Patent Abstract:
A display mounting assembly mountable to a surface, such as a wall, and having interconnected vertical and horizontal frame elements. The frame of the display mounting assembly having keyholes for attaching displays and a securing assembly for further securing attached displays. The frame may optionally include pivot arms for adjusting the positions of attached displays. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b).

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) to, and hereby incorporates by reference, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/688,356, filed Jun. 6, 2005, and under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, and hereby incorporates by reference, U.S. Design Application Nos. 29/231,516, filed Jun. 6, 2005, 29/231,615, filed Jun. 6, 2005, and 29/231,711, filed Jun. 7, 2005. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     This invention relates to devices for securing displays and, in particular, this invention relates to devices for securing flat panel displays to surfaces, such as walls.  
         [0004]     2. Background  
         [0005]     Flat panel displays, including plasma-screen television displays, are increasingly present. These displays are sufficiently thin to be mounted conveniently on walls in a manner similar to conventionally framed objects, such as photographs and pictures. Various mounting systems for flat panel displays have been proposed to secure the flat panel displays to a mounting device, the mounting device with its own panel attaching to the back of the flat panel display.  
         [0006]     Using mounted devices having a generally solid panel attached to the flat panel display, as in prior devices, is often inconvenient, in part because the solid mounting panel impedes access to the rear of the flat panel display. Access to the rear of the flat panel display is often necessary during installation thereof due to the need to attach and/or access wires, cords, and other interfaces at the back of the display. Indeed, the presence of a generally solid panel on the mounting device creates an impediment to manipulating these wires, cords, and interfaces, especially when the flat panel display is attached to the mounting panel. Further, the solid mounting panel reduces the available space between the back of the flat panel display and the adjacent wall to which the flat panel display is attached, thus making it difficult to store wires and cords directly behind the flat panel display, where the wires and cords can be conveniently kept out of sight, as seen from the front of the flat panel display.  
         [0007]     Additionally, the wall engaging portion of the prior display mounting devices is typically a substantially solid, rigid and flat panel. Panels of this nature require any in-wall wiring to exit above, below, or to the side of the panel. Alternatively, the panel must be cut to provide a relief for routing wiring. The construction of the wall to which the mounting device is to be attached and wiring locations within the wall, however, may effectively dictate the wall exit location for the wiring, thereby making it more difficult to provide an exit location, which is concealed behind the flat panel electronic display device as may be desirable for aesthetic reasons. On the other hand, cutting a relief into the mounting panel may weaken the panel structurally and may, itself, be unsightly.  
         [0008]     Moreover, flat panel electronic displays, particularly plasma displays, may weigh more than one hundred pounds, thereby causing a significant moment force to be exerted on the wall at the points of attachment. When mounted in public areas, the displays may be subject to contact, further causing an even greater load on the wall and wall structure. One drawback with the prior art of mounting devices for flat panel displays is that these mounting devices typically attach to the wall construction along a relatively narrow horizontal band, thereby concentrating the load in a small area of the wall. The result of attaching these mounting devices along a relatively narrow horizontal band on a wall is that of sometimes overloading and failure of the wall construction or mount, thereby causing damage to the electronic display and possibly injury to persons nearby.  
         [0009]     There is thus a need in the industry for a mounting device addressing the aforementioned drawbacks by enabling improved access for cable routing and by providing improved load distribution on the structure supporting the flat panel electronic display and mount.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     This invention substantially meets the aforementioned needs of the industry by providing a flat panel display device enabling improved wiring access and structural load distribution. According to one embodiment of the invention, the mounting device includes a plurality of elongate members coupled in a frame and defining an open interior space. The vertical elongate members confronting the wall surface may have at least one portion set away from the wall surface to facilitate routing of conductors, such as cables and wires, between the vertical elongate members and the wall. These setback portions may be generally concave in some embodiments.  
         [0011]     The open interior space defined by the separate elements may enable wiring the exit from the wall at virtually any desired location behind the flat panel electronic display, thereby enhancing concealment of the exit location of the conductors and obviating any need for cutting apertures into the mounting structure. Additionally, elimination of material in the instant structure, as compared to a solid plate, enables a generally lighter and stronger mounting device. The elongate members themselves may be provided with a plurality of apertures to enable a variety of fastener locations, thereby offering greater flexibility in the location to which the instant device is to be mounted.  
         [0012]     The spaced-apart location of the elongate members enables the structural load imparted by the flat panel electronic display to be spread over a larger portion of the wall surface, thereby inducing less stress on the wall components. Spread loading of the structural load enables relatively greater loading to be imposed on the mount before wall system failure or damage occurs.  
         [0013]     A latch mechanism retaining the flat panel display to the frame is also provided. Alternative embodiments of the invention may include tilt mechanisms for positioning the flat panel display at various viewing angles.  
