BACKGROUND

Mounting and aligning one or more panels (e.g., chalkboard(s), whiteboard(s), glass writing surface(s), computer display panel(s), touch-screen display (s), etc., or any suitable combination thereof) may be particularly difficult and tedious. Accordingly, there is a need for improved systems and methods that address these and other problems.

SUMMARY

A mounting system for mounting a first panel adjacent a second panel, in various embodiments, may comprise a secondary panel support framework comprising a substantially rectangular frame comprising: (A) a first outrigger frame member; (B) a second outrigger frame member that is spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the first outrigger frame member; (C) one or more vertical support members that extend between the first outrigger frame member and the second outrigger frame member; (D) a secondary panel support member that extends substantially perpendicularly from the first outrigger frame member along at least a portion of the first outrigger frame member such that the secondary panel support member is substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by a face of the substantially rectangular frame of the secondary panel support framework; and (E) a secondary panel runner element that extends perpendicular upward along at least a portion of the secondary panel support member, wherein the secondary panel support framework is configured to at least temporarily couple to a rear of the first panel such that: (1) at least a portion of the secondary panel support member extends beyond a first side of the first panel; and (2) the secondary panel support member and the secondary panel runner element are substantially parallel to a line defined by a top of the first panel. In particular embodiments, the mounting system may further comprise one or more mounting elements comprising: (A) one or more support elements; and (B) a guide that extends downward adjacent the one or more support elements, wherein the one or more mounting elements are configured to at least temporarily couple to a rear portion of the second panel such that: (1) the one or more support elements are configured to rest on the secondary panel runner element to support a weight of the second panel while the first panel is mounted adjacent the second panel; and (2) the guide is configured to cooperate with the secondary panel runner element to maintain the first panel relative to the second panel such that a first front surface of the first panel and a second front surface of the second panel form a substantially contiguous surface.

In any embodiment described herein: (1) the one or more support elements may comprise one or more wheels; and (2) the one or more wheels may be configured to roll along the secondary panel runner element to adjust a distance between two adjacent sides of the first panel and the second panel.

In any embodiment described herein the mounting system may further comprise: (1) a first coupling mechanism disposed adjacent a first edge of the first panel; and (2) a second coupling mechanism disposed adjacent a second edge of the second panel, wherein the first coupling mechanism is configured to selectively couple to the second coupling mechanism such that a spacing between the first edge of the first panel and the second edge of the second panel is no more than about 1 millimeter when the mounting system is supporting the first panel adjacent the second panel.

In any embodiment described herein: (1) the guide may define a substantially rectangular guide channel defined by: (A) a first guide portion; and (B) second guide portion that is spaced apart from and substantially co-facing the first guide portion; and (2) the first guide portion and the second guide portion may be configured to engage opposing portions of the secondary panel runner element to prevent forward and backward movement of the second panel while the first panel is mounted adjacent the second panel such that an angular difference between the first front surface and the second front surface is no more than about 0.1 degrees

In any embodiment described herein, the substantially rectangular guide channel (e.g., or guide channel having any other suitable shape) may be dimensioned to substantially correspond to the secondary panel runner element.

In any embodiment described herein: (1) the one or more support elements may define a substantially flat support surface; and (2) at least a portion of the substantially flat support surface may be configured to engage the secondary panel runner element while the one or more support elements are resting on the secondary panel runner element to support the weight of the second panel while the first panel is mounted adjacent the second panel second support wheels.

In any embodiment described herein: (1) the first panel may be substantially a first height; (2) the second panel may be substantially the first height; and (3) the substantially contiguous surface may be substantially the first height. In any embodiment described herein, an offset between an upper portion of the first panel and an upper portion of the second panel may be no more than about 1 millimeter when the first panel is supported relative to the second panel such that the first front surface of the first panel and the second front surface of the second panel are forming the substantially contiguous surface.

A mounting bracket for mounting a first panel adjacent a second panel, according to particular embodiment may be configured to support the second panel adjacent the first panel such that a relative orientation of the first panel with respect to the second panel is within at least one of the following tolerances: (1) a spacing between a first edge of the first panel and a second edge of the second panel of no more than about 1 millimeter, wherein the first edge is disposed adjacent the second edge when the mounting bracket is supporting the second panel adjacent the first panel; (2) an offset between an upper portion of the first panel and an upper portion of the second panel of no more than about 1 millimeter; (3) an offset between a lower portion of the first panel and a lower portion of the second panel of no more than about 0.2 millimeter; (4) an offset between a front face of the first panel and a front face of the second panel of no more than about 0.2 mm; and (5) an angular difference between the front face of the first panel and the front face of the second panel of no more than about 0.1 degrees.

In any embodiment described herein, the mounting bracket may be further configured to support a third panel adjacent a second side of the first panel, such the first panel, the second panel, and the third panel form a substantially contiguous surface having the first panel between the second panel and the third panel.

