Abstract:
A mounting system for coupling an electronic display device to a fixed structure includes a support structure mountable to the fixed structure and a rotating assembly. When the fixed structure is a suspended ceiling, the support structure may replace a suspended ceiling tile, fit into a suspended ceiling tile, or may be affixed to the ceiling structure above the suspended ceiling tile. The rotating assembly may include a first turntable, a second turntable, and a structure for receiving a mounting column. The first turntable rotates with respect to the support structure about a rotational axis, and the second turntable is rotatable with respect to the first turntable about a second rotational axis. The first rotational axis and the second rotational axis may or may not be offset from each other. The mounting column is positioned on the second turntable.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/798,085 filed May 5, 2006, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to mounting devices, and more specifically to ceiling mounts for projectors and other electrical devices. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Multi-media presentations performed with video projection equipment have become very common for business and entertainment purposes. Often, the video projection equipment is a portable LCD projector that is placed on a table, cart, or stand in the room, with the image projected on a portion of the wall or a portable screen. Such impromptu arrangements, however, have a number of drawbacks. First, a considerable amount of time is often needed to position, aim, and focus the projector in advance of the presentation—time that is expended repeatedly whenever a different projector is set up. Further, it is often difficult to position a portable projector where it is not in the way of persons moving about in the room, or in the line of sight for those viewing the presentation. Moreover, the wires and cables used to connect the projector with the computer are in the open at ground level, presenting a tripping hazard and an opportunity for damage to the projector if someone comes in contact with the wires and cables. 
     In view of these many drawbacks of portable projectors, mounting devices have been developed to enable mounting of a projection device from the ceiling of a presentation room. Such devices have generally been successful in alleviating some of the problems associated with a projector at ground level having exposed wires. 
     A challenge associated with ceiling mounts, however, is in how to attach the mount to the ceiling. Suspended ceilings, consisting of a framework suspended from a floor or roof assembly and holding a multiplicity of tiles, is a very common finished ceiling arrangement in commercial construction. The ceiling tiles themselves are typically made from fibrous material and do not have sufficient structural strength to support the dead load of a heavy projector or other device coupled with a mount. Further, it is required in many regions that the mount and interface withstand seismic loads of a specified magnitude. Standard ceiling tiles are unable to meet these seismic load requirements while supporting a device and associated mount. 
     For these reasons, mounts are often attached directly to the deck or structural frame of the roof or floor assembly above. A drawback of direct attachment, however, is that device location within the room is then limited to locations where structure, such as a bar joist or beam exists to attach the mount. Alternatively, the mount may be permanently attached to the deck. In either case, however, subsequent relocation of the device within the room can be difficult and expensive. 
     As an alternative to direct attachment, interfaces have been developed to enable attachment of a mount to the suspended ceiling framework. These existing devices typically include a plate that spans adjacent members of the framework. The plate defines a series of apertures that receive fasteners to attach a mount to the plate. The plate is typically concealed above a ceiling tile for aesthetic reasons. A drawback of such devices, however, is that location of the mount on the plate is limited by the finite locations of the apertures. Moreover, the concealing ceiling tile must be cut to fit during installation, requiring skill and increasing the time for installation. Further, such devices typically have no provision for routing the electrical wires and cables associated with the device to be mounted, thus requiring a separate interface to be provided for these. 
     Another difficulty faced with existing ceiling projector mount solutions is that of aiming and focusing the projector. Customers purchasing high-end built-in video projection systems may expect that the system will produce a projected image that precisely fits the screen and that has very sharp focus. It may be necessary to adjust the position of the projector laterally as well as fore and aft multiple times in order to determine an optimal position. With existing mount systems, however, repositioning the projector multiple times can be laborious, time consuming and costly. 