         [0014]     It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a display mounting assembly mountable to a surface and including a frame and a securing device. The frame may have at least one keyhole and a plurality of attachment openings for securing the frame to the surface. Each of the keyholes may have a first portion and a second portion, the second portion opening into the first portion. The first portion may be characterized by a first portion horizontal dimension and the second portion may be characterized by a second portion horizontal dimension, the first portion horizontal dimension being greater than the second portion horizontal dimension. The attachment openings may be positioned outboard each of the keyholes. The securing device may be proximate one of the at least one keyhole and may pivot between an open position and a closed position.  
         [0015]     It is therefore another object of this invention to provide a display mounting assembly for attaching a device to the surface and including a frame and a securing device. The frame may be attachable to the surface and may define a plurality of keyholes, each of the keyholes having a first portion opening into a second portion. The first and second portions may each be characterized by a generally horizontal dimension, the first portion horizontal dimension being greater than the second portion horizontal dimension. The first portion may admit a fastener and the second portion may retain the admitted fastener. The securing device may be pivotally attached to the frame proximate one of the keyholes and may further secure the fastener when the fastener is disposed in the keyholes second portion.  
         [0016]     It is therefore yet another object of this invention to provide a display mounting device comprising a frame and a securing device. The frame may include a plurality of horizontal frame elements and a plurality of vertical frame elements. Each of the vertical frame elements may have a keyhole and each of the keyholes may further include a first portion, characterized by a first portion horizontal dimension, and a second portion, characterized by a second portion horizontal dimension smaller than the first portion horizontal dimension. The securing device may define a cutout and may be movable between an open position and a closed position, the closed position positioning the securing device over the keyholes second portion.  
         [0017]     It is therefore still another object of this invention to provide a method of manufacturing a display mounting device, the method including forming a frame attachable to a surface. The frame may include a plurality of keyholes and at least one securing device. Each of the plurality of keyholes may have an access portion with a maximum horizontal dimension and a notch. The notch may open into the access portion and may have a smaller horizontal dimension than the maximum horizontal dimension of the access portion. The at least one securing device may pivotally be secured to the frame proximate one of the plurality of keyholes. The formed frame may comprise a plurality of horizontal frame elements attached to a plurality of vertical frame elements. The plurality of keyholes and securing device may be disposed on at least one of the plurality of vertical frame elements. Forming the frame may also include attaching a plurality of horizontal frame elements to a plurality of vertical frame elements; and attaching a plurality of pivot arms to the horizontal frame elements or to the vertical frame elements. The plurality of pivot arms may include the plurality of keyholes, the securing device pivotally attached to one of the pivot arms. Forming the frame may yet further include attaching a pivot linkage element between each of the plurality of pivot arms and the vertical frame elements. Forming the frame may still yet further include attaching a plurality of pivot linkage elements between each of the plurality of pivot arms and the vertical frame elements. The frame may be formed such that the pivot arms are simultaneously pivoted and longitudinally translated. The frame may be additionally formed such that the pivot arms may be simultaneously pivoted and displaced away from the horizontal frame elements and the vertical frame elements.  
         [0018]     These and other objects, features, and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the description which follows, when considered in view of the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mounting device of this invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  is a rear view of the mounting device of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 3   a  is a front view of the mounting device of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 3   b  is a fragmentary plan view of one embodiment of the instant securing assembly.  
         [0023]      FIG. 4  is an end view of the mounting device of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the mounting device of this invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the mounting device of  FIG. 5 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 7  is a rear view of the mounting device of  FIG. 5 .  
         [0027]      FIG. 8  is an end view of the mounting device of  FIG. 5 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the mounting device of this invention.  
         [0029]      FIG. 10  is a front view of the mounting device of  FIG. 9 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 11  is a rear view of the mounting device of  FIG. 9 .  
         [0031]      FIG. 12  is an end view of the mounting device of  FIG. 9 .  
         [0032]      FIG. 13  is a side view of the mounting device of  FIG. 15  in an open position.  
         [0033]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the mounting device of  FIG. 15  in a closed position.  
         [0034]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the mounting device of this invention.  
         [0035]      FIG. 16  is a rear view of the mounting device of  FIG. 15 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the mounting device of this invention.  
         [0037]      FIG. 18  is a front view of the mounting device of  FIG. 17 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 19  is a rear view of the mounting device of  FIG. 17 .  
         [0039]      FIG. 20  is an end view of the mounting device of  FIG. 17 .  
         [0040]      FIG. 21  is a side view of the mounting device of  FIG. 17  in a closed position.  
         [0041]      FIG. 22  is a side view of the mounting device of  FIG. 17  in an open position.  
         [0042]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the mounting device of this invention.  
         [0043]      FIG. 24  is a rear view of the mounting device of  FIG. 23 .  
