. 4, a top view of display wall 30 is shown.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, each display unit 10 has a flat viewing
screen 12 with a viewing direction 20 normal to viewing screen 12.
Each of viewing directions 20 are parallel to each other. As such,
larger viewing screen 32 is flat.
[0094] Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary support system 150 for
display unit 10 is represented. In some embodiments, support system
150 may be disassembled to facilitate ease of transport and
storage. Further, support system 150 may have a modular design
which permits additional columns of display units 10 to be added to
a display wall 30 or columns to be removed from a display wall 30.
Additionally, support system 150 includes adjustability to
accommodate different versions of display units 10.
[0095] Support system 150 includes a frame 102. Frame 102 is
coupled to a mounting structure 152 which in turn couples frame 102
to a vertically extending environmental support structure 70, such
as a wall or other structural components (for example, beams,
pillars, and the like). Frame 102 is secured to mounting structure
152.
[0096] Each of display units 10 is coupled to frame 102 through one
or more display mounts 110. A mount 110 is secured to frame 102
through a respective coupler 114. In turn, a display unit 10 is
secured to mount 110 through a respective coupler 118.
[0097] Mount 110 has a first interface 112 which cooperates with
coupler 114 to secure mount 110 to coupler 114. Interface 112 may
include one or more recesses and/or one or more protrusions which
cooperate with corresponding features on coupler 114 to secure
mount 110 to frame 102. In some embodiments, coupler 114 is a
separate component or an assembly of components coupled to frame
102. In another embodiment, coupler 114 is an integral portion of
one or more components of frame 102.
[0098] Mount 110 has a second interface 116 which cooperates with
coupler 118 to secure coupler 118 to mount 110. Interface 116 may
include one or more recesses and/or one or more protrusions which
cooperate with corresponding features on coupler 118 to secure
coupler 118 to mount 110. In some embodiments, coupler 118 is a
separate component or an assembly of components coupled to display
unit 10. In another embodiment, coupler 118 is an integral portion
of one or more components of display unit 10.
[0099] Referring to FIG. 6, another exemplary support system 170
for display unit 10 is represented. Support system 170 may be
coupled to, for example, mounting structure 152 (shown elsewhere).
In support system 170, mount 110 includes first interface 112 to
couple coupler 114 and a plurality of interfaces 116A-D each for
coupling a respective display unit 10A-D to mount 110 through
couplers 118A-D.
[0100] Referring to FIG. 7, an exemplary positioning of a display
unit 10K relative to four display mounts 190A-D is shown. Display
mounts 190A-D are exemplary embodiments of mount 110. Each of
display mounts 190A-D includes a first interface 192, a second
interface 194, a third interface 196, and a four interface 198.
Each of first interface 192, second interface 194, third interface
196, and fourth interface 198 are adapted to couple a portion of
display unit 10K to the respective display mount 190 through a
coupler 118 (not shown).
[0101] Viewing screen 12K of display unit 10K is divided into an
upper half 34 and a lower half 36 by a horizontal centerline 38 and
is divided into a left side half 40 and a right side half 42 by a
vertical centerline 44. As such, horizontal centerline 38 and
vertical centerline 44 divide viewing screen 12K of display unit
10K into an upper right quadrant 46, an upper left quadrant 48, a
lower left quadrant 52, and a lower right quadrant 54. As shown,
each of display mounts 190A-D are positioned in only one of the
quadrants 46, 48, 52, and 54 of viewing screen 12K of display unit
10K. An advantage, among others, for this arrangement is that
display mounts 190A-D may be used to couple adjacent display units
10 to frame 102 since none of the display mounts extend over one of
horizontal centerline 38 or vertical centerline 44. In an
alternative embodiment, at least one display mount 190 spans at
least one of horizontal centerline 38 or vertical centerline
44.
[0102] Referring to FIG. 8, display mount 190A is positioned
overlapping the respective viewing screens 12P, 12Q, 12J, and 12K
of display units 10P, 10Q, 10J, and 10K. Display mount 190A is
positioned in upper right quadrant 46 of viewing screens 12J of
display units 10J, in upper left quadrant 48 of viewing screen 12K
of display unit 10K, in lower left quadrant 52 of viewing screens
12Q of display units 10Q, and in lower right quadrant 54 of viewing
screens 12P of display units 10P.
[0103] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, an exemplary support system 200
is shown. Support system 200 is an exemplary embodiment of support
system 170. Generally, in support system 200 mounting structure 152
includes a plurality of structural mounts 202 (four of which are
identified in FIG. 9) that are adapted to be supported by
environmental support structure 70 (shown elsewhere--for example, a
wall). In support system 200, frame 102 includes a plurality of
frame members 204, which may also be referred to as horizontal
rails. Frame members 204 are supported by structural mounts 202.
Frame members 204 support a plurality of display mounts 206 (three
of which are identified), which are an exemplary embodiment of
components that provide one or more of mounts 190, and which may
also be referred to as vertical rails. Display mounts 206 are
adapted to support display units 10 (shown elsewhere).
Additionally, as explained in more detail herein, display mounts
206 support various trim brackets 208 (four of which are
identified) for coupling trim components (shown elsewhere) to
support system 200.
