Abstract:
A flat panel display mounting apparatus that enables quick and easy mounting and dismounting of the flat panel display. The system includes a first bracket having a periphery defining a plurality of spaced apart notches and a second bracket selectively removably receivable on the first bracket that includes a plurality of fastening buttons, each fastening button defining a slot. The fastening buttons are spaced apart and positioned correspondingly with the notches of the first bracket so that the slot of each fastening button receives the periphery of the first bracket at a separate one of the notches when the second bracket is received on the first bracket.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/486,503, filed Jul. 11, 2003, entitled “DISPLAY MOUNTING DEVICE”, and hereby fully incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The invention relates generally to video display-mounting devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to mounts for flat panel displays.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Flat panel electronic displays, such as LCD and plasma monitors, are now widely used in commercial settings to display information due to their higher resolution and compact size relative to conventional CRT displays. In commercial locations where large numbers of people may need to view the display and where space may be at a premium, it is generally desirable to mount the display overhead. Accordingly, devices of many different configurations exist for mounting a flat panel electronic display to a fixed structure, such as a wall, ceiling, column, beam or the like.  
         [0004]     In public facilities, such as conference and conventions centers, where many displays may be in use simultaneously for different purposes, it is often desirable to move displays around in order to accommodate temporary needs. Prior art mounting devices, however, have not been entirely suitable for such applications requiring frequent moving of the display. For example, many prior art devices consist of brackets and arms that are rigidly fastened to the display with threaded fasteners. While such devices offer the desirable quality of rigid support for the display, removal of the threaded fasteners to move the display is tedious, time consuming and sometimes awkward due to the need to support the display as the fasteners are removed.  
         [0005]     Other prior art mounting devices have included detachable portions for mounting and dismounting the display. In one such prior art device depicted in  FIG. 1 , the mount  14  includes two portions, a plate  16  attached to the fixed structure and a plurality of fastening buttons  17  attached to the flat panel display  18 . The plate has “keyhole” slots  19  corresponding to the fastening buttons  17 . The fastening buttons  17  are inserted through the larger end of the keyhole slot  19  and slid downwardly into the narrower end to secure the flat panel display to the fixed structure. While this type of mount offers improved ease of mounting and dismounting over devices using only threaded fasteners, it requires that the fastening button be inserted into a relatively small aperture. This may be a difficult task for an individual where the display is heavy, bulky, or is being handled overhead from a ladder or manlift. Further, when the display is lifted upward during dismounting, the fastening button may snag on the top or sides of the keyhole slot, inhibiting removal of the display.  
         [0006]     Safety is another important concern for display mounting devices used in public settings. Particularly in recent years, as buildings themselves have been designed to better withstand seismic events, a need has been recognized for equipment and fixtures in buildings to remain securely fastened and intact during such occurrences in order to avoid injury to building occupants. In response, standards for overhead display mounting performance have been developed, such as the GR-63 CORE standard. Protection of fragile and expensive displays from impact damage is a related secondary concern.  
         [0007]     Moreover, flat panel displays remain relatively expensive devices. As such, particularly where they are accessible to large numbers of people, security against theft of the display is needed.  
         [0008]     What is still needed in the industry is a mounting apparatus for a flat panel display that enables quick and easy movement of the display device between mounting locations, while also providing seismic and impact resistant rigid mounting of the display and theft deterrence.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     The mounting apparatus of the present invention substantially meets the aforementioned needs of the industry. The present invention includes a flat panel display mounting apparatus that enables quick and easy mounting and dismounting of the flat panel display. As a result, the flat panel display is readily repositionable to alternative locations. The mounting apparatus of the present invention is self aligning and easily engaged, locked, and disengaged. Further, the mounting apparatus of the present invention provides firm structural mounting of the display to reduce the risk of injury to persons and damage to the display during seismic events, severe weather, or other such occurrences. Further, the invention may include a securing and locking mechanism to reduce the likelihood of theft of the flat panel display.  