         [0044]      FIG. 25  is a front view of the mounting device of  FIG. 23 .  
         [0045]      FIG. 26  is a side view of the mounting device of  FIG. 23  being translated from an open position to a closed position.  
         [0046]      FIG. 27  is a side view of the mounting device of  FIG. 23  in an open position. 
     
    
       [0047]     It is understood that the above-described figures are only illustrative of the present invention and are not contemplated to limit the scope thereof.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0048]     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice the invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.  
         [0049]     Any references to such relative terms as front and back, horizontal and vertical, or the like, are intended for convenience of description and are not intended to limit the present invention or its components to any specific positional or spatial orientation. All dimensions of the components in the attached figures may vary with a potential design and the intended use of an embodiment of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.  
         [0050]     Each of the features and methods disclosed herein may be utilized separately or in conjunction with other features and methods to provide improved devices of this invention and methods for making and using the same. Thus, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that individual components shown on various embodiments of the present invention are interchangeable without undue experimentation and may be added or interchanged on other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Representative examples of the teachings of the present invention, which examples utilize many of these additional features and methods in conjunction, will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This detailed description is merely intended to teach a person of skill in the art further details for practicing preferred aspects of the present teachings and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Therefore, specific combinations of features and methods disclosed in the following detailed description may not be necessary to practice the invention in the broadest sense, and are instead taught merely to particularly describe representative embodiments of the invention.  
         [0051]     One embodiment of the panel display mounting device of this invention is depicted in  FIGS. 1-4  generally at  100  and includes a frame  102  and a securing assembly  104 . The frame  102 , in turn, has respective first and second vertical frame elements  110  and  112  and first and second horizontal frame elements  114  and  116 . Each of the vertical elements  110  and  112  includes a main portion  118  and tab elements  120 . The tab elements  120  extend generally laterally from each end of the main portion  118  and define tab apertures  122  therein. The vertical elements  110  and  112  are secured to the horizontal elements  114  and  116  by means of connectors such as threaded shanks  124 . In the embodiment shown, the threaded shanks  124  are attached to the horizontal elements  114  and  116 , e.g., by press fitting, welding, or the like, and are disposed thereon so as to be accommodated by the tab apertures  122 . The vertical frame elements  110  and  112  are secured in place by nuts  126 , or other equivalent means. In lieu of the threaded shanks  124  and nuts  126 , a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that other connectors, such as rivets, welds, or machine screws would be suitable for other embodiments of this invention. The vertical frame element main portions  118  may define respective first and second apertures  128  and  130  and a plurality of keyholes  132  disposed proximate the ends thereof. The apertures  128  are depicted as being generally circular and the apertures  130  are shown as generally diamond-shaped. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that other shapes, e.g. oval, hexagonal, and the like, may be suitable for other embodiments of this invention. The keyholes  132  have an access portion  134  opening into a notch  136 . The keyholes  132  may be advantageously utilized with fastening buttons (not shown) attached to items to be mounted therewith, such as a flat panel displays. The keyholes  132  and fastening buttons are disclosed and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/821,395, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Sides  138  and  140  extend from each of the main portions  118  so as to present a generally U-shaped cross-section. The sides  138  and  140  are generally arcuate in the embodiment depicted, arching upwardly from the ends of the vertical elements  110  and  112 . The arcuate shape of the sides  138  and  140  advantageously provide a cutaway portion to enable wires, cables, and the like to be routed between the vertical frame elements  110  and  112  and a surface to which the device of this invention is mounted. While a single cutout is defined by the sides  138  and  140 , a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the sides  138  and  140  can be configured to define multiple cutouts if desired.  
         [0052]     The first and second horizontal frame elements  114  and  116  include generally orthogonal main portions  142  and peripheral lips  144 . The main portions  142  define at least one, e.g., five, generally central apertures  146  and a plurality of slots  148 . In the embodiment depicted, the slots  148  are generally outboard with respect to the vertical frame elements  110  and  112 . The slots  148 , along with the apertures  146 , are used to mount the instant device to a structural component, such as a wall, by accommodating fasteners such as anchors or lag bolts therein. The horizontal frame elements of this invention are dimensioned so that the slots  148  are spaced apart so as to enable the structural load imposed by flat panel displays to be spread over larger portions of wall surfaces or the like, thereby inducing less stress in these structural components and an enabling relatively greater loading to be imposed on the mount before wall system damage or failure occurs.  
         [0053]     The securing assembly  104  depicted includes a securing element  154 , which has a handle portion  156  and defines a cutaway  158 . The securing element  154  is pivotally attached to the first vertical element  110  by means of a connector, such as a bolt  160 , the bolt  160  secured in place by a nut  162 . Alternatively, other connectors, such as rivets or the like, can be used in other embodiments. Fastening buttons as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/821,395 are further secured in the notches  136  of the keyholes  132  by pivoting the instant securing element  154  from the open position depicted in  FIG. 3  to a closed and secured position depicted in  FIG. 4  and is depicted by the arrow  164  in  FIG. 3   b . While the securing element of this invention is shown as attached only to the first vertical frame element  110 , a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the instant securing element could be attached to the second vertical frame element  112  as well.  
