Abstract:
An apparatus for securely mounting an appliance to a support surface having interlocking components that securely mount the appliance yet may be easily installed and uninstalled.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present inventions relate to an apparatus for mounting appliances to support surfaces. More particularly, the present inventions relate to an appliance mounting apparatus that provides interlocking components that securely mount an appliance to a support surface and which is easily locked and unlocked. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    There is a need to securely mount appliances, such as remote controls, radios and televisions to countertops, dressers, tables and other support surfaces, to prevent theft in hotels and other places. It is also necessary to securely mount such appliances while maintaining an aesthetic appearance. In addition, ease of installation and removal for maintenance or replacement are also important considerations. 
         [0003]    The present inventions provide an apparatus for securely and releasably mounting an appliance to a support surface having a base for engaging the support surface, at least one upstanding locking post on the base, the locking post having a shaft and a head, and at least one locking aperture on the base. The present inventions also include a mounting bracket securable to said appliance, at least one keyway on the mounting bracket to cooperate with the at least one locking post, and at least one locking tab on the mounting bracket to cooperate with the locking aperture on the base. A release tool having at least one prong, the prong capable of disengaging the locking tab from the locking aperture is also provided. The locking post may include a platform or raised shoulder and the keyway may include a head opening, a shaft slot and a recessed shoulder. The support apparatus may further include a second mounting bracket or swivel plate, the second mounting bracket being securable to the appliance and pivotably mounted to the mounting bracket. In other embodiments, the locking aperture or member may be located on the mounting bracket and the cooperating locking tab may be located on the base. 
         [0004]    The present inventions also provide a security mounting apparatus to secure an appliance to a support surface, including a base plate for attachment to the support surface, the base including at least one locking post having a shaft and a head and the base including at least one locking means, a mounting bracket securable to the appliance, the mounting bracket including at least one keyway slidably engagable with the at least one locking post and, at least one locking tab depending from the mounting bracket and engagable with the locking means, and a release member having at least one prong which is capable of disengaging the locking tab from the locking means. The security apparatus may also include a second mounting bracket or swivel plate securable to the appliance which in turn is secured to the mounting bracket. Alternatively, the base plate may include the locking member and/or locking tab and the mounting bracket may include the locking means or aperture. 
         [0005]    A mounting apparatus for selectively locking and unlocking an appliance on a support surface is provided and includes a base plate for engaging the support surface, at least one locking post having a head and a shaft and at least one locking aperture, a mounting plate securable to the appliance, the mounting plate having at least one keyway slidably engagable with and capable of retaining the at least one locking post, at least one locking member depending from the mounting bracket and engagable with and releasable from the locking aperture, and a release member for selectively releasing the at least one locking member from the at least one locking aperture. The apparatus may also include a second mounting bracket securable to the appliance which is pivotably mounted to the mounting bracket such that the appliance may be rotated on said mounting apparatus. Alternatively, the locking member may depend from said base plate and said locking aperture may be on said mounting bracket. And, the locking aperture may be a raised member or protrusion capable of engaging or being engaged by said locking member. 
       Inventor&#39;s Definition of the Terms  
       [0006]    The terms used in the claims of this patent are intended to have their broadest meaning consistent with the requirements of law. Where alternative meanings are possible, the broadest meaning is intended. All words used in the claims are intended to be used in the normal, customary usage of grammar and the English language. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The stated and unstated objects, features and advantages of the present inventions (sometimes used in the singular, but not excluding the plural) will become apparent from the following descriptions and drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements in the various views, and in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an installed or assembled position showing an exemplary appliance secured to a representative support surface, the embodiment also including an optional swivel plate or turntable; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing principal components prior to assembly; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2  shown in an assembled or locked position with portions shown in phantom line to highlight their interaction; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention similar to that of  FIG. 2  and also including an optional swivel plate and a preferred release member or key; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 4  shown in an assembled position with portions removed and/or shown in phantom line to highlight principal components and their interaction; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 5  shown in an installation position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 5  from behind the assembly when installed as preferred with the locking arms pointed to the rear; 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a side cross-sectional view of the details of a preferred locking post and keyhole assembly of the embodiment of  FIG. 6  shown in an installation position; 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is a side cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing cooperative portions of a preferred locking member and locking aperture in an installation position; 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is a side cross-sectional view of details of the components of the embodiment of  FIG. 6  shown in an installed, locked or mounted position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  is a side cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 9  showing the locking member and locking aperture in an installed, locked or mounted position; 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  is a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 11  shown with a preferred embodiment of a release member engaged with a preferred locking tab of a locking member shown in an unlocked or released position; 
           [0020]      FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and, 
           [0021]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 13  with a representative appliance shown on an exemplary support surface in an installed and locked position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0022]    Set forth below is a description of what is currently believed to be the preferred embodiments or best representative examples of the inventions claimed. Future and present alternatives and modifications to the embodiments and preferred embodiments are contemplated. Any alternatives or modifications which make insubstantial changes in function, purpose, structure or result are intended to be covered by the claims of this patent. 
