Mounting and positioning device for a television set mount

Abstract

A fully movable television or display monitor mount having a wall mount and a display mount. The display mount is operatively coupled to the wall mount, allowing the display mount to move in pitch and yaw. A handle assembly is coupled to the display mount and is selectively movable between: an extended position, allowing the display mount and the television or display monitor to be raised and attached to the wall mount; an intermediate positioning position, allowing the television or display monitor to move in pitch and yaw; and a retracted position, for concealing the handle assembly behind the television or display monitor. A method for positioning the television or display monitor is also described.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 450,853, filed March 8, 2023, entitled “INSTALLATION AND POSITIONING DEVICE FOR TELEVISIONMOUNT”, the entire application of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a mounting device for a television set and a display monitor, and more particularly, to an apparatus for mounting a television set and a display monitor and for positioning the mounted television set and display monitor. Background Technology

[0004] Flat-screen TVs and monitors, such as those using LCD, LED, or OLED technologies, have become very common. These devices offer large, lightweight, high-performance displays that are also very thin. With technological advancements and price reductions, devices with extra-large displays, such as 55-inch diagonal displays and larger, have become increasingly popular.

[0005] Televisions are typically designed to be freely maneuverable, allowing the screen orientation to be adjusted to the user's preference. For this purpose, mounts often feature extendable arms and tilt and swivel capabilities—this type of mount is known in the industry as a "full-motion" mount. Especially for larger screens, it is important, and for safety reasons, that the screen is securely mounted and stably supported to prevent wobbling and sagging.

[0006] As televisions and monitors trend towards larger viewing areas and increasingly thinner designs, these devices have become somewhat fragile and sensitive during installation and placement. Even pressing a hand on the screen or a slight bend can cause permanent damage to the viewing area.

[0007] What is needed are installation components, systems, and methods that enable the installation and positioning of televisions or display monitors without damaging the screen. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, mounting components, systems, and methods are provided that enable the installation and positioning of a television set and resolve the problem of screen damage. Embodiments of the invention may include a fully movable television set or display monitor mounting component having a wall mount and a display mount. The display mount is operatively coupled to the wall mount, allowing the display mount to move in pitch and yaw. A handle assembly is coupled to the display mount and is selectively movable between: an extended position, allowing the display mount and the television set or display monitor to be raised and attached to the wall mount; an intermediate positioning position, allowing the television set or display monitor to move in pitch and yaw; and a retracted position, for concealing the handle assembly behind the television set or display monitor.

[0009] In one embodiment, the mounting member for attaching a television to a structure includes: a wall joint adapted to be attached to the structure; a display joint adapted to be attached to the television, the display joint being operatively coupled to the wall joint such that the display joint is selectively movable relative to the wall joint in terms of pitch and yaw; and a pair of handle assemblies. The handle assemblies are operatively coupled to the display joint, each handle assembly having an elongated shaft with a pair of opposite ends, one end of which is coupled to the display joint, and the other end of which has a gripping portion. Each handle assembly is selectively movable between a first extended position, a second intermediate position, and a third retracted position. In the first extended position, the shaft extends in a generally horizontal direction and the gripping portion is laterally outward relative to the display joint. In the second intermediate position, the shaft portion extends in a generally vertical direction and the gripping portion is positioned above or below the display joint. In the third retracted position, the shaft extends in a generally horizontal direction and the gripping portion is positioned above or below the display joint.

[0010] The display joint may include a pair of vertically spaced support rods, each support rod having a pair of opposite ends. One handle assembly is pivotally connected to a first support rod in the support rods near one end of the opposite ends, and the other handle assembly is pivotally connected to the first support rod in the support rods near the other end of the opposite ends. Each handle assembly may also include a guide plate defining a guide groove, wherein a support rod carries a corresponding guide pin that engages in and is slidable within the guide groove.

[0011] In one embodiment, the mounting also includes an arm assembly operatively connected to the wall joint and the display joint.

[0012] In one embodiment, the mounting member includes a tilting guide bracket defining a pair of vertically spaced guide slots and operatively coupled to a display joint. The mounting member also includes a pair of guide pins operatively coupled to a wall joint, each guide pin engaging in a separate guide slot within the guide slots, thereby enabling the display joint to tilt about a generally horizontal tilting axis positioned forward relative to the display joint. The guide slots may be arc-shaped and arranged along the circumference of a circle having a center positioned forward relative to the display joint.