         [0054]     Another embodiment of the mounting device of this invention is shown in  FIGS. 5-8  at  200 , wherein substantially similar elements to those shown in  FIGS. 1-4  and described above are identified by identical numerals. The mounting device  200  includes a frame  202  and a securing assembly, such as the securing assembly  104 , with the features and advantages as described above with respect to the mounting device  100 . The frame  202  may have respective first and second vertical frame elements  210  and  212  and first and second horizontal frame elements  214  and  216 . The first and second vertical frame elements in the embodiment depicted each have a main portion  218  and tab elements  220  extending generally laterally from each end thereof. Each of the tab elements  220  defines a tab aperture  222 . The vertical frame elements  210  and  212  are secured to the horizontal frame elements  214  and  216  by connectors such as threaded shanks  124  and nuts  126  or equivalent connectors, as described above. In the embodiment depicted, each vertical frame element main portion  218  defines a first aperture  228  and at least one, e.g., three, second aperture  230 . In the embodiment depicted the first aperture  228  is generally circular and the second apertures  230  are circular or diamond-shaped. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that other shapes, e.g., square, hexagonal, may be present as desired. Sides  238  and  240  extend generally orthogonally from each main element  218  in this embodiment. The sides  238  and  240  are generally and advantageously arcuate as described above with respect to the first and second vertical frame elements  110  and  112 . Additionally, the vertical frame elements of this embodiment may have the same variations in features and the same, or similar, advantages as discussed above with respect to the first and second vertical frame elements  110 ,  112 .  
         [0055]     The first and second horizontal frame elements  214  and  216  each have a main portion  242  and a peripheral lip  244 . Each main portion  242  defines at least one aperture  246  and a plurality, e.g. six, slots  248 . In the embodiment shown the aperture  246  is generally triangular; however, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that other shapes, e.g., circular, square, hexagonal, may be present as well. The slots  248  are disposed outboard the aperture  246 . The apertures and slots of these and other embodiments in the instant horizontal frame elements are dimensioned and disposed to attach the mounting device  200  to a structural surface, such as a wall, in the manner, and with the advantages, discussed above with respect to the mounting device  100 .  
         [0056]     Referring to  FIGS. 9-12 , yet another embodiment of the mounting device of this invention is shown generally at  300  and includes a frame  302  and a securing assembly, such as indicated, and with the advantages discussed, above with respect to the securing assembly  104 . Certain aspects of the frame  302  and other frames disclosed herein are disclosed and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,109, issued 11 Jun. 2002, hereby incorporated by reference. The frame  302  includes respective first and second vertical frame elements  310  and  312 , first and second horizontal frame elements  314  and  316 , and a pivoting assembly  318 . In the embodiment shown, the vertical frame elements  310  and  312  are mirror images of each other, characterized by respective first ends  322  and  324 , second ends  326  and  328  and having respective front portions  330  and  332  generally orthogonally joining outboard portions  334  and  336  and inboard edges  338  and  340 . The inboard edges  338  and  340  impart a generally concave shape to the front portions  330  and  332 . Consequently, the front portions  330  and  332  taper from maximum widths at their front ends  322  and  324  to minimum widths proximate the midpoints thereof. Apertures  342  are defined proximate the first ends  322  and  324  and the second ends  326  and  328  of the front portions  330  and  332 . Connectors, such as the threaded shanks  124  and nuts  126  may be disposed on the horizontal frame elements  314  and  316  as discussed above with respect to the mounting device  100  and alternative means of affixing the vertical frame elements  310  and  312  to the horizontal frame elements  314  and  316 , as also discussed above with respect to the mounting device  100 , may also be employed.  
         [0057]     The outboard portions  334  and  336  may be characterized by respective first ends  344  and  346  and second ends  348  and  350 . Proximate the first ends  344  and  346 , and proceeding toward the second ends  348  and  350 , are respective curved slots  352 , first apertures  356 , second apertures  360 , generally linear slots  364 , and third apertures  368 . Peripheral cutouts  372  are disposed between the first apertures  356  and the second apertures  360 .  
         [0058]     The first and second horizontal frame elements  314  and  318  are mirror images of each other in the embodiment depicted and may include a main element  375  and a peripheral lip  376  extending generally orthogonally from the main element  375 . The main element  375  may define at least one, e.g., five, generally central apertures  377  and a plurality of slots  378  disposed outboard the apertures  377 . A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the apertures, while depicted as being circular, can be made in a variety of shapes as discussed above. The utility and locations of the slots  378  may be similar, or substantially the same as, the slots  148  discussed above with respect to the mounting device  100 .  
