Swing-out mounting apparatus having pliable covers
The present invention involves a swing-out apparatus with pliable covers for mounting a flat video screen having a back with attachment holes to a wall. The present invention has: a wall connector, a first swing-out arm with cover holes near each end of the arm, the first swing out arm connects pivotally to the wall connector at one end; and connects pivotally at the other end to an arm-screen connector having a swivel mount with a center tilt hole of predetermined diameter defining a maximum angle of tilt in any direction, and flanges with screen holes. The swivel mount permits about 360° rotation of the flat video screen, and connects to the back of the flat video screen. The apparatus includes pliable covers that fit snuggly into cover holes collecting and concealing cables inside the length of the swing-out arm, and running between the flat video screen and the wall.
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The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/732,366 filed on 1 Nov. 2005, the complete subject matter of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a swing-out mounting apparatus for adjustable and secure mounting of flat panel display screens, and pliable covers that conceal cable, cords, and wires from view. The invention also provides a safer mount with a more aesthetic appearance after installation of the mounting apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
A flat video screen, such as a plasma video screen, is thin in comparison to the depth of conventional cathode ray video screens. The plasma video screen offers high video resolution, a larger surface area for display, and less weight than older video screen technologies. These features permit a user to mount the flat video screen in a variety of convenient locations in a building. Additionally, because thinness of the screen type is a strong virtue, a user can mount flat video display screens close to the wall or away from the wall.
Plasma video screens are expensive, and any mounting systems for the plasma video screen must be able to securely connect to the plasma video screen. A problem with some secure mounting systems is a loss of range of adjustments for rotating, moving, or adjusting the screen to a user's preferences in different uses of the screen.
Another problem with mounting systems is that cables connecting to the flat screen can hang in disarray after the installation of the mounting apparatus. The hanging cables can be unsightly, and look unprofessional in some settings. In addition, the hanging cables or cords can present a safety hazard, and may tangle up with a movable mounting apparatus. The movement or adjustment of the flat screen can cause the hanging cables or cords to crease and bend over time, and present safety issues.
Accordingly, there is a need for a mounting system that permits users to position a screen in different orientations, and at the same time offers a secure mount that is safe and aesthetically pleasing upon installation.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention satisfies those needs. The invention enables secure mounting of a device such as a flat video screen having a back with attachment holes while permitting a range of adjustments, and concealing cables within the swing-out arms of the invention. The cables, cords, and wires can be routed through the cover holes into one or more swing-out arms of the invention, and are concealed by the pliable covers inserted into the cover holes.
In one embodiment there is a swing-out apparatus for mounting a device having a back with attachment holes to a wall having a wall connector having an interior surface facing toward the wall for connection to the wall, an external surface, a mount connector for attaching said device to the apparatus; first and second swing-out arms having a first and second end, a body between the first and second ends, an aperture proximate each end, said body having a passageway at least partway therethrough connecting said apertures. The first end of the first swing out arm connecting pivotally to the wall connector; the second end of said first swing out arm being pivotally connected to said second arm; the second end of said second swing out arm connected to said mount connector, whereby, cables extending from the wall to the device may be at least partially hidden within said arms by passing into and out of said apertures.
In another embodiment there is disclosed a swivel mount having a bracket, for use in attaching a device to a wall surface having a first central connector plate having a rounded depression portion, a central tilt hole of a predetermined diameter therein and plurality of mounting points extending from the rounded depression portion; a second central connector plate configured to be in abutment with said first plate, and having a rounded depression portion shaped to mate with said rounded depression portion of said first plate, so that said first and second plates are in substantially complete contact with respect to abutting surfaces, a third central connector plate having a rounded depression portion similar to that of said second plate and configured to be in abutment with said first plate on a side opposite said second plate, so that said first plate may be sandwiched between said second and third plates; at said second and third plates being of a friction reducing material capable of sliding with respect said first plate; a central fastener passing through said plates for creating frictional engagement therebetween, so that when said first plate is moved relative to the bracket, it will tend to remain stationary after movement.
Another embodiment of the invention is a wall connector having an interior surface (facing toward the wall) for connection to the wall, an external surface, and a cable orifice, and a first swing-out arm having a first and second end, a body between the first and second ends having a cover hole near each end. The first end of the first swing out arm connects pivotally to the external surface of the wall connector.
