Wall mount system and method
A mounting system is provided. The mounting system is adapted for mounting a device such as a video display on a surface such as a wall for example. Mounting system configurations include a tray to help align a mating feature with a keyhole opening. Other configurations include a retaining device to hold a mating feature within the mounting system for added security. Other configurations include a locking device to prohibit unwanted motion of the retaining device and theft protection.
This application relates to devices and methods for mounting devices on surfaces such as a wall, ceiling, inclined surface, etc. Specifically, but not by way of limitation, this application relates to devices and methods for supporting display screens such as flat panel display screens on a wall.
BACKGROUNDOne common device that is mounted on a surface such as a wall includes a video display screen. Examples of video display screens include television monitors, computer monitors, information kiosks, etc. Display screens are commonly mounted on surfaces such as walls, ceilings, inclined surfaces, etc. Display screens are also mounted on other support structures such as poles or carts. One type of display screen that is becoming more common is a flat panel display screen. Such flat panel displays include, LCD monitors, plasma discharge monitors, new configurations of CRT monitors, etc. Mounting systems are needed to secure these flat panel display screens to surfaces where they are to be used.
What is needed is a mounting system that more easily connects between the device and the surface that the device is to be secured to. What is also needed is a mounting system that provides increased security in device retention at the mounted location.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. In the following detailed description, the term selectively actuated is used in contrast to automatically actuated. A selective operation, or a device capable of selective operation is controlled by a user, and is not triggered automatically. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, logical changes, etc. may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Generally speaking, in one embodiment, a keyhole opening 120 includes an entry portion 122, and a capture portion 124. In
In operation, a mating feature, or fastener, is coupled to a device, such as a video display device. Part of the mating feature is then inserted into the entry portion 122 of the keyhole opening 120. The mating feature is moved from the entry portion 122 into the capture portion 124, where it is held to provide a level of mounting stability.
An opening 114 is included in the mounting frame 110 of
Although a retaining bar embodiment is shown in
Although one embodiment of the first locking device 340 is shown, other configurations are within the scope of the invention that do not necessarily include elements shown in
In one method of operation, the first length of flexible material 342 is extended past the first side 362 of the device 360, and the grasping mechanism 344 is butted against the first side 362 of the device 360 while holding the first length of flexible material 342 taught. In this way, tension is placed on the retaining bar 330, preventing unwanted movement of the retaining bar from a closed position in the range of motion. The retaining bar 330 is selectively locked in position using the grasping mechanism 344, and actuation of the grasping mechanism 344 allows the user to hold or release the locking device 340.
In one embodiment, a second locking device 350 is included. In an embodiment illustrated in
In operation, the grasping mechanism 444 is butted against the side 462 of the device 460 and the keyed lock cylinder is actuated. Thus by locking a range of motion 448 of the grasping device 444, the retaining bar 430 is locked in its range of motion, prohibiting removal of the device 460 from its mounted location. One advantage of the configuration shown in
Although configurations described above illustrate vertical mounting, such as on a wall, it is noted that mounting on inclined surfaces with a device tilting upward or downward are also possible. Further, configurations described above are also useful in mounting to a ceiling surface, or steep incline. In one embodiment using a ceiling mount, multiple mounting strips as described above are used.
In one method of operation, the number of mating features 524 are placed in the number of receptacles 514 through the entry portion 516, and into the capture portion 518. The retaining bar 530 is then selectively actuated to move the capture portion 536 of the retaining feature 532 into engagement with the retaining feature 526. When the video device 610 is to be removed, the retaining bar 530 is selectively actuated in the opposite direction.
A retaining device 730 is further shown in
In operation, a mating feature 750 such as a shoulder bolt is inserted into a keyhole opening 722 in a manner similar to embodiments described above. The mating feature will typically be secured to a back surface of a device such as a video display device. In one embodiment, the mating feature 750 passes through an entry portion and into a capture portion of the keyhole opening 722. Concurrently, the mating feature 750 passes through the entry portion 742 of the retaining feature 740 on the retaining device 730. If retaining of the mating feature 750 is desired, the retaining device is actuated in the range of motion 746 to bring the capture portion 744 of the retaining feature 740 over the mating feature 750. In one embodiment a locking device similar to those shown in embodiments above is further included in the mounting system 700. The locking device prevents unwanted movement of the retaining device for reasons such as vibration, bumping, etc.
A side view of an embodiment of the mounting system 700 is shown in
The tray 716 is shown in profile in
In one embodiment, the cutout 720 is shaped with a taper that further guides the mating feature 750 into the keyhole opening 722. In selected embodiments, the lip portion 718 further aids in holding the mating feature 750 within the tray 716 while laterally sliding the mating feature along the tray 716 to locate the keyhole opening 722.