         [0059]     The pivoting assembly  318  has respective first and second pivot arms  380  and  382 , pivot link elements  384 , spacer/friction elements  386 , and spacer/friction elements  387 . A pivot linkage element  384  links the first and second pivot arms  380  and  382  to the first and second vertical frame elements  310  and  312 . The first and second pivot arms  380  and  382  may be characterized by respective first ends  388  and  390  and second ends  390  and  392 , a spacer  386  being operably positioned between the second ends  390  and  392  of the first and second pivot arms  380  and  382  and the outboard portions  334  and  336  of the first and second vertical elements  310  and  312 .  
         [0060]     The first and second pivot arms  380  and  382  may include rear portions  396  and  398  and outboard portions  400  and  402  extending generally orthogonally from the rear portions  396  and  398 . The rear portions  396  and  398  further define first apertures  404  and second apertures  406 . A plurality of keyholes such as those indicated at  132  may also be defined in the rear portions  396  and  398  and are depicted in the figures as being disposed proximate the first end  388  and  390  and the second ends  392  and  394 . The keyholes  132  and their features and advantages are discussed above with respect to the mounting device  100 . A securing assembly such as that indicated at  104  and discussed above with respect to the mounting device  100  may be pivotally mounted to one or both of the rear portions  386  and  388  using one or both of the apertures  404 . Slots  408  and  410  are defined in the respective outboard portions  400  and  402  proximate first ends  412  (first end  412  not shown) and  414  thereof and apertures  416  and  418  (not shown) are defined proximate second ends  420  and  422  (not shown) thereof.  
         [0061]     Each of the pivot linkage elements  384  may define a generally curved slot  430  proximate one end thereof and an aperture  432  (not shown) disposed proximate the other end thereof.  
         [0062]     The spacers (or friction washers)  386  may be made from such suitable materials is ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) or ultra-high density polyethylene (UHDPE). However, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily comprehend that the instant spacers may be made from other materials, such as wood or other synthetic resins, such as disclosed and described in the Handbook of Plastics, Elastomers, and Composites, Third Edition, Charles A. Harper, Editor in Chief, McGraw-Hill (1996), hereby incorporated by reference.  
         [0063]     The pivoting assembly  318  is assembled connecting the first and second pivot arms  380  and  382  to the first and second vertical frame elements  310  and  312 . Assembly is accomplished by first securing a connector, such as a nut and bolt or rivet, through the second apertures  360  and  362  of the outboard portions  334  and  336  and the apertures  432  of the pivot linkage elements  384 , friction elements  387  being disposed between the outboard portions  400  and  402  and the pivot linkage elements  384  and between the pivot linkage elements  384  and the connector, to thereby establish pivot points  434  and  436  (pivot point  436  not shown). Second securing a connector, such as a nut and bolt or rivet, through the curved slots  430  of the pivot linkage elements  384  and the apertures  416  and  418  of the outboard portions  400  and  402 ; and third by securing a connector, such as a nut and bolt or rivet, through the third apertures  368  and  370  of the outboard portions  334  and  336 , the spacers  386 , and the apertures  416  and  418  of the outboard portions  400  and  402  to establish pivot points  438  and  440  (pivot point  440  not shown).  
         [0064]     Referring to  FIGS. 9, 13  and  14 , the pivot arms  380  and  382  of the assembled pivoting assembly  318  are pivoted away from, and toward, the remainder of the mounting device  300  at the pivot points  438  and  440  as indicated by the arrow  442 . As the pivot arms  380  and  382  are pivoted, the pivot linkage elements  384  are pivoted at pivot points  434  and  436  as the connectors slide within the curved slot  430  of the pivot linkage elements  384 . Resistance to pivoting is imparted by the friction elements  386  and  387 . This resistance tends to maintain the pivot arms  380  and  382  at positions intermediate between those depicted in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . Resistance to pivoting also imparts the tendency to maintain pivot arms of other embodiments of this invention when other friction elements are present.  
