Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/891,478 filed August 26, 2019, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of console-mounted electronic units and, more particularly, to mounting platforms for electronic units and related methods.

Background

[0003] Electronic units or devices are widely utilized in vehicles, vessels, planes, etc., to convey information to the operator. In the case of boats, various electronic units are typically mounted to the console of the boat to provide navigation or other information to the driver. Such units may include chartplotters, sonar units, fish finders, weather display units, radar display units, etc. Moreover, other electronic devices such as VHF radios, stereos, etc., may also similarly be mounted to boat consoles.

[0004] In the case of many marine electronic units such as chartplotters, these devices are typically mounted to the console in one of two ways. For units twelve inches or under, an adjustable gimbal mounting bracket is affixed to the console with screws or suction cups, and screw knobs attach the unit to the gimbal mounting bracket. For units nine inches or larger, it is very common to cut a hole in the console and flush mount the electronics display to the front or outer surface of the console. However, smaller units may also be flush mounted to a console as well.

[0005] Despite the existence of such mounting configurations, additional positional flexibility for improved ergonomics, visibility, and functionality in electronic unit mounting, such as for boats or vessels, is desirable in some applications. To date this has been unachievable, particularly so with respect to flush mounted devices. Summary

[0006] A mounting system for mounting a marine electronics unit to a boat console panel may include a base to be connected to the boat console panel and aligned with a mounting hole in the boat console panel, an actuator connected to the base, a mounting plate connected to the actuator, and at least one pivot mount connected to the mounting plate to be connected to the marine electronics unit. The actuator may be configured to move the mounting plate between a first position where the marine electronics unit is flush with a front side of the boat console panel, and a second position in which the marine electronics unit is spaced apart from the front side of the boat console panel and pivotable using the at least one pivot mount.

[0007] In an example embodiment, the base may comprise an enclosure including a bottom and a plurality of sidewalls extending from the bottom to be connected to a back side of the boat console panel around the mounting hole. In accordance with another example embodiment, the base may comprise a bearing plate, and the mounting system may further include a plurality of standoffs configured to connect the bearing plate to the back side of the boat console panel around the mounting hole.

[0008] By way of example, the at least one pivot mount may comprise a pair of spaced apart gimbal arms. In another example embodiment, the at least one pivot mount may comprise a VESA mount. In an example implementation, the actuator may comprise at least one lead screw connected between the base and a lead screw nut carried by the mounting plate, and a motor carried by the mounting plate and configured to rotate the at least one lead screw. Moreover, in some example implementations the at least one lead screw may comprise a plurality of spaced apart lead screws connected between the base and respective lead screw nuts carried by the mounting plate, and the mounting system may further include a belt connected between the motor and the lead screws. More particularly, the motor may be configured to turn the belt to simultaneously rotate the lead screws. In accordance with another example, the actuator may comprise a scissor lift connected between the base and the mounting plate. In some embodiments, a sealing gasket may be carried by the mounting plate and configured to seal the mounting plate with the back side of the boat console panel when the mounting plate is in the second position. [0009] A related method for mounting a marine electronics unit to a boat console panel may include connecting a base of a mounting bracket to the boat console panel and aligned with a mounting hole in the boat console panel. The mounting bracket may include an actuator connected to the base, a mounting plate connected to the actuator, and at least one pivot mount connected to the mounting plate. The method may further include connecting the marine electronics unit to the at least one pivot mount. The actuator may be configured to move the mounting plate between a first position where the marine electronics unit is flush with a front side of the boat console panel, and a second position in which the marine electronics unit is spaced apart from the front side of the boat console panel and pivotable using the at least one pivot mount.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable electronics mounting platform in accordance with an example embodiment utilizing a lead screw drive configuration that is shown from the rear with the platform in an extended position.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the adjustable electronics mounting platform of FIG. 1 shown from the front in the extended position.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the adjustable electronics mounting platform of FIG. 1 with an enclosure covering certain components thereof with the platform in a stowed/flush position.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an adjustable electronics mounting platform in accordance with another example embodiment using a belt-driven lead screw configuration and shown in an extended position.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the adjustable electronics mounting platform of FIG. 4 in a stowed/flush position.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an adjustable electronics mounting platform in accordance with still another example embodiment using a scissor-lift drive configuration and shown in an extended position from the front.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the adjustable electronics mounting platform of FIG. 6 shown in an extended position from the rear. [0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the adjustable electronics mounting platform of FIG. 6 with an enclosure covering certain components thereof.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative arrangement of a scissor-lift drive configuration which may be used with the mounting platform of FIG. 6.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative arrangement of the belt-driven mounting platform of FIG. 4 from the front in an extended position.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the mounting platform of FIG. 10 from the rear. [0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a universal (VESA) mount configuration which may be used with different embodiments of the mounting platforms set forth herein.