This embodiment also includes an arm-screen connector having a rotatable arm end with a screen connector hole, the rotatable arm end connects pivotally to the second end of the first swing out arm; and a swivel mount having a central screen connector with a center tilt hole of predetermined diameter to permit a maximum angle of tilt in any direction, and flanges with screen holes. The swivel mount adjustably connects to the rotatable arm end through the screen connector hole of the rotatable arm end and the center tilt hole permitting about 360° rotation of the flat video screen. One or more screen holes on the flanges align to the attachment holes on the back of the flat video screen permitting connection of the flat screen to the swivel mount.
This embodiment further includes a plurality of pliable covers, each pliable cover having top and bottom surfaces, front and back ends, and side portions. The top surface of the pliable cover has: a slit with an enlarged opening at the back end, the enlarged opening being sized to permit a cable to fit under the enlarged opening; a ridge that extends around the periphery of the top surface, and the ridge extends outward and over a downwardly extending side wall with a plurality of protruding hooks. The downwardly extending wall is located on the bottom surface and runs under the front end and both sides of the pliable cover, the protruding hooks flex to fit snuggly within the cover hole of each end of the first swing-out arm. The pliable cover also has an interior pair of substantially parallel side walls between the downwardly extending side walls forming a channel that surrounds a cable or cables placed through the cover holes into the interior of the first swing-out arm.
There are many more embodiments disclosed. While the above embodiment described an apparatus of the invention having a single swing out arm, other embodiments would include apparatus with two or more arms. The one and two armed embodiments are preferred embodiments. The scope of this patent is defined by the claims and not this brief summary, which is provided to assist the reader in preparing for a complete understanding of this entire document.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
The following discussion describes embodiments of the invention and several variations of these embodiments. This discussion should not be constructed, however, as limiting the invention to these particular embodiments. Practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well.
As used herein, the term “substantially” is used to indicate some variation in, for example, the shape of hole, but the variation still providing the function within the scope and principles of the invention.
With a swing-out mounting apparatus of the present invention, a user can position the flat screen in a variety of different and useful orientations. The mounting apparatus of the invention has a range of flexible adjusting capabilities when attached to the flat video screen. When a flat screen is attached to the swing out apparatus of the invention, the user can pivot the flat screen about 360°, and tilt the flat screen up to a predetermined angle in any direction. The mounting apparatus of the invention further protects and conceals cables from hanging in disarray about the mounting apparatus.
The arms of the mounting apparatus can be folded into a compact position orienting the flat screen close to the wall as shown in
A the other end of the spectrum, an installed mounting apparatus of the invention permits swinging out the flat display screen away from the wall into a fully extended position as shown in
An advantage of the fully extended configuration is that the audience can have a better (or closer) view of the display. When the video screen is no longer in use, the user can easily return the video screen to the compact wall hugging configuration of the invention.
Optionally, the pliable cover can also have a predefined removable section 56 that is made of thinner material in the area corresponding to the channel 54. The predefined removable section 56 in this embodiment runs the length of the slit, and the width of the channel 54. The user can cut out the predefined removable section 56, and enlarge the opening for larger or more cables.
In
The above routing of the cables or cords can be reversed, starting with a cable on the flat screen, and routing through each cover hole of the arms to the wall connector (not shown). When the cables are in position, each of the pliable covers can be pushed (flexed or locked) into the cover holes, and conceal the cables inside the arm. As previously discussed, the channel in the pliable covers acts to hold or keep the cables together when the pliable cover is flexed into place in the cover hole. Also as previously mentioned, an embodiment of the pliable covers having a predefined removable section allows a user to cut open the channel, and create a larger opening to accommodate more or larger cables or cords.
The user also has the flexibility to route a cable or cables through the cable orifices of the wall connector, or for example, in the case of a power cord from the flat video screen, the user can route that power cord through each of the swing-out arms to a power outlet, instead of going through the cable orifices.
The swivel mount 168 further comprises two circular curved elements 190 having a center hole 192; and two curved bearing members 194 having a center hole 196. The circular curved elements 190 and the curved bearing members 194 are curved to fit against the complementary curvature of the interior and exterior rounded depression 180 of the central screen connector 178. It is desirable, but not essential to have both pairs of complementary elements 190, 19r. These curved elements 190,194 preferably have similar curvatures so that they nest together with nearly complete contact on all points of the their surfaces. The inner element 190 (adjacent bolt 198 in
The diameter of the center holes of the circular curved elements and the center holes of the curved bearing members are about the same size permitting a bolt or screw to go though the holes, and the shape of the holes is substantially circular.
