Patent Description:
It is increasingly common in public spaces to mount LED, LCD or other flat panel display type televisions or monitors (electronic display devices) to form an overall display that can be easily changed for the purpose of presenting information, advertising, or entertainment. Often, several of these devices are mounted adjacent to form an overall display larger than can be done with a single electronic display.

Prior mounting solutions for multiple electronic displays present certain drawbacks. For example, such mounts can be difficult and cumbersome to assemble. These mounts sometimes do not offer adjustibilty to account for external factors such as walls that are not entirely flat, leading to an unattractive installation. Also, the mounts are not easily scalable, so that different models must be offered depending on the size of the array of electronic displays desired.

Exemplarily, document <CIT> relates to adjustable mounting systems for mounting flat- panel displays and similar devices.

Document <CIT> is directed at a wall mount for multi-display.

Document <CIT> relates to a flat panel television or video display mounting system.

What is still needed in the industry is a mounting system for multiple electronic displays that overcomes these drawbacks.

The present invention is defined by the independent claim and provides a mounting solution for arrays of electronic display devices that addresses the drawbacks of prior mounts. According to embodiments of the invention, scalably sized modular mounting frames can be easily assembled and linked together to form a mounting system that can accommodate multiple vertically and horizontally adjacent electronic displays. The system can have adjustable mounting legs enabling correction for walls, to which the system will be mounted, that are not entirely flat and also enabling positioning of the overall system within a range of adjustment closer or further away from the wall.

The modular configuration of the mounting system can provide for vertical attachment of multiple electronic displays to a single module, and for vertical and horizontal attachment of multiple modules. The disclosed modular system enables multiple displays to be mounted in a virtually unlimited number of shapes as well as the standard square and rectangular arrays.

Elongated attachment slots enable an electronic display to be moved laterally while adjacent electronic displays are being installed so that the electronic displays do not necessarily contact each other during initial installation so as to prevent damage to the individual electronic displays. The elongated attachment slots also enable horizontal adjustment of the electronic displays to compensate for tolerance buildups so as to ensure the displays can be slid together tightly in the horizontal (lateral) direction during final installation.

In some embodiments, a pusher mechanism can be included that will push against the display fasteners during installation so as to enable the electronic display devices to be pushed tightly together and inhibit unauthorized removal. In some embodiments, slots can placed at key-points on the mount to enable a tape measure to be used during installation, thereby easing measurements during installation.

In an embodiment, a system for mounting multiple electronic display devices to a wall of a structure includes a first pair of spaced-apart brackets, each bracket presenting a front flange defining a plurality of slots, each slot adapted to receive a fastener coupled to an electronic display so as to attach the electronic display to the bracket, and a plurality of mounting feet operably coupled to each of the spaced-apart brackets, each of the mounting feet adapted to attach to the wall and defining a slot enabling the mounting foot to shift parallel to a plane of the wall, each of the plurality of mounting feet being separately shiftable relative to the spaced-apart brackets so as to enable the bracket to be selectively adjusted for position in a direction perpendicular to the wall.

According to embodiments, each of the plurality of mounting feet is shiftable relative to the spaced-apart brackets with an adjustment screw assembly. The slots defined in each mounting foot can be teardrop shaped, and the slots defined in the spaced-apart brackets can be teardrop shaped.

In embodiments, the system can further include a second pair of spaced-apart brackets, each of the second pair of brackets presenting a front flange defining a plurality of slots, each slot adapted to receive a fastener coupled to an electronic display so as to attach the electronic display to the second pair of spaced-apart brackets and a plurality of mounting feet operably coupled to each of the second pair of spaced-apart brackets, each of the mounting feet adapted to attach to the wall and defining a slot enabling the mounting foot to shift parallel to a plane of the wall, each of the plurality of mounting feet being separately shiftable relative to the spaced-apart brackets so as to enable the bracket to be selectively adjusted for position in a direction perpendicular to the wall, the second pair of spaced-apart apart brackets operably coupled to the first pair of spaced-apart brackets in a horizontally or vertically adjacent relation.

In embodiments, the first or the second pair of spaced-apart brackets can receive one, two, three, or four electronic displays, and can be coupled together vertically or horizontally to form arrays of electronic displays of various shapes.

Subject matter hereof may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying figures, in which:.

While various embodiments are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed inventions to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims.

There is depicted in <FIG> a mounting system according to embodiments of the invention. A mount <NUM> for a single (<NUM> x <NUM>) electronic display device depicted in <FIG> and <FIG> generally includes brackets <NUM>, <NUM>, cross-braces <NUM>, and mounting foot assemblies <NUM>. Brackets <NUM>, <NUM>, define teardrop slots <NUM> in front facing flanges <NUM>. Side facing flanges <NUM> of brackets <NUM>, <NUM>, define apertures receiving fasteners <NUM>, and keyhole slots <NUM>. Cross-braces <NUM> are secured to each of brackets <NUM>, <NUM>, with fasteners <NUM>, and hold brackets <NUM>, <NUM>, in a parallel, spaced apart relation.

As depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, mounting foot assemblies <NUM> generally include mounting bracket <NUM> defining keyhole slot <NUM> on lateral flange <NUM>, and adjustment slots <NUM> on perpendicular flange <NUM>. Adjustment block <NUM> is rigidly attached to mounting bracket <NUM> with fasteners <NUM>, and receives adjustment screw assembly <NUM>. Mounting foot assemblies <NUM> are adjustably coupled to brackets <NUM>, <NUM>, with adjustment screw assembly <NUM>, and with fasteners <NUM> slidably received in adjustment slots <NUM> such that turning adjustment screw assembly <NUM> causes lateral flange <NUM> to be moved closer or further away from front facing flanges <NUM>, depending on the direction of rotation of adjustment screw <NUM>.

In use, mount <NUM> can be attached to a wall with fasteners (not depicted) through keyhole slots <NUM>. The head of fastener already projecting from the wall can be advanced through round portion <NUM> of slot <NUM> and then mount <NUM> moved downward so that the fastener moves through neck portion <NUM> and into lateral slot portion <NUM>. From there, mount <NUM> can be slid horizontally, guided by lateral slot portion <NUM> so that mount <NUM> can be adjusted for lateral position on the wall. The position of front facing flanges <NUM> can be adjusted relative to the wall by turning adjustment screw <NUM>. As there are generally four mounting feet <NUM> for mount <NUM>, the front facing flanges <NUM> can be adjusted to enable an attached screen to be adjusted in roll and pitch relative to the wall and other displays mounted adjacent.

Screen <NUM> is attached to mount <NUM> with-fastening buttons <NUM>. Each fastening button <NUM> has head portion <NUM> and neck portion <NUM>. Head portion <NUM> is advanced through rounded portion <NUM> of teardrop slot <NUM>, and screen <NUM> moved downward so that neck portion <NUM> moves through narrow portion <NUM> and into lateral slot <NUM>. From there, screen <NUM> can be slid laterally with neck portion <NUM> guided in lateral slot <NUM>. The position of fastening button <NUM> in teardrop slot <NUM> can be adjusted and secured with pusher screw <NUM> received in apertures provided in brackets <NUM>, <NUM>, and using stop block <NUM> as depicted in <FIG>.

The system is modular and scalable for multiple vertically mounted displays as depicted in <FIG>. Brackets <NUM>, <NUM>, can be made an extended length with teardrop slots <NUM> located at appropriate positions on front facing flanges <NUM> so as to enable two, three, or more displays to be mounted in a vertical array. Also, multiple mounts <NUM> can be positioned vertically with fasteners in vertical slots <NUM> to link the mounts together vertically as depicted in <FIG>. In addition, mounts <NUM> can be linked horizontally as depicted in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, with fasteners <NUM> through keyhole slots <NUM> and received in link bars <NUM>. In this way, virtually unlimited configurations of horizontal and vertical arrays of screens can be achieved.

There is depicted in <FIG> alternative embodiments of a mounting system according to embodiments of the invention. A mount <NUM> for two electronic display devices, as depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, generally includes brackets <NUM>, <NUM>, cross-braces <NUM>, and mounting foot assemblies <NUM>. Brackets <NUM>, <NUM>, define teardrop slots <NUM> in front facing flanges <NUM>. Side facing flanges <NUM> of brackets <NUM>, <NUM>, define apertures receiving fasteners <NUM>, and keyhole slots <NUM>. Cross-braces <NUM> are secured to each of brackets <NUM>, <NUM>, with fasteners <NUM>, and hold brackets <NUM>, <NUM>, in a parallel, spaced apart relation.

As depicted in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, mounting foot assemblies <NUM> generally include mounting bracket <NUM>, and attachment portion <NUM>, with mounting bracket <NUM> defining teardrop slot <NUM> on lateral flange <NUM>. Attachment portion <NUM> is secured to mounting bracket <NUM> with fasteners <NUM>. Adjustment slots <NUM> are defined in perpendicular flanges <NUM> of attachment portion <NUM>. Adjustment block <NUM> is rigidly attached to mounting bracket <NUM> with fasteners <NUM>, and receives adjustment screw assembly <NUM> with adjustment nut <NUM> threaded on adjustment screw <NUM>. Mounting foot assemblies <NUM> are adjustably coupled to brackets <NUM>, <NUM>, through adjustment screw <NUM>, and with fasteners <NUM> slidably received in adjustment slots <NUM> such that turning adjustment nut <NUM> on adjustment screw <NUM> causes lateral flange <NUM> to be moved closer or further away from front facing flanges <NUM>, depending on the direction of rotation of adjustment nut <NUM>.

