Adjustable mounting frame for electronic display

Abstract

A support system for an electronic display includes: one or more support frames configured to be mounted to a flat or substantially flat building structure, where each support frame includes a mounting face configured to be mounted to the one or more support frames, and the one or more support frames are configured to be mounted to the one or more support frames. The mounting surface is configured for mounting one or more display modules to the one or more support frames to form a display surface; and at least one adjustment mechanism corresponding to each of the one or more support frames, the at least one adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position, or alignment, or both position and alignment of the support frames relative to the flat or substantially flat building structure.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 348,810, filed on June 3, 2022, entitled “ADJUSTABLE MOUNTING FRAME FOR ANELECTRONIC DISPLAY,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] A display comprising a plurality of light emitting elements or display modules is used to display information. In some applications such as digital billboards or scoreboards, individual display modules may be connected together and operate together to form a larger display. In such an arrangement, the individual display modules may be mounted to one or more faces of one or more underlying support structures, which may be referred to as "support frames" or simply "frames". BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The drawings illustrate generally by way of example and not by way of limitation the various embodiments discussed in this document.

[0005] Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of an example electronic display including multiple individual display modules that operate in a cooperative manner to display information on a light emitting display.

[0006] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an example display module that can be used as Figure 1 An example of a display module in an individual display module in an electronic display.

[0007] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an example support substructure upon which a plurality of display modules may be mounted to form an electronic display mounted to a generally planar architectural surface.

[0008] Figure 4 is an elevation view of a plurality of frames that may be combined to form a support substructure for supporting a plurality of display modules to form an electronic display mounted to a generally planar architectural surface.

[0009] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An elevation view of one of the frames of an example supporting substructure.

[0010] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A close-up front view of an example bolt assembly with a direction adjustment mechanism for an example frame.

[0011] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional top view of an example bolt assembly.

[0012] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 yes Figure 6 Cross-sectional side view of an example bolt assembly's z-adjustment mechanism in a retracted position and an extended position.

[0013] Fig.10 is used for alignment in the y direction Figure 4 Front view of an example alignment structure of adjacent frames of a substructure.

[0014] Fig.11 and Fig.12 is used for alignment in the x direction Figure 4 Front view of an example alignment structure of adjacent frames of a substructure.

[0015] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13G are various views of a method of installing a support substructure including a plurality of frames to form an electronic display mounted to a generally planar architectural surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The accompanying drawings illustrate, in a pictorial manner, an example support frame for supporting a display module in an electronic display. Specific embodiments of the present invention may be practiced. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present invention. The example embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, or structural and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Although the disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with the enumerated claims, it should be understood that the illustrated subject matter is not intended to limit the claims to the disclosed subject matter. Therefore, the following detailed description is not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0017] References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," "an example," etc. indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment may necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is considered that it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0018] The values ​​expressed in the form of ranges should be interpreted in a flexible manner as not only including the values ​​clearly listed as the limits of the range, but also including all individual values ​​or sub-ranges contained in the range, just as each value and sub-range is clearly listed. For example, the range of "about 0.1 to about 5" should be interpreted as not only including the values ​​of about 0.1 to about 5 clearly listed, but also including individual values ​​(e.g., about 1, about 2, about 3, and about 4) within the range and sub-ranges within the indicated range (e.g., about 0.1 to about 0.5, about 1.1 to about 2.2, or about 3.3 to about 4.4). Unless otherwise specified, the statement "about X to Y" has the same meaning as "about X to about Y". Similarly, unless otherwise specified, the statement "about X, Y, or about Z" has the same meaning as "about X, about Y, or about Z".

[0019] In this document, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the terms "a", "an" or "the" are used to include one or more than one. Unless otherwise indicated, the term "or" is used to refer to a non-exclusive "or". Unless otherwise indicated, when referring to a listed group, the statement "at least one" is used to mean one or any combination of two or more of the members of the group. For example, the statement "at least one of A, B, and C" can have the same meaning as "A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B and C", or the statement "at least one of D, E, F, and G" can have the same meaning as "D; E; F; G; D and E; D and F; D and G; E and F; E and G: F and G; D, E and F; D, E and G; D, F and G; E, F and G; or D, E, F, and G". The comma can be used as a delimiter or digit group separator to the left or right of the decimal point; for example, "0.000,1" is equivalent to "0.0001".

[0020] In the method described herein, except when the time or operation sequence is clearly stated, steps can be performed in any order without departing from the principles of the present invention. In addition, unless the specific steps are performed separately in a clear language, specific steps can be performed simultaneously. For example, the described action of performing X and the described action of performing Y can be performed simultaneously in a single operation, and the resulting process will fall within the literal scope of the process. The description of the effect of first performing a step in the claim, and then subsequently performing several other steps should be regarded as meaning that the first step is performed before any other step, but unless the order is further stated in other steps, the other steps can be performed in any suitable order. For example, the claim element of "step A, step B, step C, step D and step E" should be understood to mean that step A is performed first and step E is performed last, while steps B, C and D can be performed in any order between steps A and E (including one or more steps and step A or step E are performed simultaneously), and the order will still fall within the literal scope of the process claimed. A given step or a subset of steps can also be repeated.

[0021] Furthermore, unless explicit claim language recites that specific steps are performed separately, specific steps may be performed simultaneously. For example, a claimed step of performing X and a claimed step of performing Y may be performed simultaneously in a single operation, and the resulting process would fall within the literal scope of the claimed process.

[0022] As used herein, the term "about" can allow for a certain degree of variability in values ​​or ranges - for example, within 10%, within 5%, within 1%, within 0.5%, within 0.1%, within 0.05%, within 0.01%, within 0.005%, or within 0.001% of a specified value or specified range limit - and includes the exact specified value or range.

[0023] As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to a majority or majority, such as at least about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, 99.9%, 99.99%, or at least about 99.999% or greater, or 100%.

[0024] In addition, it should be understood that the words or terms used herein and not otherwise defined are for descriptive purposes only and not for limiting purposes. In addition, all publications, patents, and patent documents mentioned in this document are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, just as if they were individually incorporated by reference. If there is an inconsistent usage between this document and those documents incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference should be considered to supplement the usage of this document; for contradictory inconsistencies, the usage in this document shall prevail.

[0025] Figure 1 An example of an electronic information display 10 (also referred to as an "electronic display 10" or simply "display 10") configured to display one or more of video, graphic, or text information is shown. Display 10 includes one or more individual display modules 12 mounted to one or more supports, such as one or more support frames 14 (also referred to herein simply as "frames 14" for simplicity). In examples, one or both of each display module 12 or frame 14 include mounting structures or devices, such as one or more fasteners or latches, at one or more locations relative to each display module 12.

[0026] In examples where display 10 is formed from multiple display modules 12, multiple display modules 12 may operate together such that the entire display 10 appears as a single larger display. Figure 1 One of the display modules 12 is shown in a pivoted or tilted position relative to the frame 14, which may occur during the process of the display module 12 being installed to or removed from the frame 14. However, the display 10 of the present disclosure is not limited to an arrangement in which the display module 12 is pivoted or tilted during installation to or removal from the frame 14. In some examples, each display module 12 may be placed on the frame 14 (during installation) or pulled from the frame 14 (during removal) in a "straight on" orientation, e.g., with the plane of the display module 12 parallel or substantially parallel to the plane of the frame 14 during at least a final portion of the display module's position during installation and at least a first portion of the display module's removal during removal. Figure 1 The other display modules 12 in the display 10 have been mounted to the frame 14 .