In any embodiment described herein, the mounting bracket may comprise: (1) a substantially rectangular frame; (2) a secondary panel runner element that extends perpendicular upward along at least a portion of the substantially rectangular frame, wherein the substantially rectangular frame is configured to at least temporarily couple to a rear of the first panel such that at least a portion of the substantially rectangular frame extends beyond the first edge of the first panel; and (3) one or more mounting elements comprising one or more support elements, wherein the one or more mounting elements are configured to at least temporarily couple to a rear portion of the second panel such that the one or more support elements are configured to engage with and rest on the secondary panel runner element to support a weight of the second panel such that the second panel is hanging on the substantially rectangular frame adjacent the first panel. In any embodiment described herein, the one or more support elements may comprise one or more wheels, and the one or more wheels may be configured to roll along the secondary panel runner element to adjust the spacing between the first edge of the first panel and the second edge of the second panel.

In any embodiment described herein: (1) the one or more mounting elements may comprise a guide that defines a substantially rectangular guide channel defined by: (A) a first guide portion; and (B) second guide portion that is spaced apart from and substantially co-facing the first guide portion; and (2) the first guide portion and the second guide portion are configured to engage opposing portions of the secondary panel runner element to prevent forward and backward movement of the second panel relative to the first panel while the second panel is mounted on the mounting bracket.

In any embodiment described herein, the first panel may comprise an interactive touch panel display.

In any embodiment described herein, at least a portion of a combined surface formed by the first panel and the second panel may be surrounded by an input device.

In any embodiment described herein, the input device may comprise an infrared input device.

In any embodiment described herein, the infrared input device may include, for example: (1) infrared bezel configured to extend around an outer portion of the combined surface formed by the first panel and the second panel; (2) an infrared curtain configured to project over the combined surface formed by the first and second panels; and (3) an optical reader configured to detect an input that interacts with the infrared curtain.

In any embodiment described herein, the first panel and the second panel define a multi panel surface.

In any embodiment described herein, the multi-panel surface may be a substantially flat, substantially contiguous surface.

A multi-panel mounting system, in particular embodiments, may be configured to mount a first panel adjacent a second panel such that the first panel and the second panel form a substantially flat, substantially contiguous surface. In any embodiment described herein, the multi panel mounting bracket may comprise a secondary panel support framework comprising a substantially rectangular frame comprising: (A) a first outrigger frame member comprising: (1) a first secondary panel support member that extends perpendicularly outward from the first outrigger frame member along at least a portion of the first outrigger frame member; and (2) a substantially rectangular first secondary panel runner element that extends perpendicularly from the first secondary panel support member along a length of the first secondary panel support member; (B) a second outrigger frame member that is substantially parallel to the first outrigger frame member; and (C) one or more vertical support members, wherein each of the one or more vertical support members extend from the first outrigger frame member to the second outrigger frame member and are each substantially perpendicular to the first outrigger frame member and the second outrigger frame member, wherein the secondary panel support framework is configured to be mounted to a rear portion of the first panel. In various embodiments the multi-panel mounting system further comprises a wheel element configured to support one or more wheels and comprising a guide that extends downward adjacent each of the one or more wheels, where the wheel element is mounted adjacent a rear portion of the second panel, and configured such that the one or more wheels are configured to ride along a top surface of the first secondary panel runner element while the guide and a rear portion of the second panel engage opposing portions of the first secondary panel runner element to prevent forward and backward movement of the second panel while the one or more wheels are supported by the first secondary panel runner element. In still other embodiments, the multi-panel mounting system comprises one or more coupling mechanisms disposed on the first panel and the second panel, wherein the one or more coupling mechanisms are configured to cooperate to maintain the first panel adjacent the second panel while the one or more wheels are supported by the first secondary panel runner element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of a multi-panel mounting bracket and related multi-panel mounting systems and methods are described below. In the course of this description, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a multi panel surface 100 according to a particular embodiment that includes a primary panel 102, and one or more secondary panels 104, which may, for example, be mounted adjacent one another using any suitable multi-panel mounting system described herein.

FIG. 2A depicts a rear view of an exemplary primary panel 102, such as the primary panel 102 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B depicts a side view of the primary panel 102 depicted in FIG. 2A FIG. 3 depicts a rear isometric view one or more primary panel mounting brackets 120 being mounted onto the primary panel 102.

FIG. 4 depicts a secondary panel support framework 200 (e.g., outrigger frame) according to a particular embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a particular embodiment of the secondary panel support framework 200 (e.g., outrigger frame) of FIG. 4 being mounted onto a primary panel 102, four example, by coupling the one or more primary panel mounting brackets 120 to both the primary panel 120 and the secondary panel support framework 200.

FIG. 6 depicts a detailed view of a wheel element 144 of a secondary panel 104 during installation of the secondary panel 104 on the secondary panel support framework 200 (e.g., outrigger frame), for example by engaging one or more wheels 140 with at least a first secondary panel runner element 214 of the secondary panel support framework 200 (e.g., outrigger frame).

FIG. 7 depicts a secondary panel 104 being supported by a first secondary panel support member 212 and a first secondary panel runner element 214 of a secondary panel support framework 200 (e.g., outrigger frame) according to a particular embodiment.