[0104] Exemplary support system 200 is shown as including fourteen
structural mounts 202 (arranged in two rows and seven columns of
structural mounts 202), four frame members 204 (each row of
structural mounts 202 supporting two frame members 204 coupled to
each other by fasteners and brackets (not shown)), and seven
mounts. However, support systems may include various other
arrangements and/or numbers of structural mounts, frame members,
and display mounts. Although not illustrated, a specific example of
such a support system includes twenty seven structural mounts
(arranged in three rows and nine columns of structural mounts),
nine frame members (each row of structural mounts supporting three
frame members coupled to each other by fasteners and brackets), and
eighteen display mounts (arranged in nine columns of two display
mounts coupled to each other by fasteners and brackets).
[0105] As explained in more detail herein, support system 200 is
adjustable in various directions to facilitate precise alignment of
display units 10 (shown elsewhere) relative to each other. For
example and referring to FIG. 11, such adjustability may facilitate
positioning viewing screens of display units in a common plane
(viewing screens 12G and 12A of display units 10G and 10A being
illustrated, for example) and providing display units with parallel
viewing directions 20G and 20A in situations in which support
system 200 is coupled to a support structure including uneven
portions (two uneven portions 70G and 70A being illustrated, for
example). Such unevenness may be due to waviness of the surface of
the support structure, the presence of imperfections on the surface
of the support structure, the presence of repair materials (for
example, spackling) on the surface of the support structure, or the
like.
[0106] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate display units 10 and trim
components 210 being coupled to support system 200 to provide a
display wall 212. Display units are coupled to support system 200
separately (that is, not simultaneously) and positioned
edge-to-edge. With specific reference to FIG. 13 and as explained
in more detail herein, support system 200 facilitates coupling
display units to support system 200 by moving display units in a
generally diagonal direction 214 relative to support system 200.
Advantageously, such an action may reduce contact between a display
unit being coupled to support system 200 and adjacent display units
already coupled to support system 200, which may inhibit damaging
display units. Illustratively, the diagonal direction 214 is a
downward-and-left direction. Alternatively, the diagonal direction
214 could be a downward-and-right direction by providing various
features, as described below, or all of the features of support
system 200, as mirror images of the illustrated features.
[0107] FIG. 14 illustrates display wall 212 after coupling each of
display units 10 and trim components 210 to support system 200
(obscured here, shown elsewhere). Display wall 212 illustratively
includes thirty six display units, more specifically six rows of
six display units. However, display walls may include various other
arrangements and/or numbers of display units, particularly for
support systems that include other arrangements and/or numbers of
structural mounts, frame members, and display mounts (all shown
elsewhere), as described above.
[0108] FIGS. 15-19 illustrate various views of exemplary structural
mount 202. Each structural mount 202 of support system 200 may
include, for example, the same or similar features as the
illustrated structural mount 202. Structural mount 202 is adapted
to be supported by an environmental support structure 70 (shown
elsewhere) and couple support system 200 to support structure 70.
More specifically, structural mount 202 includes a base 216 having
a first side portion 218 and a second side portion 220. First side
portion 218 includes a mounting surface 222 that is adapted to be
positioned adjacent or abut support structure 70, and second side
portion 220 is adapted to face away from support structure 70. Base
216 further includes coupling apertures 224 for receiving fasteners
(not shown) for coupling structural mount 202 to support structure
70. Base 216 further includes one or more alignment features 226,
illustratively, horizontal alignment grooves and/or vertical
alignment grooves. Such alignment features may be used to align
structural mount 202 with other structural mounts 202 and/or a
vertical direction (for example, by generating a laser line using a
rotating laser level).
[0109] Second side portion 220 of structural mount 202 includes an
upper mounting boss 228 and a lower mounting boss 230, which
support an upper adjustment mounting assembly 232 and a lower
adjustment mounting assembly 234, respectively. Upper adjustment
mounting assembly 232 and lower adjustment mounting assembly 234
are offset in offset direction 236, which may be aligned with a
vertical direction. As described in further detail below, upper
adjustment mounting assembly 232 and lower adjustment mounting
assembly 234 couple to opposite sides of a frame member 204 (shown
elsewhere) and support frame member 204 therebetween. Upper
adjustment mounting assembly 232 and lower adjustment mounting
assembly 234 facilitate adjustment of frame members 204 relative to
support structure 70 (shown elsewhere). As described in further
detail below, such adjustment advantageously facilitates aligning
frame members 204 in a vertical plane, which in turn facilitates
precise alignment of display units 10 (shown elsewhere) relative to
each other and providing display units with parallel viewing
directions.
[0110] Turning first to upper adjustment mounting assembly 232 and
with particular reference to FIG. 16, upper adjustment mounting
assembly 232 includes one or more upper securement fasteners 238
(illustratively, two fasteners, more specifically screws) that each
freely extend through an elongated aperture 240 of upper mounting
boss 228 (that is, the fasteners do not threadably engage upper
mounting boss 228). Each aperture 240 is elongated, and each upper
securement fastener 238 is slidable therein relative to upper
mounting boss 228 in an adjustment direction 242 (also referred to
as a support plane adjustment direction 242). Each upper securement
fastener 238 also couples to an upper adjustment block 246 and an
upper coupler 248, illustrated as a mounting plate, of upper
adjustment mounting assembly 232. Each upper securement fastener
238 freely extends through an aperture 250 of upper adjustment
block 246. Each aperture 250 is slightly larger than corresponding
fastener (stated another way, each aperture 250 provides a
clearance fit with corresponding fastener). Each upper securement
fastener 238 also threadably engages a threaded aperture 252 of
upper coupler 248. Accordingly, upper coupler 248 and upper
adjustment block 246 are movable with upper securement fasteners
238 relative to upper mounting boss 228 in adjustment direction
242.
