GB2452083A

GB2452083A - A mounting bracket for a flat panel display

Info

Publication number: GB2452083A
Application number: GB0716540A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark Short
Original assignee: AVF Group Ltd
Current assignee: AVF Group Ltd
Priority date: 2007-08-24
Filing date: 2007-08-24
Publication date: 2009-02-25
Also published as: GB0716540D0

Abstract

A mount 10 for mounting a flat panel display to a support comprises a first component 12 configured for attachment to the support surface and a second component 14 for attachment to the display. The first component 12 comprises a wall plate 16 having a base 22 with an arm 18 projecting therefrom and a swivel and tilt mechanism 20 provided on the free end of the arm 18. A bracket 26 projects outwardly from the base 22 and is configured for attachment to a first end 28 of the arm 18. A second end 30 of the arm is configured for attachment to the swivel and tilt mechanism 20. The display component 14 is generally X-shaped and is provided with a series of spaced fixing holes along each arm for securing the display component to the flat panel display. The display component 14 and the swivel and tilt mechanism 20 are configured for snap fit engagement. The first 12 and/or second 14 components are provided with a release means operable to release the first 12 and second 14 components from their coupled arrangements.

Description

MOUNT

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a mount. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a mount for a flat panel display, such as a computer monitor or a liquid crystal or plasma television set.

Background to the Invention

Commonly, when mounting a flat panel display, a first component of the mount is secured to a mounting surface, such as a wall, and a second component of the mount is secured to the flat panel display. The first and second components are then secured together, typically using screws. This is an awkward task and usually requires more than one person, particularly when a large or heavy flat panel display is required to be held in position whilst the second component is screwed to the first component.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a mount suitable for mounting an item such as a flat panel display, which addresses the above-mentioned problem.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a mount for mounting an item such as a flat panel display to a support, the mount comprising a first component configured for securement to said support; and a second component configured for securement to said item; the first and second components having co-operating parts operable to couple the first and second components together such that the item is secured to the support via * *** the mount; and wherein the first and/or second components are provided with a release **** : means operable to release the first and second components from their coupled S..

* engagement.

** .SSS It will be understood that traditional mounts, which employ screws threaded through aligned parts of the first and second components, do not have co-operating parts on the first and second components which are able to couple' the first and second components together but rather they have alignable parts and are only held together by the introduction and tightening of screws therethrough. Thus, the first and second components in such a traditional mount are not coupled together in accordance with the above. Furthermore, such mounts require use of a screwdriver to disassemble the components and so the mount itself does not include a release means.

The present invention has the advantage of making the connection between the first and second components of the mount much simpler and quicker to effect. In particular, the mount is easier for a single person to use, even when mounting a large or heavy item.

All that is required to couple the components together is the manipulation of one component relative to the other so as to allow the respective parts thereof to co-operate.

Thus, there is no need to operate a screwdriver to fix the second component to the first component whilst also holding the second component and/or item to be mounted in place. In addition, since the co-operating parts of the first and second components provide the coupling, no additional fixing components (such as screws) are required.

This is particularly advantageous since additional fixing components are often easily lost or misplaced rendering the entire mount unusable until replacements can be obtained. Also, the present invention facilitates quick and easy disassembly of the mount by the inclusion of the release means. Accordingly, no additional parts or tools are required in order to disassemble the mount. Moreover, the inclusion of a release means provides for a more secure coupling of the components since the requirement to operate the release means to decouple the components means that there is less chance of the components being accidentally decoupled. s * S * ***

A particular problem associated with mounting heavy items, such as large LCD S...

televisions, is that the connection between the first and second components has to be *...

: strong enough not to fail under the weight of the item. This problem has been addressed in various embodiments of the present invention.

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*..S*S The co-operating parts may be inter-engageable or mateable.

In one embodiment, the co-operating parts of the first and second components of the mount are configured for snap-fit engagement.

In another embodiment, the co-operating parts of the first and second components of the mount constitute a bayonet connection means.

The co-operating parts may be configured to lock the first and second components together in a fixed relative disposition. Alternatively, the co-operating parts may be configured such that relative movement is permitted between the first and second components when they are coupled together (i.e. one of the first or second components may be held captive but movable relative to the other of the first or second components).