[0027] The display 10 may include a display surface 16 configured to display video, graphics, or text information from the display 10. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the entire display surface 16 of the display 16 is formed by the front faces of the plurality of display modules 12. A plurality of light emitting elements 18 are mounted to the display surface 16. For example, the light emitting elements 18 may be mounted to one or more module support structures on each display module 12, such as one or more of a circuit board, a package, or a module frame of the corresponding display module 12. The light emitting elements 18 operate together to display video, graphics, or text information on the display 10.

[0028] The light emitting element 18 may be any type of light emitting technology known or yet to be discovered for emitting light from a small area (e.g., from a pixel area), particularly a light emitting technology that is or can be used to display visual information such as video, graphics, or text information. At the time of filing this application, light emitting diodes (LEDs) are one of the most common light emitting technologies used for video or graphic displays of the type described herein. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the remainder of this disclosure will refer to: light emitting elements (including Figure 1 and Figure 2 The light emitting element 18 shown will be referred to as LED 18. However, those skilled in the art will understand that whenever the present disclosure uses the term "light emitting diode" or "LED", light emitting devices other than LEDs may be used, including but not limited to liquid crystal display devices (LCDs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic light emitting transistors (OLETs), surface conduction electron emitter display devices (SEDs), field emission display devices (FEDs), laser TV quantum dot liquid crystal display devices (QD-LCDs), quantum dot light emitting diode display devices (QD-LEDs), ferro-liquid display devices (FLDs), and thick film dielectric electroluminescent devices (TDELs).

[0029] Figure 2 Yes, you can Figure 1 10. The display module 12 includes a front face 20 configured to provide a display of video, graphic, or text content. A plurality of LEDs 18 are mounted to the front face 20 by being mounted to a module support structure (e.g., an electronic circuit board or a module frame). The LEDs 18 can be operated in a manner such that the display module 12 will display a portion of the video, graphic, or text information to be shown on the display 10. The front face 20 of the display module 12 is aligned and oriented relative to the front face 20 of one or more adjacently positioned display modules 12 so that the front faces 20 of all display modules 12 combine and cooperate to form the entire display surface 16 ( Figure 1 The multiple display modules 12 operate together in such a manner to display video, graphics, or text information in an aggregated manner so that the entire display 10 appears to the viewer as a single display that is larger than the individual display modules 12.

[0030] In an example, the LEDs 18 are arranged in an array of pixels 22. Each pixel 22 includes one or more LEDs 18 grouped together in close proximity. The proximity of the pixels 22 allows the display 10 to operate in a manner such that the pixels will appear to form a recognizable shape (e.g., displaying text information or letters or numbers in a recognizable shape) to a viewer of the display 10 to display video, graphics, or text information. In some examples, the plurality of LEDs 18 include a plurality of LEDs 18 of different colors, so that the different colored LEDs 18 of each pixel 22 can be operated in coordination to display a spectrum of colors that appear to be different colors to a viewer of the display 10. In an example, each pixel 22 includes three or more different colored LEDs. A common combination of LEDs used to form a color electronic display is a so-called "RGB" configuration, in which each pixel 22 includes at least one red LED ("R"), at least one green LED ("G"), and at least one blue LED ("B"). In the RGB configuration of pixels 22, the red, green, and blue LEDs of each pixel 22 cooperate to provide substantially the entire color spectrum visible to humans based on whether one, two, or all three colors are illuminated in the pixel 22 and at what intensity. Display 10 can also provide a black or empty viewing surface on a portion of display 10 by deactivating or turning off the LEDs in a designated area of ​​pixels 22 when desired.

[0031] In some examples, the LEDs 18 of each pixel 22 may be arranged in a specified shape that is repeated for all pixels 22 in the array. Figure 2 In the example shown, each pixel 22 includes a plurality of LEDs 18 arranged in a linear or substantially linear pixel shape, which includes three LEDs 18 (e.g., as discussed above, which may be red, green, and blue LEDs 18) aligned or substantially aligned on a common line, such as in Figure 2 In the vertically aligned pixel shape of the pixel 22 shown. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that pixel shapes other than vertical or substantially vertical pixels 22 may be used, including but not limited to: linear or substantially linear pixels oriented in a non-vertical direction (e.g., horizontal or substantially horizontal pixel shapes or diagonally linear pixel shapes), or geometric pixel shapes with one or more LEDs at each vertex of a specified geometric shape (e.g., triangular pixels 22, where each LED is located at a vertex of a triangle). Other pixel shapes may be considered, such as quadrilateral pixels formed by four or more LEDs, pentagonal pixels formed by five or more LEDs, etc.

[0032] In an example, the pixels 22 are arranged in an array in a specified pattern. For example, the pixels 22 may be arranged in a specified array, such as a grid array. The display 10 may be controlled, for example, using control software and / or one or more hardware controllers, so that visual information, such as video, graphics, or text information, is decomposed into coordinates. Each coordinate may correspond to a specific pixel position within the entire display 10, such as a specific row and a specific column, and the control software and / or one or more hardware controllers may operate each pixel according to a program that specifies the conditions of each coordinate within the display 10, and control each pixel 22 so that it will appear to emit light that satisfies the specified conditions. For example, if the display 10 is displaying a series of text messages, the control software and / or one or more hardware controllers may be fed with data corresponding to the series of text messages, and the control software and / or one or more hardware controllers may decompose the text of the message into the conditions of each pixel 22, such as: the specified coordinates of a specific pixel 22; the time of the specific condition of a specific pixel 22; whether a specific pixel 22 will be illuminated at that time; the color to be displayed by a specific pixel 22 at that time (if the display 10 is a multi-color display); and the intensity of a specific pixel 22 at that time. The control software and / or one or more hardware controllers may also convert the information about the color and intensity into specific operating parameters for each LED 18 in a particular pixel 22, such as how much power to supply to the red, green, and blue LEDs in the RGB pixel 22 and for how long to achieve a specified color and intensity at a specified time. The control software and / or one or more hardware controllers may then send control signals to the pixels 22 or may operate individual LEDs 18 of the pixels 22 according to a specified series of text messages. Although a grid or grid-like array of LED pixels 22 is common as described above, the displays 10 described herein may use other arrangements of LEDs, or may use other systems for addressing LEDs, without altering the scope of the invention.

[0033] Modular electronic displays such as Figure 1 The display 10 can be mounted to many different building structures or other supporting structures to create an electronic display. In some examples, a supporting chassis (e.g. Figure 1The support frame 14 in the display 10 is mounted directly to a generally planar architectural surface, such as a wall, ceiling, or floor. Mounting an electronic display to a generally planar surface, and in particular to a wall or ceiling, can be difficult because it is challenging for the installer to ensure that the frame 14 is properly aligned relative to the generally planar surface to further ensure that the display modules (e.g., display modules 12) mounted to the frame 14 are properly aligned relative to each other (e.g., so that the display modules 12 are level and so that the pixels 22 of one display module 12 are aligned relative to corresponding pixels 22 on an adjacent display module 12 so that there is little or no distortion in the intended image, text, or video to be shown on the display 10).