         [0010]     Accordingly, an embodiment of the invention may include a mounting system for detachably coupling a pair of bodies including a flat panel display device and a fixed structure, wherein a first bracket having a periphery defining a plurality of spaced apart notches is adapted to be operably coupled to one of the bodies, and a second bracket is selectively removably receivable on the first bracket and is adapted to be operably coupled to the other body. The second bracket includes a plurality of fastening buttons, each fastening button has a base portion, a head portion, and a throat portion therebetween defining a slot, the fastening buttons spaced apart and positioned correspondingly with the notches of the first bracket so that the slot of each fastening button receives the periphery of the first bracket at a separate one of the notches when the second bracket is received on the first bracket. Further, the system may include operable means for selectively retaining the second bracket in engagement with the first bracket, such as a latch arm. The latch arm may be pivotable and may include means, such as a longitudinal slide, for locking the latch arm in a latched position.  
         [0011]     The fastening buttons may be arranged on the second bracket in a symmetrical, regularly spaced pattern to enable mounting of the display in landscape or portrait orientations or may be non-symmetrically positions. Further, the fastening buttons may be arranged in a symmetrical polygonal or circular pattern to enable the display to be mounted in any of a variety of positions.  
         [0012]     The second bracket may be a display interface bracket that is attached to the flat panel display or may be a portion of the display. If configured as a separate component, a plurality of apertures may be provided in the bracket corresponding to fastener receiving locations on the flat panel display to enable the bracket to be attached with fasteners. These apertures may be positioned accordingly to industry standard locations such as VESA standards.  
         [0013]     The brackets and latch arm of the device of the present invention may be made from substantial material such as 13 gauge steel, and the fastening buttons made of similarly substantial material so that the device passes seismic testing such as GR-63 CORE. As a result, the display is suitable for use in seismic Zone 4 areas.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prior art flat panel display mounting device with a flat panel display depicted in broken lines;  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a flat panel display mounting system according to the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a flat panel display mounting system with a flat panel display attached;  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the flat panel display mounting system depicted in  FIG. 2A  with the mount bracket and the device interface bracket positioned for engagement;  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the flat panel display mounting system depicted in  FIG. 2A  with the mount bracket and the device interface bracket engaged and latched together;  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is a front elevation view of the mount bracket of the embodiment of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 5A  is a front elevation view of the mount bracket of the embodiment of  FIG. 2A ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the device interface bracket of the mounting device of  FIGS. 2 and 2 A;  
         [0022]      FIG. 6A  is a front elevation view of an alterative embodiment of the mounting device of the present invention wherein the fastening buttons are arranged in a regular, symmetrical hexagonal pattern;  
         [0023]      FIG. 6B  is a front elevation view of an alterative embodiment of the mounting device of the present invention wherein the fastening buttons are arranged in a regular generally circular pattern;  
         [0024]      FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of a fastening button;  
         [0025]      FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a fastening button;  
         [0026]      FIG. 7C  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a fastening button;  
         [0027]      FIG. 7D  is a side elevation of the fastening button of  FIG. 7A ;  
         [0028]      FIG. 7E  is a side elevation of the fastening button of  FIG. 7B ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 7F  is a top plan view of the button of  FIG. 7A ;  
         [0030]      FIG. 7G  is a side elevation of another alternative embodiment of a fastening button; and  
         [0031]      FIG. 7H  is a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of a fastening button;  
         [0032]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged rear elevation view of an embodiment of the latch arm of the device of the present invention with a slide portion in the unlatched position;  
         [0033]      FIG. 9  an enlarged rear elevation view of an embodiment of the latch arm of the device of the present invention with a slide portion in the latched position;  
         [0034]      FIG. 9A  is an enlarged side elevation view of an embodiment of the latch arm of the device of the present invention;  
         [0035]      FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view of a flat panel display device with the mount of  FIG. 2  attached thereto; and  
         [0036]      FIG. 11  is a rear perspective view of a flat panel display device with the mount of  FIG. 2A  attached thereto. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0037]     The present invention relates to a mounting system for attaching an electronic display to a fixed structure, and particularly a system adapted for and/or intended to be used with a flat panel electronic display. A flat panel display includes a plasma display, a liquid crystal display, or any present or future kind of display that is similarly relatively flat or having a relatively minimal depth dimension. A fixed structure includes any portion of a building, such as a wall, ceiling, beam, or column, or other similar permanent or temporary structure, portable support structures such as trade show booths, and any other object or structure, such as a pole, to which a display device may be attached.  