         [0023]    Preferred embodiments of the releasable mounting device of the present invention  10  that are particularly suited for mounting an appliance  12  such as radios, remote controls, televisions and the like is shown in the Figures. For example,  FIG. 1  shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention installed on a representative support surface  14  that includes an optional swivel plate  60  (see  FIG. 4 , exploded view of principal components). As shown, a representative appliance  12 , such as a radio, is secured to a support surface  14 . Similarly,  FIG. 14  shows another embodiment of the present invention  10 , this embodiment sized and shaped to secure a television  12  to a support surface  14 , such as granite or wood. FIGS.  1  and  4 - 7  show an embodiment of the present invention  10  having an optional swivel plate  60 .  FIGS. 2 and 3  show a preferred embodiment of the present invention  10  without a swivel plate or turntable  60  for the appliance  12 .  FIGS. 13 and 14  also show an alternative embodiment of the present invention  10 , also not including an optional swivel plate  60 . 
         [0024]    Regardless of the type of appliance  12 , support surface  14  or the presence or absence of a swivel plate  60 , important aspects of the present invention  10  are shown in  FIGS. 8-12 . Specifically,  FIG. 8  shows the interaction of a preferred locking post  22  with a preferred keyhole  32  in an installation position.  FIG. 10  shows the interaction of the preferred locking post  22  with keyhole  32  in an assembled, installed or locked position.  FIGS. 9 ,  11  and  12  show the interaction with a preferred locking aperture  26 , locking member  40  and release member  50 . Specifically,  FIG. 9  is in an installation position,  FIG. 11  is in a locked or installed position and  FIG. 12  shows a preferred embodiment of a preferred release member  50  unlocking or releasing the locking member  40  so that the mounting plate  30  may be disengaged from the base plate  20 . 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  4  and  13 , a preferred embodiment of the base or base plate  20  is shown in detail. Base  20  is designed to be attached to or engaged with a support surface  14 , such as a counter, nightstand or dresser. In the embodiments shown, a plurality of holes  21  are provided in base  20  through which fasteners  27 , such as screws, may be used to secure the base  20  to the support surface  14 . It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of fastening means  27  may be used to secure base  20  to the support surface  14 , including but not limited to tape (see  27   1 ,  FIG. 13 ), epoxy, threaded fasteners and the like depending upon the type of support surface  14 . 
         [0026]    Base  20  is also provided with at least one, but preferably a plurality, of upstanding locking posts  22 . Locking post  22  includes a shaft  23  and a head  24 . In a preferred embodiment, locking post  22  may also include a platform, raised shoulder and/or spacer  25 . Raised shoulder  25 , in conjunction with recess  35  of mounting plate  30  as hereinafter described together function to provide a low profile when in an installed and locked position, accommodating the release member  50  between the base  20  and mounting plate  30 , and at the same time making unlocking of the two plates difficult without access to the proper release member  50 . It will be understood by those of skill in the art that optional shoulder  25  may be formed from part of base  20 , or be a separate component. Similarly, locking post  22  may be formed from separate components or be of a unitary construction. 
         [0027]    Base plate  20  is further provided with at least one, but preferably more than one, locking aperture  26 . Locking apertures  26  are designed to accept or be engaged by locking tabs  42  of locking member  40 , as hereinafter described. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that locking apertures  26  may be raised members, such as a shoulder or nub, that functions to engage the locking member  40  as hereinafter described. In the preferred embodiment, locking apertures  26  are positioned to the rear to cooperate with locking tabs  42  of locking member  40  as hereinafter described. 
         [0028]    With reference to  FIGS. 2-5  and  13 , a preferred embodiment of a top plate or mounting plate  30  may be better understood. Mounting plate  30  is provided with a plurality of holes  31  to accept threaded fasteners  38  to secure one side of mounting plate  30  to the base or bottom of an appliance. In typical use, the rubber feet (not shown) usually found on appliances  12  are attached to the bottom of the appliance  12  with screws. These screws and/or the feet are removed and the screws used as threaded fastener  38 . Of course, those of skill in the art will understand that there are a variety of ways to mount appliance  12  to mounting bracket  30  and/or swivel plate  60 . 
         [0029]    Mounting plate  30  is provided with at least one, but preferably more than one, recessed keyhole  32  that is designed to coincide and cooperate with corresponding locking post  22  ( FIGS. 8 and 10 ). Keyhole  32  includes a shaft slot  33  to accommodate shaft  23  of locking post  22  and a head opening  34  that is intended to accept head  24  of locking post  22 . In a preferred embodiment, a recess or recessed shoulder  35  is provided in mounting plate  30  as part of keyhole  32 . In this manner, when locking post  22  is engaged with keyhole  32 , the top of head  24  is flush with the top of mounting plate  30  (see  FIGS. 3 ,  5 ,  8  and  10 ) and sufficient clearance left for release member  50 . 