[0034] Alignment of the display modules 12 can be particularly challenging when the support structure of the display 10 includes more than one frame 14 (e.g., multiple frames 14 mounted to a generally planar surface) such that the frames 14 form a larger overall support structure on which the display modules 12 that will form the display 10 are mounted. In such a configuration, it can be very challenging to ensure that: (a) each frame 14 that forms the overall support structure is properly aligned relative to the generally planar support structure, e.g., so that all frames 14 are horizontal and / or vertical; and (b) all frames 14 are properly aligned relative to each other, e.g., so that the mounting structures of the frames 14 to which the display modules 12 are to be mounted are aligned in the same plane or substantially in the same plane, so that when the display modules 12 are mounted to the frames 14, the entire display surface 16 (consisting of the individual front faces 20 of the display modules 12) will be planar or substantially planar, so that the overall appearance of the image, text, or video shown on the display 10 will be uniform and undistorted.

[0035] These challenges may be exacerbated by the fact that building surfaces that are expected to be flat or level are not always perfectly flat or level. For example, a wall may be non-flat due to imprecise construction or manufacturing inconsistencies in the building materials that form the wall (e.g., slight variations in the thickness of gypsum board or supporting studs). In the case where the display 10 is mounted to a building surface formed of fragile materials such as gypsum board or plaster, it may also be necessary to attach one or more supporting frames 14 to the underlying supporting structure (e.g., supporting studs or joists) so that the weight of the frame 14 and display module 12 does not crack the fragile material. It may also be difficult for the installer to locate the underlying supporting structure (which is typically regularly spaced, as in the case of studs or joists), and to ensure that one or more frames 14 are secured to the underlying supporting structure while also trying to maintain the desired alignment of one or more frames 14 (e.g., ensuring that the frames 14 are horizontal and aligned relative to each other).

[0036] Currently, mounting the display 10 to a generally flat building surface such as a wall requires a certain degree of temporary improvisation by the installer. For example, the installer may have to first locate the support studs, and then locate the frame 14 on the building surface, and use the hardware mounting holes on the frame 14 as a guide to drill through the gypsum board of the building surface and into the support studs, a process sometimes referred to as "match drilling". After match drilling, the installer can then insert the mounting hardware through the mounting holes into the holes drilled through the gypsum board and into the support studs to mount the frame 14 to the building surface. However, if these holes are not accurately drilled, the frame 14 may end up slightly misaligned relative to the building surface, which may require restarting the match drilling to ensure the correct alignment of the frame 14. Alternatively, the installer may eventually have to use shims or other temporary structures to change the orientation or alignment of the frame 14 relative to the generally flat building surface. If additional frames 14 are needed to complete the entire support structure of the expected size of the display 10, this process of match drilling and temporary adjustments is repeated. And even after the entire process of mounting the support frame 14 to the building surface is completed, slight misalignments between different frames 14 may cause problems when mounting the display modules 12 to the frames 14, such as gaps between adjacent display modules 12 or one or more display modules 12 being slightly misaligned with other display modules 12, thereby causing distortion of the image, text, or video to be shown on the display 10.

[0037] In short, mounting a display 10 to a generally flat architectural surface such as a wall may be difficult, time consuming, and may require multiple individual installers to perform. Accordingly, these challenges may make the installation of a multi-module electronic display 10 more expensive and / or may require the hiring of more skilled installers to ensure a desired visually appealing display 10.

[0038] Figures 3 to 12Various views of an example of a supporting substructure 30 are shown that can alleviate some of the problems associated with attempting to mount a resulting electronic display to a generally flat architectural structure (e.g., a wall or ceiling). The supporting substructure 30 includes one or more supporting frames 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D (collectively referred to as "frames 32" or "frame 32") that can be mounted to a generally flat architectural structure such as a wall 34. The remainder of the present disclosure will describe mounting the substructure 30 to "wall 34." However, those skilled in the art will understand that the substructure 30 can be configured for mounting to any generally flat architectural structure, including a ceiling, a floor, or a group of supporting structures that together form the equivalent of a flat or generally flat architectural structure (e.g., a plurality of beams or columns having aligned or substantially aligned front surfaces, wherein the aligned front surfaces can form the equivalent of a wall surface upon which the substructure 30 can be mounted). The substructure 30 is configured to support a plurality of display modules 36 (which can be aligned with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display module 36 may be similar or identical to the display module 12 in the display 10 of the embodiment of the present invention to mount the display module 36 to the wall 34.

[0039] The frames 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D forming the substructure 30 may be separate structures positioned in close proximity to one another on the wall 34 to provide an overall mounting structure on which the display module 36 is mounted. In examples, the separate frames 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D may be modular and may include a variety of sizes to provide flexibility in the final size and dimensions of the electronic display formed by the frames 32. For example, Figure 4 As shown, the substructure 30 may include a modular frame 32 sized to mount different numbers of display modules 36. Figure 4 In the example shown, the modular frame 32 includes: a first frame 32A, which is sized to support a 3×3 array of display modules 36 (meaning three (3) rows of display modules 36, each row including three (3) display modules 36 side by side); a second frame 32B, which is sized to support a 3×2 array of display modules 36 (three rows, each row including two (2) display modules 36 side by side); a third frame 32C, which is sized to support a 2×3 array of display modules 36 (two (2) rows, each row including three (3) display modules 36 side by side); and a fourth frame 32D, which is sized to support a 2×2 array of display modules 36 (two (2) rows, each row including two (2) display modules 36 side by side). Figure 4As shown, four different frames 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D are positioned so that when they are moved into close proximity, they will form an entire substructure 30 that can support a 5×5 display (e.g., having five (5) rows, each row including five (5) display modules 36 arranged side by side). By providing frames 32 with different sizes and configurations, the manufacturer of the frames 32 can allow the formation of an entire electronic display of substantially any size. For example, Figure 4 The specific frames 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D shown can be mixed and matched to form displays of any size starting from a 2×2 array of display modules 36 (e.g., using only the fourth frame 32D and four (4) display modules 36). For example, a 2×3 display can be formed using only the third frame 32C and six (6) display modules 36, a 3×2 display can be formed using only the second frame 32B and six (6) display modules 36, a 3×3 display can be formed using only the first frame 32A and nine (9) display modules 36, a 2×4 or 4×2 display can be formed using two (2) fourth frames 32D and eight (8) display modules 36, a 4×4 display can be formed using four (4) fourth frames 32D and sixteen (16) display modules 36, and so on.

[0040] As described in more detail below, each frame 32 of the substructure 30 includes various features that allow the frame 32 to be adjusted in one or more directions to provide a desired alignment of the frame 32 relative to the wall 34, which the inventors have found allows the substructure 30 to be installed more easily while reducing the problems discussed above with respect to conventional installations. In some examples where the substructure 30 includes a plurality of modular frames 32 that together form an entire mounting substructure 30, each frame 32 may also include one or more features that provide for positioning and alignment of the frame 32 relative to other frames 32 in the substructure 30, and in particular, for positioning and alignment of each frame 32 relative to adjacent one or more frames 32. The substructure 30 may also include mounting hardware for mounting the frame 32 to the wall 34, and connection hardware for coupling a plurality of display modules 36 to one or more frames 32 of the substructure 30.

