DISPLAY MOUNT APPARATUS AND SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to mounting systems, and more particularly to a flat-panel display mount apparatus that enables the display to be attached to a mounting surface and positioned at an optimum viewing location. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

The popularity of electronic flat-panel displays, such as for televisions and computers, has greatly increased in recent years as such displays have become increasingly available and inexpensive. Currently manufactured and marketed displays come in a variety of different sizes and types, including liquid-crystal, light-emitting-diode, and plasma screens. Given that these types of displays are thinner than traditional cathode-ray or projection screens, these displays may be positioned or mounted in a large variety of places - particularly, as is becoming increasingly popular, on a wall or similar mounting surface - and ways. Ways of mounting such displays range from using simple devices that hang the display on the wall like a picture to large mounting systems that enable close to universal position adjustment or other features. Some of these latter systems are cantilevered away from the wall, such that the position of the display can be adjusted, while others comprise adjustable protrusions of various sorts to provide for limited position and orientation adjustment - most commonly, the angle at which the display is tilted, tilting comprising rotating the display around a horizontal axis. Others allow for panning (similar to tilting, except that the display is rotated around a vertical axis). Other types of adjustment include translational depth (the distance the display is located from the wall), translational vertical positioning, and translational horizontal positioning. Even given their complexity, many existing systems are limited in their capabilities.

Current mounting systems can be and often are expensive, heavy, and awkwardly large, limiting the surfaces on which a flat-panel display can be mounted.

The complex nature of many mounting systems also detracts from the sleek aesthetic appeal of the flat-panel display, which is one of the primary reasons consumers purchase such displays in the first place.

Many mounting systems are further limited in that they are unable to accommodate more than one or a few of the large variety of screens offered by different manufacturers - and often the same manufacturer - which can vary in weight, height, depth, breadth, delicacy, and method of mounting.

Generally, the more numerous the ways of adjusting position and orientation in mounting systems, the larger, more expensive, and more complex the mounting system becomes. Some existing mounting systems take up 1,500 cubic inches of space, limiting the locations in which they may be placed. It is often the case that the user does not desire a generally expensive and complex device that allows for adjustment in all possible ways, but neither does he desire a display that, once it is mounted on the wall, cannot be adjusted at all.

From the foregoing discussion, then, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus and system that allows for adjustment of the flat-panel display in as optimal a viewing position as possible, using a few basic types of adjustment, while minimizing disadvantages such as high cost, weight, and bulkiness. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would also accommodate a large number of displays of differing manufacture and size.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available display mounting apparatuses and systems. In particular, the invention addresses the construction and adjustment capabilities of display mounting systems while minimizing problems of cost, complexity, and size.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, one embodiment of a display mount apparatus comprises a first mounting bracket adapted for attachment to a mounting surface, a horizontal cross member attached to the mounting bracket, and a first vertical attachment member attached to the horizontal cross member, the first vertical attachment member further adapted for attachment to a display. A second mounting bracket and a second vertical attachment member may also be provided, positioned laterally from and disposed in like manner to their counterparts.

In one embodiment, the mounting bracket contains a hook and the horizontal cross member contains a flange, the flange fitting into the hook in mounting engagement. The mounting bracket can further contain an upper hook and a lower hook, with the horizontal cross member containing an upper flange and a lower flange, the upper flange fitting into the upper hook and the lower flange fitting into the lower hook, in mounting engagement.

In a further embodiment, a hole is positioned in the vertical attachment member, the size and shape of the hole approximately the same as the cross-sectional size and shape of the horizontal cross member, with the horizontal cross member positioned through the hole in sliding engagement.

In a further embodiment, the vertical attachment member is elongated and comprises a plurality of attachment points along its length for attachment to the display, whereby the display can be attached to the vertical attachment member at one or more of the plurality of points along its length. A vertical extension member can be provided to attach to and extend the effective attachment length of the vertical attachment member to the display.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific illustrated embodiments. Understanding that they depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a rearward perspective view of one embodiment of a display mount apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket used in the apparatus of FIG. 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a horizontal cross member used in the apparatus of FIG. l;

Figure 4 is a front elevational view of a vertical attachment member and vertical extension member used in the apparatus of FIG. 1;

Figure 5 is a side elevational view of a vertical attachment member and vertical extension member used in the apparatus of FIG. 1; Figure 6 is a side elevational view of the vertical attachment member and vertical extension member shown in FIG. 5, with the attached display mounted higher than as shown in FIG. 5;

Figure 7 is a rearward perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, with the display mounted more to the side than as shown in FIG. 1; Figure 8 is a diagram shown in side elevational view, schematically illustrating vertical adjustment of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

Figure 9 is a diagram shown in plan view, schematically illustrating horizontal adjustment of the apparatus of FIG. 1; and

Figure 10 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It will be understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following, more detailed, description of the embodiments of the apparatus and system of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments.

The illustrated embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications to the devices and systems may readily be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention. Thus, the following description is intended only by way of example, illustrating certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the invention as claimed herein.