[0111] With continued particular reference to FIG. 16, upper
coupler 248 couples structural mount 202 to frame member 204 (shown
elsewhere). Upper coupler 248 slidably supports and facilitates
adjustment of frame member 204 in transverse direction 254 relative
to base 216, which is perpendicular to adjustment direction 242 and
offset direction 236. Upper coupler 248 and upper adjustment block
246, when upper securement fasteners 238 are loosened, may be moved
in adjustment direction 242 relative to base 216 to move frame
member 204 in adjustment direction 242 relative to base 216. To
facilitate this adjustment, upper adjustment block 246 couples to
an upper adjustment boss 256 via an upper adjustment element 258.
Upper adjustment element 258 may be manipulated or adjusted to move
upper adjustment mounting assembly 232 and, as a result, frame
member 204 in adjustment direction 242 relative to base 216.
Illustratively, upper adjustment element 258 is a fastener. More
specifically and as described in further detail below, upper
adjustment element 258 may be a differential screw, even more
specifically a differential screw including left-handed threads and
right-handed threads on opposite end portions. Such a differential
screw threadably engages threaded apertures 260 and 262 of upper
adjustment boss 256 and upper adjustment block 246, respectively.
Upper securement fasteners 238 may be tightened to inhibit further
movement of upper adjustment mounting assembly 232 and frame in
adjustment direction 242.
[0112] With further particular reference to FIG. 16, lower
adjustment mounting assembly 234 is a mirror image of upper
adjustment mounting assembly 232 over a plane including adjustment
direction 242 and transverse direction 254. Otherwise, lower
adjustment mounting assembly 234 is generally similar to upper
adjustment mounting assembly 232. More specifically, lower
adjustment mounting assembly 234 includes one or more lower
securement fasteners 264 (illustratively, two fasteners, more
specifically screws) that each freely extend through an elongated
aperture 266 of lower mounting boss 230. Each aperture 266 is
elongated, and each lower securement fastener 264 is slidable
therein relative to lower mounting boss 230 in adjustment direction
242. Each lower securement fastener 264 also couples to a lower
adjustment block 268 and a lower coupler 270, illustrated as a
mounting plate, of lower adjustment mounting assembly 234. Each
lower securement fastener 264 freely extends through an aperture
272 of lower adjustment block 268. Each aperture 272 is slightly
larger than corresponding fastener (stated another way, each
aperture 272 provides a clearance fit with corresponding fastener).
Each lower securement fastener 264 also threadably engages a
threaded aperture 274 of lower coupler 270. Accordingly, lower
coupler 270 and lower adjustment block 268 are movable with lower
securement fasteners 264 relative to lower mounting boss 230 in
adjustment direction 242.
[0113] With continued particular reference to FIG. 16, lower
coupler 270 couples structural mount 202 to frame member 204 (shown
elsewhere). Lower coupler 270 slidably supports and facilitates
adjustment of frame members 204 in transverse direction 254
relative to base 216. Lower coupler 270 and lower adjustment block
268, when lower securement fasteners 264 are loosened, may be moved
in adjustment direction 242 relative to base 216 to move frame in
adjustment direction 242 relative to base 216. To facilitate this
adjustment, lower adjustment block 268 couples to a lower
adjustment boss 276 (see FIG. 19) via a lower adjustment element
278. Lower adjustment element 278 may be manipulated or adjusted to
move lower adjustment mounting assembly 234 and, as a result, frame
in adjustment direction 242 relative to base 216. Illustratively,
lower adjustment element 278 is a fastener. More specifically and
as described in further detail below, lower adjustment element 278
may be a differential screw, even more specifically a differential
screw including left-handed threads and right-handed threads on
opposite end portions. Such a differential screw threadably engages
threaded apertures 280 and 282 (see FIG. 19) of lower adjustment
boss 276 and lower adjustment block 268, respectively. Lower
securement fasteners 264 may be tightened to inhibit further
movement of lower adjustment mounting assembly 234 and frame in
adjustment direction 242.
[0114] FIGS. 20-21 illustrate various views of an exemplary
adjustment element 284.
[0115] Upper adjustment element 258 and lower adjustment element
278 may include, for example, the same or similar features as
adjustment element 284. Illustratively, adjustment element 284 is a
differential screw that includes a left-handed thread portion 286
and right-handed thread portion 288. Generally, differential screw
is adapted to couple two adjacent components and double the
relative linear displacement, compared to a typical screw, between
the components per turn of differential screw. Referring again
briefly to FIG. 19, for upper adjustment element 258 left-handed
thread portion 286 threadably engages threaded aperture 260 of
upper adjustment boss 256 and right-handed thread portion 288
threadably engages threaded aperture 262 of upper adjustment block
246. For lower adjustment element 278 left-handed thread portion
286 threadably engages threaded aperture 280 of lower adjustment
boss 276 and right-handed thread portion 288 threadably engages
threaded aperture 282 of lower adjustment block 268. Adjustment
elements 284 double the relative linear displacement per turn,
compared to a typical screw, between adjustment bosses and
adjustment blocks, respectively. Accordingly, adjustment elements
284 facilitate ease of adjustment of upper and lower adjustment
mounting assemblies 232 and 234 and, accordingly, frame members 204
(shown elsewhere), in adjustment direction 242.
