Abstract:
A mount for mounting an electronic display on a wall includes a latch whereby the display interface portion of the mount can be selectively engaged and disengaged from the wall interface portion. The latch provides a positive visual and/or audible indication of when the mount is fully engaged. The mount may include a wall interface adapted to be secured to a wall or similar structure, and a display interface adapted to be secured to an electronic display. The wall interface generally includes a plurality of pairs of angled slots, each pair of angled slots having a different angle than the other pairs. The slots are adapted to receive fasteners which secure the wall interface to the wall, as well as enable adjustment of the tilt of the bracket so as to ensure the bracket is level.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/888,920 entitled LATCHING TV MOUNT WITH VISUAL INDICATION CLEAT MOUNT, filed Oct. 9, 2013, said application being hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    The present invention is generally related to mounting systems for attaching a television or monitor to a wall of a structure, and more specifically to safety features for preventing the television or monitor from becoming inadvertently disengaged from the wall. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0003]    Televisions typically comprise a large heavy display centered over a base adapted to keep the display upright. Televisions have traditionally included cathode ray tubes or projection systems that extended rearward from the face of the display, which required large bases to distribute the weight of the display. The large base helped balance the television and prevent the television from tipping over. However, in recent years, flat panel displays with relatively thin profiles have become increasingly popular and have all but replaced traditional televisions. Flat panel displays do not require the rearward extending cathode ray tubes or projection systems of traditional televisions and as a result have a very thin side profile. The thin profile of flat panel display allows a substantially smaller base to be used to support the display. However, the relatively high center of mass of the flat panel display and the small base increase the likelihood of the display tipping forward creating a substantial safety risk. 
         [0004]    Similarly, wide screen televisions have also become increasingly popular and are quickly replacing traditional televisions with standard sized screens. Unlike standard television screens that are squarer in shape, wide screen televisions are more rectangular and can be significantly wider than tall. However, the relatively small base of flat panel displays and the wide shape of the display create a substantial risk of the television tipping over side-to-side in addition to the potential of tipping forward. The increased risk of tipping over either forward or side to side coupled with the heavy weight of the display creates a substantial risk of injury and damage to the display itself. In particular, young children can tip the display over on themselves and become trapped underneath it. 
         [0005]    In part to minimize the risk of tipping, displays are often mounted on a wall or other fixed structure. While this alleviates the tipping risk, a problem with prior art wall mounts for displays, especially lower cost cleat mounts, is that if the display is not fully engaged on the mount, the display can become inadvertently disengaged and fall, thereby causing injury and/or damage to the display. As a result, what is needed in the industry is a mount that inhibits accidental disengagement of the display, and provides an indication to the user as to when the display is properly engaged on the mount. 
         [0006]    Another drawback of existing display mounts is in achieving proper leveling of the mount on a wall surface during installation of the mount so that the electronic display is properly aligned on the wall. A desirable quality for flat panel display mounting devices is the ability to maintain the display in a level condition relative to the floor or ground. A level display is not only desirable from an aesthetic standpoint, but also functionally. Particularly for mounts enabling positional adjustment of the display, undesirable stresses can be placed on the mount and structure to which the mount is attached if the display is out-of-level. Also, the display can be more difficult to positionally adjust if out-of-level due to an uneven weight distribution. 
         [0007]    Mounting devices are typically to attached to a wall or other structure using one or more mechanical fastening members. Where structural elements such as studs are advantageously positioned, lag bolts or screws are often used to fasten the mounting device to the structure. In other cases where a mount is to be fastened to drywall or plaster wall where studs are not available, toggle bolts or drywall anchors may be used. 
         [0008]    A problem that often arises when fastening existing display mounts to a wall is that the mount will shift position slightly when the fastening members are tightened. That is, the mount is initially positioned in a level condition, but as the lag screws, toggles, or anchors are fully tightened, the mount may rotate slightly out-of-level. While the out-of-level condition is often not apparent immediately, it becomes evident once the display is attached to the mount. It is typically very difficult to reposition the mount by loosening and retightening the fastening members, since the mount tends to shift every time the fastening members are tightened. Such a trial-and-error process is often time consuming and may add to the cost of installation. Consequently, what is needed in the industry is a mount that enables faster, easier leveling of a mount and attached display. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0009]    The present invention addresses the need in the industry for a mount that inhibits intentional disengagement of the display, and provides an indication to the user as to when the display is properly engaged on the mount. According to embodiments of the invention, a mount for mounting a television or monitor on a wall includes a latch whereby the display interface portion of the mount can be selectively engaged and disengaged from the wall interface portion. The latch provides a positive visual and/or audible indication of when the mount is fully engaged. 