Referring first to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a display mount apparatus 10 in accordance with one aspect of the invention is shown. The display mount apparatus 10 is used to mount a flat-panel display 50. The display mount apparatus 10 comprises two mounting brackets 12, used to mount the display mount apparatus 10 to a wall or similar mounting surface, a horizontal cross member 20 mounted on the mounting brackets 12, and two vertical attachment members 18 attached to the cross member 20, with the display 50 attached to the vertical attachment members 18. The

components of the apparatus 10 can be constructed of metal or composite or other material of sufficient strength suitable for the purpose.

Referring particularly to FIG. 2, each mounting bracket 12 has an elongate center portion 41 and flanges 43 extending at right angles from each lengthwise edge of the center portion 41. The center portion 41 contains through holes 13 through which mounting screws 40 pass to attach the mounting bracket 12 to a wall or other mounting surface, shown as wall 90 in FIGS. 8 through 10. The holes 13 are elliptical to allow for plumb adjustment of the mounting brackets 12.

The flanges 43 each contain an upper opening 66 and a lower opening 68 on their outer edge. The upper and lower openings 66 and 68 each contain a recess or recessed portion 70 and 72, respectively, creating upper and lower raised portions 74 and 76, respectively. Collectively, the upper opening 66, recessed portion 70, and upper raised portion 74 constitute an upper hook, while the lower opening 68, recessed portion 72, and lower raised portion 76 constitute a lower hook. If desired, the mounting brackets 12 can contain more hooks than the two shown and described herein, allowing the cross member 20 to be vertically adjusted by mounting it to a higher or lower set of hooks, resulting in vertical movement of the display 50.

As shown particularly in FIG. 3, the horizontal cross member 20 is elongated and shaped in cross-section such that it attaches to the mounting brackets 12 in secure engagement. The cross member 20 comprises a center portion 84, an upper edge portion 82 extending from the upper part of the center portion 84, and an upper flange 80 extending downwardly from the upper edge portion 82. When engaging the mounting brackets 12, the upper flange 80 enters the upper opening 66 of the mounting brackets 12 and rests in the upper recess 70, with the upper edge portion 82 resting on the upper raised portion 74. A lower edge portion 86 extends from the lower part of the center portion 84 of the cross member 20, and a lower flange 88 extends downwardly from the lower edge portion 86. When engaging the mounting bracket 12, the lower flange 88 enters the lower opening 68 of the tilt bracket 16 and rests in the lower recess 72, with the lower edge portion 86 resting on the lower raised portion 76. In one embodiment, when the weight of the display 50 is allowed to rest entirely on the mount apparatus 10, the weight of the display 50 causes the upper flange 80 and the lower flange 88 to press into the upper recess 70 and onto the upper raised portion 74, also causing the lower flange 88 and the lower edge portion 86 to press into the lower recess 72 and onto the lower raised portion 76, thus securely engaging the cross member 20 and mounting brackets 12. When

the apparatus 10 is partially or wholly relieved of the weight of the display 50, such as when the user lifts the display 50, the described engagement of the cross member 20 with the mounting brackets 12 enables the user to slide the cross member 20 through the mounting brackets 12, moving the display 50 in a horizontal direction for desired positioning. As shown in FIG. 1, in the embodiment of the invention shown the horizontal cross member 20 is attached to two vertical attachment members 18 which, by their construction and arrangement, allow for further adjustment of the position of the flat-panel display 50. Each vertical attachment member 18 is elongated and constructed with a center portion 53 and flanges 54 extending from the edges of the center portion 53. The flanges 54 impart strength to the vertical attachment member 18, and they also accommodate the placement of the horizontal cross member 20, as described below.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 4 and 5, each vertical attachment member 18 contains an upper slot 93 in the upper part of its center portion 53, and a lower slot 94 in the lower part of its center portion 53. The slots 93 and 94 accommodate screws 51 or other attachment devices, which attach to the flat-panel display 50 by threaded mounting holes 52.

Each vertical attachment member 18 contains an opening 99 for accommodation of the horizontal cross member 20 therein in sliding engagement. The opening 99 is preferably approximately the same size and shape as the cross member 20 in cross-section, to allow for snug sliding engagement between the cross member 20 and the vertical attachment members 18. The vertical attachment members 18 can be moved independently of each other along the horizontal cross member 20. Similarly to the engagement of the mounting brackets 12 to the cross member 20, when the weight of the display 50 is allowed to rest entirely on the mount apparatus 10, the weight causes the cross member 20 to press against the opening 99, frictionally securing the engagement between the cross member 20 and vertical attachment members 18 by making it difficult or impossible to slide the cross member 20 through the opening 99. When the apparatus 10 is partially or wholly relieved of the weight of the display 50, such as when the user lifts the display 50, the user is more easily able to slide the cross member 20 through the opening 99 for horizontal adjustment of the display 50.