Although the use of the tray 716 for mounting is described above as a vertical wall mounting configuration, as previously mentioned, the invention is not so limited. The tray 716 also functions to help alignment of the mating feature 750 in configurations such as on an incline, or on a ceiling, etc.
CONCLUSIONUsing embodiments described above, a number of advantages are realized. One advantage includes a mounting system with a tray to help align a mating feature with a keyhole opening. Another advantage includes a mounting system with a retaining device to hold a mating feature within the mounting system for added security. Another advantage includes a mounting system with a locking device to prohibit unwanted motion of the retaining device and theft protection.
Although selected advantages are detailed above, the list is not intended to be exhaustive. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention includes any other applications in which the above structures and fabrication methods are used.
Claims
1. A mounting system, comprising:
- a mounting frame for attachment to a mounting surface;
- a keyhole opening in the mounting frame to accept a mating feature on a device, the keyhole opening having an entry portion, and a capture portion; and
- a tray located adjacent to the entry portion of the keyhole opening, with a cutout in the tray providing access to the entry portion of the keyhole opening.
2. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the keyhole opening includes a round entry portion and a slotted capture portion.
3. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the tray further includes a lip portion.
4. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the cutout includes a tapered slot.
5. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the tray is horizontally oriented on a wall surface.
6. A video display system, comprising:
- a video display device;
- at least one mating feature attached to a back surface of the video display device;
- a mounting strip for attachment to a substantially vertical mounting surface;
- a keyhole opening in the mounting strip to accept the mating feature, the keyhole opening having an entry portion, and a capture portion; and
- a tray located adjacent to the entry portion of the keyhole opening, with a cutout in the tray providing access to the entry portion of the keyhole opening.
7. The video display system of claim 6, wherein the keyhole opening includes a round entry portion and a slotted capture portion.
8. The video display system of claim 6, wherein the tray further includes a lip portion.
9. The video display system of claim 6, wherein the mating feature includes a shoulder bolt.
10. The video display system of claim 6, wherein the cutout includes a tapered slot.
11. A mounting system, comprising:
- a mounting strip for attachment to a substantially vertical mounting surface;
- a plurality of keyhole openings in the mounting strip to accept a mating feature on a device, each keyhole opening having an entry portion, and a capture portion;
- a tray located adjacent to the entry portions of the keyhole openings, with a cutout in the tray providing access to the entry portions of the keyhole openings; and
- a retaining device that is movable in a range of motion, wherein a first position in the range of motion allows mating features access to the capture portion of the keyhole openings, and a second position locks the mating features in the capture portion of the keyhole openings.
12. The mounting system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of keyhole openings are spaced apart on multiples of 100 mm.
13. The mounting system of claim 11, further including a locking device that prohibits movement of the retaining device in the range of motion.
14. The mounting system of claim 13, wherein the locking device includes a length of cord coupled to the retaining device and a cord lock gripper on the length of cord.
15. The mounting system of claim 13, wherein the locking device includes a key lock to lock the retaining device at a location in the range of motion.
16. A video display mounting system, comprising:
- a mounting frame for attachment to a mounting surface;
- a receptacle in the mounting frame to receive a mating feature on the video display mounting system, the receptacle having an entry portion, and a capture portion;
- a retaining bar that is movable in a range of motion, wherein a first position in the range of motion allows the mating feature access to the capture portion of the receptacle, and a second position retains the mating feature in the capture portion of the receptacle; and
- a locking device that when actuated fixes movement of the retaining device in relation to an edge of the video display.
17. The video display mounting system of claim 16, further including a second locking device that fixes movement of the retaining device in relation to a second edge of the video display.
18. The video display mounting system of claim 16, wherein the locking device includes a length of cord coupled to the retaining device and a cord lock gripper on the length of cord.
19. The video display mounting system of claim 16, wherein the locking device includes a solid extending member coupled to the retaining device and a key lock.
20. A video display mounting system, comprising:
- a mounting frame for attachment to a substantially vertical mounting surface;
- a holding means in the mounting frame to accept a mating feature on a device, the holding means having an entry portion, and a capture portion;
- a retaining means that is movable in a range of motion, wherein a first position in the range of motion allows the mating feature access to the capture portion of the holding means, and a second position retains the mating feature in the capture portion of the holding means; and
- a locking means that when actuated fixes movement of the retaining means in relation to an edge of the video display.
21. The video display mounting system of claim 20, wherein the holding means includes a keyhole opening.
22. The video display mounting system of claim 20, wherein the retaining means includes a retaining bar.
23. The video display mounting system of claim 20, wherein the locking means includes a length of cord coupled to the retaining means and a cord lock gripper on the length of cord.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 21, 2004
Publication Date: Dec 22, 2005
Inventors: Harry Sweere (Minneapolis, MN), Robert Fluhrer (Prior Lake, MN), Mustafa Ergun (Shoreview, MN)
Application Number: 10/872,823