         [0010]    Embodiments of the present invention also address the need in the industry for a mount that enables faster, easier leveling of a mount and attached display. The mount generally includes a wall interface adapted to be secured to a wall or similar structure, and a display interface adapted to be secured to an electronic display. The wall interface generally includes a plurality of pairs of angled slots, each pair of angled slots having a different angle than the other pairs. The slots are adapted to receive fasteners which secure the wall interface to the wall, as well as enable adjustment of the tilt of the bracket so as to ensure the bracket is level. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, the display mount further includes a mounting plate adapted to be secured directly to a wall or other similar structure. In such an embodiment, the wall interface is secured to the mounting plate by way of a plurality of studs or standoffs or similar fasteners. Such an arrangement allows the spacing of the fasteners for the mounting plate to be easily matched to the spacing of, for example, wall studs to which the mounting plate is secured. 
         [0012]    In an embodiment, a mount for an electronic display includes a wall interface including a planar body portion having an upwardly directed hook portion projecting therefrom, the wall interface being adapted to attach to a wall of a structure, a latch mechanism disposed on the body portion of the wall interface proximate the hook portion, the latch mechanism having a latch portion selectively shiftable between an unlatched position and a latched position, the latch mechanism further comprising a visual indicator for indicating when the latch portion is in the latched position, and a display interface comprising a display flange with a downwardly directed hook portion projecting therefrom. The display flange is adapted to attach to the electronic display. The downwardly directed hook portion of the display interface is selectively engageable with the upwardly directed hook portion of the wall interface to couple the display interface to the wall interface, and the latch portion of the latch mechanism engages with the downwardly directed hook portion of the display interface to inhibit disengagement of the display interface from the wall interface when the latch portion is shifted to the latched position. 
         [0013]    In an embodiment, the latch mechanism further includes a biasing spring arranged to bias the latch portion toward the unlatched position, a swing catch operably coupled to the latch portion and arranged to secure the latch portion in the latched position, and a release button operably coupled to the swing catch for releasing the latch portion from the latched position. The release button can be the visual indicator. In embodiments of the invention, the release button may be disposed in a first position when the latch portion is in the unlatched position, and the release button may be disposed in a second position when the latch portion is in the latched position. Moreover, the latch mechanism may provide an audible indication when the latch portion is shifted to the latched position. 
         [0014]    In a further embodiment, the planar body portion of the wall interface may define at least one pair of slots adapted to receive fasteners to attach the wall interface to the wall. Each of the at least one pair of slots may be disposed at an angle relative to horizontal. 
         [0015]    In further embodiments, the planar body portion of the wall interface may define a plurality of pairs of slots adapted to receive fasteners to attach the wall interface to the wall. Each slot of the at least one pair of slots may be disposed so as to enable the wall interface to rotate relative to the wall with a separate fastener extending through each slot. 
         [0016]    In an embodiment of the invention, an electronic display system includes an electronic display, and a mount for attaching the electronic display to a wall of a structure. The mount can include a wall interface including a planar body portion having an upwardly directed hook portion projecting therefrom, the wall interface being adapted to attach to the wall, a latch mechanism disposed on the body portion of the wall interface proximate the hook portion, the latch mechanism having a latch portion selectively shiftable between an unlatched position and a latched position. 
         [0017]    The latch mechanism may further include a visual indicator for indicating when the latch portion is in the latched position. The mount further includes a display interface having a display flange with a downwardly directed hook portion projecting therefrom, the display flange attached to the electronic display, wherein the downwardly directed hook portion of the display interface is selectively engageable with the upwardly directed hook portion of the wall interface to couple the display interface to the wall interface. The latch portion of the latch mechanism engages with the downwardly directed hook portion of the display interface to inhibit disengagement of the display interface from the wall interface when the latch portion is shifted to the latched position. 
         [0018]    In embodiments of the invention, the latch mechanism may further include a biasing spring arranged to bias the latch portion toward the unlatched position, a swing catch operably coupled to the latch portion and arranged to secure the latch portion in the latched position, and a release button operably coupled to the swing catch for releasing the latch portion from the latched position. The release button may be the visual indicator. The release button may be disposed in a first position when the latch portion is in the unlatched position and a second position when the latch portion is in the latched position. The latch mechanism may provide an audible indication when the latch portion is shifted to the latched position. 
         [0019]    In embodiments, the planar body portion of the wall interface may define at least one pair of slots adapted to receive fasteners to attach the wall interface to the wall. Each one of the at least one pair of slots may be disposed at an angle relative to horizontal. 