The vertical attachment members 18 can be attached to a wide variety of flat-panel displays 50, each display having its own particular placement of the mounting holes 52. This is due to the slots 93 and 94 accommodating screws 51 in numerous positions along the length of the slots, which allows the apparatus 10 to adapt to a wide variety of vertical placement of mounting holes 52. In addition, one or both of the vertical attachment members 18 can be moved horizontally along the cross member 20, as needed, for the slots 93 and 94 to meet with

the mounting holes 52, thus accommodating differences in horizontal placement of the mounting holes 52.

In addition to accommodating different positions of the mounting holes 52, it will also be apparent from this disclosure that the flat-panel display 50 can be moved translationally up or down by positioning the screws 51 at different points along the slots 93 and 94. The display 50 can also be moved horizontally by positioning the vertical attachment members 18 at different points along the cross member 20, as well as positioning the mounting brackets 12 at different points along the cross member 20, as shown in FIG. 7.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 5 and 6, the vertical attachment members 18 further contain a plurality of paired holes 60 in flanges 54. Flat-panel displays currently have screens with sizes up to approximately 84 inches. Should the mounting holes 52 be spaced at a distance that is longer than a vertical attachment member 18 can accommodate, a vertical extension member 57, of similar construction to the vertical attachment members 18 (albeit somewhat narrower such that it can fit within the vertical attachment member 18) can be employed. The vertical extension member 57 also allows for additional vertical adjustment of the display 50.

In one embodiment, the vertical extension member 57 can be inserted into the top portion 56 of the vertical attachment member 18, allowing gravity to pull it through until the extension member 57 abuts a bolt 58 disposed through a selected hole pair 60. Each vertical extension member 57 contains a slot 59, similar to the slots 93 and 94 in the vertical attachment members 18, for placement of the screws 51 into the mounting holes 52 of the flat-panel display 50.

FIG. 5 shows the vertical extension member 57 before it is inserted into the vertical attachment member 18. FIG. 6 shows the vertical extension member 57 after it is inserted into the vertical attachment member 18. FIG. 6 also shows the display 50 vertically repositioned from its position in FIG. 5, moved up such that the top screw 51 is inserted into the mounting hole 52 through the slot 59 in the vertical extension member 57.

In one embodiment of the invention, adapted to mount currently manufactured flat-panel displays, the apparatus 10 requires no more than 119 square inches of wall space, allowing for more flexibility in placement than many existing systems.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the apparatus 10 allows for convenient vertical and/or horizontal adjustment of the flat-panel display 50 for optimal viewing, while minimizing cost, size, and complexity. It should be noted that some adjustments, as mentioned above, can be carried out without disassembling the apparatus 10 or removing the display 50, such as by sliding components through each other. Other adjustments, however, require some degree of disassembly. In moving the display 50 from the position shown in FIG. 1 to the position shown

in FIG. 7, for example, it is not possible to carry out the adjustment solely by sliding the cross member 20 through the mounting brackets 12 and vertical attachment members 18, because it is not possible in the described embodiment - while it may, however, be possible in other embodiments - to slide one of the vertical attachment members 18 past one of the mounting brackets 12. In this case, then, it is required to remove the cross member 20 from engagement with the mounting brackets 12, horizontally move the cross member 20 to the desired location, and re-engage the cross member 20 with the mounting brackets 12.

FIG. 8 shows schematically the vertical translational movement enabled by the invention of the flat-panel display 50 with respect to the wall 90, represented by the bi-directional arrow V. In the apparatus 10 described above, this is carried out by attaching the flat-panel display 50 higher or lower on the vertical attachment members 18 and/or the vertical extension members 57. It can also be done by mounting the cross member 20 on higher or lower hooks on the mounting brackets 12, as described above.

FIG. 9 shows schematically the horizontal translational movement enabled by the invention of the flat-panel display 50 with respect to the wall 90, represented by the bidirectional arrow H. In the apparatus 10 described above, this is carried out by sliding the vertical attachment members 18 along the horizontal cross member 20, or by repositioning the cross member 20 horizontally on the mounting brackets 12. This can be done by sliding the cross member 20 along the mounting brackets 12, while the cross members 20 and mounting brackets 12 are still attached to each other, or by detaching them, making the horizontal adjustment, and reattaching them, as described above.

FIG. 10 shows the mount apparatus 10 mounted against a wall 90. As can be seen, the mount apparatus 10 allows the display 50 to be mounted very close to the wall 90 while maximizing positional adjustment capabilities of the display 50 for the convenience of the viewer.

Variations on aspects of the described embodiment will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure while remaining within the scope of the invention. For example, as regards the components containing center sections and flanges, resulting in a substantially U- shaped cross section, other cross-sectional forms may be used such as square, rectangular, circular, or oval without departing from the invention's essentials. Other variations might include adding additional cross members 20 and other modifications. Components of the apparatus 10 can be combined with others or separated into sub-components without departing from the scope of the invention.

Additionally, while flat-panel displays are used in one embodiment of the invention, the invention can also be used to mount other devices, such as pictures, paintings, tapestries, billboards, etc. Such objects may not have threaded holes for mounting; accordingly, fasteners other than screws can be used to attach the object to the mounting apparatus, as is known in the art.

The invention may also be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.