[0041] To assist in describing the adjustable alignment of the frame 32, the support substructure 30 and the resulting electronic display resulting from mounting the display module 36 to the substructure 30 described herein will be arbitrarily defined using rectilinear Cartesian coordinates, e.g., having orthogonal axes in each dimensional direction, i.e., an x-direction extending along an x-axis 4, a y-direction extending along a y-axis 6, and a z-direction extending along a z-axis 8. In the example shown in the figures, the x-direction and the y-direction are defined as directions in which the flat or substantially flat front face of the display module 36 extends, wherein the x-direction corresponds to the horizontal or lateral width of the substructure 30 and the display module 36, and the y-direction corresponds to the vertical height of the substructure 30 and the display module 36. The z-direction is defined as a direction into and out of the display surface of the display (e.g., corresponding to the thickness of the substructure 30 and the display module 36). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the x-axis 4, the y-axis 6, and the z-axis 8 are merely hypothetical constructions, and that many other methods of defining the directions and spaces of the substructure 30, the display module 36, and the resulting electronic display may be used.

[0042] In an example, each frame 32 of the substructure 30 includes at least a first direction adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of at least a portion of the frame 32 relative to the wall 34 in a first direction (e.g., a first direction among the x-, y-, and z-directions). In another example, each frame 32 includes both: a first direction adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of at least a portion of the frame 32 relative to the wall in the first direction; and a second direction adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of at least a portion of the frame 32 (which may be the same portion or a different portion of the frame 32 adjusted by the first direction adjustment mechanism) relative to the wall 34 in a second direction different from the first direction (e.g., a second direction among the x-, y-, and z-directions). In an example, the first direction adjustment mechanism adjusts the alignment of at least a portion of the frame 32 (e.g., by tilting at least a portion of the frame 32 relative to the wall 34), so that the first direction adjustment mechanism may also be referred to as an "alignment mechanism". In an example, the alignment mechanism may be configured to adjust at least a portion of the frame 32 in the z direction (i.e., by moving a portion of the frame 32 toward or away from the wall 34 along the z-axis 8), so that the alignment mechanism may also be referred to as a "z adjustment mechanism".

[0043] In the example, the second direction adjustment mechanism adjusts at least a portion of the frame 32 to translate across the wall 34, for example, so that the frame 32 slides along the wall 34 while maintaining substantially the same alignment relative to the wall 34, so that the second direction adjustment mechanism can also be referred to as a translation adjustment mechanism. In the example, the translation adjustment mechanism is configured to allow the frame 32 to translate relative to the wall 34 in a first direction (e.g., in the x-direction) (i.e., by adjusting the frame 32 laterally relative to the wall 34 along the x-axis 4), so that the translation adjustment mechanism can also be referred to as an "x-adjustment mechanism". Those skilled in the art will understand that the frame 32 can also include a second translation adjustment mechanism (not shown in the figure), which is configured to translate the frame 32 in a second direction different from the first direction. For example, a second translation adjustment mechanism can be included to vertically adjust the frame 32 relative to the wall 34 along the y-axis 6, so that the second translation adjustment mechanism can be referred to as a "y-adjustment mechanism". Those skilled in the art will also understand that a second translation adjustment mechanism may not be necessary because an installer of the frame 32 can manually move the frame 32 in the second direction and can rely on the first translation adjustment mechanism to adjust the frame 32 in the first direction and or rely on the alignment mechanism to adjust the alignment of the frame 32 relative to the wall 34.

[0044] Figures 5 to 9 Various views are shown of specific non-limiting examples of z-adjustment mechanisms and x-adjustment mechanisms that can be used to adjust frame 32 relative to wall 34 in one or both of the z-direction and the x-direction. As described in more detail below, the x-adjustment mechanism and the z-adjustment mechanism can be formed as part of a common mechanism. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the x-adjustment mechanism and the z-adjustment mechanism can be separated into separate structural mechanisms without changing the scope of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is a whole frame 32 (i.e., from Figure 4 2 is a front view of a first example frame 32A) showing the position of the components that make up the mechanism that provides the x-adjustment mechanism and the z-adjustment mechanism relative to the rest of the frame 32. Figure 6 A close up elevation view of the structure providing the common mechanism for the x-adjustment mechanism and the z-adjustment mechanism is shown. Figure 7 A top cross-sectional view of the mechanism is shown (eg, looking down in the y-direction), illustrating structure useful in both the x-adjustment mechanism and the z-adjustment mechanism. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 A side cross-sectional view (eg, looking laterally in the x-direction) is shown illustrating the action of the z-adjustment mechanism to adjust the frame 32 in the z-direction relative to the wall 34 .

[0045] like Figures 5 to 9As shown, in the example, the frame 32 includes horizontal members 38 and vertical members 40 that form the outer edges of the frame 32. The frame 32 may also include an inner member 42 that extends across the inner portion of the frame 32, such as Figure 5 The members 38, 40, 42 may include structures for mounting the display module 36 to the frame 32. Figure 5 In the example shown, the frame 32 includes mounting holes 44, each of which can receive a mounting fastener, such as a bolt. In the example, the mounting holes 44 are located along the members 38, 40, 42 so that when the display module 36 is installed, the mounting holes 44 are located near where each corner of the corresponding display module 36 will be located. The mounting fasteners can then be inserted through the mounting holes 44 and fastened to the display module 36, so that the display module 36 is fixed to the frame 32 at its corners.

[0046] In the example, the z-adjustment mechanism includes bolt assemblies 46 at several locations along the area of ​​the frame 32. Each bolt assembly 46 is coupled to the rest of the frame 32 so that if desired, the bolt assembly 46 can be locked in place so that the bolt assembly 46 does not move in the z-direction relative to the rest of the frame 32. In the example, the frame 32 includes one or more tracks 48 that are fixedly coupled to one or more members 38, 40, 42 of the frame 32, and each bolt assembly 46 can be coupled to a corresponding one of the tracks 48 so that the bolt assembly 46 can be fixed to the frame 32. In the example, each bolt assembly 46 includes a body 50 and an adjustment bolt 52. The body 50 can be, for example, secured with a fastener 54 (such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 ) is coupled to the track 48 to lock the body 50 relative to the track 48.

[0047] In the example, the adjustment bolt 52 is movably engaged with the body 50 so that the adjustment bolt 52 moves in and out in the z-direction relative to the body 50 (and therefore also moves in and out in the z-direction relative to the frame 32). Figure 8 and Fig. 9), the adjustment bolt 52 is a threaded bolt that is threadedly engaged with a threaded plate 56 that is part of the body 50 of the bolt assembly 46. As the adjustment bolt 52 is rotated, its threads engage corresponding threads on the threaded plate 56 to drive the adjustment bolt 52 toward or away from the wall 34 relative to the threaded plate 56 in the z-direction. As the adjustment bolt 52 moves toward the wall 34, the distal end 58 of the adjustment bolt 52 may contact the wall 34 and push the threaded plate 56 away from the wall 34 in the z-direction. The threaded plate 56 then pushes the rest of the body 50, which then pushes the track 48 away from the wall 34, resulting in a gap 60 between the frame 32 and the wall 34 at the location of the particular bolt assembly 46, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 (wherein the distal end 58 of the adjusting bolt 52 is fully retracted relative to the threaded plate 56) and Fig. 9 (where the distal end 58 of the adjusting bolt 52 extends beyond the threaded plate 56 when pushed against the wall 34). In examples where the surface of the wall 34 on which the frame 32 is mounted is formed of a fragile material such as gypsum board 62, a backing plate 64 may be included and positioned between the gypsum board 62 and the distal end 58 to provide a more solid surface for the distal end 58 of the adjusting bolt 52 to push against when moving the frame 32 in the z-direction so that the adjusting bolt 52 does not sink into the gypsum board 62 or other fragile material of the wall 34.