     What is needed in the industry is a mount interface for a suspended ceiling that reduces the time and skill needed for installation, and enables simple relocation and positioning of the device within the room and relative to the projection screen 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The instant invention addresses the need of the industry for a mount interface for a suspended ceiling that reduces the time and skill needed for installation, and enables simple relocation and positioning of the device within the room and relative to the projection screen. According to an embodiment of the invention, a suspended ceiling mount interface generally includes an outer frame, an outer turntable rotatably received within an aperture defined in the outer frame, an inner turntable rotatably received within an aperture in the outer turntable, and a column interface flange on the inner turntable and adapted to receive a pipe column operably coupled with the device to be mounted. The outer frame may be dimensioned the same as a standard ceiling tile so as to be receivable directly in the suspended ceiling framework. Alternatively, the outer frame may be dimensioned smaller than a standard ceiling tile, and may be affixed to surrounding tiles or affixed to the suspended ceiling framework. Further, the outer frame may be affixed above the suspended ceiling as compared to being directly receivable in the suspended ceiling. Once in position, the outer and inner turntables may be rotated so as to position the pipe column at any location within a circle defined by rotation of the outer turntable. Knockouts for accessing electrical boxes may be provided on either the inner or outer turntable to enable a simple and aesthetically appealing solution for routing electrical wires to the device to be mounted. Alternatively, the knockouts may be provided in the outer frame. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, a suspended ceiling mount interface generally includes an outer frame, an outer turntable rotatably received within an aperture defined in the outer frame, an inner turntable rotatably received within an aperture in the outer turntable, and a column interface flange on the inner turntable and adapted to receive a pipe column operably coupled with the device to be mounted. The outer frame may be dimensioned the same as a standard ceiling tile or may be greater or smaller in size. A suspended ceiling mount interface may be positioned above a ceiling tile and secured to the suspended ceiling framework or other structure located above the suspended ceiling. Once in position, the outer and inner turntables may be rotated so as to position the column interface flange, which is adapted to accept the pipe column, at any location within a circle defined by rotation of the outer turntable. Once the column interface flange is positioned where desired, the ceiling tile positioned below the suspended ceiling mount interface may be pierced, forming a cut-out that can accept a pipe column. Knockouts for accessing electrical boxes may be provided on either the inner or outer turntable, or in the outer frame, to enable a solution for managing electrical wires to the device to be mounted. 
     In an embodiment of the invention, a mounting system for coupling an electronic display device to a fixed structure, such as a ceiling, includes a support structure mountable to the fixed structure and a rotating assembly. When the fixed structure is a suspended ceiling, the support structure may replace a suspended ceiling tile, fit into a suspended ceiling tile, or may be affixed to the ceiling structure above the suspended ceiling tile. The rotating assembly is operably coupled to the support structure. The rotating assembly may include a first turntable, a second turntable, and a structure for receiving a mounting column. The first turntable rotates with respect to the support structure about a rotational axis, and the second turntable is rotatable with respect to the first turntable about a second rotational axis. The first rotational axis and the second rotational axis may or may not be offset from each other. The mounting column is positioned on the second turntable. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, a ceiling mount for a display device comprises a support structure that is mountable in a ceiling grid of a suspended ceiling. A mounting column interface is coupled to the support structure. The support structure may include an outer frame and a face plate. The ceiling mount interface may include a first means for rotating the mounting column interface with respect to the support structure about a first rotational axis. The ceiling mount interface may also include a second means for rotating the mounting column interface with respect to the first rotating means and support structure about a second rotational axis. The first rotational axis and the second rotational axis may or may not be offset from each other. Further, the mounting column interface may include a column interface flange which is rotatable with respect to the second rotating means, the first rotating means, and the support structure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of a mount interface for suspended ceiling according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the mount interface for suspended ceiling of  FIG. 1  in place in a suspended ceiling framework; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom plan view of a mount interface for suspended ceiling according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective view of a mount interface for suspended ceiling according to an embodiment of the invention with a pipe column received in the column interface flange; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a mount interface for suspended ceiling according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a fragmentary perspective view of the region of  FIG. 1  denoted with a broken-line circle and annotated  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a fragmentary perspective view of the region of  FIG. 1  denoted with a broken-line circle and annotated  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the outer turntable portion of the mount interface for suspended ceiling depicted in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a top plan view of the inner turntable portion of the mount interface for suspended ceiling depicted in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a fragmentary side elevation view of the outer frame of a mount interface for suspended ceiling according to an embodiment of the invention depicting the edge wall and clamp confronting a member of a suspended ceiling framework; 
         FIG. 11  is cross section of the mount interface for suspended ceiling depicted in  FIG. 1  taken at section  11 - 11 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a fragmentary view of the cross section of region of  FIG. 11  denoted by broken-line and annotated  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a bearing button according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the outer frame portion of the mount interface for suspended ceiling depicted in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a fragmentary perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention depicting the column interface flange; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a mount interface for suspended ceiling according to an embodiment of the invention in a suspended ceiling framework; and 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of a mount interface for suspended ceiling according to an embodiment of the invention installed above the tile in a suspended ceiling. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     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. 