Detailed Description

[0022] The present disclosure is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments are shown. Flowever, other embodiments in many different forms may be used, and the disclosure should not be construed as limited to the particular embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the claim scope to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation is used to indicate similar elements in alternative embodiments.

[0023] Generally speaking, the present disclosure relates to motorized electronic mounting platforms for vehicle consoles, such as for marine electronic units to be mounted on boating consoles. It should be noted, however, that while the following examples are shown and described with gear motor actuators, in some embodiments other actuators may be used, such as a linear actuator, a hand actuator (e.g., hand crank), etc., to achieve a similar function.

[0024] Referring now to FIGS. 1 -3, in accordance with a first embodiment of the adjustable electronics mounting platform 30, a lead-screw/rail lift configuration is shown which advantageously provides for lifting of an attached electronic device 31 from a flush or stowed position (FIG. 3), relative to a front side of a boat console panel 32, to an extended position (FIGS. 1 and 2) where it is spaced apart from the front side of the boat console panel and can be rotated or pivoted as shown. In the illustrated example, the attached electronics unit 31 is a chartplotter, but it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the various mounting platforms set forth herein may be used with numerous different types of electronic devices, including chartplotters, sonar/fish finder units, radar units, radios, etc. Moreover, it should be noted that while the mounting platforms described herein are particularly advantageous for marine (boat) applications, they may also be used in other applications as well (aircraft, automobiles, etc.) where electronic devices are to be mounted to a console or dashboard panel. However, for the following examples, a marine (boat) application with a chartplotter installation will be used for convenience of reference.

[0025]As seen in FIG. 3, in the present example an enclosure or box 33 surrounds the mounting platform 30 on the inside/back side of the boat console panel 32. The enclosure 33 illustratively includes a bottom 34 and a plurality of sidewalls 35 extending from the bottom which are connected to the back side of the boat console panel 32 surrounding a mounting hole 42 therein. The enclosure 33 advantageously acts as a protective cover and as a mounting frame for the lead screw nut 36 and the guide bushings 37 carried on rails 45 as shown. By way of example, the enclosure 33 may be made of metal, or in some embodiments this could be a plastic (e.g., injection molded) piece that drops into the boat console panel 32 and is attached to the front side of the console panel.

[0026] The illustrated lead-screw/rail lift configuration operates as follows. An electric gear motor 38 rotates a lead screw 39 that is threaded through the lead screw nut 36.

As the motor 38 rotates, the lead screw 39 exerts a force against the bottom or floor 34 of the enclosure 33. The motor 38 is connected to a back side of a mounting plate 40, and a pair of adjustable gimbal mounting brackets or arms 41 are connected to a front side of the mounting plate. The chartplotter 31 is pivotally mounted to the gimbal arms 41 with knobs 43. As the lead screw 39 exerts force against the bottom 34 of the enclosure 33, the mount plate 40 and, accordingly, the gimbal arms 41 , are then pushed outward, resulting in the chartplotter 31 travelling away from the boat console panel 32 to the extended position. The gear motor 38 may then be reversed to return the chartplotter 31 to its stowed, flush position. The gear motor 38 may be actuated by a button or other type of switch, which may be mounted to the console or can be wireless (e.g., on a fob). In some embodiments, the mounting plate 40 may be automatically moved between the flush mount and extended positions, or it may be manually stopped at intermediate positions between the flush mount and extended positions.

[0027] The gimbal arms 41 are attached to the front side of the mount plate 40, and the chartplotter 31 is constrained to the gimbal arms using adjustment knobs 43. The adjustment knobs 43 can be loosened to allow the chartplotter 31 to be rotationally or pivotally adjusted to a desired viewing angle as shown. The gimbal arms 41 are slotted at their base and are side-to-side adjustable. The gimbal arms 41 are free to move side- to-side until the screws at their base on the mounting plate 40 are securely tightened. This may advantageously accommodate various chartplotters 31 of different widths. The gimbal arms 41 may also be adjustable along the direction of lift in some embodiments. [0028] As an option, a gasket or seal strips 44, etc., can be used under the console or carried by the mounting plate 40 so that when the mounting plate is fully lifted the gasket is pressed to form both a water-tight interface and a more solid, stiff mounting surface for the gimbal arms 41. The chartplotter 31 may also optionally have a seal/gasket under its interface surface to form a seal with the front surface the boat console panel 32 when the chartplotter is in the stowed/flush position.