In a particular embodiment, one of the first and second components includes a male part and the other of the first and second components includes a female part; the male part being engageable in the female part to couple the first and second components together.

A peg may constitute the male part with the female part being constituted by a recess in the form of a cavity, channel or slot. The male part may comprise a biasing means to bias it to a position in which it would be engaged in the female part when the first and second components are coupled together. The release means may be constituted by a part operable to apply a force against the biasing means. The male part may be lockable in an engaged and/or disengaged position with the female part. The first or second component including the female part may further comprise an entry means to facilitate entry of the male part into the female part. The entry means may comprise an inclined surfaceoraslot. * * S...

In one embodiment, a spring-loaded pin constitutes the male part. In this embodiment, *5S* : an elongate groove may constitute the female part permitting relative movement of the S.. . * first and second components when the pin is engaged in the groove. The groove may be provided on a locating peg projecting from the rear of the second component. The groove may be annular permitting rotation of the second component when the pin is engaged in the groove. The first component may include a cavity configured for receiving the locating peg of the second component when the pin is engaged in the groove.

In the case of a bayonet connection means, one of the first or second components may include a Substal)tially cylindrical nose with two (or more) opposed radial pegs whilst the other of the first or second components includes a substantially cylindrical cavity with two (or more) opposed, substantially L-shaped channels provided in the cavity wall. An axially resilient element may be provided within the cavity or on the tip of the cylindrical nose such that when the nose is inserted into the cavity, the pegs can be engaged in the channels and the nose rotated about its longitudinal axis, whilst applying a force against the resilient element, such that when the pegs are engaged in the ends of the channels and the force released, the axial return force of the resilient element retains the pegs within the channels, thereby coupling the first and second components together. The release means in this embodiment may be constituted by a part operable to apply a force against the resilient element such that the nose can be rotated about its longitudinal axis and the pegs released from the channels.

In one embodiment, the mount is a flat panel display mount.

Brief Description of the Dmwing

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A shows a perspective view of an assembled mount in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure lB shows a side view of the assembled mount of Figure 1A; Figure 2 shows a perspective exploded view of part of the assembled mount of Figures S...

1A, lB showing the inter-engaging parts of the wall component and display component; : Figures 3A, 3B and 3C show respectively the front, side and rear views of the part of the wall component shown in Figure 2; Figures 4A, 48 and 4C show respectively the rear, side and front views of the display *:*. component shown in Figure 2; Figure 5 shows a top plan view of an element of the part of the wall component shown in Figures 2 to 3C arid the display component of Figures 2 and 4A to 4C; Figure 6 shows a sectional view of the element and display component shown in Figure 5, taken along line A-A; Figure 7A shows a perspective view of the top of the element and display component shown in Figures 5 and 6, with the knob in its engaged position; and Figure 7B shows a perspective view as per Figure 7 but with the knob in its extracted position.

Detailed DescriDtion of Certain Embodiments With reference to Figures IA and I B, there is illustrated a mount 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mount 10 comprises a (first) wall component 12 and a (second) display component 14.

The wall component 12 comprises a wall plate 16 with an arm 18 projecting therefrom and a swivel and tilt mechanism 20 provided on the free end of the arm 18. The wall plate 16 has an elongate generally rectangular base 22 with rounded (top and bottom) short sides 24. The base 22 is configured for attachment to a wall or similar support surface by screws (not shown). Projecting from the lower half of the exposed face of the base 22 is a bracket 26. The bracket 26 is configured for attachment to a first end 28 of the arm 18. The arm 18 is of an elongate generally cuboidal form and is mounted on the bracket 26 such that the arm 18 may swivel relative to the bracket 26. A second end of the arm 18 is configured for attachment to the swivel and tilt mechanism 20. A first means 32 is provided on the swivel and tilt mechanism 20 to allow the display component 14 to tilt relative to the second end 30 of the arm 18 (i.e. to change the angle :::: of an attached display screen in relation to the vertical). A second means 34 is provided I...

to allow rotation of the display component 14 (about a horizontal axis) relative to the S..

.. : swivel and tilt mechanism 20 (this permits levelling of an attached display screen).