         [0038]     A first embodiment of a flat panel display mounting device  20  is depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 10 . Mounting device  20  generally includes mount bracket  22  and device interface bracket  24 . According to the invention, a flat panel display device  26  may be fastened to device interface bracket  24 , while mount bracket  22  is fastened to a fixed structure (not depicted) such as the wall of a building.  
         [0039]     Mount bracket  22  generally includes plate  28  and latch arm  30 . Plate  28  has a substantially planar center portion  32  with a pair of flanges  34  projecting outwardly and upwardly at upper end  36  and lower end  38 . Each flange  34  has one or more apertures  40  for receiving fasteners (not depicted) to fasten mount bracket  22  to a wall surface or other fixed structure. Center portion  32  is generally square as depicted in  FIG. 5 , with cutouts  42  on opposing sides  44 ,  46 . Notches  48  are defined in periphery  50  of center portion  32  and are open on at least one side to receive fastening buttons  52  of device interface bracket  24  as described in more detail below.  
         [0040]     Latch arm  30  generally includes flat elongate body portion  54  having a perpendicularly oriented flange  56  along longitudinal margin  58  above c-shaped cutout  60 . Latch arm  30  is pivotally coupled with plate  28  at pivot  62  and is selectively pivotally movable as depicted in  FIG. 5 . Latch arm  30  may be positioned in an unlatched position, depicted in  FIG. 5  with solid lines, and a latched position wherein c-shaped cutout  60  is aligned with notch  48  to define a generally circular aperture. When in the latched position, latch arm  30  engages a fastening button  52  in notch  48  as depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 9 A and as further described below.  
         [0041]     Although latch arm  30  is depicted as a pivotally attached, it will be appreciated that other configurations are possible for a latch to retain device interface bracket  24  on mount bracket  22 , and that such alternative configurations are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. Such alternative configurations may include slide latch mechanisms, clips, clamps, or any other device or mechanism suitable for the purpose.  
         [0042]     Device interface bracket  24 , such as depicted in  FIG. 6 , generally includes plate  64  and fastening buttons  52  secured with threaded fasteners  68 . Apertures  70  are defined in plate  64  to receive fasteners (not depicted) to fasten plate  64  to a flat panel display  26 . Apertures  70  are sized and located to correspond with fastener locations on the flat panel display. The elongated shape of apertures  70  enables selective positional adjustment of flat panel display  26  relative to device interface bracket  24 . Preferably, apertures  70  are located to correspond with industry standard fastener locations, such as may be specified by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) Flat Panel Monitor Physical Mounting Interface (FPMPMI) standard for example.  
         [0043]     As depicted in  FIGS. 7A-7H , fastening buttons  52  have a generally columnar structure with a base portion  72 , a throat portion  74  and a head portion  76 . Upper surface  78  of base portion  72  and lower surface  80  of head portion  76  define a slot  82  therebetween at throat portion  74 . Slot  82  has a width dimension, annotated W 2  in the drawings, selected so as to be slightly greater than the thickness of periphery  50  of plate  28  at notches  48 . In addition, throat portion  74  has a cross-sectional dimension, annotated W 3  in the drawings, slightly smaller than the width of notch  48 , so that throat portion  74  is receivable therein. When throat portion  74  of fastening button  52  is thus received in notch  48 , upper surface  78  of base portion  72  confronts front surface  83  and lower surface  80  confronts back surface  85 , with the periphery  50  of plate  28  captured between upper surface  78  and lower surface  80 .  