[0048] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the wall 34 is typically formed by mounting the gypsum board 62 to a plurality of support studs 66 (e.g., wood studs or sheet metal support studs). When a relatively heavy structure (e.g., the frame 32) is mounted to a wall 34 formed from the gypsum board 62, the heavier structure is typically fastened directly to the support studs 66 (e.g., using special stud fasteners 68 configured to securely engage the material of the studs 66). In an example, the stud fasteners 68 include self-tapping screws that can engage the material of the studs 66, such as steel self-tapping TEK screws if the studs 66 are steel studs 66. In an example, the stud fasteners 68 are provided to securely engage the material of the studs 66. Figure 8 and Fig. 9As shown, the adjustment bolt 52 is a hollow-bore bolt, wherein the hole through the adjustment bolt 52 is sized to receive the shaft of the post fastener 68, which can allow the post fastener 68 to slide freely within the hole of the adjustment bolt 52. In the example, the installer can select a desired position of the frame 32 relative to the wall 34 by screwing the adjustment bolt 52 to the desired position relative to the threaded plate 56 (e.g., selecting a specific length of the shaft of the adjustment bolt 52 that extends beyond the threaded plate 56 to push the frame 32 a specific distance away from the wall 34), and then the installer can tighten the post fastener 68 into the post 66 so that the head of the post fastener 68 pushes inward against the head of the adjustment bolt 52 and clamps the distal end 58 of the adjustment bolt 52 into the wall 34, thereby substantially locking the bolt assembly 46 to the desired z-position relative to the wall 34. The engagement of the post fastener 68 with the post 66 also serves to lock the bolt assembly 46 in place relative to the wall 34 in the x-direction and the y-direction.

[0049] If you can Figure 5 As best seen in FIG. 1 , each frame 32 can include a plurality of bolt assemblies 46 located at various locations along the length and height of the frame 32. The plurality of bolt assemblies 46 at various locations allows the z-adjustment mechanism of the bolt assemblies 46 to be used at various locations, which gives the installer the freedom to fine-tune the overall orientation of the frame 32 relative to the wall 34 to ensure that the frame 32 is properly oriented (e.g., horizontally and vertically). The z-adjustment capability of the bolt assemblies 46 also allows the installer to be able to lock the frame 32, check its orientation (e.g., using a level), and if further leveling is required, pick and choose specific locations along the length and height of the frame 32 to make slight adjustments in the z direction (described in more detail below). This ease of z-adjustment is a considerable improvement over conventional methods of mounting support substructures described above.

[0050] The x-adjustment mechanism provides a method for adjusting the position of the frame 32 relative to the wall in the x-direction. In the example, the x-adjustment mechanism is also embodied in the bolt assembly 46 described above. As described above, the body 50 of each bolt assembly 46 can engage with the corresponding track 48 of the frame 32. The body 50 can be configured so that it can slide along the track 48. If the track 48 is oriented in the x-direction, the ability to slide the bolt assembly 46 along the track 48 results in the ability to translate the bolt assembly 46 relative to the rest of the frame 32. And because the bolt assembly 46 is attached to the wall 34 (e.g., via the stud fastener 68 engaging the stud 66), the ability to slide the bolt assembly 46 relative to the rest of the frame 32 allows the rest of the frame 32 to also translate relative to the wall 34.

[0051] In practice, the x-adjustability aspect of the bolt assemblies 46 (e.g., the ability to slide along the track 48 in the x-direction) allows the installer to first position the frame 32 at a desired location relative to the wall 34 (e.g., by pushing the frame 32 up against the drywall 62 at the desired location), and then slide each bolt assembly 46 in the x-direction to a desired location, such as positioning the bolt assembly 46 directly in front of the location of the stud 66 so that the stud fastener 68 can be screwed into the stud 66. For example, Figure 5 As best seen in FIG. 1 , posts 66 may be positioned at regular intervals (e.g., at sixteen (16) inches, center-to-center spacing) as determined by Figure 5 34 (wherein the column line 70 corresponds to the longitudinal centerline of the column 66). However, if the desired location of the frame 32 along the wall 34 is not directly aligned with the frame mounting hole having the column line 70, it will be difficult to ensure proper installation to the column 66 without first drilling a new hole in the frame 32 (which may require the practice of match drilling discussed above). However, the ability of the bolt assembly 46 to slide along the track 48 in the x-direction allows the installer to position the bolt assembly 46 at irregular locations along the length of the frame 32 and still ensure engagement between the bolt assembly 46 and the column 66 without having to drill a new hole in the frame.

[0052] Additionally, the ability of the bolt assembly 46 to slide along the track 48 may also allow for slight adjustments to the position of the frame 32 in the x-direction relative to the wall 34 and / or relative to another frame 32 that is part of the support substructure 30 without having to completely loosen the frame 32 from the wall 34. For example, the installer may slightly loosen the post fastener 68 so that the adjustment bolt 52 is no longer clamped between the head of the post fastener 68 and the wall 34, and may loosen the track fastener 54, and the installer may then slide the frame 32 in the x-direction relative to the wall 34 while the post fastener 68 remains engaged with the post 66 until the frame 32 is translated to the desired position, and then the track fastener 54 may be tightened to lock the body 50 relative to the track 48, and the post fastener 68 may be tightened to clamp the adjustment bolt 52 into the wall 34, as described above.

[0053] In an example, each frame 32 may also include one or more additional structures to assist in aligning one frame 32 of the substructure 30 with another frame 32 of the substructure 30. For example, Figure 3 and Figure 434 and the substructure 30, the first frame 32A is located at the lower left position of the substructure 30 (when standing in front of the substructure 30 and looking toward the wall 34 and the substructure 30), the second frame 32B is directly to the right of the first frame 32A, the third frame 32C is directly above the first frame 32A, and the fourth frame 32D is directly above the second frame 32B and directly to the right of the third frame 32C. Each frame 32 may include one or more alignment structures, for example, to assist the installer in: positioning the second frame 32B relative to the first frame 32A so that the second frame 32B is directly to the right of the first frame 32A; positioning the third frame 32C so that it is directly above the first frame 32A; and positioning the fourth frame 32D so that it is directly above the second frame 32B and directly to the right of the third frame 32C.