[0116] FIGS. 22-23 illustrate various views of frame member 204,
and FIG. 24 illustrates frame member 204 coupled to structural
mount 202. Each frame member 204 of support system 200 (shown
elsewhere) may include, for example, the same or similar features
as the illustrated frame member 204. Frame member 204 is generally
an elongated component, and frame member 204 may have a uniform
shape along its length (that is, as viewed from the side and, for
example, as shown in FIG. 22). Frame member 204 includes several
interfaces for cooperating with couplers (shown elsewhere) and
thereby coupling frame to other components of support system 200.
More specifically, frame member 204 includes an upper interface 290
and a lower interface 292 to facilitate coupling frame member 204
to structural mount 202 and a side interface 294 for coupling frame
member 204 to display mounts 206 (shown elsewhere).
[0117] Upper interface 290 is illustratively an upper channel
having an upwardly facing opening 296. Upper channel further
includes inwardly extending feet 298 disposed on opposite sides of
opening 296. As shown specifically in FIG. 24, upper channel
receives upper coupler 248 of structural mount 202 and feet 298
slidably engage upper coupler 248. Similarly, lower interface 292
is illustratively a lower channel having a downwardly facing
opening 300. Lower channel further includes inwardly extending feet
302 disposed on opposite sides of opening 300. As shown
specifically in FIG. 24, lower channel receives lower coupler 270
of structural mount 202 and feet 302 slidably engage lower coupler
270. Side interface 294 is illustratively a side channel having a
horizontally facing opening 304. Side channel further includes
inwardly extending feet 306 disposed on opposite sides of opening
304. As described in further detail below and shown elsewhere, side
channel receives couplers for coupling frame member 204 to display
mounts 206. Although interfaces 290, 292, and 294 are shown as
channels, any of interfaces 290, 292, and 294 may include other
types of apertures and/or one or more protrusions to cooperate with
corresponding features on a coupler to couple frame member 204 to
structural mount 202 or display mounts 206.
[0118] Frame member 204 also illustratively includes one or more
alignment features 308, more specifically horizontal alignment
grooves disposed in side channel of side interface 294 and on upper
and lower side surfaces 310, 312. Such alignment features 308 may
be used to align frame member 204 with a horizontal direction (for
example, by generating a laser line using a rotating laser
level).
[0119] FIG. 24 also illustrates how structural mount 202 and frame
member 204 may provide a relatively narrow structure that does not
protrude significantly from environmental support structure 70
(shown elsewhere). As illustrated, the structure formed by
structural mount 202 and frame member 204 may have a thickness
(that is, a dimension between first side portion 218 and second
side portion 220 of structural mount 202) that largely corresponds
to the thickness of upper and lower adjustment mounting assemblies
232 and 234 (more specifically, the length of upper adjustment
element 258 and lower adjustment element 278). The thickness of the
structure may also correspond to the amount of adjustability
provided by upper and lower adjustment mounting assemblies 232 and
234. By providing a relatively narrow structure, support system 200
may be largely obscured when display units 10 are mounted thereto,
which may be considered aesthetically pleasing.
[0120] In addition to facilitating adjustment as described above,
structural mounts 202 also facilitate adjustment of frame members
204 in other manners. For example, for a structural mount 202
supported by a slanted portion of an environmental support
structure, upper and lower adjustment mounting assemblies 232 and
234 can be adjusted by different amounts to adjust the angle of a
supported frame member 204 relative to the support structure and
thereby precisely align the frame member 204 with frame members 204
supported by other structural mounts 202. FIG. 25 illustrates an
example of structural mounts 202A, 202B aligning frame members
204A, 204B in such a manner. More specifically, first, or upper,
structural mount 202A and second, or lower, structural mount 202B
include first side portions 218A, 218B that define environmental
mounting planes 314A, 314B, respectively. The first side portions
218A, 218B are adapted to be positioned adjacent or abut an
environmental support structure 70 (shown elsewhere). The first
structural mount 202A and the second structural mount 202B also
include second side portions 220A, 220B that support frame members
204A, 204B, respectively. Second side portions 220A, 220B also
include upper adjustment mount assemblies 232A, 232B and lower
adjustment mount assemblies 234A, 234B, respectively. Upper
adjustment mount assemblies 232A, 232B and lower adjustment mount
assemblies 234A, 234B may be adjusted, potentially by different
amounts, to precisely align frame members 204A, 204B. More
specifically, for example, upper adjustment mounting assembly 232A
and lower adjustment mounting assembly 234A may be adjusted by
different amounts such that first structural mount 202A positions a
first support plane 316A of first frame member 204A parallel to
(illustratively, in a coplanar orientation with) a second support
plane 316B of second frame member 204B and angled relative to
environmental mounting plane 314A of first structural mount 202A.
