Abstract:
The invention relates to an apparatus ( 30 ) for mounting a projector ( 2 ) to an overhead projector support, comprising: a. a first mount portion ( 6 ) including a first pivot means ( 20 ) and a first fixing means ( 24 ); b. a second mount portion ( 8 ) including a second pivot means ( 18 ) for cooperating with the first pivot means and a second fixing means ( 26 ) for cooperating with the first fixing means.

Description:
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to mounts for projectors, preferably but not exclusively a mount for an integrated projector system such as an interactive whiteboard. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Interactive whiteboard systems are well-known in the art, and are particularly well-known for use in educational applications in colleges and schools. An interactive whiteboard system typically includes an interactive surface forming a whiteboard, and a projector for displaying images onto the interactive surface. The interactive surface and projector are operated under the control of a computer system. One skilled in the art will be familiar with the implementation and operation of such interactive whiteboard systems. 
         [0005]    An integrated interactive whiteboard system is understood to be one in which the projector and whiteboard are integrated. A typical integrated system comprises an arrangement in which an arm or boom is attached to the whiteboard, or a frame supporting the whiteboard, and extends perpendicular from the whiteboard surface. A projector is then fixed to the end of the arm or boom remote from the whiteboard. Such integrated interactive whiteboard systems have advantages over traditional whiteboard systems, which require the projector to be separately mounted to the ceiling within a classroom. The integration of such systems makes the installation of the systems in a classroom environment easier, and also allows for the provision of portable interactive whiteboard systems which may be moved around between different classrooms. 
         [0006]    In an integrated interactive whiteboard system, it is necessary to provide a means for securely attaching the projector to the arm or boom in such a way that it is safely and securely attached in use. Examples of apparatus for attaching a projector to a projector support can be found, for example, in European Patent Application Publication No. 1852646, International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2005/069992, US Patent Application Publication No. 2005/035253, and US Patent Application Publication No. US 2008/0179475. 
         [0007]    In an integrated interactive whiteboard arrangement it may also be necessary to remove the projector from the boom or arm from time-to-time. This may be, for example, to facilitate maintenance of the projector, to remove the projector for transport or secure storage, or for other purposes. Thus whilst the means for attaching the projector to the arm or boom must be secure and robust, it must also facilitate the safe and straightforward removal of the projector. 
         [0008]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved projector mount which allows for a projector to be securely fitted for use, and also safely removable when necessary. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The invention provides an apparatus for mounting a projector to an overhead projector support, comprising: a. a first mount portion including a first pivot means and a first fixing means; b. a second mount portion including a second pivot means for cooperating with the first pivot means and a second fixing means for cooperating with the first fixing means. 
         [0010]    The first mount portion may comprise a first elongated portion, wherein the first pivot means is positioned at a first end of the first elongated portion and the first fixing means is positioned at a position of the first elongated portion distant from the first pivot means, and the second mount portion may comprise a second elongated portion, wherein the second pivot means is positioned at a first end of the second elongated portion and the second fixing means is positioned at a position of the second elongated portion distant from the second pivot means. 
         [0011]    The first fixing means may be positioned at a second end of the first elongated portion and the second fixing means may be positioned at a second end of the second elongated portion. 
         [0012]    The first elongated portion may comprise a first longitudinal channel and the second elongated portion comprises a second longitudinal channel, wherein the first and second longitudinal channels are arranged to cooperate with each other to connect the first and second mount portions. 
         [0013]    The first longitudinal channel may be formed of a first pair of parallel elongated sidewalls and the second longitudinal channel is formed of a second pair of parallel elongated sidewalls. 
         [0014]    The distance between one pair of elongated sidewalls may be greater than the other, such that one pair of elongated sidewalls fits inside the other. 
         [0015]    Each elongated sidewall of the first longitudinal channel may be formed with a hook shape at a first end thereof, which form the first pivot means. 
         [0016]    The second pivot means may be formed of a bar between the ends of the sidewalls at the second end of the second longitudinal channel. 
         [0017]    The first longitudinal channel may comprise a further sidewall forming an end sidewall at the second end thereof between the parallel sidewalls. The first fixing means may comprise a fixing slot positioned in the further sidewall. 
         [0018]    The second longitudinal channel may comprise a further sidewall forming an end sidewall at the second end thereof between the parallel sidewalls. The second fixing means may comprise a retained nut in the further sidewall of the second longitudinal channel. There may be provided a third fixing means for securing the first and second means. The third fixing means is a screw which passes through the fixing slot to engage with the retained nut. The slot may be an elongated slot having a retaining wall, wherein when the screw is secured the second fixing means abuts the retaining wall to fix the first and second mount portions. 
