Television mount assembly

A television mount assembly suitable for mounting a television to a wall, especially over fireplaces and other obstacles. The mount assembly secures a television (TV) to a wall via two arms and a spring mechanism thereby allowing it to extend away from the wall while at the same time allowing the television to swivel. It includes a mechanism to straighten the television as it is positioned close to the wall. The spring mechanism is calibrated by means of a calibration screw, spring block, and locking screws. A handle enables a user to grasp the mount assembly for changing the position of the television. A temperature gauge on the handle displays ambient temperature proximate to the television to warn users if the temperature is too high for the television to safely operate. A means of setting a maximum extension prevents the television from extending beyond a point set by the user.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This invention was not federally sponsored.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the general field of television accessories, and more specifically toward a television mount assembly suitable for mounting a television to a wall, especially over fireplaces and other obstacles. The mount assembly secures a television (TV) to a wall via two arms and a spring mechanism thereby allowing it to extend away from the wall while at the same time allowing the television to swivel left and right. It includes a mechanism to straighten the television as it is positioned close to the wall. The spring mechanism is calibrated by means of a calibration screw, spring block, and locking screws. A handle enables a user to grasp the mount assembly for quickly and easily changing the position of the television. A temperature gauge on the handle displays ambient temperature proximate to the television to warn users if the temperature is too high for the television to safely operate. A means of setting a maximum extension prevents the television from extending beyond a point set by the user.

Flat panel televisions continue to grow in popularity, especially as prices decrease and sizes increase. Despite a sluggish economy, one source estimated that 7.2 million flat panel televisions were sold in North America during the first quarter of 2009, an increase of twenty-three percent compared to the first quarter of 2008. Many consumers not only enjoy the superior picture quality often provided by flat panel televisions, but also the ability to mount these televisions on a wall. Mounting a flat panel television on a wall eliminates the previously required floor space to house a television.

Securely mounting flat panel televisions to a wall is an important task, since failure to properly mount a television to a wall can result in the television falling and incurring significant damage. Television mounts are generally bolted directly to studs in the walls to provide adequate support for televisions that can weigh 50 pounds or more. The positioning of the television is preferably in a place that provides good visibility throughout the room. Thus, most flat panel televisions are mounted in highly visible areas that provide adequate support.

Unfortunately, many optimal locations for mounting a television are obstructed by permanent fixtures in the home. For example, a fireplace may be situated in the middle of a wall. While this may be an optimal placement for the fireplace, as it is visible and provides heat more evenly throughout the room, it is also an optimal placement for a flat panel television. Placing the television on either side of the fireplace often prevents users on the opposing side from fully viewing the television. Placing the television above the fireplace had also, previous to this invention, been undesirable. Mounting a flat panel television above the fireplace positions the television extremely high up, causing the users to have to look up to view the television. For periods of extending viewing, such as when watching a moving, this can be uncomfortable and, in extreme cases, lead to injury. Further, the heat produced from a fireplace can damage a television and cause temporary or permanent damage. Relatively high temperatures are encountered directly above the fireplace and next to the chimney. Televisions generally have maximum operating temperatures, and when these temperatures are exceeded, the electronic circuitry can degrade causing problems in performance or even complete failure. Therefore, until this invention, placement of an operating flat panel television above a fireplace has been discouraged.

Thus there has existed a long-felt need for a television mount assembly that can safely and securely mount a flat panel television to a wall over objects such as a fireplace while allowing for optimal viewing throughout a room.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The current invention provides just such a solution by having a television mount assembly suitable for mounting a television to a wall, especially over fireplaces and other obstacles. The mount assembly secures a television (TV) to a wall via two arms and a spring mechanism thereby allowing it to extend away from the wall while at the same time allowing the television to swivel left and right. It includes a mechanism to straighten the television as it is positioned close to the wall. The spring mechanism is calibrated by means of a calibration screw, spring block, and locking screws. A handle enables a user to grasp the mount assembly for quickly and easily changing the position of the television. A temperature gauge on the handle displays ambient temperature proximate to the television to warn users if the temperature is too high for the television to safely operate. A means of setting a maximum extension prevents the television from extending beyond a point set by the user.

It is a principal object of the invention to provide a television mount assembly capable of mounting a flat panel television over a fireplace.