As illustrated, first support plane 316A and second support plane
316B may be parallel to upper side surfaces 310A, 310B and lower
side surfaces 312A, 312B of first structural mount 202A and second
structural mount 202B, respectively. As described in further detail
below, aligned support planes 316A, 316B facilitate positioning
display units 10 (shown elsewhere) with parallel viewing directions
20.
[0121] FIGS. 26-28 illustrate various views of exemplary display
mount 206. Each display mount 206 of support system 200 may
include, for example, the same or similar features as the
illustrated display mount 206. Display mount 206 generally includes
an elongated main body 320 coupled to an elongated rear bracket 322
(see FIG. 27) via fasteners 323 (four of which are
identified--illustratively, rivets). As described in further detail
below, display mount 206 also includes features for coupling to
frame members 204 (shown elsewhere) and display units 10 (shown
elsewhere). Briefly, display mount 206 includes a plurality of
groups of display unit interfaces for coupling to display units 10
(shown elsewhere). Illustratively, display mount 206 includes a
first group of display unit interfaces 324A, a second group of
display unit interfaces 324B, a third group of display unit
interfaces 324C, a fourth group of display unit interfaces 324D, a
fifth group of display unit interfaces 324E, a sixth group of
display unit interfaces 324F, and a seventh group of display unit
interfaces 324G. Groups of display unit interfaces 324B-324F are
exemplary embodiments of mount 110 (shown elsewhere). Stated
another way, display mount 206 provides a plurality of mounts 110.
As described in further detail below, groups of display unit
interfaces 324B-324F may each include four display unit interfaces.
First and seventh groups of display unit interfaces 324A, 324G may
each include a fewer display unit interfaces than the other groups.
Illustratively, first and seventh groups of display unit interfaces
324A, 324G each include two display unit interfaces. In alternative
embodiments, display mount 206 may include a different number of
groups of display unit interfaces.
[0122] With brief continued reference to FIGS. 26-28 and additional
reference to FIGS. 29-33, display mount 206 includes an adjuster
326 for adjusting the position of display mount 206 relative to
frame (shown elsewhere). More specifically, adjuster 326
facilitates adjusting the position of display mount 206 relative to
frame members 204 in an adjustment direction 328 (also referred to
as a vertical adjustment direction 328), which may be perpendicular
to support plane adjustment direction 242 and transverse direction
254 defined by structural mounts 202 (shown elsewhere). With
specific reference now to FIGS. 29-33, adjuster 326 is accessible
via a front aperture 330 formed in main body 320 of display mount
206. Adjuster 326 illustratively includes an adjuster body 332 that
couples to rear bracket 322 (see FIG. 30) of display mount 206
(illustratively, by receiving threaded fasteners 334, see FIG. 30,
in blind holes 336). Adjuster body 332 supports an adjustment
device 338, which illustratively includes a first threaded fastener
340 that is fixedly supported by adjuster body 332. First threaded
fastener 340 threadably engages a second threaded fastener 342,
which carries a foot 344. As shown specifically in FIGS. 30 and 31,
foot 344 extends through a rear aperture 346 formed in rear bracket
322 and contacts frame member 204. More specifically, foot 344
rests upon an upper finger 347 adjacent upper side surface 310 of
frame member 204. As such, second threaded fastener 342 may be
rotated relative to first threaded fastener 340 to displace foot
344 relative to adjuster body 332 and thereby move display mount
206 relative to frame member 204 in direction 328.
[0123] FIG. 34 illustrates an exemplary support bracket 348
positioned on rear of display mount 206. Support bracket 348
facilitates supporting display mount 206 from frame member 204
before and while adjusting the position of display mount 206
relative to frame member 204 (for example, by adjusting adjuster
326--shown elsewhere). Stated another way, support bracket 348 may
couple display mount 206 to frame member 204 so that display mount
206 does not need be manually supported while adjusting the
position of display mount 206 relative to frame member 204. Support
bracket 348 couples to display mount 206 via one or more fasteners
350, illustratively rivets. As illustrated, support bracket 348 may
have an inverted J-shape appearance as viewed from the side. As
illustrated, support bracket 348 may contact frame member 204
behind upper finger 347.
[0124] FIGS. 35-38 illustrate an exemplary adjustment bracket 352
positioned on rear of display mount 206. Adjustment bracket 352
couples to display mount 206 via an adjustment element 354 (see
FIG. 36--which may have, for example, the same or similar features
as adjustment element 284). Adjustment element 354 may be accessed
via a front aperture 356 (see FIG. 36) of main body 320 of display
mount 206. Adjustment element 354 may be adjusted to cause a rear
surface 358 of adjustment bracket 352 to contact support structure
70 (shown elsewhere) and facilitate positioning various portions of
display mount 206 (such as groups of display unit interfaces
324A-324G--shown elsewhere) in a common plane. Adjustment bracket
352 also includes a through aperture 360, which is accessible via
front aperture 330 and a rear aperture 362 of rear bracket 322 of
display mount 206. Through aperture 360 is adapted to receive a
threaded fastener (not shown) for coupling adjustment bracket 352
to support structure 70. Adjustment bracket 352 may have a J-shape
appearance as viewed from the side.