FIG. 8 depicts one or more coupling mechanisms 160 for coupling the primary panel 102 to a secondary panel 104 as the secondary panel support framework 200 (e.g., outrigger frame) is supporting the secondary panel 104 adjacent the primary panel 102.

FIG. 9 depicts a detailed view of the one or more coupling mechanisms 160 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 depicts a secondary panel support framework 200 (e.g., outrigger frame) according to yet another embodiment.

FIG. 11 depicts a particular embodiment of the secondary panel support framework 200 (e.g., outrigger frame) of FIG. 10 being mounted onto a primary panel 102 (e.g., using one or more suitable fasteners such as bolts).

FIG. 12 depicts a primary panel 102 with a first secondary panel support framework 200 (e.g., outrigger frame) and a second secondary panel support framework 200B (e.g., outrigger frame) mounted adjacent opposing sides of the primary panel 102 (e.g., for each supporting a respective one of secondary panels 104).

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a primary panel 102 with a secondary panel support framework 200 (e.g., outrigger frame) mounted adjacent a first side of the primary panel 102 according to a particular embodiment. FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a primary panel 102 with a secondary panel support framework 200 (e.g., outrigger frame) mounted adjacent a second side of the primary panel 102 according to a particular embodiment.

FIG. 15A depicts a perspective view of a primary panel 102 with a secondary panel 104 mounted adjacent the first side of the primary panel 102.

FIG. 15B depicts a perspective view of a primary panel 102 with a secondary panel 104 mounted adjacent the second side of the primary panel 102.

FIG. 16 depicts a primary panel 102 with a first secondary panel 104 mounted adjacent a first side of the primary panel 102 and a second secondary panel 104 mounted adjacent the second side of the primary panel 102.

FIG. 17 depicts a relative spatial positioning system for describing a relative position of a primary panel 102 and 104 in the context of the description herein.

Overview:

In particular embodiments, as may be understood from Figure 1, a user may desire to construct a multi panel surface 100 (e.g., using a primary panel 102 and one or more secondary panels 104). As may be understood in light of this disclosure, when mounting a primary panel 102 adjacent one or more secondary panels 104 to construct a multi panel surface 100 (e.g., a substantially seamless and/or substantially contiguous multi panel surface 100), it may be beneficial to mount the primary panel 102 adjacent the one or more secondary panels 104 such that the primary panel 102 and the one or more secondary panels 104 form a substantially flat (e.g., flat), substantially contiguous (e.g., contiguous) surface with substantially no gaps or relative angle between the primary panel 102 and the one or more secondary panels 104. In various embodiments, the multi panel surface 100 may define a wide, substantially contiguous (e.g., contiguous) writing surface comprising a plurality of separate surfaces (e.g., panels, such as a primary panel 102 and one or more secondary panels 104). In various embodiments, one or more secondary panel support frameworks 200 (e.g., outrigger frames shown in Figure 4) may be configured to support one or more secondary panels 104 adjacent a primary panel 102 and further configured to control a level and/or relative position of each of the outer panels in relation to the center, primary panel 102. In various embodiments, each secondary panel support framework 200 is configured to control an orientation of a secondary panel 104 which it is supporting in six degrees of freedom such that the primary panel and the secondary panel that the secondary panel support framework 200 is supporting adjacent to the primary panel 102 form a substantially contiguous surface.

In any embodiment described herein, any panel (e.g., primary panel 102 and/or secondary panel 104) may include any suitable panel and/or combination of panels such as, for example: (1) one or more whiteboards; (2) one or more chalkboards; (3) one or more glass or other suitable writing surfaces (e.g., configured to enable a user to selectively draw and/or erase one or more pen markings, chalk markings, marker markings, etc. on the panel); (4) one or more touch-screen displays; (5) one or more video displays; (6) one or more interactive display devices; and/or (7) any other suitable panel. In various embodiments, any suitable panel may be operatively coupled to (e.g., and/or integrally formed with) a suitable computing device for generating one or more images for display on the panel.

In any suitable embodiment described herein, any particular panel may include one or more interactive display devices, which may, for example, comprise one or more touch screen display devices. The one or more touch screen display devices may, for example, comprise any suitable touch screen device configured to receive input via contact on the display device (e.g., via a user’s finger or other body part, via a stylus or other pen-like device, etc.). For example, in various embodiments, the panel may comprise one or more resistive touch screen displays (e.g., one or more 5-wire resistive touch screen displays), one or more surface capacitive touch screen displays, one or more projected capacitive touch screen displays, one or more surface acoustic wave touch screen displays, one or more infrared touch screen displays (e.g., which may, for example include one or more touch overlays at least partially embedded in a bezel of the panel (e.g., and/or panels)), or any other suitable touch screen display device. In particular embodiments, any panel described herein may comprise one or more processors and memory. In such embodiments, each panel may comprise stand-alone one or more computing devices such as handheld computing device (e.g., tablet computers or smartphones), wall mounted display devices (e.g., such as touch-enabled computerized LED and/or LCD displays), etc.