         [0020]    In an embodiment of the invention, a mount for an electronic display includes a wall interface including a planar body portion having an upwardly directed hook portion projecting therefrom, wherein the planar body portion of the wall interface defines at least one pair of slots adapted to receive fasteners to attach the wall interface to a wall of a structure, a latch mechanism disposed on the body portion of the wall interface proximate the hook portion, the latch mechanism having a latch portion selectively shiftable between an unlatched position and a latched position, and a display interface comprising a display flange with a downwardly directed hook portion projecting therefrom. The display flange is adapted to attach to the electronic display. The downwardly directed hook portion of the display interface is selectively engageable with the upwardly directed hook portion of the wall interface to couple the display interface to the wall interface, and the latch portion of the latch mechanism engages with the downwardly directed hook portion of the display interface to inhibit disengagement of the display interface from the wall interface when the latch portion is shifted to the latched position. Each one of the at least one pair of slots may be disposed at an angle relative to horizontal. 
         [0021]    In an embodiment, the planar body portion of the wall interface defines a plurality of pairs of slots adapted to receive fasteners to attach the wall interface to the wall. Each slot of the at least one pair of slots may be disposed so as to enable the wall interface to rotate relative to the wall with a separate fastener extending through each slot. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0022]    The invention can be completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  is a front isometric, exploded view of a mount according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 1A  is a front isometric view of the mount of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the mount of  FIG. 1 , with an attached electronic display and mounted on a wall; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view of the mount of  FIG. 1 , taken at section  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a fragmentary front isometric view of the latch portion of the mount of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a rear isometric view of the latch portion of the mount of  FIG. 1  with the wall interface and display interface omitted for purposes of clarity; 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the wall interface and latch of the mount of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is a front isometric view of the wall interface of the mount of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is a rear isometric view of the body portion of the latch of the mount of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of the swing latch portion of the latch mechanism of the cleat mount of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  is a rear isometric view of the display interface portion of the mount of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  is a front elevation view of the wall interface of the mount of  FIG. 1 , depicting aspects of the leveling feature of embodiments of the invention; and 
           [0035]      FIG. 11 a    is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a mount according to the invention. 
       
    
    
       [0036]    While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0037]    In  FIGS. 1-11  there is depicted an embodiment of a mount according to an embodiment of the invention. Mount  10  generally includes wall interface  12 , display interface  14 , and latch  16 . 
         [0038]    Wall interface  12  generally includes body portion  18  having wall flange portion  20 , and upwardly directed hook portion  22 . Wall flange portion  20  defines paired slots  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c , for receiving fasteners to attach wall interface  12  to a wall  26  of a structure as depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 11 , and further defines spring-receiving projections  27  as depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIG. 11 , it will be appreciated that paired slots  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c  are angled, with the slots on the right side of wall interface  12  as depicted being mirror images of the slots on the left side. Slots  24   a  are positioned at a slightly greater angle α relative to the horizontal than slots  24   b , and slots  24   b  are positioned at a slightly greater angle β relative to the horizontal than slots  24   c , which are positioned at angle γ. Each slot pair  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c  can intersect the arc of a circle A having radius R, with the center of circle A generally defining a center of rotation P about which the wall interface may rotate when being positioned. Moreover, the orientation of the pairs of slots is such that a line L 1  can be drawn through the uppermost portion of the slots on one side of wall interface  12  through the lowermost portion of the slots on the other side of wall interface  12 . It will be appreciated that the configuration of slots  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c , is such that wall interface  12  can be rotated to be made level, even with the use of three or more fasteners. In an exemplary embodiment, angle α can be about 25°, angle β about 20°, and angle γ about 14°, with the overall length dimension of wall interface  12  being about 490 mm, and slot spacings S 1 , S 2 , S 3 , being about 250, 350, and 450 mm, respectively. 
         [0040]    Although the Figures depict three pairs of slots  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c , other arrangements and numbers of slot pairs are within the scope of the invention and may be varied as necessary, for example additional pairs of slots may be added to accommodate larger, heavier displays and more flexibility in locating fasteners to attach wall interface  12  to a wall, while fewer slots may be satisfactory for smaller, lighter displays. The spacing of at least one of the slot pairs may be selected so as to conform to common spacing of wall studs, for example twelve-inch, sixteen inch, or twenty-four inch spacing as may be used in various circumstances. Moreover, although slots  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c , are depicted as straight, it will be appreciated that other slot shapes can be employed in some embodiments, including an arcuate shape. 
         [0041]    Display interface  14  generally includes body portion  28  having display flange portion  30  and downwardly directed hook portion  32 . Hook portion  32  may include rolled edges  34  and central cutout  36 . Display flange portion  30  defines apertures  38  for receiving fasteners to attach display interface  14  to a television or monitor  40 . 