It is another object of the invention to provide a television mount assembly that allows a flat panel television to be pulled away from a wall and lowered.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a television mount that reduces the chance of damage from heat or physical contact.

It is a final object of this invention to provide a television mount that is easy to operate.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. The features listed herein and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with the references made to the drawings below. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed upon clearly illustrating the components of the present invention. Moreover, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts through the several views in the drawings.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a television mount assembly according to an embodiment of the current invention in an extended configuration. In such a configuration, the television floats away from the wall and in a lower position than the retracted configuration. The television mount assembly10includes three major portions: a wall mounting portion91, an extending portion90, and a television mounting portion92. The wall mounting portion91, which includes a wall mount11, secures the television mount assembly to a wall or other fixed structure. The television mounting portion92secures a television to the television mount assembly10. The extending portion90secures the television mounting portion92to the wall mounting portion91, wherein the extending portion90allows the television mounting portion92(and thus, the television mounted thereto) to extend away from and retract towards the wall.

The television mounting portion92includes a television bracket50with a right television mount51and a left television mount52removably secured thereto. A bottom television mount56is secured to the right television mount51and the left television mount52. A handle70is slidably attached to the bottom television mount56by means of two vertical extensions74with slits. The handle70is used to extend the television away from and retract the television towards the wall (or other object to which the wall mounting portion is affixed).

The extending portion90connects the television bracket50of the television mounting portion92to the wall mount11of the wall mounting portion91. A wall bracket12, affixed to the wall mount11, provides support for an upper arm30and a lower arm31, where the upper arm30is longer than the lower arm31. Gas springs40are also secured to the wall bracket12by means of a gas spring block (not shown in this figure). The gas springs40act as a spring mechanism and provide a counter balancing force to the weight of the television and television mounting portion92. Without such a counter balancing force, the television mounting portion and television secured thereto would natural fall down and away from the wall mounting portion91and be extremely difficult to lift into a retracted configuration.

FIG. 2is a perspective view of the television mount assembly in a retracted configuration. In such a configuration, the television is adjacent to the wall and in a higher position than the extended configuration. Further, the television mount assembly10causes the television to angle slightly downward, compared to its extend configuration, to allow for easier viewing of the television in the retracted position.

FIG. 3is a side view of the television mount assembly in a retracted configuration. The angle of the television in the retracted position is more clearly shown in this figure. Upper arm30, because of its length, extends out further than lower arm31, thereby creating a slight angle in the television bracket50that is more pronounced in the retracted configuration than the extended configuration. In one embodiment, the television bracket50is angled at ten degrees (10°) in the retracted configuration and three degrees (3°) in the extended configuration. Once placed in the retracted position, the gas springs40provide a force to keep the television mount retracted. Gas springs40apply an expansive force between the wall bracket12and the television bracket side of the upper arm30. As the length of the gas springs decreases, the expansive force increases.

FIG. 4is a side view of the television mount assembly in an extended configuration. Upper arm30rotates about bolt13. In use, the weight of a television provides a downward force, parallel to the wall or other structure that the television mount assembly is affixed to, that is transferred to the television bracket side of the upper arm30. This downward force creates a torque about bolt13. As the television mount assembly goes from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration, the torque about bolt13increases. To balance this increased torque, the gas springs40apply an increased force to upper arm30as the television mount assembly goes from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration.

FIG. 5is a perspective view of the extending portion90of the television mount assembly in a partially extended configuration. In this figure, wall bracket12is only partially drawn to show underlying elements. The wall bracket12is secured to the wall mount (not shown in this figure). The wall bracket12is connected to upper arm30by means of a bolt13. Lower arm31is connected to the wall bracket12by means of a bolt14. At the opposite end of the upper arm30, gas springs40are connected at upper attachment point33. The opposite ends of the gas springs40are secured to a spring block20through a slot23. A calibration screw19is used to adjust the position of the spring block20. By rotating the calibration screw19, the spring block20is moved, at least to some extent, vertically thereby changing the length and angle of the gas springs40thereby providing a means of varying the force applied by the spring mechanism. In this manner, televisions of different weights can be accounted for. Raising the spring block20decreases the angle of the force applied by the gas springs thereby reducing the torque applied to upper arm30about bolt13. This lower force can be used to support lighter televisions. In a like manner, lowering the spring block20can be used to support heavier televisions by increasing the angle of force applied by gas springs40to upper arm30. Once the appropriate position of the spring block20is determined, optional upper locking screw17and lower locking screw18are used to lock the spring block20in place and provide added support thereto as well as to reduce thread slip between the calibration screw19and the spring block20. The calibration screw19is supported between upper support block21and lower support block22. The calibration screw19is allowed to rotate axially between the upper support block21and lower support block22, but is restrained from any vertical movement to provide the proper support for the spring block20. Moving the spring block20vertically, as used herein, is intended to mean that the spring block is moved at least partially in the vertical axis; some amount of horizontal movement may be associated with the vertical movement of the spring block20. Upper support block21and lower support block22are secured to the wall bracket12by means of bolts15and16.