         [0019]    The first pivot means may include an elongated slot in the first elongated portion, and the second pivot means may include means for engaging said slot, wherein with the first and second fixing means unsecured the second pivot means can slide in and out of said elongated slot, and with the first and second fixing means secured the second pivot means abuts an edge of the elongated slot to prevent movement of the second mount portion relative to the first mount portion. 
         [0020]    The elongated slot may extend along the sidewall from the first end thereof for a fixed distance, wherein a first portion of the elongated slot adjacent the first end provides a channel for receiving the second pivot means, and a second portion of the elongated slot distal the first end extends in a direction perpendicular to the elongated channel. The elongated slot may further comprise a third portion extending from the perpendicularly extended part of the second portion in the direction of the elongated slot partially toward the first end, and in the perpendicular direction partially toward the first portion. The wall of the third portion distal the first end may be curved. With the first and second mount portions secured, the second pivot means may abut the curved wall distal the first end. 
         [0021]    The wall of the third portion proximate the first end may be curved. With the first and second mount portions unsecured the second pivot means may abut the curved wall proximate the first end. 
         [0022]    The first mount portion may be adapted for fixing to a support boom for the projector. 
         [0023]    The second mount portion may be adapted for fixing to the projector. The second mount portion may be welded to a faceplate. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES: 
         [0024]    The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  illustrates a projector with a projector mount in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  illustrates a view of a projector mount similar to that of  FIG. 1 , without the projector; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  illustrates a first part of the projector mount of  FIG. 2 , for connecting to a projector support; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  illustrates a second part of the projector mount of  FIG. 2 , for connecting to a projector; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  illustrates a first pivot or fixing and release mechanism of the projector mount of  FIGS. 1 to 4  in accordance with a preferred embodiment; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  illustrates a second fixing and release mechanism of the projector mount of  FIGS. 1 to 4  in accordance with a preferred embodiment; 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  illustrates the release operation of a projector using a projector mount of a preferred embodiment; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  illustrates the removal of a projector in accordance with a projector mount of a preferred embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0033]    The invention will now be described by way of reference to a particular preferred embodiment. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention is not limited to the specifics of the embodiment described herein. Various modifications to the embodiments may be made within the scope of the invention. 
         [0034]    With reference to  FIG. 1  there is illustrated a projector  2  including a projector lens  4 . The invention is not concerned with the structure or operation of any particular projector, and therefore no specific details of the projector are shown in the figures or described herein. 
         [0035]    In the following description like reference numerals in different Figures are used to refer to the same element or feature occurring in different Figures. 
         [0036]    Generally identified by reference numeral  30  in  FIG. 1  is a projector mount in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, for fixing the projector  2  to a projector support such as an arm or boom of an integrated interactive whiteboard system. The projector mount  30  is also illustrated in  FIG. 2 , in a somewhat different structure. 
         [0037]    The projector mount  30  includes a first mount portion  6 , and a second mount portion  8 .  FIG. 3  further illustrates the first mount portion  6  and  FIG. 4  further illustrates the second mount portion  8 . 
         [0038]    Also illustrated in the preferred arrangement in  FIG. 1  is a faceplate  10  and an armplate  16 . The armplate  16  is preferably a separate element, and provided for the projector mount  30  in order to facilitate connection to the arm or boom of an integrated interactive whiteboard system. As can be seen with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the armplate  16  may be placed, in embodiments, in different positions on the projector mount. Thus in the illustrative example the projector mount  30  is provided with a number of alternate mounting positions for the armplate  16 . The faceplate  10  is preferably an integral element, and is provided in order to facilitate connection of the projector mount  30  to the projector  2 . A different shape of faceplate is shown in each of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and one skilled in the art will understand that the faceplate may be shaped in numerous ways. 
         [0039]    Each of the first mount portion  6  and the second mount portion  8  preferably comprises a respective first and second elongated portion. 
         [0040]    With particular reference to  FIG. 3 , the first elongated portion of the first mount portion  6  preferably comprises a first pair of parallel elongated sidewalls denoted by reference numerals  12   a  and  12   b.  The first pair of parallel elongated sidewalls  12   a  and  12   b  generally form a first channel therebetween. The first elongated portion of the first mount portion  6  is preferably additionally provided with an end sidewall denoted by reference numeral  12   c  at a second end of the first channel, in a direction perpendicular to the first pair of parallel elongated sidewalls, generally forming an end-stop for the first channel. The first elongated portion of the first mount portion  6  is preferably additionally provided with an elongated channel base denoted by reference numeral  12   d,  which provides a connection between the first pair of parallel elongated sidewalls and holds the first pair of parallel elongated sidewalls  12   a  and  12   b  and the end sidewall  12   c  in position. 
