Swivel mount system for a monitor

A mount system supports a monitor against a supporting surface such as a wall. The mount system allows the monitor to swing open adjacent to one of its edge and extends the monitor away from the wall so that the edge of the monitor does not hit the wall. A motor or a linear actuator may be used to move the monitor through a motorized action.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is directed to a mounting system that is adapted to couple to a back side of a monitor and swing the monitor near one its side.

2. Background of the Invention

Flat panel monitors such as computer monitors, LCD, plasma, slim televisions, and the like (collectively referred to as “monitor(s)”) are becoming popular because they can be mounted onto a wall to save floor space and for their aesthetically pleasing appearance. In many applications, the monitor is placed on a table, mounted to a wall, or even hanging from a ceiling. In these applications, however, in order to reposition the monitor, the viewer needs to walk over to the monitor and physically move the monitor to a new viewing angle.

Motorized swinging mounts are now available that are designed to swing the monitor on its side muck like a door that swings from one of its sides attached to hinges. These motorized swinging mounts are provided with a pivot point that swings opens and closes through motorized action. The motorized swinging mounts are designed so that its pivot points are design to be juxtaposed on the outer edge of the monitor so that the monitor can swing open 90 degrees. Such motorized swinging mounts, however, have a number of limitations. First, with the pivot point on the back side and located on the out side edge of the monitor, much of the motorized swinging arm is exposed so that it is esthetically unpleasing. Second, in many applications, it may be desirable to install the motorized mount or the combination of the monitor and the motorized mount into a recessed wall. Such recessed installation, however, minimizes the gap between monitor and the wall so that the motorized swinging arm is prevented from swinging the monitor to the fully open position or 90 degrees. Accordingly, there is a need for a mount that can swing open a monitor from one of its side without being exposed from the side of the monitor.

INVENTION SUMMARY

This invention is directed to a mount system adapted to support a monitor against a supporting surface such as a wall. The mount system includes a support bracket adapted to couple to a supporting surface. One or more monitor brackets may be provided, each having a proximal end and a distal end. At least two arms may be provided between the support bracket and the monitor brackets. The at least two arms includes a first arm having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the first arm may be pivotably coupled to the support bracket about a first pivot axis, and the distal end of the first arm may be pivotably coupled adjacent to the proximal end of the monitor bracket about a second pivot axis.

The mount system may include a second arm having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the second arm may be pivotably coupled to the support bracket about a third pivot axis, and the distal end of the second arm may be pivotably coupled adjacent to the proximal end of the monitor bracket about a fourth pivot axis. Such pivot axes allows the monitor bracket to move between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the supporting bracket.

The locations of the first, second, third, and fourth pivot axes may be defined in reference to a XZ coordinates. To allow the monitor bracket to swing open and extend away from the supporting bracket, the first, second, third, and fourth pivot axis may be defined as the following. The distance between the first and second pivot axes may be longer than the distance between the third and fourth pivot axes. The third pivot axis may be farther along the X-axis than the first pivot axis. In the retracted position, the second pivot axis may be farther along the X-axis than the first pivot axis; the fourth pivot axis may be farther along the X-axis than the third pivot axis, and the fourth pivot axis may be farther along the X-axis than the second pivot axis.

With the monitor bracket swing opening and extending away from the support bracket, the mount system may be located behind and inside of the edge of the monitor because the side of the monitor does not run into the wall. This allows the mount bracket to be hidden so that it is less noticeable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1shows a perspective view of a mount system10in reference to X, Y, and Z coordinates adapted to swivel a monitor11(shown in dotted lines) about its right side13(when facing the monitor). The mount system includes a chamber12having a rear surface14adapted to couple to a support surface such as a wall. The chamber12may have an adjacent side wall15; and first and second end plates17and19. The chamber12may also support a first post16and a second post18between the first and second end plates17and19such that the two posts may rotate about their respective longitudinal axes or Y-axis. The second post18may be closer to the rear surface14than the first post16; and the first post16may be closer to the adjacent side wall15than the second post18. The mount system10may include a third post20and a fourth post22. The first post16may be coupled to the third post20via arms24and26; and the second post18may be coupled to the fourth post22via arms28and30. The first, second, third, and fourth posts may be substantially parallel with respect to each other.

The third post20may be adapted to receive a first shaft32; and the fourth post22may be adapted to receive a second shaft34such that the first and second shafts32and34may rotate about their respective longitudinal axes or Y-axis. The first shaft32may have a first end36and a second end38, which are coupled to a monitor bracket40. The monitor bracket40may have a U-shape with two parallel portions41and43substantially along the X-axis. The second shaft34may have a first end42and a second end44, which are coupled to the monitor bracket40. A variety of monitor mounting brackets known to one skilled in the art may be used to attach the back side of the monitor11to the two portions41and43of the monitor bracket40.