[0125] FIG. 39 illustrates display mount 206, frame member 204, and
an exemplary alignment tool 364 that is selectively attachable
thereto, and FIGS. 40-41 illustrate the alignment tool 364
separately. Alignment tool 364 facilitates aligning display mounts
206 in a common plane. Alignment tool 364 is received in a front
aperture 366 of display mount 206 and includes a threaded aperture
368. Threaded aperture 368 couples to a threaded fastener 370 that
is received through a rear aperture 372 of display mount 206 and
supported by side interface 294 of frame member 204. Alignment tool
364 may be tightened and urged into contact with display mount 206
adjacent rear aperture 372. Thereafter, an alignment feature 374 of
alignment tool 364 (illustratively, a circumferentially extending
groove), and alignment features 374 of other alignment tools 364
(not shown) attached to display mounts 206 and frame members 204,
may be used to align frame members 204 and display mounts 206 (for
example, by generating a laser line using a rotating laser level
and by using, for example, any of the adjustment features described
herein).
[0126] FIG. 42 illustrates display mount 206, frame member 204, and
an exemplary coupler 376 coupling the display mount 206 and the
frame member 204. Coupler 376 may be coupled to display mount 206
and frame member 204, for example, after detaching alignment tool
364 (shown elsewhere). Coupler 376 is illustratively a threaded
fastener assembly including a threaded fastener 378 and a nut 380.
Threaded fastener 378 extends through front aperture 366 and rear
aperture 372 of display mount 206, and nut 380 is carried in side
interface 294 of frame member 204.
[0127] FIG. 43 illustrates an exemplary receiver 382 of group of
display unit interfaces 324B of display mount 206. Each receiver
382 of display mount 206 may include, for example, the same or
similar features as the illustrated receiver 382. Illustratively,
receiver 382 is an aperture formed in main body 320 of display
mount 206, and the aperture is adapted to receive a coupler (shown
elsewhere) coupled to display unit 10 (shown elsewhere). Generally,
receiver 382 has an asymmetric shape (relative to adjustment
direction 328 (see FIG. 28), or a vertical direction). Such a shape
advantageously facilitates coupling display units 10 to support
system 200 in a generally diagonal direction 214, as described
herein above and shown elsewhere. Generally, receiver 382 includes
a dog leg-like shape. More specifically, receiver 382 includes an
enlarged receiver portion 384, an angled intermediate portion 386
including an upper segment 388 and a lower segment 390, and a
securement portion 392. Enlarged receiver portion 384 may have a
relatively large diameter compared to other portions of receiver
382. A center 394 of enlarged receiver portion 384 may be offset
from an upright axis 396 of receiver 382 (defined by lower segment
390 of intermediate portion 386) in a first offset direction 398.
Upper segment 388 of intermediate portion 386 is accessible from
enlarged receiver portion 384. Upper segment 388 of intermediate
portion 386 may taper from enlarged receiver portion 384 inwardly
to lower segment 390 of intermediate portion 386. Lower segment 390
of intermediate portion 386 is accessible from upper segment 388 of
intermediate portion 386. Lower segment 390 and upper segment 388
of intermediate portion 386 may define an internal angle of about
25 degrees (that is, 25 degrees.+-.10 degrees). Lower segment 390
of intermediate portion 386 may have a width that is substantially
uniform. Securement portion 392 is accessible from lower segment
390 of intermediate portion 386. Securement portion 392 may have a
diameter that is slightly larger than the width of lower segment
390 of intermediate portion 386. A center 400 of securement portion
392 may be offset from upright axis 396 of receiver 382 in a second
offset direction 402. In alternative embodiments, a receiver may be
provided with different sizes and/or shapes. For example, a
receiver may have other types of asymmetric shapes or non-linear
shapes, such as, for example, curved shapes. Although receiver 382
functions to secure a modular display unit 10 to display mount 206,
portions of the shape of receiver 382 are non-functional and
therefore may be selected based on their ornamental appeal. For
example, in embodiments, enlarged receiver portion 384 functionally
must be large enough to receive a head of a coupler (shown
elsewhere) which, in turn, is coupled to a display unit 10, but the
shape of enlarged receiver portion 384 may take on many
aesthetically pleasing ornamental forms. In another example, in
embodiments, securement portion 392 must be limited in size such
that a head of a coupler may not pass through display mount 206,
but the shape of securement portion 392 may take on many
aesthetically pleasing ornamental forms.
[0128] FIG. 44 illustrates another exemplary display mount 500.
Support system 200 may include display mount 500, or a plurality of
display mounts 500, instead of display mount 206. Generally,
display mount 500 includes similar features as display mount 206.
More specifically, display mount 500 includes an elongated main
body 502 coupled to an elongated rear bracket (not shown). Display
mount 500 also includes adjuster 326 and support bracket 348 (shown
elsewhere). Display mount 500 may couple to alignment tool 364
(shown elsewhere) and/or adjustment bracket 352 (shown elsewhere).
Display mount 500 also includes features for coupling to frame
members 204 (shown elsewhere) and display units 10 (shown
elsewhere). More specifically, display mount 500 includes a
plurality of groups of display unit interfaces for coupling to
display units 10 (shown elsewhere). Illustratively, display mount
500 includes a first group of display unit interfaces 504A, a
second group of display unit interfaces 504B, a third group of
display unit interfaces 504C, a fourth group of display unit
interfaces 504D, and a fifth group of display unit interfaces 504E.