In particular embodiments, any panel described herein may be configured to detect a plurality of simultaneous inputs (e.g., from a plurality of users). In various embodiments, any panel described herein may be configured to enable a user to interact with one or more displayed images as the user would interact with any other computing display device (e.g., by drawing on the one or more projected images), etc. In still other embodiments, any panel described herein may include one or more computing components (e.g., one or more processors and memory) such that any panel described herein embodies a stand-alone computing device.

In various embodiments, the multi panel surface 100 may be achieved using a respective secondary panel support framework 200 as shown in Figure 4 for each of the one or more secondary panels 104, each respective secondary panel support framework 200 being mounted to a primary panel 102 and configured to support a respective secondary panel 104. Various embodiments of a multi-panel mounting bracket and related multi-panel mounting methods are described more fully below.

Outrigger Frame for Mounting a Secondary Panel to a Primary Panel

Figure 4 depicts a secondary panel support framework 200 (e.g., outrigger frame) according to a particular embodiment. In various embodiments, the secondary panel support framework 200 is configured to attach to (e.g., at least temporarily couple to) a rear of a primary panel 102 (e.g., via one or more panel mount fastener receivers 112 (e.g., one or more threaded holes) such as the one or more panel mount fastener receivers 112 shown in Figures 2 and 3). As may be understood from Figure 3, a primary panel 102 may be configured to mount to a support surface (e.g., a wall) via one or more primary panel mounting brackets 120, which may, for example, be configured to hang from one or more complimentary support portions 110 (Figure 8) that are mounted directly to the support surface (e.g., the wall). Each respective secondary panel support framework 200 may then be mounted to the primary panel 102 (e.g., via the one or more primary panel mounting brackets 120) to provide a stable frame on which to mount one or more additional panels (e.g., 104), while also providing a referential frame for positioning each of the one or more additional panels (e.g. 104) adjacent the primary panel 102 such that the primary panel 102 and the one or more additional panels form a multi panel contiguous surface 100 as discussed above.

As may be understood from Figure 4, a secondary panel support framework 200, according to a particular embodiment, comprises a substantially rectangular frame that includes: (1) a first outrigger frame member 210; (2) a second outrigger frame member 220 that is substantially parallel (e.g., parallel) to the first outrigger frame member 210; and (3) one or more vertical support members 230, wherein each of the one or more vertical support members 230 extend from the first outrigger frame member 210 to the second outrigger frame member 220 and are each substantially perpendicular to the first outrigger frame member 210 and the second outrigger frame member 220. In various embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in this figure, the secondary panel support framework 200 further comprises a primary panel mounting bracket 120. In various embodiments, the first outrigger frame member 210, the second outrigger frame member 220, and the one or more vertical support members 230 combine to form a substantially rigid frame for supporting a panel. Although the embodiment shown in this figure depicts a first outrigger frame member 210 and a second outrigger frame member 220, it should be understood in light of this disclosure that other embodiments of a secondary panel support framework 200 may comprise any other suitable number of outrigger frame members (e.g., one, three, four, etc.). In such embodiments, each of the outrigger frame members may be substantially structurally similar to the first outrigger frame member 210 and second outrigger frame member 220 described herein. In various embodiments, the secondary panel support framework 200 may comprise any suitable rigid material (e.g., steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, alloy or other suitable material or combination of materials).

As may be further understood from Figure 4, the first outrigger frame member 210 comprises a first secondary panel support member 212 that extends perpendicularly outward from the first outrigger frame member 210 along at least a portion of the first outrigger frame member 210 and further comprises a substantially rectangular first secondary panel runner element 214 that extends perpendicularly from the first secondary panel support member 212 along a length of the first secondary panel support member 212. As may be understood in light of this disclosure, the first secondary panel runner element 214 defines a support surface configured for supporting one or more mounting elements 144 (e.g., one or more wheels 140) disposed on (e.g., mounted to, integrally formed with, or otherwise coupled to) a secondary panel 104. As may be understood from this disclosure, the first secondary panel runner element 214 is sized and positioned such that, when a secondary panel 104 is supported by the secondary panel support framework 200, the secondary panel 104 and the primary panel 102 are substantially vertically aligned (e.g., vertically aligned). As such, the first secondary panel runner element 214, in various embodiments, is sized and positioned such that, when a secondary panel 104 is supported by the secondary panel support framework 200: (1) a second side of the primary panel 102 that is adjacent to a first side of the secondary panel 104 is substantially parallel (e.g., parallel) to the first side of the secondary panel 104; (2) the second side of the primary panel 102 is substantially co-linear with the first side of the secondary panel 104; (3) the second side of the primary panel 102 and the first side of the secondary panel 104 are substantially adjacent (e.g., adjacent, e.g., substantially touching); and (4) an upper side of the primary panel 102 and an upper side of the secondary panel 104 are substantially parallel (e.g., parallel) and substantially co-linear (e.g., co-linear).