FIG. 2shows a top view of the mount system10with a portion of the monitor bracket40, and the right portion13of the monitor11. Note that the monitor bracket40may be coupled to the shafts32and34so that the longitudinal axis of the monitor bracket may be substantially along the line defined by the two posts20and22.FIG. 2shows the mount system10in a retracted position relative to the wall50; andFIG. 3shows the mount system in an extended position relative to the wall50. With the monitor bracket coupling the two posts20and22, the distance between the two posts20and22is substantially maintained between the retracted and extended positions.

As one example, the first, second, third, and fourth posts16,18,20, and22may be arranged so that in the retracted position, the first, third, and fourth posts16,20, and22are substantially along the X-axis or substantially parallel with the wall50; and in the extended position, the second, third, and fourth posts18,20, and22are substantially along the Z-axis. As a user pulls on the left side15of the monitor11, the third and fourth posts20and22rotate in the clockwise directions relative to their respective posts16and18such that the right side13of the monitor11moves away from the wall50. This movement allows the mount system10to be attached behind the monitor11so that the mount system11is not exposed in the retracted position.

FIG. 4shows that the mount system10may include a motor60mechanically coupled to the first post16to move the mount system10between the retracted position and the extended position through a motorized action. For instance, the motor60may rotate the first post16about a clockwise direction to extend the mount system and vice versa. Alternatively, the motor60may be mechanically coupled to any one of the other posts such as the second, third or fourth post to move the mount system10between the retracted position and the extended position through a motorized action. Yet another alternative is to mechanically couple the motor to one of the shafts32or34.

FIG. 5shows that the mount system10may include an actuator70to move the mount system10between the retracted position and the extended position through a motorized action. The actuator may be by linear type that has a piston71that extends and retracts relative to the housing73. The actuator70may have a proximal end72and a distal end74. The proximal end72may be pivotably coupled to the chamber12and the distal end74may be pivotably coupled to the third post20. It is within the scope of this invention to use a variety of different type of actuator such as a jack type motorized actuator.

FIG. 5shows the actuator10in a retracted position, which in turn causes the mount system10to be in the retracted position.FIG. 6shows that as the actuator70extends, the third post20extends as well causing the mount system to extend. Alternatively, the distal end74of the actuator70may be pivotably coupled to the fourth post22such that when the actuator70is in an extended position, the mount system is in the retracted position, and vice versa.

FIG. 7shows a mount system100moving from the retracted position to the extending position as indicated by the direction arrows. The mount system100illustrates that the first, second, third, and fourth posts16,18,20, and22may be arranged in a different manner relative to the mount system10. For instance, in the retracted position, the fourth post22may not be aligned with the first and third posts16and20; and conversely, in the extended position, the fourth post22may not be aligned with the first and third posts16and20, in comparison to the mount system10.

FIG. 8shows a perspective view of another mount system100in reference to X, Y, and Z coordinates. The mount system100includes a first support bracket102and a second support bracket104. A third support bracket106may be provided between the first and second support brackets102and104to couple to the two support brackets together. The first and second support brackets102and104may have a C-shape configuration. The first and second support brackets102and104may be adapted to directly or indirectly couple to a supporting surface such as a wall. Each of the support brackets102and104may have a base132between the two side flanges134and136. The dimensions of the two support brackets102and104may be substantially similar to each other.

The mount system100may include a first monitor bracket108and a second monitor bracket110. A third monitor bracket112may be provided between the first and second monitor brackets108and110to couple to the two monitor brackets together. The first and second monitor brackets108and110may have a C-shape configuration. The first and second monitor brackets102and104may be adapted to directly and indirectly couple to the back side of a monitor. Each of the monitor brackets108and110may have a base138between the two side flanges140and142. The dimensions of the two monitor brackets108and110may be substantially similar to each other.

The mount system100may include a first arm114having a proximal end116and a distal end118. The proximal end116may be pivotably coupled to the first support bracket102about a first pivot axis120, which is substantially aligned with the Y-axis. The proximal end116may be sized to fit between the two side walls134and136and rotate about the pivot axis120. The distal end118may be pivotably coupled to the first monitor bracket108about a second pivot axis122, which is substantially aligned with the Y-axis. The distal end118may be sized to fit between the two side walls140and142and rotate about the pivot axis122.

The mount system100may include a second arm124having a proximal end126and a distal end128(shown in dotted line inFIG. 8). The proximal end126may be pivotably coupled to the second support bracket104about a third pivot axis130, which is substantially aligned with the Y-axis. The distal end128may be pivotably coupled to the second monitor bracket104about a fourth pivot axis131, which is substantially aligned with the Y-axis. The first and distal ends126and128of the second arm124may be pivotably coupled to the support bracket104and the second monitor bracket110, respectively, in a similar manner as the first arm114. Accordingly, each of the first and second arms114and124may substantially support the weight of the monitor. As described in more detail below, the two arms114and124with their respective pivot axes separated by a predetermined distance along the Y-axis work together to rotate the monitor between a retracted position and an extended position substantially along the XZ plane.

