Articulating swivel mounting mechanism
An articulating swivel mounting mechanism for connecting a display to a stationary structure is disclosed. The articulating swivel mounting mechanism includes a first articulating apparatus, and a second articulating apparatus. Each of the first and second articulating apparatuses includes a first rigid structure, and a second rigid structure coupled to the first rigid structure using a hinge. The first and second articulating apparatuses are adapted to articulate independently of each other, and the first and second articulating apparatuses are capable of coupling the stationary structure to the display.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONVarious flat panel television mounting mechanisms are known. However, these flat panel mounting mechanisms hold a flat panel television in a fixed position. The fixed position usually results in the flat panel display being oriented generally parallel to a flat surface of a stationary structure such as a wall. The functionality of conventional flat panel television mounting systems is limited, since a user cannot alter the viewing angle of the flat panel television. As flat panel televisions and other types of displays become more ubiquitous, it would desirable to provide for a mounting mechanism that provides the user with the option of easily adjusting the position of the flat panel television, so that the user can view the flat panel television from different desired angles.
Embodiments of the invention address these and other problems, individually and collectively.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONEmbodiments of the invention are directed to articulating swivel mounting mechanisms, systems, and methods of use.
One embodiment of the invention is directed to an articulating swivel mounting mechanism for connecting a display to a stationary structure, the articulating swivel mounting mechanism comprising: a first articulating apparatus; and a second articulating apparatus, wherein each of the first and second articulating apparatuses includes a first rigid structure, and a second rigid structure coupled to the first rigid structure using a hinge, wherein the first and second articulating apparatuses are adapted to articulate independently of each other, and wherein the first and second articulating apparatuses are capable of coupling the stationary structure to the display.
Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a system comprising: a stationary structure; and an articulating swivel mounting mechanism comprising a first articulating apparatus, and a second articulating apparatus, wherein each of the first and second articulating apparatuses includes a first rigid structure, and a second rigid structure coupled to the first rigid structure using a hinge, wherein the first and second articulating apparatuses are adapted to articulate independently of each other, and wherein the first and second articulating apparatuses are capable of coupling the stationary structure to the display.
Methods for using the above-described mechanism and system are also disclosed.
These and other embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) show perspective views of some components of the first articulating apparatus.
One embodiment of the invention is directed to an articulating swivel mounting mechanism for connecting a display to a stationary structure. The articulating swivel mounting mechanism comprises a first articulating apparatus, and a second articulating apparatus. Each of the first and second articulating apparatuses includes a first rigid structure, and a second rigid structure coupled to the first rigid structure using a hinge. The first and second articulating apparatuses are adapted to articulate independently of each other, and the first and second articulating apparatuses are capable of coupling the stationary structure to the display.
In embodiments of the invention, the stationary structure may be a wall, a column attached to a table, or any other structure that is not to be moved. The stationary structure may include a flat surface.
The display may be a flat panel television, a computer monitor, an LCD (liquid crystal display), or any other suitable display. The display is preferably flat or substantially two-dimensional.
First rigid structures 20, 20′ and second rigid structures 30, 30′ are between the stationary structure mounting devices 10, 10′ and the support members 40, 40′. The respective first rigid structures 20, 20′ and second rigid structures 30, 30′ are coupled together via a hinge. The first articulating apparatus 8 and the second articulating apparatus 8′ can move and swivel independently of each other. Preferably, most or all of the parts shown in
The first articulating apparatus 8 and the second articulating apparatus 8′ are attached to one or more crossbars 45, 46 which can support mounting brackets 50, 50′. As shown in
As shown in
The first and second articulating apparatuses 8, 8′ can also be positioned so that any display that is coupled to them forms an angle with a surface of a stationary structure to which the first and second articulating apparatuses 8, 8′ are attached. For example, as shown in
Embodiments of the invention have a number of advantages. As shown in
FIGS. 6(a) and 6(d) show some components of the first articulating apparatus 8. Similar components may be in the second articulating apparatus 8′.
The above description is illustrative and is not restrictive. Many variations of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the disclosure. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the pending claims along with their full scope or equivalents.
A recitation of “a”, “an” or “the” is intended to mean “one or more” unless specifically indicated to the contrary.
All patents, patent applications, publications, and descriptions mentioned above are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. None is admitted to be prior art.
Claims
1. An articulating swivel mounting mechanism for connecting a display to a stationary structure, the articulating swivel mounting mechanism comprising:
- a first articulating apparatus; and
- a second articulating apparatus,
- wherein each of the first and second articulating apparatuses includes a first rigid structure, and a second rigid structure coupled to the first rigid structure using a hinge,
- wherein the first and second articulating apparatuses are adapted to articulate independently of each other, and
- wherein the first and second articulating apparatuses are capable of coupling the stationary structure to the display.
2. The articulating swivel mounting mechanism of claim 1 wherein the display is a flat panel television, and wherein the stationary structure is a wall or a part of a table structure.
3. The articulating swivel mounting mechanism of claim 1 wherein each of the first and second articulating apparatuses includes a stationary structure mounting device and a support member.
4. The articulating swivel mounting mechanism of claim 1 wherein the display is a flat display and wherein the stationary structure has a flat surface, and wherein the mounting mechanism is capable of allowing a user to position the flat display parallel and away from the stationary structure, parallel and close to the stationary structure, and at two opposing angles with respect to the flat surface.
5. The articulating swivel mounting mechanism of claim 1 wherein the first and second articulating apparatuses each further includes a swivel angle control device which can control the degree of swivel.
6. A method for using the articulating swivel mounting mechanism of claim 1, the method comprising;
- attaching the first and second articulating apparatuses to the first and second articulating apparatuses to the display; and
- adjusting the position of the display using the first and second articulating apparatuses.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein the display is a flat panel television.
8. The method of claim 6 wherein the display is a flat display and wherein the stationary structure has a flat surface, and wherein the mounting mechanism is capable of allowing a user to position the flat display parallel and away from the stationary structure, parallel and close to the stationary structure, and at two opposing angles with respect to the flat surface.
9. A system comprising:
- a stationary structure; and
- an articulating swivel mounting mechanism comprising a first articulating apparatus, and a second articulating apparatus, wherein each of the first and second articulating apparatuses includes a first rigid structure, and a second rigid structure coupled to the first rigid structure using a hinge, wherein the first and second articulating apparatuses are adapted to articulate independently of each other, and wherein the first and second articulating apparatuses are capable of coupling the stationary structure to the display.
10. The system of claim 9 further comprising a table wherein the stationary structure is attached to the table.
11. The system of claim 10 further comprising the display.
12. The system of claim 10 wherein each of the first and second articulating apparatuses include a stationary structure mounting device and a support member.
13. The system of claim 9 wherein the display is a flat panel display and wherein the stationary structure has a flat surface, and wherein the mounting mechanism is capable of allowing a user to position the flat display parallel and away from the stationary structure, parallel and close to the stationary structure, and at two opposing angles with respect to the flat surface.
14. The system of claim 9 wherein the stationary structure is a wall.
15. The system of claim 9 wherein the stationary structure is attached to a table, the table including a plurality of shelves.
16. The system of claim 15 wherein the display is a flat panel television.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 24, 2006
Publication Date: Oct 25, 2007
Applicant: Z-Line Designs (San Ramon, CA)
Inventors: James Saxton (Danville, CA), Ren-Ju Tzeng (Changhua County)
Application Number: 11/410,518
International Classification: A47F 5/00 (20060101);