         [0042]    Latch  16  may be generally similar to a common automotive seat belt latch mechanism and generally includes body portion  42  which is slidably disposed on back plane  44 . Compression biasing springs  46  fit within spring cavities  47  of body portion  42 , and bear against spring-receiving projections  27  on wall interface  12 . Springs  46  generally bias body portion  42  in a upward direction relative to back plane  44 . Swing catch  70  is pivotally coupled to back plane  44  with pin  72  through apertures  73 , and compression spring  74  biases swing catch  70  outwardly from back plane  44 . Latch button  48  is slidable relative to back plane  44 , with projections  76  guided in vertical slots  78 . Body portion  42  defines projection  82  on its rear side, and beveled surfaces  84  are provided on the bottom side of projection  82 . Swing catch  70  defines recess  84  and rounded surfaces  86  at its top edge. 
         [0043]    Latch  16  is attached to wall interface  12  as depicted in  FIG. 1 . Latch button  48  provides a means of unlatching the mechanism, and also can provide a visual indication of the latched or unlatched status of the mechanism as will be described in more detail hereinbelow. Level  50  can be provided in cavity  80  in the front of body portion  42  to assist a user in ensuring that wall interface  12  is properly leveled on wall  26  when the mount  10  is installed. 
         [0044]    In use, wall interface  12  is attached to a wall  26  with fasteners through selected one of slots  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c , and wall interface is leveled using level  50 , and the fasteners tightened to secure wall interface  12  to the wall. Whenever additional leveling adjustments are necessary, one or more fasteners holding wall interface  12  to the wall may be loosened, enabling the fasteners to slide in slots  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c , and wall interface  12  to rotate generally about point P until leveled. Display interface  14  is attached to television or monitor  40  with fasteners through apertures  38 . Standoff legs  52  can be attached to television or monitor  40  near the bottom edge of the device. Display interface  14  is engaged with wall interface  12  by hooking downwardly directed hook portion  32  of display interface  14  over upwardly directed hook portion  22  of wall interface  12 . With display interface in position, body portion  42  of latch  16  can be slid downward, so as to engage latch portions  90  behind hook portion  32  of display interface  14 . Swing catch  70  is urged outward by the bias of spring  74  so that projection  82  engages in recess  84 , thereby locking body portion  42  so as to inhibit display interface  14  from being disengaged from wall interface  12 . 
         [0045]    Those of skill in the art will appreciate that display interface  14  and the attached display  40  can be slid from side-to-side in this position, due to the clearance provided by central cutout  36 , limited only by rolled edges  34 . When latched, latch button  48  pops-up above the top surface of body portion  42 , so as to provide a visual indication that the latch is fully engaged. It will be appreciated that latch button  48  can be made to have a contrasting color from body portion  42 , so as to provide a further visual indication, easily distinguishable from a distance. Moreover, it will also be appreciated that in other embodiments, further visual distinguishing cues can be provided according to embodiments of the invention, such as LED lights to indicate the latched or unlatched status of the mechanism, with the addition of switches and appropriate power supply. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the action of the latch mechanism can provide an audible indication to a user that the mechanism has properly engaged in the form of a mechanical “click.” It will also be appreciated that, similar to the embodiment incorporating visual indication by electronic means, such as using LED&#39;s or other indicator lights, the audible indication could also be provided using appropriate switches and an audible annunciator, that might provide a “beep,” tone, or other similar sound to indicate proper engagement. Moreover, any of the visual indications could be provided along with any of the audible indications or vice versa if desired. 
         [0046]    When it is desired to release display interface  14  from wall interface  12  so as to remove display  40  from wall  26 , a user can press downwardly on latch button  48 . This will cause sloped surfaces  96  on latch button  48  to slide on rounded surfaces  86 , thereby pivoting swing catch  70  rearwardly against the bias of spring  74 . Once projection  82  clears recess  84 , body portion  42  is released so as to slide upward due to the bias of springs  46 , thereby releasing display interface  14  from wall interface  12 , and enabling the display  40  to be lifted off and removed from the wall. 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIG. 11 a   , in an alternative embodiment, a separate mounting plate  100  is provided as part of display mount  10 . Plate  100  is secured to the wall or other structure with lag bolts  101 , and wall interface  12  is then secured to plate  100  by way of PEM studs  102  or threaded fasteners (not depicted). Wall interface  12  can then be leveled by rotating as described above, while plate  100  remains stationary. 
         [0048]    Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose could be substituted for the specific examples shown. This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of the present subject matter. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be defined by the attached claims and their legal equivalents, as well as the following illustrative embodiments.