         [0065]     Yet another embodiment of the mounting device of this invention is shown in  FIGS. 13-16  generally at  500 . The mounting device  500  includes a frame  502  and a securing assembly such as that indicated at  104  and discussed above with respect to the mounting device  100 . The frame  502  includes first and second vertical frame elements  310  and  312 , first and second horizontal frame elements  514  and  516 , and a pivoting assembly  518 . The horizontal frame elements  514  and  516  each have a main portion  575  and a peripheral lip  576 , differing from the horizontal frame elements  314  and  316  by defining a generally central aperture  377  and a plurality of slots  378  disposed generally outboard the aperture  377 . While the aperture is shown as being generally triangular, apertures of other shapes may be used in other embodiments as discussed above. The plurality of slots are advantageous for mounting the mounting device  500  on surfaces in situations where it is desirable to fasten the device at several places on the surface, the slots allowing connectors to be extended into structural members, such as vertical studs. The pivoting assembly  518  may include the components described above with respect to the mounting device  300 , but with first and second pivot arms  580  and  582  in place of the first and second pivot arms  380  and  382 . The pivot arms  580  and  582  differ from the pivot arms  380  and  382  by defining at least one, e.g., two, apertures  584 . In this embodiment, the handle portion  156  (not shown) of the securing element  154  has one or more apertures (not shown) aligning with the apertures  584  when the securing element  154  is in the closed position. Thus, the securing element  154  can be further secured in the closed position by securing a connector, such as a nut and bolt or a rivet, though the aligned apertures or securing a hasp of a lock through the aligned apertures.  
         [0066]     Another embodiment of the instant mounting device is shown in  FIGS. 17-22  and is indicated generally at  600 . In the embodiment depicted, the mounting device  600  includes a frame  602  and may include a securing assembly, such as the securing assembly  104  discussed above with respect to the mounting device  100 . The frame  602 , in turn, may include respective first and second vertical frame elements  610  and  612 , first and second horizontal frame elements  614  and  616 , and a pivoting assembly  618 .  
         [0067]     The first and second vertical frame elements  610  and  612  may be characterized as having respective first ends  622  and  624  and second ends  626  and  628 . Each of the vertical frame elements  610  and  612  has respective front portions  630  and  632  and outboard portions  634  and  636  extending generally orthogonally from the front portions  630  and  632 . Generally arcuate inboard edges  638  and  640  are opposite the respective outboard portions  634  and  636  on the respective front portions  630  and  632 . In the embodiment shown, the front portions  630  and  632  taper from maximum widths at first ends  622  and  624  and at second ends  626  and  628  to minimum widths at their mid-points therebetween. Apertures  642  are defined in the front portions  630  and  632  proximate the first and second ends thereof and apertures  644  are defined generally centrally therein. The apertures  642  are disposed and dimensioned to accept connectors, such as threaded shanks extending from the first and second horizontal frame elements  614  in  616 . The first and second frame elements  610  and  612  may be secured to the first and second horizontal frame elements  614  and  616  by nuts threaded on the connectors. A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily comprehend alternate structure, e.g., rivets, welds, and the like, to affix the instant vertical frame elements to the instant horizontal frame elements. Each of the outboard portions  634  and  636 , beginning proximate the first ends thereof, define generally curved slots  646 , first apertures  648 , generally linear slots  650 , and second apertures  652 . The first and second horizontal frame elements  614  and  616 , being mirror images in the embodiment shown, have main portions  654  and a peripheral lip  656  extending generally orthogonally from each main portion  654 . The main portions  654 , in turn, define generally central apertures  658  and slots  660 . The slots  660  are disposed proximate each end of the main portions  654  in the embodiment shown.  
         [0068]     The pivot assembly  618  may include respective first and second pivot arms  666  and  668  and, in mechanical communication with each pivot arm, respective first and second pivot linkage elements  670  and  672  and respective first, second, and a pair of third spacer/friction elements  674 ,  676 , and  678 . The pivot arms  666  and  668  may be characterized by respective first ends  680  and  682 , second ends  684  and  686 , and have respective rear portions  688  and  690  and outboard portions  692  and  694  extending generally orthogonally from the rear portions  668  and  690 , respectively. The rear portions  688  and  690 , in turn, define respective first and second apertures  696  and  698  and may have keyholes  132  defined proximate each of the first and second ends thereof. Securing structures, such as described above with respect to the securing assembly  104 , may be operably affixed to the rear portions  688  and  690  by securing connectors through the first apertures  696 . In the embodiment shown, the second apertures  698  are defined generally centrally on the rear portions  688  and  690 . The keyholes  132  are discussed above with respect to the mounting device  100 . The outboard portions  692  and  694  are generally mirror images of each other and define respective first, second, and third apertures  702 ,  704  (not shown), and  706 , slots  708 , and cutouts  710 . Generally round first and second apertures  702  and  704  are defined proximate the first and second ends of the outboard portions  682  and  694 . The third apertures  706  are generally square in the embodiment shown.  
         [0069]     The generally elongated first pivot linkage element  670  defines a pair of first apertures (not shown) proximate each end thereof, as well as a second aperture (not shown) positioned between the first apertures. The second pivot linkage element  672  is also generally elongate with a pair of apertures disposed proximate each end thereof.  