         [0044]     Head portion  76  is disposed at distal end  84  of fastening button  52 . Head portion  76  has a generally flat, disc like shape. A beveled portion  86  may be provided at the top edge  88  of perimeter  90  of head portion  76 . As an alternative, top edge  88  may also be generally rounded off or left square with no rounding or beveling as depicted in  FIGS. 7G and 7H  respectively.  
         [0045]     Also, as an alternative to the round head shape depicted in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , it is contemplated that other head shapes for fastening button  52  may be used within the scope of the invention. In one example, a square shape such as depicted in  FIG. 7C  may be used. Other examples may include other polygonal shapes such as a triangle, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, and the like. Further, other projections such as hooks may be substituted for fastening buttons  52  within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0046]     Base portion  72  is disposed at proximal end  92  and has a shank portion  94 . Shank portion  94  preferably has a beveled region  96 . Shank portion  94  may also have a projecting portion  98  on bottom surface  100  for engaging a suitable recess  102  in a display. The overall length of base portion  72 , annotated L 1  in the drawings, may be selected to provide any amount of spacing for display interface bracket  24  from display  26  that is needed or desired.  
         [0047]     The dimensions and material used for fastening button  52  may be optimized using standard engineering design methods, so as to have appropriate stress resistance and fatigue properties. Further, fastening button  52  may be formed from material that is substantially electrically non-conductive or insulating as disclosed in co-pending U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 10/821,395 commonly owned by the owners of the present invention, said application being hereby fully incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0048]     Fastening buttons  52  are preferably attached to display interface bracket  24 , with proximal end  94  abutting bracket  24 , and with distal end  84  extending outwardly therefrom. Fastening button  52  may be attached to bracket  24  by any suitable method such as with fastener  68 , which may be a bolt, screw, or rivet, extending through bore  104 , as well as with glue or other adhesive, a heat process, or friction fitting projecting portion  98  into recess  102 , which may also be a slot or aperture. It is also contemplated that fastening button  52  may be integrally formed with display interface bracket  24  or with flat panel display  26 .  
         [0049]     As depicted in the  FIG. 6 , fastening buttons  52  are positioned in a generally symmetrical pattern about both axes A-A and B-B. Further, button spacings, denoted S 1  in the drawing are equal so that each fastening button  52  is spaced an equal distance from each adjacent fastening button  52 . This symmetrical, equidistant arrangement of fastening buttons  52  enables device interface bracket  24  and the flat panel display  26  to which it is attached to be engaged with mount bracket  24  in any of four orientations positioned 90 degrees apart. Thus, for example, a rectangular flat panel display  26  such as depicted in  FIGS. 10 and 11  may be mounted in a so-called “landscape” orientation as depicted, or in one of two “portrait” orientations rotated 90 degrees left or right from the depicted orientation. Further, flat panel display  26  may even be mounted 180 degrees from the depicted orientation in an inverted “landscape” position.  
         [0050]     As will be readily appreciated, fastening buttons  52  may be positioned in any other symmetrical or non-symmetrical pattern if desired. For example, a non-symmetrical pattern, such as a rectangular pattern, may be used if only one mounting orientation is needed. If further mounting orientations for flat panel display  26  are desired, symmetrical polygonal orientations, such as the hexagonal orientation depicted in  FIG. 6A  or the generally circular orientation of  FIG. 6B  may be used with an appropriate mount bracket  22  configuration. The hexagonal configuration of  FIG. 6A  provides six mounting positions for flat panel display  26  spaced 60 degrees apart, and the circular orientation of  FIG. 6B  with eight fastening buttons  52  enables eight different mounting positions spaced 45 degrees apart.  