[0029] FIG. 3 shows the mounting platform 30 with the enclosure/frame 33 in place. Sidewalls 35 of the enclosure 33 mount to the back side (underside) of the console 32 using screws or other suitable attachment device(s). In the illustrated view, the chartplotter 31 is shown in its stowed, flush position. The lead screw 39 and rails 45 protrude from the bottom 34 of the enclosure 33 in this position. An appropriate clearance may be provided below/behind the enclosure for these components when the chartplotter 31 is stowed position. Moreover, it should also be noted that different sizes of enclosures 33 (as well as other components of the mounting platform 30) may be used to accommodate different sizes of chartplotters 31 , as larger units will need to travel a longer distance between the flush and fully extended positions than smaller units. That is, larger units will need to be further away from the front surface of the boat console panel 32 for pivoting than a smaller unit, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0030] Turning to FIGS. 4 and 5, another example embodiment of a belt-driven, four- lead-screw lift mounting platform 130 configuration is now described. As similarly discussed above, the mounting platform 130 also is configured to lift a chartplotter 131 (or other electronic devices) from a flush position (FIG. 5), relative to the front surface of the boat console panel 132, to an extended position (FIG. 4) where it can be rotated or pivoted as shown. Although not shown, an enclosure similar to the one shown in FIG. 3 may be used on the back side of the mounting platform 130 (i.e. , inside the boat console) to surround the mounting platform. Again, the enclosure would act as a protective cover and as a mounting frame for the gear motor 138, upper bearings 150 and lower bearings 151 carried by the base 134 of the enclosure.

[0031] The belt-driven, four-lead-screw lift configuration operates as follows. The gear motor 138 rotates a pulley 152. The pulley 152 moves a belt 153 that interfaces with four other pulleys 154 that are each fastened to a respective lead screw 139. As the motor 138 rotates, the four lead screws rotate in four lead screw nuts 136 and exert a force on the mount plate 140 lifting it or lowering it, depending on direction of rotation of the gear motor. Gimbal arms 141 are attached to the mount plate 140, and the chartplotter 131 is constrained to the gimbal arms using adjustment knobs 143. Once the chartplotter 131 is extended, the adjustment knobs 143 can be loosened to allow the chartplotter to be rotationally adjusted or pivoted to a desired viewing angle as shown. [0032] The gimbal arms 141 are slotted at their base and are side-to-side adjustable. That is, the gimbal arms 141 are free to move side-to-side until the screws are securely tightened at their base. Again, this accommodates various chartplotter 131 brands or configurations with different shapes and widths. The gimbal arms 141 may also be adjustable along the direction of lift, if desired. Although not shown, seals or gaskets may be incorporated between the mounting plate 140 and the back of the boat console panel 132, and/or between the chartplotter 131 and the front of the boat console panel as described above, if desired.

[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 6-9, still another example electronics mounting platform 230 having a scissor lift 260 is now described. Again, the scissor lift mounting platform 230 lifts the chartplotter 231 from a flush position (see FIG. 7), relative to the front surface of the boat console panel 232, to an extended position (see FIG. 6) where it can be rotated or pivoted as shown. Flere again, an enclosure 233 (which includes a base 234 and sidewalls 235) may surround the mounting platform 230 within the console, as shown in FIG. 8. The enclosure 233 acts as a protective cover, and the sidewalls 235 act as a mounting frame for the gear motor 238 and the base 261 and frame members

262 of the scissor lift 260.

[0034] The scissor-lift configuration operates as follows. The gear motor 238 rotates a threaded rod 239 (also known as a lead screw) that is threaded through the cross bar

263 as shown. As the motor 238 rotates, the threaded rod 239 exerts a pulling force on the cross bar 263. The cross bar 263 is then pulled along a slot 264 on each side of the scissor lift 260, resulting in an expansion of the frame members 262.

[0035] FIG. 7 shows the underside perspective of the scissor lift mechanism 260 (as it would be seen inside the console). A mount plate 240 is attached to the upper frame members 262 of the mechanism 260 and is lifted during operation. Gimbal arms 241 are attached to the mount plate 240, and the chartplotter 231 is constrained to the gimbal arms using adjustment knobs 243. The adjustment knobs 243 can be loosened to allow the chartplotter to be rotationally adjusted or pivoted up or down to a desired viewing angle as shown in FIG. 6. As discussed above, the gimbal arms 241 are side-to-side adjustable, and slotted at the point of attachment to the mount plate. Screws are used to attach the gimbal arms 241 to the mount plate 240. The gimbal arms 241 are free to move side-to-side until the screws are securely tightened. This may advantageously accommodate various chartplotter 231 brands or configurations with varying widths. The gimbal arms 241 may also be adjustable along the direction of lift, if desired, as noted above.

