Abstract:
The present invention provides a bracket for supporting a flat screen television. In one embodiment, the bracket includes an adjustable arm that is pivotally mounted to a surface. A locking mechanism prevents the pivotal joint from moving until a user selectively unlocks the pivotal joint. The TV can be mounted on the bracket by a single user by way of a removable, latching mounting member. The mounting member is mounted to the TV prior to mounting, but can easily latch to the bracket later without the need to both hold the TV and fasten it to the bracket.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    Thin profile media displays such as televisions or computer monitors utilizing LCD or plasma technologies for example, are becoming increasingly common as prices fall for manufacturing this technology. Due to the thin nature of these screens, mounting brackets have become a particularly desirable method of fixing these media screens to the walls and other structures within the home. 
         [0002]    Examples of such mounting brackets include U.S. Application Number 2005/0087661, 2004/0045224, 2003/0080268 and 2002/0079415; the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0003]    While these brackets are ideal for home use, they are less than desirable for use in RV&#39;s, trailers, boats, airplanes and other vehicles. 
       OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    It is an object of the invention to provide a mounting bracket for a thin profile media display better suited for use within a vehicle. 
         [0005]    It is an object of the invention to provide a mounting bracket for thin profile media displays that can be moved to a non-viewing storage position. 
         [0006]    It is an object of the invention to provide a mounting bracket for thin profile media displays that can be locked in various positions. 
         [0007]    In one preferred embodiment according to the present invention, a thin screen display bracket for a cabinet is provided. The bracket preferably mounts to a side wall of a cabinet or cubical and supports the display by an adjustable arm. The bracket includes a joint with a selectively releasable locking mechanism, allowing the user to secure the display in place and selectively swing the display outward. 
         [0008]    In another preferred embodiment according to the present invention, a thin screen display bracket is provided. The bracket allows a display to be moved from a position flat against a wall to a position about 45 degrees with the wall. In this respect, the bracket can be mounted near a wall (e.g., forming a corner) or other object, thereby allowing the user to move the display to a desired viewing location. Additionally, the bracket includes a locking mechanism to lock the display into a plurality of different viewing and storage positions. 
         [0009]    In yet another preferred embodiment according to the present invention, a motorized thin screen display bracket is provided which allows the user to raise and lower the display. The bracket includes an actuator that moves a mounting portion vertically while two reinforcement posts provide additional support for the display. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a display bracket within a cabinet according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the bracket of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  illustrates a top view of the bracket of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of the bracket of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  illustrates an end view of the bracket of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a display bracket according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded perspective view of the display of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  illustrates a front view of a display bracket according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of the display bracket of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of the display bracket of  FIG. 8  in an elevated position; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  illustrates a front view of the display bracket of  FIG. 8  in an elevated position; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  illustrates an end view of the display bracket of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  illustrates a front perspective view of the display bracket of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  illustrates a back perspective view of the display bracket of  FIG. 8 ; and, 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  illustrates a view of an actuator of the display bracket of  FIG. 8 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    While the TV industry has migrated to producing thin panel displays (e.g., LCD or Plasma TV&#39;s), many recreational vehicles (RVs) have been slow to adapt to the new designs. Often, RVs include an entertainment cabinet or cubical designed for a large “tube” TV. Thin panel displays typically can not be positioned for optimal viewing within these cabinets since the walls of the cabinet often block much of the viewing angles of the thin panel display. 
         [0026]      FIGS. 1-5  illustrate a preferred embodiment of a of thin screen display bracket  100 . While this bracket  100  can be mounted to any side surface, it is especially suitable for use within an entertainment cabinet or cubical (preferably in a vehicle but also in non vehicle display environments such as a home or office). As best seen in  FIG. 1 , the display bracket  100  preferably mounts to a side wall  105  of an entertainment cabinet, allowing the thin panel display  103  (seen from the back) to be displayed closer to the front of the cabinet in a position similar to the face of a large tube TV. As described in further detail below, a user can unlock the position of the bracket  100  and swing the thin panel display  103  out from the cabinet for better viewing. 
         [0027]    The bracket  100  is fixed (e.g., screws, bolts, etc) to a vertical surface by the mounting member  112 . The mounting member  112  is coupled to an intermediate member  110  by bolts, creating a pivotal mount that allows the intermediate member  110  to pivot or hinge. 
