MODULAR RIGGING SYSTEMS FOR DISPLAYS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/845,936, filed September 20, 2006, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Inventions

[0002] Preferred embodiments of the present inventions relate to structural means for assembling displays, such as video displays, and in particular, flat panel displays, together in arrays. In particular, a rigging system is provided through which a contractor can selectively position one or more video displays on a floor, wall, or ceiling. Further, some embodiments allow the contractor to rig or mount from overhead as few as one video panel as well as easily build and rig full columns of LCD and plasma video displays, and then join the columns horizontally into full arrays of video panels.

Description of the Related Art

[0003] Conventional video displays have either been mounted on stands, placed on table tops, suspended from ceilings with pipe, or mounted to walls using wall brackets.

SUMMARY

[0004] An aspect of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein includes the realization that there is a need for a modular rigging system that is designed to accommodate video displays (e.g., CRT monitors, LCD, and/or plasma displays), for example, to facilitate building of arrays of video panel displays. Accordingly, a modular rigging system is provided that can allow a contractor/user to selectively assemble one or more video displays in a desired configuration. The system can be used with displays having different sizes. Additionally, the system can be free-standing or suspended from a wall, ceiling, or other

structure. The system can be configured to provide a stable and reliable structure that can be used in a variety of venues for various purposes.

[0005] According to an embodiment, the modular rigging system can accommodate a plurality of video displays in an array. The rigging system can be attachable to a substrate or structure, such as a floor, wall, ceiling, vertical or horizontal surface or a freestanding structure. Each video display utilized in conjunction with the system can have front, side, and rear sections. The system comprises a mounting interface and at least one rigging rail.

[0006] The mounting interface can have a mounting component and a support component. The mounting component can facilitate attachment of the mounting interface to the structure. The rigging rail can be attachable to each video display. For example, the rigging rail can be attachable to the rear or side section of each video display, or to other sections, combination, or methods thereof as possible by one of skill in the art. Additionally, the rigging rail can be attachable to the support component of the mounting interface. Further, each rigging rail can comprise first and second ends and a plurality of attachment points disposed intermediate the first and second ends of the rigging rail.

[0007] In accordance with one embodiment, the first end of a first rigging rail can be attachable to a second end of a second rigging rail for interconnecting adjacent video displays. Further, the attachment points can be sized and configured to mate with the support component of the mounting interface for attaching the system to the structure.

[0008] Furthermore, the mounting interface can include a wall bracket, a support cable and anchor shackle, a overhead rigging truss, or other such structures. The attachment points of the rigging rail can include at least one hole. In addition, the attachment points can include a plurality of holes arranged in an arcuate pattern.

[0009] The rigging rail can be configured as a flange, and can include an attachment member that is sized and configured to attach the rigging rail to the rear section of the video display. Finally, the system can further include at least one link member having first and second ends. The first end can be attachable to one of the attachment points of a first rigging rail and the second end can be attachable to one of the attachment points of a second rail for rigidly supporting the first rigging rail in an angular relationship with respect

to the second rigging rail. Other various embodiments and features are described in greater detail in the drawings and description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The abovementioned and other features of the inventions disclosed herein are described below with reference to the drawings of the preferred embodiments. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate, but not to limit the inventions. The drawings contain the following figures:

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rear section of a video display illustrating placement of a pair of rigging rails in accordance with an embodiment of the present inventions.

[0012] Figure 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular rigging system wherein the rear section of three video displays are linked together vertically from a wall mount into a single column using an exemplary mounting interface.

[0013] Figure 2B is a side view of the system shown in FIG. 2A.

[0014] Figure 3A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular rigging system wherein the rear section of a video display is configured for rigging at selected angles between 0° vertical to 90° horizontal using another exemplary mounting interface.

[0015] Figure 3B is a side view of the embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 3A.

[0016] Figure 4A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular rigging system wherein the rear sections of three video displays linked together to form a planar array of the displays using another exemplary mounting interface.

[0017] Figure 4B is a side view of the embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 4A.

[0018] Figure 5 A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular rigging system wherein the rear portions of five video displays are linked together in a convex array.

[0019] Figure 5B is a side view of the embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 5A.

[0020] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an overhead rigging truss that can be used with the mounting interface in accordance with some embodiments.

[0021] Figure 7 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the modular rigging system wherein the overhead rigging truss is utilized to support a dual hang of three video displays linked together.