         [0030]    Attached to the underside of mounting plate  30  is a locking member  40  as shown in  FIGS. 2-5 . In a preferred form, locking member  40  depends from mounting plate  30  and includes a locking arm or arms  41  terminating in ends forming locking tabs  42 . An attachment end  43  is provided which may be used to secure locking member  40  to mounting plate  30  by welding. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that locking member  40  may otherwise be secured to mounting plate  30 . Arms  41  project downwardly from mounting plate  30  so that tabs  42  may be engaged by locking aperture  26  of base plate  20  when in the locked or assembled position. In the preferred embodiment, arms  41  are spring biased toward base  20  to function as hereinafter described. Also, in the preferred embodiment, arm  41  points toward the rear of base  20 . 
         [0031]    A release member  50  may also be provided (FIGS.  4  and  12 - 13 ). Release member  50  has a handle  51  and at least one, and preferably a plurality of, prongs or tines  52  that terminate in tips  53 . Prongs  52  are of a sufficient length so that when mechanism  50  is inserted between base  20  and mounting plate  30 , they reach locking tabs  42  and disengage tabs  42  from locking aperture  26  (see  FIG. 12 ). Preferably, release member  50  has the same number of prongs  52  as there are locking arms  41 . 
         [0032]    An alternative embodiment of the present inventions includes a swivel plate  60  (see  FIGS. 5-12 ). Swivel plate  60  is preferably the same shape as mounting plate  30 . Swivel plate  60  includes holes  61  to accommodate fasteners  63  that secure plate  60  to the desired appliance (not shown). Plate  60  is then pivotably mounted to mounting plate  30  through a center hole  37  using a pin  62  or similar member. The fasteners used to secure swivel plate  60  and base plate  30  to the appliance may be manipulated through the head opening  34  of base plate  30 . In this arrangement, holes  31  in base plate  30  are not necessary. 
         [0033]    In use, base plate  20  is secured to the support surface  14  using screws  27 , tape  27   1  or other means depending upon the type of surface  14 . Preferably, locking apertures  26  are placed toward the rear. Mounting plate  30  or swivel plate  60  (if present) is mounted to the bottom of the appliance  12 , typically with screws  38 . Preferably, the locking arms  42  point from front to back to cooperate with locking apertures  26 . 
         [0034]    To install or lock the device  10 , mounting plate  30  (with appliance  12 ) is placed on top of base  20  such that the head  24  of locking post  22  is inserted into head opening  34  of keyhole  32 . When in this position, the installation, position, locking tabs  42  are biased toward base  20  and about the upper face of base plate  20 . 
         [0035]    To achieve the mounted or locked position ( FIGS. 1 and 14 ), the appliance is slid forward along with attached mounting plate  30  or swivel plate  60 . When the shaft of locking post  22  engages the shaft slot  33  of keyhole  32  as shown in  FIG. 10 , locking tabs  42  of locking member  40  engaging locking apertures  26  as shown in  FIG. 11 . As a result, the appliance  12 , via mounting plate  30  or swivel plate  60 , is locked to base plate  20 . In the installed or locked position, mounting plate  30  cannot be lifted or separated from base  20  because head  24  of locking post  22  is restrained in shaft slot  33  of keyhole  32 . In addition, because of the engagement of locking tabs  42  with locking apertures  26 , mounting plate  30  may not be slid rearward absent the use of release member  50 . In such a manner, the present inventions secure an appliance  12  to a support surface  14 . 
         [0036]    To unlock the mounting plate  30  from base plate  20  (for example, to change the battery in an appliance), release member  50  is inserted between the two components. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the tips  53  of prongs  52  disengage locking tabs  42  from locking apertures  26 . Mounting plate  30  may then be slid rearward so that head  24  of locking post  22  may fit through head opening  34  of keyhole  32 . It will be understood by those of skill in the art that there are other means to lock mounting plate  30  to base  22 . For example, mounting plate  30  may have apertures and locking member  40  may be attached to base plate  22 . 
         [0037]    The above description is not intended to limit the meaning of the words used in or the scope of the following claims that define the invention. Rather, it is contemplated that future modifications in structure, function or result will exist that are not substantial changes and that all such insubstantial changes in what is claimed are intended to be covered by the claims. Thus, while preferred embodiments of the present inventions have been illustrated and described, it will be understood that changes and modifications can be made without departing from the claimed invention. In addition, although the term “claimed invention” or “present invention” is sometimes used herein in the singular, it will be understood that there are a plurality of inventions as described and claimed. 
         [0038]    Various features of the present inventions are set forth in the following claims.