         [0028]    A sliding member  108  is fixed to the intermediate member  110  by way of bolts positioned through elongated bolt apertures  110 C. In this respect, the bolts can be loosened, allowing the sliding member  108  to slide relative to the intermediate member  110 , thereby adjusting the horizontal position of the display  108  relative to the vertical mounting surface (e.g., side wall  105 ). 
         [0029]    A horizontal orientation member  106  is pivotally mounted on the end of the sliding member  108 . The orientation member  106  includes two arc-shaped slots  106 A that each accept a bolt for mounting the H member  104 . By loosening the bolts, the H member  104  can be rotated by an amount dictated by the size of the slots  106 A. Thus, these slots  106 A allow a user to adjust the rotational orientation of part of the bracket  100  and therefore the thin panel display  103  (e.g., to compensate for production variances or irregularities in an entertainment cabinet). 
         [0030]    As best seen in  FIG. 2 , the H member  104  includes upper and lower slots  104 A that accept pegs  102 A on the display mount  102 . The display mount is directly connected to the display  103 , for example by screws or bolts. In this respect, a user may first mount the display mount  102  to the display  103 , then the display mount  102  can be engaged with the H member  104  (i.e., the pegs  102 A engage with slots  104 A). The display mount  102  can be further secured by screwing bolts onto threads on the pegs  102 A. Hence a single user can mount a display  103  that may otherwise require one person to hold the display  103  and the other to fasten it (e.g., screw in mounting screws). 
         [0031]    The bracket  100  further includes a releasable locking mechanism that allows the bracket  100  to pivot, thereby moving the display  103  outward from the entertainment cabinet. The locking mechanism includes a sliding lock member  114  having an elongated handle  114 A and a notch engaging portion  114 B. Bolts secure the notch engaging portion  114 B to the intermediate member  110 , allowing the sliding lock member  114  to slide along elongated apertures  114 C. 
         [0032]    The notch engaging portion  114 B includes a notch  114 E that is sized to engage a post  110 A on the intermediate member  110 . The notch  114 E is biased against the post  110 A by a spring  116  coupled to the notch engaging portion  114 B (on the opposite side as the notch  114 E) and to a vertical anchor tab  110 B that extends from the intermediate member  110  and through a center aperture  114 D in the notch engaging portion  114 B. 
         [0033]    To release the locking mechanism, a user pulls the handle  114 A, moving the notch engaging portion  114 B away from the post  110 A. The intermediate member  110  (and therefore the remaining portion of the bracket  100  and the display  103 ) can freely pivot about the hinge or bolts of the mounting member  112 . When the bracket  100  is pivoted back into place, the post  110 A moves against the angled side surface of the notch engaging portion  114 B, pushing the sliding locking member  114  away from the post  110 A until the notch  114 E snaps on to the post  110 A. 
         [0034]    In some environments, such as within an RV or a small room of a house, a user may find it difficult to find space to mount a thin panel display so as to allow optimal viewing angles to the viewer.  FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate a bracket  200  especially suitable for mounting a thin panel display (not shown in these figures) near a wall corner, adjacent a cabinet, or near another wall mounted obstacle. In one configuration, the bracket  200  can be configured to hold the display flat against the wall. In another configuration, the bracket  200  can be configured to present the display at an angle (e.g., about 45 degrees) to the mounting wall  201 , as seen in  FIG. 6 . Thus, the display may be easily viewed, despite being mounted adjacent a corner or other obstacle. 
         [0035]    The bracket  200  includes a wall mounting member  212  that is mounted (e.g., with screws) to a wall  201 , optionally near an intersection with another wall or other wall mounted obstacle. One end of the wall mounting member  212  is pivotally connected to elongated lateral member  206  and the other end of the wall mounting member  212  is pivotally connected to lateral member  214 . 
         [0036]    Both the elongated lateral member  206  and the lateral member  214  are also pivotally connected to opposite ends of H member  204 . The H member  204  includes a plurality of mounting pegs  204 A (preferably 4 pegs  204 A) on the sides of the member  204 . 
         [0037]    A display mounting panel  202  mounts to the back side of a display (not shown). Support slots  202 A interlock with the pegs  204 A of the H member  204 . As with the previously described preferred embodiment, the present preferred embodiment of the bracket  200  allows the user to mount the mounting panel  202  to the display, then attach the panel  202  to the bracket  200 . Further, the panel  202  can be locked on to the H member  204  by tightening nuts onto threads on the pegs  204 A, against the side of the panel  202 . 