The center tilt hole of the central screen connector is typically larger than the center holes of the circular curved elements and the center holes of the curved bearing members. The diameter of the center tilt hole 184 in the central screen connector 178 determines the maximum range (or amount) of tilt in any direction. As the diameter of the center tilt hole increases, the amount of tilt increases for each direction. As shown in
A predefined diameter of center tilt hole in the central screen connector that corresponds to a maximum of about 15° tilt in any direction is a preferred embodiment. This amount of tilt permits a secure connection with a range of tilt in each direction for adjustments.
The components of the swivel mount connect as follows: 1) a curved bearing member 194 fits against the complementary interior surface of the rounded depression 180, and a circular curved element 190 fits on top of the curved bearing member 194; and 2) a curved bearing member 194 fits against the complementary exterior surface of the rounded depression 180, and a circular curved element 190 fits on top of the curved bearing member.
In other words, the rounded depression 180 of the central screen connector 178 is sandwiched by a curved bearing member 194 against its interior and exterior surfaces, and a circular curved element 190 fits outside of each curved bearing member 194 to complete the sandwich. As shown in
The curved bearing members 190, 194, can be made of nylon or other suitable material that acts as a bearing (or friction-reducing surface). The circular curved elements can be made of metal. In the preferred embodiment, metal elements are separated by fiction reducing materials so as to allow bolt 198 to be tightened but still allow movement. It is advantageous that the display or other device attached to mount be tiltable and tunable and yet stay where it is positioned. By providing at least-one friction reduced surface between metal elements which covers virtually all of the potential contact surface between metal elements, the maximum position holding (staying) potential is achieved. In this case, the elements 192 and 196 are approximately equal in size, shape or surface area.
When connecting the arm-screen connector, the bolt 198 should be tightened through the nut, and the connection should remain loose enough to permit 360° rotation of flat video screen, and allow a predetermined angle of tilt the flat video screen in each direction (this connection is also referred to as “adjustably connecting” or “adjustable connects”).
The swivel mount in this manner pivotally connects to the flat video screen (not shown). The swivel mount permits rotation of the flat display screen to about 360°. The embodiments shown in
Another preferred embodiment, although not shown in the drawings, is a swing-out apparatus for mounting a flat video screen to a wall that uses a single swing-out arm. A single swing out arm embodiment functions similarly to the two-armed embodiment. The single swing-out arm apparatus for mounting a flat video screen connects to the rotatable connector of the arm-screen connector, instead of the second swing-out arm as in the two swing-out arm apparatus.
Having thus described the invention, it should be apparent that numerous modifications and adaptations may be resorted to without departing from the scope and fair meaning of the instant invention as set forth herein above and as described herein below by the claims.
Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions described herein.
All features disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstracts, and drawings, and all the steps in any method or process disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means” for performing a specified function or “step” for performing a specified function, should not be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. section 112.
Claims
1. A swing-out apparatus for mounting a device to a wall surface comprising:
- a wall bracket having an interior surface facing toward the wall for connection to the wall, an external surface,
- a mount connector attachable said device;
- first and second swing-out arms having a first and second end, a body between the first and second ends, an aperture proximate each end, said body having a passageway at least partway therethrough connecting said apertures;
- the first end of the first swing out arm connecting pivotally to the wall bracket; the second end of said first swing out arm pivotally connected to said second arm; the second end of said second swing out arm connected to said mount connector;
- whereby cables extending from the wall to the device may be at least partially hidden within said arms by passing into and out of said apertures.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further including removable covers sized to be received within said apertures after the cables have been inserted through at least one arm.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said removable covers include slit for passage of cables therethrough.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said removeable covers are sized to be larger than the aperture and upon insertion therein are maintained therein by compressive force of the resilient material against the apertures.
5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said removeable covers have top and bottom surfaces, front and back ends, and side portions, the top surface having a slit, a ridge extending around the periphery of the top surface, the ridge extending outward and over a downwardly extending side wall with at least one engagement protruding hooks, the at least one protruding hooks flex to fit snuggly within the aperture of each end of the first swing-out arm.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the slit includes an enlarged portion at its back end for receiving, at least in part, the cable.