[0022] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a yet another embodiment of the modular rigging system wherein a 5 x 5 array of video displays is accommodated.

[0023] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a yet another embodiment of the modular rigging system wherein a 20 x 5 array of video displays is accommodated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0024] While the present description sets forth specific details of various embodiments, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrative only and should not be construed in any way as limiting. Furthermore, various applications of such embodiments and modifications thereto, which may occur to those who are skilled in the art, are also encompassed by the general concepts described herein.

[0025] As discussed herein, various embodiments of a modular rigging system are provided that can enable a user to easily build and rig full arrays of displays, which can be video displays. The video displays are preferably flat panel displays such as LCD and plasma video displays, but may also be non-flat panel video displays, such as CRT monitors or other types of displays. According to an implementation, the user can build and rig full vertical columns of the displays, then join the columns horizontally into arrays of video panels, thereby creating two dimensional area displays or three dimensional, e.g., ¹ A turn, ^λ A turn or full circular displays. Of course, any array geometries are possible through the modular rigging systems.

[0026] As few as one display can be accommodated in the system; however, in preferred embodiments, multiple displays can be joined to form arrays of video displays. In this regard, the arrays can be formed as spherical arrays, planar arrays, or other geometric configurations. The array configuration can be determined according to the design requirements and application of the system. For example, in an arena, a semi-spherical or

spherical array may be appropriate. In an auditorium, a planar or convex array may be appropriate. Further applications may beneficially employ convex arrays, linear arrays, or other shaped arrays, as desired.

[0027] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are made for purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiments and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIG. 1 is a rear perspective views of a flat panel video display 10. The video display has a front section 12 and a rear section 14. Generally, the front section of the display 10 includes a display screen (not shown) that occupies substantially the entire front section 12 of the display 10. Additionally, the rear section 14 of the display 10 can be configured in a variety of ways, and is generally formed to accommodate electronics necessary to operate the display 10. Commonly, the rear section 14 of the display 10 can include designated sections whereat the display 10 can be rigidly attached to a substrate or structure, such as a floor, wall, ceiling, vertical or horizontal surface or a freestanding structure. In accordance with an embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-9, a uniquely configured modular rigging system 20 is provided to accommodate a plurality of video displays 10 in array by attaching to the mounting sections of the rear sections 14 of the displays 10. Exemplary components and embodiments are now described below.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the modular rigging system 20 can be configured to adjustably attach at least one display 10 to a structure, which can include any variety of horizontal or vertical surfaces. Ln this regard, it is contemplated that the rigging system 20 can be attached to a wall, a free-standing post, a ceiling, an inclined or declined surface, suspension cables, or any other variety of structures that can bear the weight of the system 20 and any displays 10 that are attached thereto.

[0029] With reference now to FIG. 1, the modular rigging system 20 can be configured to include at least one rigging rail 30 that is attachable to the rear section 14 of the display 10. As shown in FIG. 1, according to an embodiment, a pair of first rigging rails 30 can be attached to the rear section 14 of the display 10 at opposing ends of the display 10. Each rigging rail 30 can be configured as a planar, substantially continuously elongate member that extends orthogonally from the rear section 14 of the display 10. However, the rigging rail 30 can be configured in a non-planar configuration, such as a tubular, rectangular,

or any other variety of cross-sectional shapes and configurations. In addition, the rigging rail 30 can be formed from a plurality of individual parts, as opposed to being a single continuous elongate member. Finally, it is contemplated that the rigging rail 30 can extend horizontally or vertically along the rear section 14 of the display 10. Thus, when either a single rigging rail 30 or a multiple rigging rails 30 are utilized, various configurations and geometries are possible.

[0030] In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 1, each rigging rail 30 comprises a first end 32 and a second end 34. As indicated above, the rigging rail 30 can be configured in a variety of configurations. With reference to FIG. 1, the rigging rail 30 is shown as including an arch member 36 that extends intermediate the first end 32 and the second end 34. Although the illustrated arch member 36 has an arched or curved geometry, other geometries are possible, including for example, rectangular geometries. The arch member 36 can be curvilinear, and preferably defines a generally constant radius. Nevertheless, the arch member 36 can also define a variable radius curve.