Furthermore, the swivel and tilt mechanism 20 is configured to swivel (i.e. rotate about a vertical axis) relative to the second end 30 of the arm 18. * . e S

The display component 14 is generally X-shaped and is provided with series of spaced fixing holes 35 along each arm of the X for screw fixing the display component 14 to a flat panel display such as a computer monitor or a liquid crystal or plasma television set (not shown). Extending outwardly from one side of the display component 14 is an additional limb 36 carrying a threaded hole 38 through its free end. The threaded hole 38 is provided for use with the second means 34 of the swivel and tilt mechanism 20 to adjust the rotation of the display component 14 as will be described later.

The display component 14 and the swivel and tilt mechanism 20 are configured for snap-fit engagement as will be described more fully in relation to the subsequent Figures.

In particular, Figure 2 illustrates by way of an exploded view, the interconnection between the swivel and tilt mechanism 20 and display component 14, with the remainder of the wall component 12 omitted for clarity. Accordingly, it can be seen that the display component 14 includes a generally cylindrical locating peg 40 projecting from its rear surface 42 (that is the surface opposite to that to which a flat panel display may be attached). The locating peg 40 is positioned slightly above the centre of the display component 14 and includes an annular groove 44 approximately halfway along its length. The free end of the locating peg 40 includes an annular chamfer 46. The locating peg 40 is configured to be received within a cylindrical cavity 48 in the swivel and tilt mechanism 20.

With reference to Figures 3A to 3C and Figures 5 and 6, the tip of a pin 50 is configured to project slightly into the cylindrical cavity 48. The pin 50 extends from a housing 52 provided on the top of the swivel and tilt mechanism 20. Within the housing 52 is * *1.

provided a coiled spring 53 arranged to bias the pin 50 into the position shown in Figure 3A (i.e. to project slightly into the cylindrical cavity 48). A knob 54 projects through a ** hexagonal ring 56 on the top of the housing 52 and is connected to the pin 50 such that pulling the knob 54 upwardly compresses the spring within the housing 52 and draws the tip of the pin 50 out of the cavity 48.

** **e* * * S. S * .: 30 As best shown in Figures 6 and 7A, the knob 54 has a substantially T-shaped cross-section and is configured to sit mostly within a pair of shoulders 55 projecting from the top of the housing 52, when in a relaxed state (i.e. when the pin 50 is projecting into the cavity 48). This configuration ensures that the knob 54 cannot be lifted unintentionally.

A slot 54A is provided in the side of knob 54 to facilitate the purposeful lifting of the knob 54, from between the shoulders 55, with a small pin, fingernail or screwdriver.

When the knob 54 has been lifted clear of the shoulders 55 it is possible to rotate the pin 50 by 900 so that the knob 54 can be released to span between the tops of the shoulders 55, as shown in Figure 7B. This fixes the pin 50 in its extracted state (i.e. when it is withdrawn from the cavity 48).

In use, the wall component 12 is assembled and fixed to a support surface (not shown).

The display component 14 is attached to the flat panel display by screws through selected ones of the fixing holes 35. The display component 14 is then coupled to the swivel and tilt mechanism 20 by pushing the locating peg 40 into the cavity 48. When the tip of the pin 50 (in its relaxed state) encounters the chamfer 46 the pin 50 is forced upwardly against the action of the spring. As the locating peg 40 is pushed further into the cavity 48, the pin 50 drops into the annular groove 44 under the action of the spring.

Thus, the chamfer 46 constitutes an entry means for guiding the pin 50 into the groove 44. When the pin 50 of the wall component 12 is engaged in the groove 44 of the display component 14, the components are coupled together. To release the components from this engagement, the knob 54 is lifted so as to draw the pin 50 out of the groove 44. The pin 50 may be held in this position by rotating the knob 54 by 90°, as described above. The locating peg 40 of the display component 14 can then be removed from the cavity 48.

As shown in Figure 4A, the rear surface 42 of the display component 14 includes two vertical slots 58 arranged to either side of the locating peg 40. As most clearly seen in S..

Figure 2, two cylindrical projections 60 are provided to either side of the cavity 48 on the swivel and tiJt mechanism 20. Accordingly, when the display component 14 is

S S. *

* coupled to the waIl component 12, the projections 60 are located within the slots 58. S..

The elongate nature of the slots 58 allows for limited travel of the projections 60, : .** 30 thereby permitting limited rotation of the display component 14 relative to the swivel and tilt mechanism 20, when the components are coupled together.