InFIG. 8, a portion of the monitor brackets108and110have been removed to better show the first and second arms114and124.FIG. 8also shows the mount system100in a retracted position where the first and second monitor brackets108and110may be substantially parallel with the first and second support brackets102and104.

FIG. 9shows one example of the relative positions of the pivot axes120,122,126, and128along the XZ plane, and their respective movements between a retracted position200(represented in solid lines) and an extended position202(represented in dotted lines). The pivot axes120and126of the first and second arms114and124, respectively, may be substantially along the X-axis to minimize the depth (distance along the Z-axis) of the first and second support bracket102and104. In the retracted position, the pivot axes120and122may be substantially along the X-axis as well to minimize the depth of the mount system100. The pivot axis128may be in the positive (+) Z-axis direction and negative (−) X-axis direction relative to the pivot axis122. The distance between the pivot axes122and128in the Z-axis gives the two arms114and124improved leverage, in comparison to the two pivot axes122and128along the X-axis, to resist the weight of the monitor from leaning the monitor forward in the retracted position. The distance between the pivot axes122and128in the X-axis gives the two arms114and124leverage to resist the weight of the monitor from twisting the monitor in a counter-clock wise direction when facing the monitor in the retracted position.

FIG. 9shows that with the two arms114and124separated along the Y-axis, the two arms114and124may cross each other without interference. For instance, in the extended position, the two arms114and124cross each other at a location204in the XZ plane. This allows for greater design flexibility and greater range of movement between the retracted position and the extended position. Moreover, with the two arms114and124separated in along the Y-axis, video and audio cables and the power cord for the monitor may be passed through the space between the two arms114and124so that the cables and power cords do not interfere with the movement of the mount system between the retracted and extended positions. In addition, a linear actuator may be provided in the space between the two arms114and124so that the linear actuator does not interfere with the movement of the two arms. As such, having the two arms114an124separated at a predetermined distance along the Y-axis provides design flexibility and greater range of movement.

FIG. 10shows the mount system100in a retracted position along the XZ coordinates. In the retracted position, the monitor brackets108and110may be substantially parallel with the support brackets102and104, which may be anchored to the wall206. The monitor brackets108and110may have a plurality of elongated openings210adapted to receive a bolt to attach the monitor to the monitor brackets108and110, as discussed in more detail below.

FIG. 11shows the support brackets102and104along the XY coordinates. The proximal end116of the first arm114may be coupled to the two flanges134and136of the first support bracket102and adapted to rotate about the first pivot axis120. The proximal end126of the second arm124may be coupled to the two flanges of the first support bracket104and adapted to rotate about the third pivot axis130. The base132of the first bracket102may have a number of holes208adapted to receive a screw to attach the support bracket102to the wall206.

FIG. 12shows the support brackets102and104along the YZ coordinates. The third support bracket106separates the first and second support brackets102and104by about a distance Y such that the two arms114and124may be separated by about the same distance Y as well.

FIG. 13shows the monitor brackets108and110along the XY coordinates. The distal end118of the first arm114may be coupled to the two flanges140and142of the first monitor bracket108and adapted to rotate about the second pivot axis122. The distal end128of the second arm124may be coupled to the two flanges of the second monitor bracket110and adapted to rotate about the fourth pivot axis132. The third monitor bracket112may couple the first and second monitor brackets108and110together adjacent to the third and fourth pivot axes122and132. In addition, a fourth monitor bracket150may couple the first and second monitor brackets108and110together on the opposite end of the two monitor brackets108and110.

FIG. 14shows an adapter bracket300adapted to couple to the back side302of a monitor304, and couple to the first and second monitor brackets108and110. The weight of the monitor304may have a center of gravity represented as306. The weight of the monitor304may cause the monitor302to lean forward. Moreover, in many situations, support surface such as the wall may not be perfectly upright or vertical. In such situations, there is a need to adjust for the tilt of the monitor so that the monitor304may be mounted in an upright position if it is desired.

The adapter bracket300includes a base308. Extending from the base308may be a first extension310and a second extension312. The first extension310may be curved to have a radius of curvature R1relative to a focal point314; and the second extension312may be curved to have a radius of curvature R2relative to the focal point314. As shown inFIG. 15, to compensate for the monitor tilting down due to its own weight, the monitor may be coupled to the monitor brackets in a tilted upward position by tilting the monitor relative to the focal point314. With the extensions310and312curved relative to the focal point314, the two extensions310and312substantially maintains contact with the flanges of the two monitor brackets108and110, respectively. The adapter bracket300may be securely attached to the monitor brackets108and110by inserting bolts316through the extensions and through the opening210of the two monitor brackets108and110, and tightening each of the bolt with a nut318.

FIG. 16shows another arrangement of the pivot axes120-128along the XZ plane. In this example, the four pivot axes120-128may be substantially along the X-axis in the retracted position to minimize the depth of the mount system100.