         [0070]     When the pivoting assembly  618  is assembled, the first and second pivot arms  666  and  668  may be pivoted independently and are longitudinally displaced as they are pivoted away from the horizontal and vertical frame elements. The first and second pivot arms  666  and  668  are initially connected to a first pivot linkage element  670  to establish a first connection  712  by securing a connector through the pivot arm slot  708  and one of the first apertures in the first pivot linkage element  670 , a second spacer or friction element  676  being disposed between the pivot arm and the first pivot linkage element. A connector is then secured through the second (middle) aperture of the first pivot linkage element  670  and one of the apertures of the second pivot linkage element  672  to establish a second connection  714 , a second space or/friction element  676  disposed therebetween. The first pivot linkage element  670  is then connected to the outboard portions  692  and  694  of the first and second pivot arms to establish a third connection  716  by securing a connector through the other first aperture of the first pivot linkage element  670  and the first aperture  648  in the outboard portions  634  and  636 , a first spacer  674  being disposed therebetween. Assembly is then completed by establishing a fourth connection  718  by securing a connector through the other aperture in the second pivot linkage element  672 , the slot  650  of the outboard portions  634 ,  636  and the second aperture  704  of the outboard portions  682  and  694  of the linkage arms, a spacer  678  being present between the second pivot linkage element  672  and the outboard portion  634  and  636  and between the outboard portions  634  and  636  of the vertical frame elements and the outboard portions  692  and  694  of the pivot arms, respectively.  
         [0071]     As the pivot arms of this embodiment are displaced away from the frame elements in the direction indicated by the arrow  720 , the present pivot arms are also simultaneously longitudinally displaced. Stated otherwise, the linkage arms are pivoted from the closed position of  FIG. 21  to the open position of  FIG. 22 . Simultaneously pivoting away from the frame elements and longitudinal displacement occurs when the first connection  712  is displaced toward the first ends of the pivot arms as the pivot arms are displaced away from the frame elements in the direction of the arrow  722 , the first pivot linkage element  670  thereby pivoting on the third connection  716 . When the first pivot linkage element  670  is thusly pivoted, the first second connection  714  longitudinally displaces the second pivot linkage element  672  in the direction of the arrow  724 . The second pivot linkage element  672  is also simultaneously pivoted at the fourth connection  718  in the direction of the arrow  726 . The fourth connection  718  is simultaneously displaced longitudinally in the slot  650 , which longitudinally translates the pivot arm.  
         [0072]     Referring to  FIGS. 23-27 , yet another embodiment of the mounting device of this invention is shown at  800 . The mounting device  800  broadly includes a frame  802  and a securing assembly such as discussed above with respect to the mounting device  100  and indicated at  104 .  
         [0073]     The frame  802 , in turn, has respective first and second vertical frame elements  810  and  812 , first and second horizontal frame elements  814  and  816 , and a pivoting assembly  818 . The generally concave-shaped first and second vertical frame elements  810  and  812  are generally mirror images of each other and, consequently, may be characterized as having respective first ends  822  and  824  and second ends  826  and  828 , and have front portions  830  and  832  and outboard portions  834  and  836  extending generally orthogonally from the front portions  830  and  832 . The inboard edges  838  and  840  of the respective front portions  830  and  832  are generally arcuate, thereby providing maximum widths proximate the first ends  822  and  824  and the second ends  826  and  828  and providing minimum widths proximate the longitudinal midpoints of the vertical frame elements  810  and  812 . Apertures  842  are defined proximate the first ends  822  and  824  and proximate the second ends  826  and  828 . The apertures  842  are disposed and dimensioned to accommodate connectors extending from the first and second horizontal frame elements  814  and  816 . In one embodiment, the connectors include threaded shanks and the vertical frame elements are affixed to the horizontal frame elements by threading nuts on the connectors. While threaded shanks and nuts are disclosed herein, connectors such as rivets, welds, and the like, may be suitable for other embodiments of this invention.  
         [0074]     The first and second horizontal frame elements  814  and  816  are mirror images of each other, each having a main portion  844  and a peripheral lip  846  extending generally orthogonally from the main portion  844 . Each main portion  844  defines a generally triangular, central aperture  848 ; however, apertures of other shapes, e.g., circular, hexagonal, or the like, may be suitable for other embodiments. Each main portion  844  further defines a plurality of slots  850  extending generally longitudinally along the main portions  844 .  
         [0075]     Referring to the outboard portions  834  and  836 , a curved slot is defined therein proximate the second ends  826  and  828  and a plurality, e.g., three, generally linear and longitudinally oriented slots  854  are present as well.  
         [0076]     The pivoting assembly  818  has respective first and second pivot arms  860  and  862 . Associated with each pivot arm are first second and third pivot linkage elements  864 ,  866 , and  868 . An optional pivot arm connecting element  870  may also be present. Additionally, the first, second, and third spacer/friction elements  674 ,  676 , and  678  discussed and described above may be present.  