Similarly, in particular embodiments, the second outrigger frame member 220 comprises a second secondary panel support member 222 that extends perpendicularly outward from the second outrigger frame member 220 along at least a portion of the second outrigger frame member 220 and further comprises a substantially rectangular second secondary panel runner element 224 that extends perpendicularly from the second secondary panel support member 222 along a length of the first secondary panel support member 212. In the embodiment shown in this figure, the first outrigger frame member 210 and the second outrigger frame member 220 are substantially structurally similar. In various embodiments, the first secondary panel runner element 214 and the second secondary panel runner element 224 are configured to support a secondary panel 104 while the secondary panel support framework 200 is supporting the secondary panel 104 adjacent the primary panel 102. In the embodiment shown in this figure, the second secondary panel support member 222 is substantially parallel to (e.g., parallel to) and spaced apart from the first secondary panel support member 212.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the secondary panel support framework 200 comprises two secondary panel support members 212, 222. It should be understood in light of this disclosure that other embodiments of a secondary panel support framework 200 may include any suitable number of secondary panel support members (e.g., one secondary panel support member, two secondary panel support members, three secondary panel support members, four secondary panel support members, five or more secondary panel support members, etc.).

Figure 5 depicts the secondary panel support framework 200 being affixed to the rear portion of the primary panel 102 (e.g., by using one or more fasteners such as screws, bolts, rivets, etc.) to affix the secondary panel support framework 200 to the primary panel 102 via the one or more panel mount fastener receivers 112 (e.g., one or more threaded holes, bolts, etc.)). In the embodiment shown in this figure, the secondary panel support framework 200 comprises a primary panel mounting bracket 120. (e.g., as described above).

Figures 6-9 depict a method for mounting a secondary panel adjacent a primary panel using a secondary panel support framework 200. As may be understood from these figures, the secondary panel 104 comprises one or more mounting elements 144. In particular embodiments, the one or more mounting elements 144 are integrally formed with the secondary panel 104. In still other embodiments, the one or more mounting elements 144 are at least temporarily affixed to (e.g., coupled to) the secondary panel 104 via one or more suitable fasteners. In various embodiments, the one or more mounting elements 144 are at least temporarily affixed to (e.g., coupled to) the secondary panel 104 via one or more suitable frame members and/or combination of frame members.

In various embodiments, the one or more mounting elements 144 are each configured to support one or more wheels 140 (e.g., or other support element). Each mounting element 144, in particular embodiments, further comprises a guide 142 that extends downward adjacent each wheel 140 (e.g., or other support element). As may be understood from Figure 6, the mounting element 144 is configured such that the one or more wheels 140 are configured to ride along a top surface defined by the first secondary panel runner element 214 while the guide 142 and a rear portion 310 (e.g., rear face) of the secondary panel 104 engage opposing portions of the first secondary panel runner element 214 (e.g., substantially rectangular runner element 214) to prevent forward and/or backward movement of the secondary panel 104 while the one or more wheels 140 are supported by the first secondary panel runner element 214. That is, the secondary panel 104 may be mounted to the secondary panel support framework 200 using the mounting elements 144 by hanging the second panel 104 on the first secondary panel runner element 214 and the second secondary panel runner element 224. In this configuration one or two installers may easily mount the secondary panel(s) 104 adjacent the primary panel 102.

In various embodiments, the guide 142 defines a guide channel that is sized and dimensioned to substantially correspond to the first secondary panel runner element 214 such that at least a portion of the first secondary panel runner element 214 engages and at least partially nests within at least a portion of the guide channel. In this way, a substantially snug fit of the at least a portion of the first secondary panel runner element 214 within the guide channel may reduce and/or prevent movement of the second panel with respect to the first panel in any suitable direction.