Groups of display unit interfaces 504B-504D are exemplary
embodiments of mount 110 (shown elsewhere). Stated another way,
display mount 500 provides a plurality of mounts 110. As described
in further detail below, groups of display unit interfaces
504B-504D may each include four display unit interfaces. First and
fifth groups of display unit interfaces 504A, 504E may each include
a fewer display unit interfaces than the other groups.
Illustratively, first and fifth groups of display unit interfaces
504A, 504E each include two display unit interfaces. In alternative
embodiments, display mount 500 may include a different number of
groups of display unit interfaces.
[0129] FIG. 45 illustrates an exemplary receiver 506 of group of
display unit interfaces 504B of display mount 500. Each receiver
506 of display mount 500 may include, for example, the same or
similar features as the illustrated receiver 506. Illustratively,
receiver 506 is an aperture formed in main body 502 of display
mount 500, and the aperture is adapted to receive a coupler (shown
elsewhere) coupled to display unit 10 (shown elsewhere). Generally,
receiver 506 has an asymmetric shape (relative to adjustment
direction or a vertical direction). Such a shape advantageously
facilitates coupling display units 10 to support system 200 in a
generally diagonal direction 214, as described herein above and
shown elsewhere. Generally, receiver 506 includes a dog leg-like
shape. More specifically, receiver 506 includes an enlarged
receiver portion 508, an angled intermediate portion 510 including
an upper segment 512 and a lower segment 514, and a securement
portion 516. Enlarged receiver portion 508 may have a relatively
large diameter compared to other portions of receiver 506. A center
518 of enlarged receiver portion 508 may be offset from an upright
axis 520 of receiver 506 (defined by lower segment 514 of
intermediate portion 510) in a first offset direction 522. Upper
segment 512 of intermediate portion 510 is accessible from enlarged
receiver portion 508. Upper segment 512 of intermediate portion 510
may taper from enlarged receiver portion 508 inwardly to lower
segment 514 of intermediate portion 510. Lower segment 514 of
intermediate portion 510 is accessible from upper segment 512 of
intermediate portion 510. Lower segment 514 and upper segment 512
of intermediate portion 510 may define an internal angle of about
105 degrees (that is, 105 degrees.+-.10 degrees). Lower segment 514
of intermediate portion 510 may have a width that is substantially
uniform. Securement portion 516 is accessible from lower segment
514 of intermediate portion 510. Securement portion 516 may have a
diameter that is slightly larger than the width of lower segment
514 of intermediate portion 510. A center 524 of securement portion
516 may be offset from upright axis 520 of receiver 506 in a second
offset direction 526. In alternative embodiments, a receiver may be
provided with different sizes and/or shapes. For example, a
receiver may have other types of asymmetric shapes or non-linear
shapes, such as, for example, curved shapes. Although receiver 506
functions to secure a modular display unit 10 to display mount 500,
portions of the shape of receiver 506 are non-functional and
therefore may be selected based on their ornamental appeal. For
example, in embodiments, enlarged receiver portion 508 functionally
must be large enough to receive a head of a coupler (shown
elsewhere) which, in turn, is coupled to a display unit 10, but the
shape of enlarged receiver portion 508 may take on many
aesthetically pleasing ornamental forms. In another example, in
embodiments, securement portion 516 must be limited in size such
that a head of a coupler may not pass through display mount 500,
but the shape of securement portion 516 may take on many
aesthetically pleasing ornamental forms.
[0130] Referring to FIG. 46, a representative rear, perspective
view of display unit 10 is provided. In addition, couplers 404A-D
are illustrated coupled to display unit 10. Couplers 404A-D are
adapted to couple display unit 10 to display mounts 206 via
interfaces (for example, receivers 382--shown elsewhere).
Alternatively, couplers 404A-D may be adapted to couple to display
mounts 206 and display units 10 may include interfaces (for
example, receivers 382), and couplers 404A-D may couple display
mounts 206 to display unit 10 via interfaces.
[0131] FIGS. 47-48 illustrate various views of an exemplary coupler
404 that is adapted to couple a display unit 10 (shown elsewhere)
to a mount, and FIG. 49 illustrates coupler 404 coupled to display
mount 206. Each coupler 404A-D may include, for example, the same
or similar features as illustrated coupler 404.
[0132] Generally, coupler 404 includes a central body 406 that
couples a first end portion 408 to a second end portion 410. First
end portion 408 includes an enlarged head 412 that is adapted to
pass through enlarged receiver portion 384 of receiver 382 (shown
elsewhere) of display mount 206 in direction 413. Enlarged head 412
also illustratively includes a tapered portion 414 on first end
portion 408. Tapered portion 414 assists in aligning coupler 404
with receiver portion of receiver of display mount 206. Enlarged
head 412 also includes a first shoulder 416 opposite tapered
portion 414. First shoulder 416 is larger than securement portion
392 of receiver 382 (shown elsewhere) of display mount 206 such
that when coupler 404 is positioned in securement portion 392
coupler 404 it is inhibited from being extracted from display mount
206 along direction 418.