         [0051]     In operation, flat panel display  26  is mounted to a fixed structure with mounting device  20  by first attaching mount bracket  22  to the fixed structure so that mount bracket  22  is oriented generally vertically with upper end  36  facing upward. Display interface bracket  24  is attached to the back side  106  of the flat panel display  26  with fastening buttons  52  facing outward. Latch arm  30  is pivoted to the unlatched position to enable engagement of the display interface bracket  24  with the mount bracket  22 . The display interface bracket  24  with flat panel display  26  attached is then positioned above mount bracket  22  with the fastening buttons  52  generally vertically aligned with the open side of notches  48 . Flat panel display is then lowered into position so that at each notch  48 , the periphery  50  of plate  28  engages in slot  82  of one of fastening buttons  52 . Once in position, throat portion  74  of each fastening button  52  rests on bearing surface  108  of each notch  48 . Latch arm  30  may be pivoted to the latched position so that c-shaped cutout  60  is engaged around head portion  76  of fastening button  52  as depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 9 A. Dismounting of the display may be easily accomplished by reversing these steps.  
         [0052]     In some embodiments, latch arm  30  may include a longitudinal slide  110  as depicted best in  FIGS. 8, 9 , and  9 A, for holding latch arm  30  in the latched position. Slide  110  generally includes u-shaped member  112 , which is longitudinally slidably disposed on the inwardly facing side  114  of elongate body portion  54  of latch arm  30 . Guide slot  116  is defined in bottom surface  118  of u-shaped member  112 . Fastener  120  extends through guide slot  116  and secures u-shaped member  112  to body portion  54 . Similarly, guide recess  122  is defined in side  124  of u-shaped member  112 . Fastener  126 , which is threaded into perpendicularly oriented flange  56  of body portion  54  acts as a second guide for longitudinal sliding movement of u-shaped member  112  on body portion  54 . Leading edge  128  of u-shaped member  112  is curved to conform generally with the cylindrical shape of throat portion  74  of fastening buttons  52 , and has a thickness dimension enabling it to fit into slot  82  of the fastening button. Further, leading edge  128  is generally co-planar with periphery  50  of plate  28  so that when notches  48  are engaged in slots  82  of fastening buttons  52 , leading edge  128  is aligned with, and may be slid into slot  82 .  
         [0053]     As depicted in  FIGS. 8 and 9 A, slide  110  may be positioned distally in an unlatched position on latch arm  30  so that leading edge  128  is clear of fastening button  52 , enabling latch arm  30  to be pivoted. To inhibit pivoting of latch arm  30  and “lock” it in the latched position, u-shaped member  112  is slid longitudinally on body portion  54  of latch arm  30 , as depicted in  FIG. 9 , so that leading edge  128  is engaged in slot  82  of fastening button  52 . In this position, leading edge  112  and notch  48  form a substantially closed aperture as depicted in  FIG. 9 , around throat portion  74  of fastening button  52 , thereby preventing latch arm  30  from pivoting until slide  110  is moved once again to the unlatched position. Further, aperture  130  may be provided in side  124  of u-shaped member  112  along with a corresponding aperture  132  in perpendicularly oriented flange  56  of body portion  54 . Apertures  130 ,  132 , may be disposed so as to align for the purpose of receiving a padlock (not depicted) when slide  110  is positioned in the latched position.  
         [0054]     A further embodiment of a flat panel display mounting device  20  is depicted in FIGS.  2 A,  3 - 4 ,  5 A, and  11 . In this embodiment device interface bracket  24  includes a pair of perpendicular wall portions  134  in cutouts  42  on opposing sides  44 ,  46 . Another pair of perpendicular wall portions  136  is positioned on opposing sides  44 ,  46  at lower end  38  of plate  28 . U-shaped pivot bracket  138  has a generally planar portion  140  with a pair of generally perpendicular sides  142  projecting inwardly toward device interface bracket  24  and confronting perpendicular wall portions  134 ,  136 . Fasteners  144  extend through an aperture (not depicted) in perpendicular wall portions  136  and into u-shaped pivot bracket  138  so that bracket  138  is pivotally movable about fasteners  144  relative to device interface bracket  24 . Perpendicular wall portions  134  have a curved guide slot  146 . Fasteners  148  extend through guide slot  146  and into u-shaped pivot bracket  138 . These fasteners  148  serve to guide and limit the pivoting motion of u-shaped pivot bracket  138 . As depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a plurality of apertures  150  may be provided in planar portion  140  for receiving fasteners to attach mount bracket  22  to a fixed structure.  