         [0041]    With particular reference to  FIG. 4 , the second elongated portion of the second mount portion  8  is preferably comprised of a second pair of elongated sidewalls denoted by reference numerals  14   a  and  14   b.  The second pair of elongated sidewalls  14   a  and  14   b  generally form a second channel therebetween. The second elongated portion of the second mount portion  8  is additionally provided with an end sidewall  14   c  at a second end of the second channel, in a direction perpendicular to the second pair of elongated sidewalls  14   a  and  14   b  generally forming an end-stop for the second channel. The second elongated portion of the second mount portion  8  is formed, in the preferred embodiment, on the faceplate  10 . The faceplate  10  provides a base for the second pair of elongated sidewalls  14   a,    14   b  and the end sidewall  14   c,  and holds the elongated sidewalls and the end sidewall in position. 
         [0042]    In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the second pair of elongated sidewalls  14   a  and  14   b  forming the first channel and the end sidewall  14   c  are thus formed on the faceplate  10 , extending vertically from the surface of the faceplate  10 , and the first pair of elongated sidewalls  12   a  and  12   b  forming the second channel and the end sidewall  12   c  are thus formed with a fixing plate  12   d.  One skilled in the art will appreciate that the illustrated embodiments are shown for example only, and various modifications may be made to provide a projector mount in accordance with the invention. 
         [0043]    Further detail of the first and second mount portions,  6  and  8 , are now described with particular further reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
         [0044]    A first end of the first elongated portion of the first mount portion  6  is provided with a first pivot means generally denoted by reference numeral  20 . In the preferred embodiment the first pivot means is comprised of a hook arrangement formed in the first end of each of the elongated sidewalls  12   a  and  12   b.  As can be seen in the Figures, the first end of each of the sidewalls  12   a  and  12   b  has preferably formed therein an opening which extends in the direction of the elongated portion from the first end for a short distance. The end of the opening extends within each elongated sidewall in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the elongated portion. The opening expands at a distance from the first end in a direction perpendicular to the elongated position. Thus the opening is smaller at the first end of the sidewall in comparison to a short distance from the first end of the sidewall. The opening thus forms a hook shape in the first end of each sidewall  12   a  and  12   b.    
         [0045]    In more detail, a first slot portion  54  of the opening  20  generally extends with parallel sides a short distance from the first end of each sidewall  12   a,    12   b,  to form a receptacle in each sidewall  12   a,    12   b  for the bar  18 . A second portion  56  of the opening is formed to extend along the sidewall a further short distance and perpendicular to the sidewall a further short distance, the perpendicular direction being away from the channel base  12   d.  The second portion  56  preferably extends in the perpendicular direction to form a shape having two curved sidewalls  50 ,  52  extending to a base: the base forms the end of the second portion  56  in the parallel direction, and the curved sidewalls are formed such that the dimensions of the second opening, in the perpendicular direction, are smaller at and toward the base region than at the region of the first portion. Further, a third portion of each opening extends from the base along each sidewall a short distance toward the first end, such that a lip or hook shape is formed in each sidewall between the first and third portions of the opening. 
         [0046]    A first end of the second elongated portion of the second mount portion  8  is provided with a second pivot means generally denoted by reference number  18 , for engaging with the first pivot means. In the preferred embodiment the second pivot means is provided by a bar formed between the second pair of elongated sidewalls  14   a  and  14   b  at the first end thereof. As can be seen in the Figures, the first end of the sidewalls  14   a  and  14   b  are preferably formed with a bar extending therebetween, in a direction perpendicular to the elongated portion. 
         [0047]    In a preferred embodiment, the bar  18  engages with the hooks  20  in order to connect the first mount portion  6  to the second mount portion  8 . The position of the bar  18  is at a distance from the first end of the sidewalls  12   a  and  12   b,  which corresponds to the distance of the larger portion of the opening in the sidewall  14   a  and  14   b  from the end of the sidewalls  14   a  and  14   b.    
         [0048]    The cooperation of the first and second pivot means  18  and  20  is particularly illustrated with reference to  FIG. 5 . As can be seen in  FIG. 5 , the first pivot means  20  comprising a respective hook formed in the first end of each of the sidewalls  12   a  and  12   b  forms an internal channel or opening in each sidewall. The internal channel is formed such that the bar  18  can slide into the channel or opening formed in the sidewalls  12   a  and  12   b  by movement in the direction of the first elongated channel. Once in the channel or opening, the bar then may be moved in a perpendicular direction to the elongated channel into the larger portion of the opening at a short distance from the first end. The bar  18  may then engage with a retaining wall of the hook formed in the sidewalls  12   a  and  12   b.  The retaining wall is formed in each sidewall  12   a  and  12   b  by the extended portion of the opening forming the internal channel, the wall extending perpendicular to the elongated channel. 
         [0049]    In more detail, the bar  18  sits in the base of the second part  56  of each opening, after being received through the first part of the opening  54 . In this way the base of each of the second parts  56  of each opening takes the weight of the projector. The projector is held in the base, and the curved walls  50  and  52 , and the lip or hook  58 , prevent the bar  18  from being removed other than by deliberate action. 