As shown in Figures 2, 3A and 3C, the second means 34 also allows rotation of the display component 14 relative to the swivel and tilt mechanism 20 by having a vertical slot 62 mounted in an extension 64 of the swivel and tilt mechanism 20 such that the slot 62 aligns generally with the hole 38 in the display component 14 when the components are coupled together. The shank of a screw 66 is passed through the slot 62 and threaded into the hole 38 so that movement of the screw 66 along the slot 62 translates to rotation of the display component 14. Tightening the screw 66 against the extension 64 can lock the angle of rotation.

Other forms of the wall component 12 and display component 14 described above can be employed in embodiments of the present invention.

It will therefore be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, whilst the above discussion has been particularly concerned with wall mounts for flat panel displays; the invention is equally applicable to other types of mounts including those for other types of items such as DVD players, pictures and mirrors. * * * S.. *** * S *S*. *.S. * S S ** S

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Claims

CLAIMS: I. A mount for mounting an item such as a flat panel display to a support, the mount comprising: a first component configured for securement to said support; and a second component configured for securement to said item; the first and second components having co-operating parts operable to couple the first and second components together such that the item is secured to the support via the mount; and wherein the first and/or second components are provided with a release means operable to release the first and second components from their coupled engagement.
2. The mount according to claim I wherein the co-operating parts are inter- * : :: :* 15 engageable or mateable.

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3. The mount according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the co-operating parts of the S....

* first and second components of the mount are configured for snap-fit : .. engagement. *S5*
4. The mount according to claim I or claim 2 wherein the co-operating parts of the first and second components of the mount constitute a bayonet connection means.
5. The mount according to any preceding claim wherein the co-operating parts are configured to lock the first and second components together in a fixed relative disposition.
6. The mount according to any of claims I to 4 wherein the co-operating parts are configured such that relative movement is permitted between the first and second components when they are coupled together
7. The mount according to any preceding claim wherein one of the first and second components includes a male part and the other of the first and second components includes a female part, the male part being engageable in the female part to couple the first and second components together.
8. The mount according to claim 7 wherein the male part is constituted by a peg and the female part is constituted by a recess in the form of a cavity, channel or slot.
9. The mount according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the male part comprises a biasing means to bias it to a position in which it would be engaged in the female part when the first and second components are coupled together.

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10. The mount according to claim 9 wherein the release means is constituted by a part operable to apply a force against the biasing means.

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11. The mount according to any of claims 7 to 10 wherein the male part is lockable in an engaged and/or disengaged position with the female part. * ** * * S *.**
12. The mount according to any of claims 7 to 11 wherein the first or second component including the female part further comprises an entry means to facilitate entry of the male part into the female part.
13. The mount according to claim 12 wherein the entry means comprises an inclined surface or a slot.
14. The mount according to any of claims 7 to 13 wherein the male part is
15. The mount according to claim 14 wherein an elongate groove constitutes the female part permitting relative movement of the first and second components when the pin is engaged in the groove.
16. The mount according to claim 15 wherein the groove is provided on a locating peg projecting from the rear of the second component.
17. The mount according to claim 16 wherein the groove is annular permitting rotation of the second component when the pin is engaged in the groove.
18. The mount according to claim 16 or claim 17 wherein the first component includes a cavity configured for receiving the locating peg of the second component when the pin is engaged in the groove.
19. The mount according to claim 4 wherein one of the first or second components includes a substantially cylindrical nose with at least two opposed radial pegs whilst the other of the first or second components includes a substantially *::::* 15 cylindrical cavity with at least two opposed, substantially L-shaped channels *:*. provided in the cavity wall.

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20. The mount according to claim 19 wherein an axially resilient element is : provided within the cavity or on the tip of the cylindrical nose such that when **.

the nose is inserted into the cavity, the pegs can be engaged in the channels and the nose rotated about its longitudinal axis, whilst applying a force against the resilient element, such that when the pegs are engaged in the ends of the channels and the force released, the axial return force of the resilient element retains the pegs within the channels, thereby coupling the first and second components together.
21. The mount according to claim 20 wherein the release means is constituted by a part operable to apply a force against the resilient element such that the nose can be rotated about its longitudinal axis and the pegs released from the channels.
22. The mount according to any preceding claim configured for mounting a flat panel display.
23. A mount, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings. *. S. * SS* * .1 * .

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