     Suspended ceiling mount interface  20  generally includes outer frame  22 , outer turntable  24 , inner turntable  26 , and column interface flange  28 . Outer frame  22  has face portion  30  defining aperture  32  for receiving outer turntable  24 . Wall  34  extends upwardly at perimeter  36 . Clamps  38  are spaced apart along wall  34 . As depicted in  FIG. 10 , each clamp  38  is generally U-shaped and includes inner portion  40  which attaches to wall  34 , and outer portion  42  which defines an aperture  44  for receiving threaded fastener  46 . 
     Outer frame  22  may be dimensioned so as to be receivable in the framework  48  of a suspended ceiling assembly  50  as depicted in  FIG. 2 . Preferably, the side dimensions annotated in  FIG. 5  as X and Y may be selected so as to match one or more dimensions of a standard ceiling tile  52 . It will of course be appreciated that the X and Y dimensions may also be any size enabling outer frame  22  to be received within the framework  48  of the suspended ceiling assembly  50 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 10 , when outer frame  22  is received in framework  48 , clamps  38  fit over upwardly extending web  54  of the framework members  56 . When in this position, threaded fasteners  46  may be tightened to clamp outer frame  22  in position. 
     Outer turntable  24  defines aperture  58  for receiving inner turntable  26 . Flange  60  extends around perimeter  62 , so that when outer turntable  24  is received in aperture  32 , flange  60  overlaps upper surface  64  of outer frame  22 , and lower surface  66  of outer turntable  24  is generally co-planar with lower surface  68  of outer frame  22 . Retainers  70  are attached to upper surface  64  with fasteners  72  at intervals surrounding aperture  32 . Each retainer  70  has raised portion  74  extending over upper surface  76  of outer turntable  24  to hold it in place in aperture  32 . Bearing buttons  78  have head portion  80  and shank portion  82 . Flange  60  defines apertures  84 , each for receiving the shank portion  82  of a bearing button  78  so that head portion  80  bears against upper surface  64  of outer frame  22 . Bearing buttons  78  may be made from a relatively low friction polymer material, such as for example, HDPE (high density polyethylene) or TEFLON®, so as to enable outer turntable  24  to be rotatably positionable within aperture  32 . 
     Inner turntable  26  defines aperture  85  for receiving column interface flange  28 . Flange  86  extends around perimeter  88 , so that when inner turntable  26  is received in aperture  58 , flange  86  overlaps upper surface  76  of outer turntable  24 , and lower surface  90  of inner turntable  26  is generally co-planar with lower surface  66  of outer turntable  24 . Again, retainers  70  are attached to upper surface  76  with fasteners  72  at intervals surrounding aperture  58 . Each retainer  70  has raised portion  74  extending over upper surface  92  of inner turntable  26  to hold it in place in aperture  58 . Flange  86  defines apertures  94 , each for receiving the shank portion  82  of a bearing button  78  so that head portion  80  bears against upper surface  76  of outer turntable  24 . Again, bearing buttons  78  may be made from a relatively low friction polymer material so as to enable inner turntable  26  to be rotatably positionable within aperture  58 . 
     Knockouts  96  may be defined in inner turntable  26  for receiving electrical boxes (not depicted) on upper surface  92  with the interior of the electrical box facing downward and accessible through the aperture formed by removing the knockout. Column interface flange  28  generally includes plate portion  98  and upwardly extending collar  100 . Plate portion  98  defines apertures  102  for receiving fasteners  104 , which extend through apertures  106  defined in inner turntable  26  surrounding aperture  85 . Column interface flange  28  is received on upper surface  92  with collar  100  aligned with aperture  85 . Wingnuts  108  or other similar securing device thread onto fasteners  104  to secure column interface flange  28  in place. The inner surface  110  of collar  100  may be threaded to receive the threaded end  112  of a pipe column  114 , which is in turn coupled to a projector or other device to be hung from the ceiling. 
     In use, with outer frame  22  in position in framework  48 , outer turntable  24  and inner turntable  26  may be independently rotated to position column interface flange  28  as desired at virtually any position within the circle C depicted in  FIG. 5 . The device to be mounted may then be attached to column interface flange  28  via pipe column  114 . Power and signal wires for the mounted device may be routed through electrical boxes accessible through knockouts  96 . Additionally, outer turntable  24  and inner turntable  26  may be independently rotated with the device attached for fine positioning adjustment. Still further pipe column  114  may be rotated about its longitudinal axis relative to column interface flange  28  or the projector may be rotated relative to the longitudinal axis of pipe column  114  for yaw adjustment of projector positioning. 