[0036] Seal strips 244 (see FIG. 7) or a gasket may optionally be used under the boat console panel 232 (or carried on the mounting plate 240) so that when the mounting plate is fully lifted the seals are compressed to form both a water-tight interface and a more solid, stiff mounting surface for the gimbal arms 241. Seal strips 244 may also be positioned on the front surface of the boat console panel 232 under the interface of the chartplotter 231 (or on the back side of the chartplotter) to form a seal between the boat console panel and chartplotter when the chartplotter is in the stowed/flush position. [0037] The enclosure/frame 235 mounts to the underside of the boat console panel 232 using screws or other suitable attachment device(s). It should be noted that the location of the threaded rod 239 shown in FIG. 6 allows the gear motor 238 to remain stationary relative to the lift 260. In an alternative embodiment of the scissor lift 260’, the threaded rod 239’ may be oriented along the direction of travel of the scissor lift. In this case the gear motor 238’ would move rather than remain stationary in order to maintain its alignment with the scissor lift mechanism 260’. The threaded rod 239’ incorporates both a left-hand and right-hand thread in order to pull together (lifting mode) or push apart (lowering mode) the two cross bars 263’ as shown. In such a configuration, the motor 238’ may travel in a well-lubricated slide bearing (not shown), which may be mounted to the exterior of the enclosure, for example.

[0038] Turning to FIGS. 10 and 11, an alternative implementation of the belt-driven mounting platform 130 discussed above is now described. The illustrated mounting platform 330 also is similarly configured to lift a chartplotter 330 (or other electronic devices) from a flush position, relative to the front of the boat console panel 132’, to an extended position where it can be rotated or pivoted as shown. A plurality of standoffs or struts 370 connect a lower bearing plate 334 to an upper bearing plate 371, which is connected to the boat console panel 332 with screws 374 and surrounds the opening 342 therein. In some embodiments, an enclosure similar to the one shown in FIG. 3 may be used to cover the mounting platform 330 within the boat console, if desired. [0039] The present belt-driven, four-lead-screw lift configuration operates as follows.

The gear motor 338 rotates a pulley 352. The pulley 352 moves a belt 353 that interfaces with four other pulleys 354 that are each fastened to a respective lead screw 339. As the gear motor 338 rotates, the four lead screws 339 rotate in four lead screw nuts 336 and exert a force on the mount or lift plate 340 lifting it or lowering it, depending on the direction of rotation of the gear motor. Gimbal arms 341 are attached to the mounting plate 340, and the chartplotter 331 is constrained to the gimbal arms in the example configuration by folding wing screws 373 (although adjustment knobs may also be used in some embodiments as discussed above). Once the chartplotter 331 is extended, the folding wing screws 373 can be loosened to allow the chartplotter to be rotationally adjusted or pivoted to a desired viewing angle as shown.

[0040] The gimbal arms 341 are slotted at their base and are side-to-side adjustable. That is, the gimbal arms 341 are free to move side-to-side until the screws are securely tightened at their base. Again, this accommodates for various chartplotter 331 brands or configurations with different shapes and widths. The gimbal arms 341 may also be adjustable along the direction of lift, if desired. Although not shown, seals or gaskets may be incorporated between the mounting plate 340 and the upper bearing plate 371 , and/or between the chartplotter 331 and the front side of the boat console panel 332 as described above, if desired.

[0041] In the illustrated example, the lower bearing plate 334 also illustratively includes an opening 375 for one or more cables, e.g., sonar cables, power cables, network cables (e.g., NMEA 2000), etc., etc. The lower bearing plate 334 also illustratively includes a drain nozzle 376 for draining any accumulated moisture. Furthermore, the mounting or lift plate 340 also illustratively includes a slot 377 for the cables to pass through to the back of the chartplotter 331.

[0042] Referring additionally to FIG. 12, a universal or VESA mounting bracket 443 for a chartplotter 431 is now described. An articulating arm 441 is carried by a mounting plate (not shown), similar to the gimbal arms described above. Flowever, the arm 441 terminates in a swivel mount 442 which carries the VESA mounting bracket 443. Other mounts are also possible, such as a ball mount, for example. As will be appreciated by the skilled artisan, the VESA mounting bracket 443 has holes positioned at standardized distances or positions, and the manufacturers of various types of monitors locate corresponding mounting holes at the same positions to provide universal interoperability between different types of monitors and VESA mounts. Generally speaking, with respect to marine electronic devices, smaller units (e.g., less than sixteen inches) typically are configured to be mounted on gimbal arms, whereas larger units (e.g., greater than or equal to sixteen inches) are configured to work with VESA mounts, so the type of bracket to be used in a given installation may advantageously be selected based upon the unit being installed. It should be noted that gimbal and VESA mounts are but two examples of mounts that could be used with the mounting brackets set forth herein, and that other suitable brackets may be used in different embodiments. [0043] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included.