Patent ID: 7380760
Filing Date: 2008-06-03
Classification: F16M,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An adjustable flat panel electronic display system adapted for mounting on a non-horizontal fixed structure, the system comprising: a support structure adapted to attach to the fixed structure; a flat panel electronic display device; a device interface portion for receiving the flat panel electronic display device thereon, the device interface portion including a frusto-spherical portion having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a flange portion extending radially outwardly from the frusto-spherical portion, the flange portion having structure defining at least one aperture for receiving a fastener to couple the device interface portion with the flat panel electronic display device, the frusto-spherical portion having structure defining an aperture and presenting an aperture periphery; a guide structure operably coupling the device interface portion and the support structure, the guide structure including a first bearing portion frictionally engaging and guiding the outer surface of the frusto-spherical portion and a retaining portion frictionally engaging and guiding the inner surface of the frusto-spherical portion so as to retain the device interface portion in engagement with the first bearing portion, the first bearing portion and the retaining portion together exerting a clamping force on the frusto-spherical portion, the retaining portion selectively adjustably shiftable relative to the first bearing portion to vary the amount of clamping force exerted on the frusto-spherical portion by the first bearing portion and the retaining portion; and a friction adjustment mechanism including a rotatable friction adjustment knob presenting a periphery and having a plurality of finger-grippable indentations arranged around the periphery, the friction adjustment knob threadedly engaged with the retaining portion to selectively shift the retaining portion when the friction adjustment knob is rotated, whereby the amount of friction resisting movement of the frusto-spherical portion relative to the first bearing portion and the retaining portion is selectively adjustable with the friction adjustment knob.