       FIG. 15  depicts a portion of an alternative embodiment of the mount interface  20  of the invention wherein the column interface flange  28  is rotatably mounted over aperture  85 . Retainers  70  are attached to upper surface  92  with fasteners  72  at intervals surrounding aperture  84 . Each retainer  70  has raised portion  74  extending over upper surface  116  of column interface flange  28  to hold it in place over aperture  85 . Plate portion  98  defines apertures  102 , each for receiving the shank portion  82  of a bearing button  78  so that head portion  80  bears against upper surface  92  of inner turntable  26 . Again, bearing buttons  78  may be made from a relatively low friction polymer material so as to enable column interface flange  28  to be rotatably positionable around aperture  84 . 
     In another embodiment depicted in  FIG. 16 , the outer frame  22  is dimensioned smaller in one direction than the framework  48  of a suspended ceiling assembly  50 , such that the outer frame  22  may be received within the framework  48  of the suspended ceiling assembly  50 , spanning between parallel frame members  150  but not spanning the entire distance between intersecting parallel frame members  152 . For instance, framework  48  may be a standard 2 foot by 4 foot grid, while outer frame  22  is 2 foot by 2 foot. Panels  154 ,  156 , may be cut to fit so as to fill in between outer frame  22  and members  152  as needed. 
     Outer frame  22  is affixed to the framework  48  by way of attachment to members  150  or may be affixed to other support structure located above suspended ceiling assembly  50 . For example, when outer frame  22  is received in aperture  53  defined by members  150 ,  152 , clamps  38  can be used to affix outer frame  22  to extending web  54  of members  150 , where the web  54  is adjacent wall  34  of frame  22 . Alternatively, mounting cables  120  can be used to affix outer frame  22  in position as previously described. Outer frame  22  includes wall  34  which extends upwardly at perimeter  36  of outer frame  22 . Further, wall  34  defines apertures  21  for receiving mounting cables  120 . The choice of which apertures  21  to use may depend upon the particular configuration and location of framework members  56  or support structure above suspended ceiling assembly  50 . Mounting cable  120  is threaded through selected aperture  21  and end of mounting cable  120  is clamped onto itself, forming a loop that extends through aperture  21 . Mounting cable  120  may be threaded through more than one aperture prior to forming a loop by clamping end of mounting cable  120  onto itself. The free end of mounting cable  120  may be used to attach the suspended ceiling mount interface to framework members  56  or to other structure located above the suspended ceiling assembly  50 . Framework members  56  define apertures  57 , and mounting cable  120  may be looped through at least one aperture  57  prior to being clamped to itself. Alternatively, free end of mounting cable  120  may be similarly attached to other structure above suspended ceiling assembly  50 . 
     In another embodiment, the suspended ceiling mount interface  20  is not set into ceiling tile  52  and does not replace ceiling tile  52 , but instead is positioned above suspended ceiling assembly  50  with lower surface  68  of outer frame  22 , lower surface  66  of outer turntable  24 , and lower surface  90  of inner turntable  26  confronting upper surface  158  of ceiling tile  52 . As previously described, outer frame  22  may be affixed to the framework  48  by way of the framework members  56  or may be affixed to other support structure located above suspended ceiling assembly  50 . 
     Once suspended ceiling mount  20  has been affixed in place, ceiling tile  52  may be cut so as to enable collar  100  of column interface flange  28  to project therethough and receive pipe column  114 . The free end of pipe column  114  is coupled to a projector or other device to be hung from the ceiling. Alternatively, clamps  38  may be used to affix outer frame  22  to extending web  54  of framework members  56  where the web  54  extends sufficiently upward to provide attachment web  54  surface adjacent outer frame wall  34 , when the outer frame is positioned above suspended ceiling assembly  50 . 
     It will be appreciated that numerous variations of the ceiling mount disclosed above are possible within the scope of the invention. For instance, although two turntables are included in the embodiments depicted in the figures, other embodiments may have any number of turntables from one to three or more. In addition, although the turntables may be rotatably mounted in apertures as in the embodiments depicted in the figures, it will also be appreciated that one or more of the turntables may be rotatably mounted on the structure with which the turntable is coupled via an axle or other rotatable coupler. 
     The mount interface of the present invention may be made from any material having suitable strength and durability properties. For instance, the turntables and frame may be made from metal, such as steel or aluminum, polymer, or wood. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the essential attributes thereof; therefore, the illustrated embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to define the scope of the invention.