[0031] As also illustrated in FIG. 1, according to an aspect of at least some embodiments, the rigging rail 30 can also comprise a plurality of attachment points 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment points 38 are shown as a series of holes that extend through the rigging rail 30. The attachment points can be distributed at any position along the rigging rail 30, according to design requirements of the system 20. The exemplary embodiments illustrated herein illustrate that the attachment points 38 can be distributed at the first end 32, the second end 34, and the arch member 36 in order to provide appropriate structure that allows the displays 10 to be accommodated in an array that can be adjusted according to user requirements. As such, various other patterns for the attachment points 38 can be devised. For example, although the arch member 36 can be included in the rigging rail 30, the rigging rail can be formed as a substantially rectangular, non-arcuate member where along the attachment points 38 are distributed in a substantially arcuate pattern. The pattern of the attachment points 38 can allow the display 10 to be tiltably, rotatably, and/or otherwise adjustably attached to the structure.

[0032] As also shown in FIG. 1, the rigging rail 30 can also include an attachment member 40. The attachment member 40 can be defined as that portion of the rigging rail 30

that provides interconnection of the rigging rail 30 to the display 10. The attachment member 40 can be contiguous with the rigging rail 30, such as being formed from a single continuous piece of material. Alternatively, the attachment member 40 can be fastened to the rigging rail 30, such as by welding, screws and nuts, adhesive, joints, such as a hinge joint, and/or conventional fastening means. The attachment member 40 can also be generally perpendicularly aligned with the arch member 30. However, although in some embodiments, the attachment member 40 can be oriented at an angle, such as between 45-90 degrees, with respect to the arch member 30.

[0033] The attachment member 40 is preferably configured to couple the rigging rail 30 to the rear section 14 of the display 10. In this regard, some embodiments of the attachment member 40 can be configured to provide hinge-like movement for the rigging rail 30, or the attachment 40 can be configured to rigidly interconnect the rigging rail 30 to the rear section 14 of the display 10. The attachment 40 can also be configured to extend along the entire length of the rigging rail 30 intermediate the first end 32 and the second end 34.

[0034] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment wherein the attachment member 40 is a single continuous member that extends intermediate the rigging rails 30 and is interconnected therewith. However, the attachment member 40 can also comprise a plurality of individual members that interconnects with the rigging rails 30. The attachment member 40 can also be configured to include a plurality of individual elements that attach to the rigging rail 30 at the first end 32, the second end 34, and along a central portion 42 of the rigging rail. In either embodiment, the attachment member 40 preferably interconnects the rigging rails 30 to the display 10 so that the display 10 can be supported therefrom. Thus, the attachment member 40 can be configured to properly secure the rigging rail 30 to the rear section 14 of the display 10.

[0035] Furthermore, it is contemplated that the attachment member 40 as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1 can be used in combination with any of the other embodiments and features disclosed herein. Additional modifications to the attachment member 40 can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] With reference now to FIG. 2A, there is shown a perspective rear view of three displays 10 and an embodiment of the modular rigging system 20 that links the displays

10 together vertically in a single column. FIG. 2B is a side view of the displays 10 and system 20 illustrated in FIG. 2A.

[0037] As illustrated FIG. 2 A, the system 20 can be configured to include two rigging rail rigging rails 30 that are attached to the rear sections 14 of each display 10. The first ends 32 and the second ends 34 of each of the rigging rails 30 can be configured to directly or indirectly interconnect to the respective ones of the first ends 32 and the second ends 34 of adjacent rigging rails 30. For example, a hinged link mechanism 44 can provide indirect connection of the respective ones of the first ends 32 and the second ends 34 of adjacent rigging rails 30. In order to accomplish this interconnection, each of the first ends 32 and the second ends 34 can include apertures through which a fastener, such as a bolt, can be inserted to thereby interconnect the first end 32 with the second end 34. Alternatively, the first ends 32 and the second ends 34 can be provided with hooks, protrusions, or other elements sufficient to thereby interconnect the first end 32 with the second end 34.

[0038] As also illustrated in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the rigging system 20 can further include a mounting interface 50. The mounting interface 50 can include a mounting component 52 and a support component 54. The mounting component 52 can be sized and configured to attach the mounting interface 50 to the structure (shown as a vertical wall 58 in FIG. 2B). In this regard, the mounting component 52 can include a plurality of holes or apertures through which screws, hooks, or other fasteners can be inserted to attach the mounting interface 50 to the structure.