         [0055]     In operation, flat panel display  26  is mounted to a fixed structure with mounting device  20  by attaching u-shaped pivot bracket  138  to the fixed structure. Once again, mount bracket  22  is oriented generally vertically with upper end  36  facing upward. Display interface bracket  24  is attached to the back side  106  of the flat panel display  26  with fastening buttons  52  facing outward as depicted in  FIG. 2A . Latch arm  30  is pivoted to the unlatched position to enable engagement of the display interface bracket  24  with the mount bracket  22 . The display interface bracket  24  with flat panel display  26  attached is then positioned above mount bracket  22  with the fastening buttons  52  generally vertically aligned with the open side of notches  48 . Flat panel display is then lowered into position so that at each notch  48 , the periphery  50  of plate  28  engages in slot  82  of one of fastening buttons  52 . Once in position, throat portion  74  of each fastening button  52  rests on bearing surface  108  of each notch  48 . Latch arm  30  may be pivoted to the latched position so that c-shaped cutout  60  is engaged around head portion  76  of fastening button  52  as depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 11 . In this embodiment, the pitch of flat panel display  26  may be altered by grasping the top edge of the display and pushing or pulling, causing mount bracket  22  to pivot about fasteners  144 . Other embodiments may provide a series of detents or holes in place of curved guide slot  146  to provide security from undesired pivoting. Once again, the flat panel display  26  is easily dismounted by reversing these steps.  
         [0056]     The mounting device  20  of the present invention enables the flat panel display  26  to be quickly and easily moved from one location to another while maintaining theft deterrence through use of the latch arm  30  and a padlock or other locking device. Mount brackets  22  may be secured to the fixed structure at any locations where the flat panel display may be positioned. Merely by moving latch arm  30  to the unlatched position and lifting upward so as to lift fastening buttons  52  off the bearing surfaces  108  of notches  48 , the display can be dismounted and moved to another location. Once in the new location, the fastening buttons  52  may be merely positioned over the notches  48  of the mount plate  22  in the new location and lowered to engage them.  
         [0057]     The secure engagement of notches  48  in the slots  82  of the fastening buttons  52  with latch arm  30  ensuring engagement of device interface bracket  24  with mount bracket  22 , along with the structural integrity of each component of the device  20 , prevents disengagement of the display during seismic activity and accidental physical contact, thereby minimizing injury to persons and damage to the flat panel display  26 . With 13 gauge steel mount bracket  22 , device interface bracket  24 , and fastening buttons  52  of the appropriate strength, the device  10  may comply with appropriate safety standards such as the GR-63 CORE standard for seismic Zone 4 earthquake areas.  
         [0058]     Further alternative embodiments of the present invention are contemplated. For example, in one alternative embodiment of the invention, fastening buttons  52  may be attached directly to the back side  106  of the flat panel display  26  thereby eliminating the need for device interface bracket  24 . In this alternative embodiment, the fastening buttons  52  affixed directly to flat panel display  26  are engaged and disengaged with mount bracket  22  in the same manner as described hereinabove.  
         [0059]     In another alternative embodiment of the invention, mount bracket  22  may be attached to the flat panel display device  26  and device interface bracket  24  may be attached to the fixed structure. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, mount bracket  22  should be inverted so that the previously described upper end  36  of mount bracket  22  faces downwardly and bearing surfaces  108  bear on the upwardly facing side of fastening buttons  52 .  
         [0060]     It should be understood that the described and disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention and that all modifications are intended to be included that do not depart from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.