[0054] In an example, each frame 32 may include: one or more first alignment structures to assist in aligning the frame 32 in a first direction (e.g., in the y direction); and one or more second alignment structures to assist in aligning the frame 32 in a second direction (e.g., in the x direction) (as described above, adjustment in the z direction may be achieved via the z adjustment mechanism of the bolt assembly 46). In a non-limiting example, in Figure 5 and Fig.10 As shown, the first alignment structure (e.g., y-direction alignment structure) can include one or more alignment tabs 72 positioned at designated locations along the outer vertical members 40 to align one frame 32 with another frame 32 in the y direction, also referred to as y-alignment tabs 72. When the installer wants to align the first frame 32A relative to the second frame 32B in the y direction, for example, the installer can position each y-alignment tab 72A on the vertical member 40A of the first frame 32A together with a corresponding y-alignment tab 72B on the adjacent vertical member 40B of the second frame 32B (e.g., Fig.10 ). In the example, the y-alignment tabs 72A and 72B are of exactly the same size and are in exactly the same vertical position along their corresponding frames 32A and 32B, so that when the y-alignment tabs 72A of the first frame 32A are aligned with their corresponding y-alignment tabs 72B on the second frame 32B, the first frame 32A is aligned with the second frame 32B in the y direction. Similar alignment of the y-alignment tabs 72 on the third frame 32C and the fourth frame 32D can be performed to align those frames 32C, 32D in the y direction. Fig.10 In the example shown, the y-alignment tabs are configured primarily as a visual aid to assist an installer in positioning two frames 32 (e.g., first frame 32A and second frame 32B) that are intended to be positioned laterally adjacent to each other in the y-direction. Fig.10The y-alignment tabs 72 shown do not physically engage one another to ensure alignment in the y-direction. Rather, the installer must still physically align the frames 32A and 32B relative to one another in the y-direction (e.g., by sliding the second frame 32B up and down in the y-direction relative to the first frame 32A, or vice versa).

[0055] exist Figure 5 and Fig.11 In the non-limiting example shown, a similar set of alignment tabs 74 can be implemented along the bottom and top of each frame 32 to align one frame 32 with another frame 32 in the x-direction, also referred to as x-alignment tabs 74. The x-alignment tabs 74 can be positioned at designated locations along the top and bottom edges of the frames 32, such as at the top and bottom ends of the vertical members 40 (e.g., Figure 5 and Fig.11 When the installer wants to align the first frame 32A relative to the third frame 32C, for example, in the x-direction, the installer can position each x-alignment tab 74A of the first frame 32A (e.g., on the top end of the vertical member 40A) with a corresponding x-alignment tab 74C on the adjacent third frame 32C (e.g., on the bottom end of the vertical member 40C) (e.g., Fig.11 ). Similar to the example of the y-alignment tabs 72 described above, the x-alignment tabs 74A and 74C can be exactly the same size and can be in exactly the same horizontal position along their frames 32A, 32C, so that when the x-alignment tabs 74A on the first frame 32A are each aligned with the corresponding x-alignment tabs 74C on the third frame 32C, the first frame 32A will be aligned with the third frame 32C in the x-direction. Similar alignment of the x-alignment tabs 74 on the second frame 32B and the fourth frame 32D can be performed to align those frames 32B, 32D in the x-direction. Fig.11 In the example shown, the x-alignment tab 74 is configured similarly to the y-alignment tab 72 described above, e.g., primarily configured as a visual aid to assist an installer in positioning two frames 32 (e.g., the first frame 32A and the third frame 32C) that are intended to be positioned vertically adjacent to each other in the x-direction. In other words, Fig.11 The illustrated x-alignment tabs 74 do not physically engage one another to ensure alignment in the x-direction, but the installer must still physically align the frames 32A and 32C relative to one another in the x-direction (e.g., by sliding the third frame 32C left or right in the x-direction relative to the first frame 32A, or vice versa).

[0056] In a non-limiting example, the second alignment structure for aligning the frames 32 in the x-direction may also include a second type of alignment structure that more actively engages with each other to ensure alignment between adjacent frames 32. Figure 5 and Fig.12As shown in the example of , each frame 32 may include an alignment tab 76 on one side of the frame 32 (e.g., on the top or bottom of the frame 32), and a corresponding alignment slot 78 on the opposite side of the frame 32 (e.g., if the alignment tab 76 is on the top, the alignment slot 78 is on the bottom of the frame 32, or if the alignment tab 76 is on the bottom, the alignment slot 78 is on the top of the frame 32). As shown in Fig.12 As best seen in , the alignment tab 76 and alignment slot 78 are of complementary sizes and shapes such that the alignment tab 76 will fit within the alignment slot 78 with an interference fit such that once the tab 76 is fitted into the slot 78, the interference fit prevents the frame 32 from moving more than a fraction of a millimeter in the x-direction before the tab 76 contacts the sidewalls defining the slot 78. Fig.12 In the example shown, the alignment tabs 76A are located along the top of the first frame 32A (e.g., at the upper end of one of the inner members 42A of the first frame 32A), and the corresponding alignment slots 78C are located along the bottom of the third frame 32C at corresponding locations (e.g., at the lower end of the corresponding inner member 42C of the third frame 32C). When the installer wishes to align the frames 32A, 32C using the combination of the tabs 76A and slots 78C, the installer can move the third frame 32C to a position relative to the first frame 32A, or vice versa, such that the alignment tabs 76A on the first frame 32A at least partially slide into position within the alignment slots 78C in the third frame 32C to provide the above-described interference fit. Once such alignment is achieved, the installer can lock the frames 32A, 32C in place (e.g., using the bolt assemblies 46 and tracks 48 described above). The interference fit between the alignment tabs 76A and the alignment slots 78C can prevent unintentional movement of the frames 32A, 32C relative to each other in the x-direction while the installer performs other tasks, such as checking the alignment of one or both of the frames 32A, 32C, or engaging a fastening structure that mounts one or both of the frames 32A, 32C to the wall 34. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the positions of the alignment tabs 76 and the alignment slots 78 can be reversed, i.e., the alignment slots 78A of the first frame 32A are along the top of the first frame 32A, while the alignment tabs 76C of the third frame 32C are along the bottom of the third frame 32C. Similarly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that similar mating tab and slot structures can be used for alignment in the y-direction.

[0057] Steering FIG. 13A to FIG. 13G , an example method of installing a substructure 30 including a plurality of frames 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D will be described. In an example, the method begins by positioning a first frame (e.g., first frame 32A) of the frames 32 relative to a wall 34, such as Fig.13APositioning the first frame 32A may include first positioning the support studs 66 within the wall 34 (e.g., using a stud finder), which may also include marking the wall 34 (e.g., the surface of the drywall 62) with indicia of the studs 66 (e.g., stud lines 70). Positioning the first frame 32A may also include aligning the first frame 32A relative to the wall 34 (e.g., using one or more levels 80).

[0058] Once the first frame 32A is positioned and / or aligned in a desired position relative to the wall 34, the method may include positioning the x-adjustment mechanism and / or the z-adjustment mechanism of the first frame 32A to a position relative to the wall 34. In the above example, where both the x-adjustment mechanism and the z-adjustment mechanism are embodied in the bolt assembly 46, this may include sliding the bolt assembly 46 along their respective tracks 48 so that each bolt assembly 46 is positioned in front of a corresponding one of the posts 66 (e.g., in front of one of the post lines 70). The method may then include mounting the first frame 32A to the wall 34 (e.g., by inserting the post fastener 68 through the frame 32A (e.g., through the bolt assembly 46 of the first frame 32A) and screwing the post fastener 68 into the wall 34 so that the post fastener 68 can engage and engage the support post 66). In the example, once the post fastener 68 is at least partially inserted into the wall 34, the back plate 64 may be positioned onto the post fastener 68 (e.g., by hooking the back plate 64 onto the post fastener 68).