In the embodiment shown in these figures, the one or more mounting elements 144 are shown as comprising one or more wheels 140. In other embodiments, the one or more mounting elements 144 may comprise any other suitable support element(s). For example, in particular embodiments, the one or more support elements may comprise a substantially flat surface configured to rest on the first secondary panel runner element 214 (e.g., rather than one or more wheels 140). In such embodiments, the one or more support elements may, for example, comprise any suitable rigid material. In some embodiments, the one or more support elements may, for example, comprise a suitable material disposed on the face of the one or more support elements (e.g., such as felt) that is resting on the on first secondary panel runner element 214. In this way, the one or more support elements may be configured to slide along the first secondary panel runner element 214 such that a position of the secondary panel 104 relative to the primary panel 102 (e.g., a spacing between the two) may be adjusted by sliding the secondary panel 104 relative to the primary panel 102 during installation.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the secondary panel comprises two wheels 140 that correspond to each of the first secondary panel runner element 214 and the second secondary panel runner element 224. As may be understood from Figures 6 and 7, the one or more wheels 140 are configured such that a user (e.g., or users) may lift and position the secondary panel 104 adjacent the primary panel 102 such that the weight of the secondary panel 104 is supported by the secondary panel support framework 200 (e.g., first secondary panel runner element 214 and second secondary runner element 224) while respective mounting element(s) 144 (e.g., one or more wheels 104 or other support members) of the secondary panel 104 rest on and are supported by respective portions of the first secondary panel runner element 214 and the second secondary panel runner element 224. The user(s) may then roll (e.g., and/or slide) the secondary panel 104 along the first secondary panel runner element 214 and the second secondary panel runner element 224 until the secondary panel 104 is positioned adjacent to (e.g., abutted against) the primary panel 102. It should be understood from the present disclosure and figures that while wheels allow the installer to easily move the secondary panel 104 with respect to the primary panel 102 it is contemplated by the present disclosure that mounting elements 144 may, in various embodiments, also be formed without wheels such that the gap between the guide 142 and the mounting bracket 144 is sufficiently sized and shaped to seat on the first secondary panel runner element 214 and second secondary runner element 224 so that the secondary panel 104 may be moved (e.g., slid) with respect to the primary panel 102 without use of the wheels. In various embodiments without wheels, a low friction material such as polytetrafluoroethylene coatings, ceramic alloy coatings, polymers, graphite coatings, etc.) may be used to facilitate the sliding. As may be understood from Figures 8 and 9, the user may then latch one or more coupling mechanisms 160 to maintain the secondary panel 104 in a fixed location relative to the primary panel 102. In this way, an upper portion of the secondary panel may substantially mate with and otherwise abut the primary panel 102 through operation of the one or more coupling mechanisms 160. In various embodiments, the one or more coupling mechanisms 160 may comprise any suitable coupling mechanism (e.g., one or more latches, one or more magnets, etc.). In still other embodiments, the primary panel 102 and/or the secondary panel may comprise one or more alignment pegs 170 (Figure 9), which may, for example, correspond to one or more cavities (not shown) in the opposing panel. In this way, as the secondary panel 104 abuts the primary panel 102, the one or more alignment pegs 170 may each at least partially enter the corresponding cavity to further ensure proper alignment of the primary panel 102 with respect to the secondary panel.

Figure 10 depicts a secondary panel support framework 200 (e.g., outrigger frame) according to yet another embodiment. As may be understood from this figure, the secondary panel support framework 200B is structurally similar to the secondary panel support framework 200 shown in Figure 4, but is mirrored (e.g., to support a secondary panel 104 adjacent the other side of the primary panel 102. Figure 11 depicts the secondary panel support framework 200 of Figure 10 being affixed to the rear portion of the primary panel 102 (e.g., by using one or more fasteners to affix the secondary panel support framework 200 to the primary panel 102 via the one or more panel mount fastener receivers 112 (e.g., one or more threaded holes)) similar to that shown in Figure 5. Figure 12 depicts a first and second secondary panel support framework 200 affixed to the rear portion for the primary panel 102 (e.g., such that each secondary panel support framework 200 can support a respective secondary display 104). In various embodiments, the secondary panel support framework 200 may include one or more optional wall mounting brackets 202 which may, for example, provide additional stability (e.g., by using one or more fasteners to mount the secondary panel support framework 200 to the wall via the one or more optional wall mounting brackets 202) while the secondary panel support framework 200 is mounted to the primary panel 102 and the primary panel 102 is mounted to the wall via complementary support portions 110 which may be bolted to the wall where the multi panel surface 100 is to be mounted.

Although in various embodiments described herein, the secondary panel support framework 200 is described as being removeable (e.g., modular) from the primary panel mounting brackets 120, in other embodiments, one or more of the secondary panel support frameworks 200 may be integrally formed with the primary panel mounting brackets 120. It should be understood from the disclosure above that a modular configuration of the secondary support panel framework 200 allows for easy shipping of the multi panel surface 100 in addition to a wide range of configurations (i.e., a primary panel 102 with one secondary panel 104 on the right side of the primary panel 102 (Figure 15 A), a primary panel 102 with one secondary panel 104 on the left side of the primary panel 102 (Figure 15B), or a primary panel 102 with a secondary panel 104 on each of the left and right sides of the primary panel 102 (Figure 16)).

Relative Positioning Control of Primary and Secondary Panels to Provide a Substantially Seamless Combined Contiguous Surface

In various embodiments, the multi-panel mounting system described herein is configured to provide a multi-panel contiguous surface of adjacently mounted panels. In various embodiments, as may be understood from Figures 15A, 15B, and 16, the multi-panel mounting system is configured to mount one or more panels adjacent one another to form a contiguous surface (e.g., a substantially continuous surface). In some embodiments, any suitable mounting bracket described herein is configured to mount a first panel adjacent 102 a second panel 104 such that (1) a top portion (e.g., top edge) of the first panel is substantially parallel to (e.g., and co-linear with) a top portion (e.g., top edge) of the second panel; (2) a bottom portion (e.g., bottom edge) of the first panel 102 is substantially parallel to (e.g., and co-linear with) a bottom portion (e.g., bottom edge) of the second panel 104; (3) a face (e.g., the substantially rectangular face or drawing surface) of the first panel is substantially parallel to the face (e.g., the substantially rectangular face or drawing surface) of the second panel; (4) the top portion (e.g., top edge) of the first panel is substantially perpendicular (e.g., perpendicular) to a side portion of the second panel (e.g., edge of the second panel adjacent the first panel); (5) etc. In various embodiments, the multi-panel mounting system 200 is manufactured to sufficiently minimize one or more gaps, offsets, angles, or other misalignments between the first panel 102 and second panel(s) 104 such that the multi panel surface formed by the first and second panel is suitable for any use described herein (e.g., as a substantially contiguous writing surface).