         [0050]    With particular reference to  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  6 , there is illustrated the cooperation of a first fixing means of the first mount portion  6  and a second fixing means of the second mount portion  8  formed at the second ends of the first and second elongated portions. 
         [0051]    The end sidewall  12   c  of the first mount portion  6  is generally provided with a first fixing means denoted by reference numeral  24  which preferably comprises a fixing slot. The end sidewall  14   c  of the second mount portion  8  is provided with the second fixing means generally denoted by reference numeral  26 , preferably comprising a retained nut. A third fixing means denoted by reference numeral  22 , and preferably comprising a screw or bolt, is provided to pass through the fixing slot  24  and engage with the retained nut  26 . In a preferred arrangement the third fixing means is a winged screw. 
         [0052]    The operation of the fixing means can be best understood with reference to the operation to secure the two parts  6  and of the projector mount  30  together. With the bar  18  positioned in the elongated internal channel of the hooks  20  the screw  22  is passed through the fixing slot  24  and engaged with the retained nut  26 . The screw  22  is tightened into the retained nut  26 . In doing so, the first and second portions  6  and  8  of the projector mount are secured together. As the screw is tightened, the end plate  14   c  is pulled toward the end plate  12   c.  The second mount portion  8  is thus pulled in the direction of the elongated portion toward the end plate  12   c.  Consequently the bar  18  is moved toward the sloping portion of the openings  20 , and up the sloping portion of the retaining walls in a direction away from the first end. This forces the first mount portion  6  downward to abut mount portion  8 . The two portions  6  and  8  are thus rigidly and securely connected. 
         [0053]    With reference to  FIG. 7 , there is illustrated the operation which allows the projector  2  to be removed from the supporting arm to which it is fixed by the projector mount  30 . The screw  22  is removed from the retained nut and fixing slot. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the projector may be then moved from a position denoted by A, through a position denoted by B, to a position denoted by C. This movement is facilitated by (i) removing the screw  22  to release the first and second projector mount portions, and (ii) pivoting about the first and second pivot means. The hook portions  20  support the weight of the projector on the bar  18  as it is pivoted downwards. Once the screw  22  is removed, the projector mount may thus pivot about the first and second pivoting means  18  and  20 . Thus with the bar  18  securely positioned in the hook means  22 , the projector may be moved to a stable, unsecure position approximately perpendicular to its use position by means of the pivot engagement. This position is unsecure only insofar as it is a position from which the projector may be removed. 
         [0054]    As can be seen with further reference to  FIG. 8 , once the projector is pivoted into the unsecure position, a person may lift the projector upwards in a direction perpendicular to the elongated direction in order to remove it from the engaging wall of the hook  20  formed in the sidewalls  12   a  and  12   b,  and then move the projector parallel to the elongated direction in order to separate the second mount portion  8  from the first mount portion  6 . In this operation the first mount portion  6  remains fixed to the boom arm, and the second mount portion  8  remains fixed to the projector. 
         [0055]    In more detail, when the two parts of the projector mount are securely fixed, the bar  18  abuts the curved sidewall  50 . When the two parts are unsecurely fixed, the bar  18  abuts the curved sidewall  52  such that it is positioned under the lip  58  and hooked in place. 
         [0056]    The faceplate  10  may be fixed to the projector  2  by any known means, such as by screws or by welding. The armplate  16  may be fixed to the arm of the integrated interactive whiteboard system by any suitable fixing means such as by screws or by welding. In  FIG. 2  the armplate  16  is shown separated from the first mount portion  6 , with screws provided for fitting it to the first mount portion  6 . 
         [0057]    As can be seen from the Figures, in the preferred embodiment when the first and second mount portions  6  and  8  are fixed together, the first pair of parallel elongated sidewalls  12   a  and  12   b  sit inside the second pair of elongated sidewalls  14   a  and  14   b.  Thus the distance between the first pair of elongated sidewalls  12   a  and  12   b  may be smaller than that of the distance between the second pair of elongated sidewalls  14   a  and  14   b.  The end sidewall  14   c  of the second mount portion  8  preferably sits inside the end sidewall  12   c  of the first mount portion  6 . 
         [0058]    An important characteristic of the first and second fixing means of the first and second mount portions is that they must allow for the first and second mount portions to be fixably connected together when the projector is mounted. The preferred embodiment of the invention is particularly advantageous in providing an elongated slot in an internal channel associated with the first and second pivot means with a curved retaining wall, which allows for the first and second mount portions to be rigidly connected together when the fixing means is tightened as described above. 
         [0059]    The invention has been described herein by way of reference to a particular preferred embodiment. One skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications may be made to the embodiments as described herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.