[0059] Next, the method may include performing a z-adjustment of the first frame 32A using a z-adjustment mechanism of the first frame 32A. In an example, the z-adjustment of the first frame 32A may include first checking the alignment of the first frame 32A (e.g., by checking the alignment of the vertical members 40, 42 of the first frame 32A using one or more levels 80). If the alignment of the first frame 32A is not as desired, for example, if one or more of the vertical members 40, 42 are not perpendicular relative to the wall 34, the z-adjustment mechanism may be used to change the position of one or more portions of the first frame 32A relative to the wall 34 in the z-direction. Specifically, adjusting the z-position of the first frame 32A may include identifying which bolt assembly 46 should be adjusted and in which direction (e.g., inwardly toward the wall 34 or outwardly away from the wall 34), and then adjusting the adjustment bolt 52 of the identified bolt assembly 46 to provide the desired adjustment in the z-direction. Adjusting each particular bolt assembly 46 may include first loosening the post fastener 68 of the bolt assembly 46 sufficiently so that the adjusting bolt 52 can move (e.g., so that the adjusting bolt 52 is not clamped between the head of the post fastener 68 and the wall 34), rotating the adjusting bolt 52 to move the adjusting bolt 52 relative to the threaded plate 56 (e.g., so that the distal end 58 of the adjusting bolt 52 pushes against the wall 34 or against the back plate 64 and pushes the portion of the first frame 32A at the bolt assembly 46 away from the wall 34), and then retightening the post fastener 68 (e.g., clamping the adjusting bolt 52 between the head of the post fastener 68 and the wall 34).

[0060] Once the first frame 32A is adjusted in the z-direction, the method may include positioning the second frame 32B relative to the first frame 32A, such as Fig. 13C Positioning the second frame 32B relative to the first frame 32A may include moving the second frame 32B to a position adjacent to the first frame 32A relative to the wall 34, and then aligning the y-alignment tabs 72 of the first frame 32A and the second frame 32B so that the first frame 32A and the second frame 32B are aligned relative to each other in the y direction (as described above with respect to Fig.10 Positioning the second frame 32B relative to the first frame 32A may also include aligning the second frame 32B relative to the first frame 32A and / or relative to the wall 34 (e.g., using one or more levels 80). Once the second frame 32B is positioned relative to the first frame 32A and the wall 34, the method may include securing the second frame 32B to the first frame 32A (e.g., using one or more suture bolts 82).

[0061] Next, the method may include positioning the x-adjustment mechanism and / or the z-adjustment mechanism of the second frame 32B to a position relative to the wall 34. This may be similar or identical to the steps described above for the first frame 32A (e.g., sliding the bolt assembly 46 to a position in front of a corresponding one of the posts 66). The method may then include mounting the second frame 32B to the wall 34, which may be similar or identical to the steps described above for the first frame 32A (e.g., inserting the post fastener 68 through the bolt assembly 46 of the second frame 32B, threading the post fastener 68 into the wall 34, positioning the back plate 64 onto the post fastener 68, and tightening the post fastener 68 to lock the bolt assembly 46 in place).

[0062] Next, the method may include using the z adjustment mechanism of the second frame 32B to perform z adjustment of the second frame 32B, which may be similar or identical to the z adjustment described above regarding the first frame 32A (e.g., checking the alignment of the second frame 32B (e.g., with one or more levels 80), identifying which bolt assembly 46 should be adjusted and in which direction, and then adjusting the adjustment bolt 52 of the identified bolt assembly 46 to provide the desired adjustment in the z direction).

[0063] The foregoing steps may be repeated for each frame 32 in the first row of the substructure 30. In the example shown in the figures, there are only two frames 32 in the first row (ie, a first frame 32A and a second frame 32B).

[0064] Next, the method may include positioning one of the frames 32 of an adjacent row relative to the already installed frames 32, such as by positioning the third frame 32C relative to the first frame 32A, such as Fig.13D Positioning the third frame 32C relative to the first frame 32A may include moving the third frame 32C to a position above and adjacent to the first frame 32A relative to the wall 34, and then aligning the x-alignment structures (e.g., x-alignment tabs 74 and / or mating alignment tabs 76 and alignment slots 78) of the first frame 32A and the third frame 32C so that the third frame 32C is aligned relative to the first frame 32A in the x-direction (as described above with respect to Fig.11 and Fig.12 Positioning the third frame 32C relative to the first frame 32A may also include aligning the third frame 32C relative to the first frame 32A and / or relative to the wall 34 (e.g., using one or more levels ( Fig.13D Once the third frame 32C is positioned relative to the first frame 32A and the wall 34, the method may include securing the third frame 32C to the first frame 32A (eg, with one or more suture bolts 82).

[0065] Next, the method may include positioning the x-adjustment mechanism and / or the z-adjustment mechanism of the third frame 32C to a position relative to the wall 34, which may be similar or identical to the steps described above for the first frame 32A and the second frame 32B. Next, the method may include using the z-adjustment mechanism of the third frame 32C to perform a z-adjustment of the third frame 32C, which may be similar or identical to the z-adjustment described above for the first frame 32A and the second frame 32B. The foregoing steps may be repeated for the remaining frames 32 in the second row, such as the fourth frame 32D. Fig.13E Additional rows of frames 32 (eg, a third row above third frame 32C and fourth frame 32D, a fourth row above the third row, etc.) may be installed via similar or identical steps.

[0066] Once all of the frames 32 supporting the substructure 30 are installed and aligned (e.g., installed and z-adjusted), the method may include straightening and leveling the entire substructure 30. This may include securing the ropes 84 in an x-shaped pattern near the corners of the substructure 30, such as Fig.13F The frames 32 of the substructure 30 can then be z-adjusted using the z-adjustment mechanism so that the front faces of all frames 32 are horizontal and vertical relative to the rope 84, and so that the front faces of all frames 32 are vertical and horizontal relative to each other.

[0067] Once the entire substructure 30 is aligned and leveled, the method may include mounting the display module 36 to the front face of the frame 32 to form the entire electronic display 90, such as Figure 13G Mounting the display modules 36 to the substructure 30 may include aligning and leveling each display module 36 (e.g., using a level) and / or mounting one display module 36 at a time until the entire electronic display 90 is formed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that mounting and aligning the display modules 36 of the electronic display 90 may be performed in a number of ways.

[0068] The above detailed description includes reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments in which the present invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to as "examples" in this article. Such examples may include elements other than the elements shown or described. However, the inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. In addition, the inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements (or one or more aspects of those elements) shown or described with respect to a specific example (or one or more aspects of a specific example) or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects of other examples) shown or described in this article.

[0069] In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any document incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls.

[0070] In this document, as is common in patent documents, the terms "one" or "an" are used to include one or more than one, regardless of any other instance or usage of "at least one" or "one or more". In this document, unless otherwise indicated, the term "or" is used to represent a non-exclusive or, such that "A or B" includes "A but not B", "B but not A", and "A and B". In this document, the terms "including" and "in..." are used as the plain language equivalents of the corresponding terms "comprising" and "wherein". In addition, in the appended claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, combination, formulation or process that includes elements other than those listed after such terms in the claim is still considered to fall within the scope of the claim. In addition, in the appended claims, the terms "first", "second", and "third", etc., are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0071] The method examples described herein may be at least partially machine or computer-implemented. Some examples may include a computer-readable medium or machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable to configure an electronic device to perform the method described in the above example. The implementation of such a method may include code, such as microcode, assembly language code, higher-level language code, etc. Such code may include computer-readable instructions for performing various methods. The code may form a part of a computer program product. In addition, in an example, for example, during execution or at other times, the code may be tangibly stored on one or more volatile, non-transient or non-volatile tangible computer-readable media. Examples of these tangible computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, hard disks, removable disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact disks and digital video disks), cassettes, memory cards or memory sticks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), etc.