7. A swivel mount having a bracket, for use in attaching a device to a wall surface comprising:
- a. a first central connector plate having a rounded depression portion, and plurality of mounting points extending from the rounded depression portion;
- b. a second central connector plate configured to be in abutment with said first plate, and having a rounded depression portion shaped to mate with said rounded depression portion of said first plate, so that said first and second plates are in substantially complete contact with respect to abutting surfaces,
- c. a third central connector plate having a rounded depression portion similar to that of said second plate and configured to be in abutment with said first plate on a side opposite said second plate, so that said first plate may be sandwiched between said second and third plates
- d. at said second and third plates being of a friction reducing material capable of sliding with respect said first plate;
- e. a central fastener passing through said plates for creating frictional engagement therebetween, so that when said first plate is moved relative to the bracket, it will tend to remain stationary after movement.
8. The device of claim 7 further including a fourth plate having a like depression, in abutment with said third plate and wherein a plate of friction reducing material is in abutment with a plate of other material.
9. The device of claim 7 wherein each of said plates includes a hole for receiving said fastener.
10. A swing-out apparatus having a bracket, for mounting a device to a wall comprising:
- a wall connector having an interior surface facing toward the wall for connection to an external surface,
- a mount connector to be attached to said device;
- first and second swing-out arms having a first and second end, a body between the first and second ends, an aperture proximate each end, said body having a passageway at least partway therethrough connecting said apertures
- the first end of the first swing out arm connecting pivotally to the wall connector; the second end of said first swing out arm pivotally connected to said second arm; the second end of said second swing out arm connected to said mount connector;
- said mount connector configured to be tiltable and rotatable respect to the mounting wall.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said mount connection includes:
- a. a first central connector plate having a rounded depression portion, a central tilt hole of a predetermined diameter therein and plurality of mounting points extending from the rounded depression portion;
- b. a second central connector plate configured to be in abutment with said first plate, and having a rounded depression portion shaped to mate with said rounded depression portion of said first plate, so that said first and second plates are in substantially complete contact with respect to abutting surfaces,
- c. a third central connector plate having a rounded depression portion similar to that of said second plate and configured to be in abutment with said first plate on a side opposite said second plate, so that said first plate may be sandwiched between said second and third plates
- d. at said second and third plates being of a friction reducing material capable of sliding with respect said first plate;
- e. a central fastener passing through said plates for creating frictional engagement therebetween, so that when said first plate is moved relative to the bracket, it will tend to remain stationary after movement.
12. A swing-out apparatus for mounting a flat video screen having a back with attachment holes to a wall comprising:
- a wall connector having an interior surface facing toward the wall for connection to the wall, an external surface, and a cable orifice;
- a first swing-out arm having a first and second end, a body between the first and second ends, the body having a cover hole near each end, the first end of the first swing out arm connecting pivotally to the external surface of the wall connector;
- a plurality of pliable covers, each pliable cover having top and bottom surfaces, front and back ends, and side portions, the top surface having a slit with an enlarged opening at the back end, the enlarged opening sized for a cable to fit under the enlarged opening, a ridge extending around the periphery of the top surface, the ridge extending outward and over a downwardly extending side wall with a plurality of protruding hooks, the downwardly extending wall is located on the bottom surface, the downwardly extending side wall runs under the front end and both sides of the pliable cover, the protruding hooks flex to fit snuggly within the cover hole of each end of the first swing-out arm, and an interior pair of substantially parallel side walls between the downwardly extending side walls forming a channel surrounding a cable placed into the cover holes of the first swing-out arm;
- an arm-screen connector comprising a rotatable arm end with a screen connector hole, the rotatable arm end connecting pivotally to the second end of the second swing out arm, and a swivel mount having a central screen connector with a center tilt hole of predetermined diameter to permit a maximum angle of tilt in any direction, and flanges with screen holes; and
- the swivel mount adjustably connecting to the rotatable arm end through the screen connector hole and the center tilt hole permitting about 360° rotation of the flat video screen, one or more screen holes on the flanges aligning to the attachment holes on the back of the flat video screen permitting connection of the flat screen to the swivel mount.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 1, 2006
Publication Date: May 3, 2007
Applicant: Premier Mounts (Anaheim, CA)
Inventor: Leonard Dozier (Yorba Linda, CA)
Application Number: 11/591,393
International Classification: E04G 3/00 (20060101);