Upper arm30includes two protrusions32on the side closest to the television bracket50(not shown in this figure). These protrusions, explained in more detail below, straighten the television before the television mounting assembly is in fully retracted configuration. The same end of the upper arm30is connected at the upper attachment point33to a rotation block53, preferably by means of a bolt37(shown inFIG. 7) that travels from one gas spring40, through one side of the upper arm30, through the rotation block53, through the other side of the upper arm30, and to the other gas spring40. The rotation block53, in turn, is rotationally secured to the television bracket50(not shown in this figure). This allows the television bracket50, and associated television, to rotate (or swivel) left and right about a vertical or semi-vertical axis as desired by the user. The bottom of the rotation block53is secured to the lower arm30on the side closest to the television bracket50at the lower attachment point34. The preferable means of attachment at lower attachment point34is a bolt35. The opposite end of the lower arm30is secured to the wall bracket12by a bolt14.

FIG. 6is a side view of the television mount assembly in a partially extended configuration. The television bracket50is rotationally secured to the rotation block53. In this figure, the protrusions32of the upper arm30are shown approaching the television bracket50. As the television mount assembly10goes from an extended configuration to a retracted configuration, the protrusions32approach the television bracket50. If the television is rotated left or right, the side closest to the wall mount11will engage the protrusion32of the upper arm30of that same side. This will apply a force to the television bracket50thereby causing the television bracket50to rotate away from the wall mount11and straighten out into a position that is parallel with wall mount11. This prevents the television from striking the wall or other object to which the television mount assembly10is secured. In a preferred embodiment, the protrusions32are wheels that provide for a more gentle engagement of the wall mount11.

The extending portion90of the television mount assembly10includes a means for setting a maximum extension. Without a means to set a maximum extension, users could extend the television to a non-desirable position. To this end, the current invention includes an adjustment collar60, an adjustment screw61, and a locking nut62. The adjustment collar60is secured to the rotation block53. The adjustment screw61rotates through the adjustment collar60and by rotating the adjustment screw61, the relative vertical position of the adjustment screw61to the adjustment collar60is changed. As the television mount assembly goes from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration, the bottom of the adjustment screw61approaches and engages the lower arm31. When the adjustment screw61engages the lower arm31, it prevents further extension of the extending portion90. In this manner, a user can vary and set the maximum extension of the television mount assembly10and thus the lowest vertical position of the television secured thereto. The locking nut62is used to resist the rotation of the adjustment screw61and lock the adjustment screw61in place. The adjustment collar60is attached to the rotation block53by means of bolts36.

FIG. 7is a cutaway side view of the television mount assembly in an extended configuration. This figure shows the adjustment screw61engaging the lower arm31to prevent further extension of the extending portion90. Pivot screws54are also shown, where the pivot screws54secure the television bracket50to the rotation block53. The pivot screws54enable the television bracket50to rotate left and right as desired by the user. The extent of rotation is dependent upon the exact shape and dimensions of the television bracket and rotation block, though it is preferably at least twenty degrees (20°) in either direction. Holding bolt hole26accepts a holding bolt (not shown in this figure). The holding bolt is used prevent the upper arm30from retracting towards the wall mount11or the lower arm31from extending away from the wall mount11.

FIG. 8is an exploded perspective view of the upper arm, rotation block, and television bracket. The upper arm30includes two protrusions32that do not engage the television bracket50when television mount assembly10is in the extended position.

FIG. 9is a cutaway perspective view of the upper arm, rotation block, and television bracket in an extended configuration. The upper arm30is connected to the rotation block53, which in turn is connected to the television bracket50by two pivot screws54.