[0039] Furthermore, the support component 54 can be sized and configured to mate with at least one attachment point 38 of the rigging rail 30. It is contemplated that the support component 54 can include a plurality of holes that are distributed along the support component in a specified pattern in order to facilitate tiltability, rotatability, and adjustability of the system 20, as desired. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the support component 54 can include a pivot point 60 and a plurality of adjustment points 62. The pivot point 60 can be used to interconnect the rigging rail 30 to the support component 54 and to allow the rigging rail 30 to pivot freely about the pivot point 60. Additionally, the tilt or rotation of the system 20 can be adjusted by positioning the rigging rail 30 relative to the support component 54 as desired, and interconnecting the support component 54 to one of the adjustment points

62. In this manner, it is contemplated that the rigging rail 30 can interconnect with the support component 54 at at least two points. In such an implementation, the orientation of the rigging rail 30 can be fixed relative to the support component 54, the mounting component 52, and the structure.

[0040] In accordance with yet another embodiment, the modular rigging system 20 can further comprise at least one link member 70. The link member 70 can include a first end 72 and a second 74. In some embodiments, the link member 70 can be configured as a substantially planar member that is fabricated from metal, plastic, or other materials. As shown in FIG. 2B, the link member 70 can interconnect adjacent rigging rails 30 that are attached to adjacent displays 10 the first end 72 of the link member 70 can interconnect with the attachment points 38 of an uppermost rigging rail 30a, and the second end 74 of the link member 70 can interconnect with an attachment point 38 of a lower rigging rail 30b. As such, the link member 70 can serve to fix the angular orientation of the uppermost rigging rail 30a with respect to the lower rigging rail 30b. As shown in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2B, the link member 70 can be utilized to fix the displays 10 in a substantially planar configuration. Other configurations and modifications are described below.

[0041] With reference now to FIGS. 3A-3B, another embodiment of the as shown therein, the mounting interface 50 can be comprised of two suspension cables 80 and two clevises 82. As illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B, the clevises 82 can be configured as anchor shackles. In this regard, the anchor shackles may be operative to interconnect the cables 80 to the rigging rail 30 at one of the attachment points 38. An attachment point 38 can be selected corresponding to a desired tilt angle of the display 10. As described above, the attachment points 38 can be distributed along the rigging rail 30 in any variety of desired patterns.

[0042] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B, the pattern selected for the attachment points 38 can allow a contractor to control tilt angle of a single display 10. When multiple displays 10 are used, additional cables 80 and clevises 82 can be used. In such an embodiment, the displays 10 can be vertically interconnected at the second end 34 of an uppermost rigging rail 30a and the first end 32 of a lower rigging rail 30b. Additionally, it is

contemplated that the cable 80 can be varied in length in order to produce a desired tilt angle of the displays 10. The length of the cable 80 can correspond to the configuration of the link member 70 and the attachment points 38, which can provide complimentary modes of stabilizing and orienting the system 20. Indeed, various embodiments and implementations can be devised utilizing the teachings herein, such as incorporating at least one link member 70 into the system 20 to adjust the angular orientation of the rigging rails 30 with respect to each other. Thus, rigging at selected angles between 0° vertical to 90° horizontal can be accomplished using the teachings herein.

[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4B, an additional embodiment of the modular rigging system 20 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the mounting interface 50 is illustrated as being attachable to the first ends 32 of the uppermost rigging rail 30a in order to suspend the displays 10. As mentioned above with respect to FIGS. 3A-3B, the mounting interface 50 can include at least one cable 80 and at least one clevis 82. Further, the mounting interface can include a bar mount structure 84 comprised of an upper portion 86 and a lower portion 88. In use, the bar mount structure 84 can be used to facilitate the set-up and take-down of the system 20 for given applications, such as concerts, fairs, or other events that require the expedition set-up and take-down of equipment. Therefore, the upper portion 86 can be coupled to the cables 80 via the clevises 82. The lower portion 88 can be attached to the first ends 32 of the uppermost rigging rails 30a. The upper portion 86 and the lower portion 88 can be sized and configured to be quickly interconnected.

[0044] In accordance with another embodiment, the bar mount structure 84 can allow the suspended displays 10 to rotate about a rotational axis 90. Thus, the mounting interface 50 can be configured to allow the system 20 to rotate about the vertical rotational axis 90. In addition, the mounting interface 50 can include additional components, such as motors and gears that allow a user to selectively rotate the array of displays 10 from a remote location. For example, if an array of displays 10 is suspended from such an embodiment of the mounting interface 50, the user can configure the mounting interface to rotate continuously over time or corresponding to specific time intervals such that the displays 10 can be viewed from any given position around the system 20. Such an implementation may

be beneficial in a stadium or arena where the desired viewing audience encircles the system 20.