Referring to Figure 17, in various embodiments, the roll of the one or more secondary panels 104 may be controlled by spacing the one or more wheels 140 apart on the secondary panel 104, such that the one or more wheels 140 (e.g., or other support members) are spaced apart along the first secondary panel runner element 214. In some embodiments, the first secondary panel runner element 214 supports the one or more wheels 140, which may for example, enable the secondary panel 104 to traverse left and right along the first secondary panel runner element 214 (e.g., while the one or more coupling mechanisms 160 are not coupled). Additionally, the mounting brackets 144 may be adjustable by screws or some other mechanism to ensure that the second panel is parallel to the first and second panel runner elements 214. In some embodiments, the one or more coupling mechanisms 160 are configured to limit left and right movement of the secondary panel 104 along the first secondary panel runner element 214 (e.g., and/or second secondary panel runner element 224). In various embodiments, backward and forward motion, yaw, and roll of the secondary panel 104 are controlled by the position of the guide 142 over the first secondary panel runner element 214 (e.g., and/or the positions of one or more guides over each respective runner element). In some embodiments, upward and downward movement of the one or more secondary panels 104 with respect to the primary panel 102 is controlled via the mass of each respective one of the one or more secondary panels 104.

As discussed above, an edge of the primary panel 102 and/or the one or more secondary panels 104 may include one or more alignment pegs 170, which may for example, mate with corresponding holes as the one or more secondary panels 104, running on wheels along the runner elements are moved into position adjacent the primary panel 102. In some embodiments, left/right and up/down movement of the one or more secondary panels 104 is locked by a combination of the one or more alignment pegs 170 and the one or more coupling mechanisms 160 while the one or more secondary panels 104 are abutted adjacent the primary panel 102.

In various embodiments, the secondary panel support framework 200 (e.g., outrigger frame) is configured to be manufactured such that the multi panel surface 100 created through a combination of the primary panel 102 and the one or more secondary panels 104 has certain tolerances. In various embodiments, the multi panel surface 100 is configured to have a gap in the left right direction of no more than one (1) millimeter between the primary panel 102 and each secondary panel 104. A gap larger than one (1) millimeter may, for example, begin to degrade the user’ s writing ability across the primary panel 102 and the secondary panel 104. Said another way, when the gap between the side edge of the primary panel and the side edge of the secondary panel is larger than one (1) millimeter, the gap may degrade the continuity across the primary and secondary panels. In various embodiments, the multi panel surface 100 is configured to have a vertical (e.g., in the up/down direction) tolerance between the primary panel 102 and the one or more secondary panels 104 of less than about 0.2 millimeters (e.g., in the up/down direction). That is, the top edge of the primary panel 102 should not be offset from the top edge of a secondary panel by more than about two tenths (0.2) of a millimeter and/or the bottom edge of the primary panel 102 should not be offset from the bottom edge of the secondary panel 104 by more than about two tenths (0.2) of a millimeter. In various embodiments, the small tolerance at the bottom (e.g., less than about 0.2 millimeters) is configured to ensure a substantially continuous pen tray across all panels that make up the multi panel surface 100 (e.g., in embodiments in which at least one of the one or more panels comprises a pen tray). In other embodiments, the panels may not comprise a pen tray.

In various embodiments, the manufacture of the secondary panel support framework 200 (e.g., outrigger frame) controls a relative yaw between that of the primary panel 102 and each respective one of the one or more secondary panels 104 via the spacing of the wheels on each one of the one or more secondary panels 104, and a straightness of each runner (e.g., first secondary panel runner element 214 and second secondary panel runner element 224). In various embodiments, the wheels and runners are configured such that there is less than about a 0.1° (e.g., less than about a 2 mm/m) angular change between the front surface (e.g., the writing surface) of the primary panel 102 with respect to each front surface (e.g., the writing surface) of the one or more secondary panels 104.

In still other embodiments, the secondary panel support framework 200 (e.g., outrigger frame) is configured such that a relative back/forward position (i.e., offset of the front surfaces) of the primary panel 102 and each respective one of the one or more secondary panels 104 is less than about 0.2 millimeters (e.g., which may, for example, minimize a step between each surface that makes up the multi panel surface 100). Similar to the gap between the primary and secondary panels, a small offset improves the writing experience for the user.

In various embodiments where the secondary panel support framework 200 is formed in a modular fashion as described herein in accordance with the tolerances described herein, installation of the primary 102 and one or more secondary 104 panels can be installed in a remote location by 2 or less semi-skilled installers since such a configuration does not require calibration by infield installers. This allows for quick installation at lower cost than a system where the panels must be precisely installed and calibrated by well-trained installers. Exemplary Implementations of a Multi-Panel Mounting System

In particular embodiments of a multi-panel mounting system, any structural embodiment of a secondary panel support framework 200 described herein may be used to mount a first panel adjacent any suitable number of side panels (e.g., one side panel, two side panels, etc.). In a particular embodiment, a multi-panel mounting system may be configured to mount a central, interactive touch panel display adjacent a second panel (e.g., such that the central, interactive touch panel display and the second panel form a substantially contiguous surface). In various embodiments, the second panel may comprise a panel other than an interactive touch display (e.g., a chalk board, whiteboard, glass writing surface, or other suitable panel configured for a user to write on the panel with chalk, a pen, a marker, etc.).