FIG. 10is a cutaway perspective view of the upper arm, rotation block, and television bracket in a retracted configuration. The upper arm30is connected to the rotation block53, which in turn is connected to the television bracket50by two pivot screws54. In the retracted configuration, the protrusions32of the upper arm30engage the television bracket50forcing it parallel to the wall mount11(not shown in this figure).

FIG. 11is a close-up perspective view of the lower part of the television mounting portion. The handle70is connected to the bottom television mount56via two vertical extensions74. The two vertical extensions74allow the handle70to be secured higher or lower relative to the bottom television mount56to allow for smaller or larger televisions. The handle70includes a thermometer or temperature gauge. The temperature gauge on the handle displays the ambient temperature proximate to the television to warn users if the temperature is too high for the television to safely operate. In one embodiment, there is a radial thermometer71, whereby a dial displays the current ambient temperature near the television to the user. In an alternative embodiment, there is a color changing temperature gauge72. The color changing temperature gauge comprises a temperature sensitive material that changes color depending upon the ambient temperature. This enables viewing of the current temperature from a distance. In yet another alternative, the temperature gauge is a digital thermometer with an LCD display. The handle70also includes two padded portions73. In addition to or as an alternative of a temperature gauge, the padded portions73are made from color-changing temperature-sensitive material. The composition of the material of the padded portions73is such that it changes color at predetermined temperatures. For example, the padded portions may turn from black to red if the temperature is at or above the normal operating range of temperatures of flat panel televisions.

FIG. 12is a perspective view of the television mount assembly in a locked extended configuration. A holding bolt24is secured to the wall bracket12by means of a wing nut25. The holding bolt24prevents the upper arm30from retracting towards the wall. The holding bolt can be secured by other means, such as nuts, locking pins, and spring-loaded flanges.

FIG. 13is a perspective view of the television mount assembly in a locked retracted configuration. In this figure, the holding bolt24is secured to the wall bracket12by means of a wing nut25to prevent the lower arm31from extending away from the wall.

FIG. 14is a side view of the television mount assembly in a partially extended configuration according another embodiment of the current invention. In this embodiment, the wall bracket12has an angled slot23, wherein the gas springs40connect to the spring block20(not shown in this figure) therethrough. The spring block20is adjusted by angled calibration screw19(not shown in this figure). The gas springs40can apply a greater torque on upper arm30about bolt13as the angle between the gas springs40and upper arm30increase. As stated earlier, varying the torque applied to upper arm30allows for televisions of different weights to be properly balanced using the current invention. By angling the calibration screw and slot23, greater variations in torque on upper arm30are achieved thus allowing for a wider variation in television weights supported by the current invention.

The television mount assembly is installed by attaching the wall mount to a wall or other object. In a preferred embodiment, the television mount assembly is secured to the studs of a wall by means of bolts. A television is secured to the right television mount and the left television mount, and the right and left television mounts are then secured to the television bracket, preferably by hanging it on the bracket and then securing it with screws, bolts, or the like. The maximum extension of the television mount assembly is adjusted by rotating the adjustment screw. The force applied by the gas springs is adjusted by rotating the calibration screw to raise or lower the spring block. The gas springs provide a balancing force to the weight of the television and television mount assembly.

To use the television mount assembly, a user pulls down on the handles to pull the television away from the wall and into the extended configuration. The user can also pull and push on the handles to rotate the television left or right once the television mount assembly is in the extended position. Pushing up on the handle will return the television mount assembly into the retracted position. While being retracted, protrusions, preferably wheels, on the upper arm rotate the television such that it is parallel to the wall to which the television mount assembly is affixed. In either configuration, a user may view the current ambient temperature near the television by looking at the temperature gauge on the handle.

Mechanical springs, or other like devices, can be used in place of the gas springs; however, they should provide the appropriate balance force while the television mount assembly is in both the retracted configuration and the extended configuration.

The various elements described herein are preferably made from metal materials; however, plastics and carbon fiber materials are also contemplated. In any event, the materials used for the elements described herein must have the requisite compressive and tensile strengths to support a television extended away from a wall or other like structure.

It should be understood that while the preferred embodiments of the invention are described in some detail herein, the present disclosure is made by way of example only and that variations and changes thereto are possible without departing from the subject matter coming within the scope of the following claims, and a reasonable equivalency thereof, which claims I regard as my invention.