         [0077]     The pivot arms  860  and  862  may be characterized as having first ends  874  and  876  and second ends  878  and  880  and may include respective rear portions  882  and  884  and outboard portions  886  and  888  extending generally orthogonally from the rear portions  882  and  884 , respectively. The rear portions  882  and  884 , in turn, may each define a first aperture  890  and a plurality of second apertures  892 . A securing assembly, such as discussed above with respect to mounting device  100  and designated at  104 , may be mounted via one or both of the first apertures  890 . One of the second apertures  894  is generally triangular and the other aperture  894  is generally circular; however, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that other shapes, e.g., square, diamond-shaped, hexagonal, or the like, may be suitable in other embodiments. Additionally, a keyhole, such as the keyhole  132  discussed above with respect to the mounting device  100 , may be present proximate one or more of the first ends  874 ,  876  and second ends  878 ,  880 .  
         [0078]     Each of the outboard portions  886  and  888  may define respective first and second apertures  894  and  896 , a slot  898 , a third aperture  900  (not shown), and a cutout  902 . The cut at  902  may impart a generally tapered appearance to the pivot arms  860  and  862  when viewed from the side. In the embodiment depicted, a pair of first apertures  890  is defined proximate each of the first ends  874  and  876 . The second aperture  896  is positioned proximate the cutout  902 . The slot  898  extends generally longitudinally proximate the cutout  902 . The third aperture  900  is positioned proximate each of the second ends  878  and  880   
         [0079]     The first pivot linkage element  864  defines a pair of first apertures  906  (not shown) and a second aperture  908  (not shown). The first apertures  906  are positioned proximate each end of the pivot linkage element  864 . The second aperture  908  is positioned proximate one edge of the pivot linkage element  864  and in a position longitudinally intermediate the first apertures  906 . The generally elongate second pivot linkage element  866  and third pivot linkage element  868  have an aperture proximate each end thereof. The pivot arm connecting element  870  has a first member  912  and a pair of second members  914 , which are mirror images of each other in this embodiment. The second members  914  extend generally orthogonally from each end of the first member  912  and define an aperture (not shown) therein.  
         [0080]     The instant pivoting assembly  818  is operably assembled by establishing a series of pivoting connections as described herein below. A first connection  918  is effected by securing a connector through one of the first apertures  906  of the first pivot linkage element  864  and through the slot  898  of the pivot arms  860 ,  862 , a first spacer/friction element  674  optionally being disposed therebetween. A second connection  920  is established by securing a connector through the other of the first apertures  906  of the first pivot linkage element  864  and through each of the curved slots  852  of the outboard portions  834 ,  836 , a first spacer/friction element  674  optionally being disposed therebetween. A third connection  922  is made by securing a connector in the second aperture  908  of the first pivot linkage element  864  and one of the apertures in the third pivot linkage element  868 . A fourth connection  924  is effected by extending and securing a connector in the other aperture of the third pivot linkage element  868 , a slot  854  of each outboard portion  834 ,  836 , and one of the apertures present in the third pivot linkage element  868 . A fifth connection  926  occurs when a connector is secured in the other aperture of the third pivot linkage element  868 , the third aperture  900  in the outboard portions  886 ,  888 , and the aperture of each of the second members  914  of the pivot arm connecting element  870 . While the pivoting assembly  818  can be efficiently assembled by establishing the connections in the order as described above, the person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that other iterations may be suitable as well. When installed thusly, the pivot arm connecting element  870  itself pivots between a closed position as depicted in  FIG. 26  and indicated by the arrow  928  and an open position depicted in  FIG. 27 .  
         [0081]     Functionally, the pivot arms  860 ,  862  may be pivoted away from the frame elements from a closed position to a first pivoted position wherein the first ends  874 ,  876  thereof are forced away from the frame elements while the second ends  878 ,  880  thereof remain positioned proximate the frame elements. As the pivot arms  860 ,  862  are pivoted away from the frame elements the first connection  918  is displaced longitudinally in the slot  898  in the direction indicated by the arrow  928 , thereby pivoting the first pivot linkage element  864  away from the frame elements and in the direction indicated by the arrow  930 . The pivoting first pivot linkage element  864 , via the third connection  922 , then simultaneously pivots and longitudinally displaces the second pivot linkage element  866  in the directions indicated by the arrows  932  and  934 , respectively. From the first pivoted position, the pivot arms  860 ,  862  may be translated to a second pivoted position depicted in  FIG. 27 . In doing so the pivot arm second ends  878 ,  880  are forced away from the frame elements, simultaneously pivoting the third pivot linkage element  868  at the third and fourth connections  922 ,  924 .  
         [0082]     The instant pivoting assembly  818 , when assembled, simultaneously translates the pivot arms  860  and  862  longitudinally and away from the frame members.  
         [0083]     Because numerous modifications of this invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, the scope of the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments illustrated and described. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5