[0045] In addition, FIGS. 4A and 4B also illustrate that the link members 70 can be used to interconnect adjacent rigging rails 30 in order to ensure that the displays 10 are oriented in a substantially planar, vertical configuration.

[0046] With reference now to FIGS. 5A-5B, yet another embodiment of the system 20 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the system can further comprise an overhead rigging truss 100. As shown in FIG. 5A, the overhead rigging truss 100 can be of a rectangular shape having a width that corresponds to a width defined by the rigging rails 30 attached to the displays 10. The overhead rigging truss 100 can include a plurality of suspension points 102 and a plurality of connection points 104. The overhead rigging truss 100 can be configured to connect to the lower portion 88 of the bar mount 84 at selected ones of the suspension points 102. Further, the overhead rigging truss 100 can also connect to the first end 32 of the uppermost rigging rail 30a at selected ones of the connection points 104. Finally, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, the tables 80 can be interconnected to the connection points 104 and to an attachment point 38 of a lowermost rigging rail 30c. Thus, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5B, the overhead rigging truss 100 can allow the contractor to modify the arrangement of the cables 80 and the attachment of the mounting interface 50 and the attachment of the uppeπnost rigging rail 30a. As also shown in FIG. 5B, a plurality of link members 70 can be used to interconnect adjacent rigging rails 30 such that the adjacent displays 10 are oriented in a non-planar configuration.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the overhead rigging truss 100. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the suspension points 102 can be arranged along an upper edge 106 of opposing side members 108 of the rigging truss 100. The opposing side members 108 can be interconnected by support trusses 1 10. The support trusses can be arranged in a variety of configurations and preferably ensure that the opposing side members 108 maintain a fixed relationship with respect to each other. As discussed above, the various suspension points 102 and connection points 104 can enable the user to select from a variety of arrangements and modify the angular orientation of the modular rigging system 20.

[0048] With reference now to FIG. 7, an additional exemplary embodiment of the modular rigging system 20 is shown. As illustrated therein, the modular rigging system 20 can include the rigging truss 100 and a pair of opposing sets of displays 10. The uppermost rigging rails 30a can be attached to the rigging truss 100 at opposing ends 112 of the rigging truss 100, which configuration can tend to balance the weight supported by the rigging truss 100. Further, the cables 80 can be connected to a central suspension point 114 via the clevises 82. It is contemplated that in such an embodiment, the displays 10 can be arranged in a substantially planar configuration or oriented in a non-planar configuration. For example, the link members 70 can be used to fix the orientation of adjacent rigging rails 30, as described herein.

[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, additional embodiments of the rigging system 20 are illustrated. As illustrated in FIG. 8, it is contemplated that the displays 10 can be arranged in a convex 3-dimensional array. In such an embodiment, the mounting interface 50 can include a master truss 120. The master truss 120 can be configured to include a series of upper engagement points 122 whereat lower portions 88 of the bar mount structure 84 can interconnect with the master truss 120. Additionally, the lower portions 88 of the bar mount structure 84 can interconnect with the master truss 120 such that the bar mount structure 84 can rotate horizontally relative to the master truss 120 from a central pivot point.

[0050] With reference now to FIG. 9, a circular array of displays 10 is illustrated. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 can be achieved by interconnecting four master trusses 120 of the rigging system 20 illustrated in FIG. 8. As such, the 5x5 convex array of displays 10 shown in FIG. 8 can be combined with additional 5x5 convex arrays to form the 20x5 circular array of displays 10 illustrated in FIG. 9. As discussed herein, various components can be included in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 in order to provide stability, adjustability, and convenience of assembly and disassembly.

[0051] In addition, embodiments such as that illustrated in FIG. 9 can be stabilized by interconnecting lateral portions of the panels 10. For example, the lower or second ends 34 of the rigging rails 30 coupled to the bottommost displays 10 can be coupled to the lower or second ends 34 of the horizontally adjacent or laterally spaced displays 10.

Accordingly, the system 20 can be rigidly interconnected at various points in order to ensure the structural stability thereof.

[0052] Furthermore, it is contemplated that the embodiments discussed herein can include additional components and mechanisms to provide automated adjustability of the modular rigging system 20. Although the embodiments have been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the teachings herein extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the embodiment and obvious modifications and equivalence thereof. In addition, while several variations of the embodiments have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of these embodiments, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiment may be made and still fall within the scope of these teachings. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the embodiments herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.