In yet another embodiment, the multi-panel mounting system may be configured to mount a central, interactive touch panel display adjacent a second panel and a third panel (e.g., such that the central, interactive touch panel display, the second panel, and the third panel form a substantially contiguous surface with the central, interactive touch display positioned between the second and third panels). In various embodiments, the second and/or third panel may comprise a panel other than an interactive touch panel display (e.g., a chalk board, whiteboard, glass writing surface, or other suitable panel configured for a user to write on the panel with chalk, a pen, a marker, etc.).

In yet another embodiment, a multi-panel mounting system may be configured to mount two or more panels adjacent each other to form a single, substantially contiguous surface. In such embodiments, the multi-panel mounting system may further comprise an input device disposed around at least a portion of the surface formed by the adjacent two or more panels. In some embodiments, the input device comprises an infra-red input device. In still other embodiments, the infrared input device is integrated into a bezel configured to extend around an outer portion of the combined surface formed by the two or more panels. In various embodiments, the one or more secondary panel support frameworks utilized to mount the two or more panels adjacent one another are manufactured to ensure that the two or more panels comply with any suitable tolerancing requirement discussed herein. In this way, the multi-panel mounting system is configured to ensure proper operation of an input device surrounding the primary panel 102 and the one or more secondary panels 104 that operates across the multiple-adjacent panels (e.g., such as in embodiments in which an infrared input device is integrated into a bezel configured to extend around an outer portion of the combined surface formed by the two or more panels).

In such embodiments, the multi-panel mounting system may enable a user to convert one or more dumb panels (e.g., whiteboard, chalkboard, glass writing surface, etc.) into a multi-panel surface for which a system (e.g., any suitable computing system) can record user inputs (e.g., writing) on the multi-panel surface through operation of the input device (e.g., by detecting user input via the infra-red input device integrated into a bezel mounted around at least a portion of an outer edge of the multi-panel surface).

In various embodiments, the primary panel may also take the form of a projected capacitance (PCAP) panel where the one or more secondary panels may be dumb panels. In some embodiments, the contiguous surface formed by the primary and secondary surfaces may still be surrounded by an input device so that the overall contiguous writing surface 100 may be digitized when the primary interactive touch panel display is not being utilized but instead is being used as a dumb writing surface similar to the one or more secondary panels. Said another way, in instances where the display built into the primary panel 102 is turned off such that the user is using a writing instrument (e.g., chalk, dry erase marker, etc.) across the primary panel 102 and the one or more secondary panels 104, the surrounding input device (e.g., infrared bezel, light curtain and camera system, etc.) can be used to digitize the writing, which may be captured by a computing device operatively coupled to the input device (e.g., a remote computing device or a computing device integrally formed or coupled to the primary panel 102).

In these embodiments, assembling the primary panel 102 with the one or more secondary panels 104 ensure that the input device operates with substantially the same sensitivity of input detection across the entire continuous surface without requiring calibration of the input device around the multi panel surface 100. This allows a minimum number of semiskilled installers to install the multi panel surface 100 on a wall of a structure in a reasonable time period at reasonable costs. Moreover, because the mounting structure described herein mounts to the wall using complementary support portions 110 and does not require the secondary support panel framework 200 to be secured to the wall, the multi panel surface 100 may be mounted to a wall structure that may not be flat. Said another way, imperfections in the surface of the wall structure that the multi panel surface is mounted to will not affect the relative position of the primary panel with respect to the one or more secondary panels and moreover the tolerances maintained between the primary panel and the one or more secondary panels.

Conclusion

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purposes of limitation.

In addition, it should be understood that various embodiments may omit any of the steps described above or add additional steps. Furthermore, any numerical ranges described herein are intended to capture every integer and fractional value within the described range (e.g., every rational number value within the described range). For example, it should be understood that a range describing a range of up to about 2 mm (e.g., two millimeters) is intended to capture and disclose every rational number pressure between zero millimeters and two millimeters (e.g., 1 millimeters, 2 millimeters, 0.1 millimeters, 0.01 millimeters, 0.001 millimeters. . . . 1.999 millimeters and so on). Additionally, terms such as‘about’,‘substantially’, etc., when used to modify structural descriptions or numerical values are intended to capture the stated shape, value, etc. as well as account for slight variations as a result of, for example, manufacturing tolerances and/or limitations. For example, the term‘substantially rectangular’ is intended to describe shapes that are both exactly rectangular (e.g., have four sides that meet at ninety degree angles) as well as shapes that are not quite exactly rectangular (e.g., shapes having four sides that meet at an angle in an acceptable tolerance of ninety degrees, such as 90° +/- 4°).