[0072] The above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. For example, the above examples (or one or more aspects of the examples) can be used in combination with each other. For example, a person of ordinary skill in the art can use other embodiments after consulting the above description. An abstract is provided to enable the reader to quickly determine the nature of the disclosure of the present technology. The abstract is submitted based on the following understanding that the abstract will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the above specific embodiments, various features can be combined together to simplify the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as meaning that the public features that are not claimed for protection are necessary for any claim. Instead, the subject matter of the invention may be less than all the features of a specific disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the attached claims are incorporated into the specific embodiments as examples or embodiments, wherein each claim exists independently as a separate embodiment, and it is envisioned that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or arrangements. The scope of the present invention should be determined with reference to the attached claims and the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A support system for an electronic display, the support system comprising: one or more support frames configured to be mounted to a flat or substantially flat building structure, wherein each support frame includes a mounting surface configured for mounting one or more display modules to the one or more support frames to form a display surface; and Each of the one or more support frames corresponds to at least one adjustment mechanism, the at least one adjustment mechanism being used to adjust the position, or alignment, or both, of the support frame relative to the planar or substantially planar building structure.

2. The support system according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more support frames include: a first support frame, which is sized to support a first number of display modules; and a second support frame, which is sized to support a second number of display modules, the second number of display modules being greater than the first number of display modules.

3. The support system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one adjustment mechanism includes a first adjustment mechanism for adjusting a position of the support frame relative to the planar or substantially planar building structure.

4. The support system according to claim 3, wherein: The first adjustment mechanism adjusts the support frame relative to the flat or substantially flat building structure in a first direction, and wherein the at least one adjustment mechanism includes a second adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the support frame relative to the flat or substantially flat building structure in a second direction different from the first direction.

5. The support system according to claim 3, wherein: The support frame includes a track and the first adjustment mechanism includes a body slidable along the track, wherein the support frame or the body is configured to be coupled to the flat or substantially flat building structure.

6. The support system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one adjustment mechanism includes an alignment mechanism for adjusting the alignment of the support frame relative to the planar or substantially planar building structure.

7. The support system according to claim 6, wherein: The alignment mechanism includes an adjustment bolt movably coupled to the support frame, wherein the adjustment bolt is movable relative to the support frame to urge the support frame relative to the flat or substantially flat building structure.

8. The support system according to claim 6, wherein: The at least one adjustment mechanism further includes a translational adjustment mechanism for translationally adjusting a position of the support frame relative to the planar or substantially planar building structure.

9. The support system according to claim 1, wherein: Each support frame includes one or more elongated members forming the mounting surface, the one or more elongated members including one or more mounting structures for mounting the one or more display modules to the mounting surface.

10. The support system of claim 1, wherein: Each support frame includes one or more alignment structures configured to assist an installer in positioning the support frame relative to an adjacent support frame.

11. The support system according to claim 10, wherein: The one or more alignment structures include: one or more first alignment structures, the one or more first alignment structures being configured to assist alignment in a first direction; and one or more second alignment structures, the one or more second alignment structures being configured to assist alignment in a second direction different from the first direction.

12. An electronic display comprising: Support system, including: one or more support frames configured to be mounted to a flat or substantially flat building structure, wherein each support frame includes a frame mounting surface; and at least one adjustment mechanism corresponding to each of the one or more support frames, the at least one adjustment mechanism being operable to adjust the position, or alignment, or both, of the support frame relative to the planar or substantially planar building structure; wherein said frame mounting surfaces of said one or more support frames are aligned to collectively form a display mounting surface; and One or more display modules mounted to the display mounting surface of the support structure, wherein each of the one or more display modules includes an array of light emitting element pixels, wherein the one or more display modules form a display surface.

13. The electronic display according to claim 12, wherein: The at least one adjustment mechanism includes a translational adjustment mechanism for translationally adjusting the support frame relative to the planar or substantially planar building structure.

14. The electronic display according to claim 13, wherein: Each support frame comprises a track, and wherein the translation adjustment mechanism comprises a body slidable along the track, wherein the support frame or the body is configured to be coupled to the flat or substantially flat building structure.

15. The electronic display according to claim 12, wherein: The at least one adjustment mechanism includes an alignment mechanism for adjusting the alignment of the support frame relative to the planar or substantially planar building structure.

16. The electronic display according to claim 15, wherein: The alignment mechanism includes an adjustment bolt movably coupled to the support frame, wherein the adjustment bolt is movable relative to the support frame to urge the support frame relative to the flat or substantially flat building structure.

17. The electronic display according to claim 12, wherein: Each support frame includes one or more elongated members forming the frame mounting surface, the one or more elongated members including one or more mounting structures for mounting the one or more display modules to the frame mounting surface.

18. The electronic display according to claim 12, wherein: Each support frame includes one or more alignment structures configured to assist an installer in positioning the support frame relative to an adjacent support frame.

19. The electronic display according to claim 18, wherein: The one or more alignment structures include: one or more first alignment structures, the one or more first alignment structures being configured to assist alignment in a first direction; and one or more second alignment structures, the one or more second alignment structures being configured to assist alignment in a second direction different from the first direction.

20. A method of installing an electronic display, the method comprising: Providing or receiving a support subsystem configured for mounting to a flat or substantially flat building structure, the support subsystem comprising: a plurality of support frames, each support frame having a frame mounting surface; at least one translational adjustment mechanism associated with each of the plurality of support frames, wherein the at least one translational adjustment mechanism is configured to translationally adjust a position of the associated support frame relative to the planar or substantially planar building structure; and at least one alignment adjustment mechanism associated with each of the plurality of support frames, wherein the at least one alignment adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust an alignment of the associated support frame relative to the planar or substantially planar building structure; positioning a first support frame of the plurality of support frames adjacent to the planar or substantially planar building structure; securing the first of the plurality of support frames to the planar or substantially planar building structure; translationally adjusting the first one of the plurality of support frames to a designated first position relative to the planar or substantially planar building structure using the at least one translational adjustment mechanism of the first one of the plurality of support frames; aligning the first of the plurality of support frames to a specified alignment relative to the planar or substantially planar building structure using the at least one alignment adjustment mechanism of the first of the plurality of support frames; positioning a second support frame of the plurality of support frames relative to the planar or substantially planar building structure and relative to the first support frame of the plurality of support frames; securing the second one of the plurality of support frames to the first one of the plurality of support frames; securing the second support frame of the plurality of support frames to the planar or substantially planar building structure; using the at least one translational adjustment mechanism of the second one of the plurality of support frames, translationally adjusting the second one of the plurality of support frames relative to the planar or substantially planar building structure and relative to the first one of the plurality of support frames to a designated second position; and The second one of the plurality of support frames is aligned to a specified alignment relative to the planar or substantially planar building structure using the at least one alignment adjustment mechanism of the second one of the plurality of support frames.

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