         [0038]    The bracket  200  also includes a locking mechanism to lock the bracket  200  into a desired position (e.g., at 45 degrees or 0 degrees to the mounting surface). The wall mounting member  212  includes a locking pin  210  and a spring  208  for biasing the pin upwards. The elongated lateral member  206  includes multiple locking apertures  206 A which accept the top of the biased pin  210  from through the mounting member  212 . In this respect, the user can pull down on the pin  210  (i.e., against the bias) to move the pin  210  out of the locking apertures  206 A and thereby freely move the bracket  200  into a desired position. If a locking aperture  206 A of the elongated lateral member  206  is then moved over the pin  210 , the pin  210  will again move up into the aperture, locking the bracket  200  from movement. 
         [0039]    As previously discussed, the bracket  200  preferably includes a first lockable position, seen in  FIGS. 6 and 7  where the mounting panel is moved to an orientation of about 45 degrees relative to the mounting surface (e.g., wall  201 ). The bracket  200  preferably includes a second lockable position in which the mounting panel is moved to an orientation of about 0 degrees relative to the mounting surface. In such an orientation, the elongated lateral member  206  pivots to lie against the mounting member  212 , the lateral member  214  pivots to lie against the wall  201 , and the H member  204  pivots to lie against the lateral member  214 . Thus, the bracket  200  is compacted to a relatively small profile. 
         [0040]    In some environments, a user may wish to hide their thin panel display when not in use. Further, environments such as the inside of an RV favor thin and relatively small brackets for supporting a thin panel display. 
         [0041]      FIGS. 8-14  illustrate a preferred embodiment of a popup display bracket  300  that can vertically move a thin panel display  301  between a lowered position ( FIGS. 8 and 9 ) and a raised position ( FIGS. 10 and 11 ). In this respect, the display  301  and bracket  300  can be hidden within a cabinet, façade, or other structure when lowered and raised out of the structure when in use. Preferably, the design of the bracket  300  allows for a thickness (i.e., depth) of less than 3 inches while still supporting the weight of a thin panel display  301 . 
         [0042]    The bracket  300  is mounted (e.g., with screws) to a lower surface by a base member  306 , as best seen in  FIGS. 12-14 . A stationary vertical member  308  is fixed to the base member  306 , providing a framework for supporting other components of the bracket  300 . 
         [0043]    Additional support for the bracket  300  is provided by two vertically positioned rods  310  that are fixed to the base member  306  and at top retaining portion  308 A of the vertical member  308 . Preferably, these rods are ¾ of an inch in diameter and have a relatively smooth outer surface. 
         [0044]    As seen best in  FIG. 13 , the bracket  300  includes a moving vertical member  304  that is coupled to each of the rods  310  by an enclosure member  316 . The enclosure members  306  is fixed to the moving vertical member  306  and is at least partially enclosed around the rods  310  so as to allow the enclosure members  306  to slide along the length of the rods  310 . The vertical moving member also includes multiple slots  304 A which (similar to the previously described embodiments) allows a user to removably engagable a display mounting member  302  (as seen in  FIG. 9 ). Thus, a user can mount the mounting member  302  to the display  301 , then engage (e.g., through protruding tabs on the mounting member  302 ) the mounting member  302  with the slots  304 A of the moving vertical member  304 . 
         [0045]    As seen best in  FIG. 15 , the moving member  304  is moved upward or downward by an actuator comprising a motor  312  engaged with an elongated, vertical acme screw  320  that is partially enclosed in casing  314  but open towards the moving member  304 . The bottom of the acme screw  320  includes a gear  324  that intermeshes with motor gear  326 , which is ultimately driven by the motor  312 . Thus, activating the motor  312  rotates the acme screw  320  in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction. 
         [0046]    The moving member  304  is fixed to a “captured” acme nut  322  that is engaged with the acme screw  320  and prevented from rotation. Thus, when the motor  312  is activated, it rotates the acme screw  320 , causing the captured acme nut  322  to move up or down the acme screw (depending on the rotation of the acme screw  320 ). Since the captured nut  322  is fixed to the moving member  304 , it is similarly moved upwards or downwards with the nut  322 . In this respect, the motor  312  drives the movement of the moving member  304  and ultimately the display  301 . Alternately, the actuator may be a pneumatic piston, rack and pinion arrangement or other known actuating mechanisms. 
         [0047]    Although the invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, one of ordinary skill in the art, in light of this teaching, can generate additional embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawings and descriptions herein are proffered by way of example to facilitate comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.