[0133] Central body 406 is relatively small and is adapted to be
received and translate through receiver perpendicularly to
directions 413 and 418. Central body 406 movably carries a second
shoulder 420, which is illustratively provided as a portion of a
washer. Second shoulder 420 is larger than receiver portion of
receiver and securement portion 392 of receiver 382 to inhibit
second shoulder 420 from entering receiver along direction 413.
Second shoulder 420 is urged toward first shoulder 416 by a biasing
element 422 disposed between second shoulder 420 and a fixed,
enlarged third shoulder 424. Biasing element 422 causes coupler 404
to compressively engage display mount 206 between first shoulder
416 and second shoulder 420. Illustratively, biasing element 422 is
a compression spring, more specifically a crest-to-crest wave
spring. Alternatively, biasing element 422 may take other forms,
such as a Belleville washer, a helical spring, or the like.
[0134] Second end portion 410 of coupler 404 includes third
shoulder 424, which is illustrated as a portion of an enlarged
annular section. Second end portion 410 also includes a coupling
section 426 that is adapted to couple to a display unit (shown
elsewhere), which is illustrated as a threaded surface.
[0135] FIG. 50 illustrates a progression of the position of coupler
404 relative to display mount 206 when coupling coupler 404, and a
display unit 10 (shown elsewhere) coupled to coupler 404, to
display mount 206. First, coupler 404, as represented by a first
coupler 404A, is aligned with any one of first display unit
interface or receiver 428A, second display unit interface or
receiver 428B, third display unit interface or receiver 428C, and
fourth display unit interface or receiver 428D of display mount
206, each of which may include similar or the same features as
receiver 382. Illustratively, first coupler 404A is aligned with
first receiver 428A. First coupler 404A is then piloted towards
display mount 206 along direction 430 and first receiver 428A of
display mount 206. Next, first end portion 408 of coupler 404, as
represented by a second coupler 404B, is received by display mount
206, illustratively by enlarged receiver portion 384 of second
receiver 428B. First end portion 408 passes through second receiver
428B until first shoulder 416 is positioned rearward a rear surface
430 of display mount 206 and second shoulder 420 (shown elsewhere)
is urged by biasing element 422 (shown elsewhere) into contact with
a front surface (shown elsewhere) of display mount 206. Thereafter,
coupler 404, as represented by a third coupler 404C, is moved
downward and transversely in directions 432 and 434 and,
illustratively, through intermediate portion 386 of third receiver
428C. Finally, central body 406 (shown elsewhere) of coupler 404,
as represented by a fourth coupler 404D, is received,
illustratively, in securement portion 392 (shown elsewhere) of
fourth receiver 428D, and display mount 206 remains compressed
between first shoulder 416 and second shoulder 420 of coupler 404.
Using a plurality of couplers 404 to compressively engage display
mounts 206 facilitates coupling display units 10 to display mounts
206 in a consistent manner, which advantageously facilitates
precisely aligning display units 10 with each other.
[0136] FIGS. 51-52 illustrate various views of trim bracket 208.
Each trim bracket 208 of support system 200 (shown elsewhere) may
include, for example, the same or similar features as the
illustrated trim bracket 208. Trim bracket 208 includes a first
bracket portion 436 that couples to display mount 206, for example,
via fasteners (not shown). Trim bracket 208 further also a second
bracket portion 438 and a third bracket portion 440 that couples to
trim components 210 (shown elsewhere), for example, via fasteners
(not shown). Trim bracket 208 further includes joints 442 that
couple first bracket portion 436 to second bracket portion 438 and
third bracket portion 440. Joints 442 may be, for example, magnetic
ball and socket joints.
[0137] FIG. 53 illustrates an exemplary method for assembling a
display wall, and FIGS. 54-58 illustrate actions associated with
the method. The method begins at method block 450 and as shown in
FIG. 54 by coupling structural mounts 202 and frame members 204 to
a support structure 70. Such an action may include coupling a row
of structural mounts 202 to one of frame members 204,
simultaneously positioning the row of structural mounts 202 against
support structure 70, and coupling the row of structural mounts 202
to support structure 70 via fasteners (not shown). Such an action
may additionally or alternatively include adjusting upper
adjustment mounting assemblies 232 and/or lower adjustment mounting
assemblies 234 (shown elsewhere) of structural mounts 202 to
reposition one or more of frame members 204. The method continues
at method block 452 and as shown in FIG. 55 by coupling display
mounts 206 to frame members 204. This action may include
repositioning display mounts 206 relative to frame members 204 in
one or more of the manners described herein above. The method
continues at method block 454 and as shown in FIG. 56 by coupling
trim brackets 208 to display mounts 206. The method continues at
method block 456 and as shown in FIG. 57 by coupling display units
10 to display mounts 206. Such an action may include, for example,
coupling display units 10 to display mounts 206 via couplers 404 in
the manner described above in connection with FIG. 50. Finally, the
method ends at method block 458 and as shown in FIG. 58 by coupling
trim components 210 to trim brackets 208.
[0138] While this invention has been described as having exemplary
designs, the present invention can be further modified within the
spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore
intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the
invention using its general principles. Further, this application
is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as
come within known or customary practice in the art to which this
invention pertains.
* * * * *