In use, mount <NUM> can be attached to a wall with fasteners (not depicted) through teardrop slots <NUM>. The head of such a fastener already projecting from the wall can be advanced through lower portion <NUM> of slot <NUM> and then mount <NUM> moved downward so that the fastener moves through neck portion <NUM> and into lateral slot portion <NUM>. From there, mount <NUM> can be slid horizontally, guided by lateral slot portion <NUM> so that mount <NUM> can be adjusted for lateral position on the wall. The position of front facing flanges <NUM> can be adjusted inwardly and outwardly relative to the wall by turning adjustment nut <NUM>. As there are generally four mounting feet <NUM> for mount <NUM>, the front facing flanges <NUM> can be adjusted to enable an attached electronic display to be adjusted in roll and pitch relative to the wall and other displays <NUM> mounted adjacent.

As with the embodiments depicted in <FIG>, electronic display <NUM> is attached to mount <NUM> with fastening buttons <NUM>. Each fastening button <NUM> has head portion <NUM> and neck portion <NUM> as depicted in <FIG>. Each head portion <NUM> is advanced through rounded portion <NUM> of teardrop slots <NUM>, and screen <NUM> moved downward so that neck portion <NUM> moves through narrow portion <NUM> and into lateral slot <NUM>. From there, screen <NUM> can be slid laterally with neck portion <NUM> guided in lateral slot <NUM>. The position of fastening button <NUM> in teardrop slot <NUM> can be adjusted and secured with pusher screw <NUM> received in apertures provided in side facing flanges <NUM> of brackets <NUM> or <NUM> as depicted in <FIG>. A stop fastener <NUM> can be threaded in to limit lateral travel to a predetermined range as depicted in <FIG>.

The system is scalable for multiple vertically mounted displays as depicted in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. Brackets <NUM>, <NUM>, can be made an extended length with teardrop slots <NUM> located at appropriate positions on front facing flanges <NUM> so as to enable two, three, four, or more displays to be mounted in a vertical array. Also, multiple mounts <NUM> can be connected vertically with brackets <NUM> secured with fasteners <NUM> as depicted in <FIG>.

In addition, mounts <NUM> can be linked horizontally with brackets <NUM> as depicted in <FIG>. As such, a virtually unlimited variety of overall array shapes of electronic displays can be achieved, with non-limiting exemplary embodiments depicted in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>.

In embodiments, slots <NUM> can be provided in brackets <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or cross-braces <NUM> to receive the perpendicular end <NUM> of a common tape measure <NUM>, as depicted in <FIG>. Slots <NUM> can be located at the approximate mid-point of attached electronic displays <NUM> to enable easy measurement relative to a floor, ceiling, or adjacent walls of a structure and thereby enable precise positioning of the electronic displays.

Claim 1:
A system for mounting multiple electronic display devices to a wall of a structure, the system comprising:
a first pair of spaced-apart brackets (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), each bracket (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) presenting a front flange (<NUM>, <NUM>) defining a plurality of slots (<NUM>, <NUM>), each slot (<NUM>, <NUM>) adapted to receive a fastener (<NUM>) coupled to an electronic display (<NUM>) so as to attach the electronic display (<NUM>) to the bracket (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); and
a plurality of mounting feet (<NUM>, <NUM>) operably coupled to each of the spaced-apart brackets (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), each of the mounting feet (<NUM>, <NUM>) adapted to attach to the wall and defining a slot (<NUM>, <NUM>) enabling the mounting foot (<NUM>, <NUM>) to shift parallel to a plane of the wall,
each of the plurality of mounting feet (<NUM>, <NUM>) being separately shiftable relative to the spaced-apart brackets (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) with an adjustment screw assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) so as to enable the bracket (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to be selectively adjusted for position in a direction perpendicular to the wall,
characterized in that
each of the plurality of mounting feet (<NUM>, <NUM>) includes a mounting bracket (<NUM>, <NUM>) defining the slot (<NUM>, <NUM>) on a lateral flange (<NUM>, <NUM>) and adjustment slots (<NUM>, <NUM>) on a perpendicular flange (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein an adjustment block (<NUM>, <NUM>) is rigidly attached to the mounting bracket (<NUM>, <NUM>) with first fasteners (<NUM>, <NUM>) and receives the adjustment screw assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>),
and wherein each of the plurality of mounting feet (<NUM>, <NUM>) is adjustably coupled to the spaced-apart brackets (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) with second fasteners (<NUM>, <NUM>) slidably received in the adjustment slots (<NUM>, <NUM>) such that turning the adjustment screw assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) causes the lateral flange (<NUM>, <NUM>) to be moved relative to the front flange (<NUM>, <NUM>).