[0013] In one embodiment, the mounting member includes a tilting guide bracket defining a pair of vertically spaced guide slots and operatively coupled to a display joint. The mounting member also includes a pair of guide pins operatively coupled to a wall joint, each of the guide pins engaging in a separate guide slot within the guide slots, thereby enabling the display joint to tilt about a generally horizontal momentary tilt axis positioned forward relative to the display joint. The guide slots may be straight and / or asymmetrically positioned relative to each other.

[0014] In other embodiments, the video display system includes a television or display monitor and a mounting device for movably attaching the television or display monitor to a wall. The mounting includes: a wall mount adapted to be attached to a wall; a display mount attached to a television or display monitor, operatively coupled to the wall mount such that the display mount can be selectively moved relative to the wall mount in pitch and yaw; and a pair of handle assemblies operatively coupled to the display mount, each handle assembly having an elongated shaft with a pair of opposite ends, one end of which is coupled to the display mount, and the other end of which has a gripping portion, each handle assembly being selectively movable between a first extended position, a second intermediate position, and a third retracted position, wherein in the first extended position the shaft extends in a generally horizontal direction and the gripping portion is laterally outward relative to the display mount; in the second intermediate position the shaft extends in a generally vertical direction and the gripping portion is positioned above or below the display mount; and in the third retracted position the shaft extends in a generally horizontal direction and the gripping portion is positioned above or below the display mount.

[0015] In one embodiment, the display assembly of the system includes a pair of vertically spaced support rods, each support rod having a pair of opposite ends. One handle assembly is pivotally connected to a first support rod in the support rods near one end of the opposite ends of the support rods, and the other handle assembly is pivotally connected to the first support rod in the support rods near the other end of the opposite ends of the support rods. Each handle assembly may also include a guide plate defining a guide groove, wherein the support rod carries a corresponding guide pin that engages in and is slidable within the guide groove.

[0016] In an embodiment of the system, the mounting also includes an arm assembly operatively connected to the wall joint and the display joint.

[0017] In one embodiment, the mounting component of the system includes a tilting guide bracket defining a pair of vertically spaced guide slots and operatively coupled to a display joint. The mounting component also includes a pair of guide pins operatively coupled to a wall joint, each of the guide pins engaging in a separate guide slot within the guide slots, thereby enabling the display joint to tilt about a generally horizontal tilting axis positioned forward relative to the display joint. The guide slots may be arc-shaped and arranged along the circumference of a circle having a center positioned forward relative to the display joint.

[0018] In other embodiments of the system, the mounting includes a tilting guide bracket defining a pair of vertically spaced guide slots and operatively coupled to a display joint. The mounting also includes a pair of guide pins operatively coupled to a wall joint, each of the guide pins engaging in a separate guide slot within the guide slots, thereby enabling the display joint to tilt about a generally horizontal momentary tilt axis positioned forward relative to the display joint. The guide slots may be straight and / or asymmetrically positioned relative to each other.

[0019] In other embodiments, a method of positioning a television or display monitor relative to a structure includes first providing a mounting member comprising: a wall mount adapted to be attached to a wall; a display mount attached to the television or display monitor, the display mount being operatively coupled to the wall mount such that the display mount is selectively movable relative to the wall mount in pitch and yaw; and a pair of handle assemblies operatively coupled to the display mount. Each handle assembly has an elongated shaft with a pair of opposite ends, one end of which is coupled to the display mount, and the other end of which has a gripping portion. Each handle assembly is selectively movable between a first extended position, a second intermediate position, and a third retracted position. In the first extended position, the shaft extends in a generally horizontal direction and the gripping portion is laterally outward relative to the display mount. In the second intermediate position, the shaft portion extends in a generally vertical direction and the gripping portion is positioned above or below the display mount. In the third retracted position, the shaft extends in a generally horizontal direction and the gripping portion is positioned above or below the display mount. The method also includes attaching a wall mount to the structure, attaching a display mount to a television or display monitor, moving each handle assembly to a first extended position, engaging the display mount to the wall mount, moving each handle assembly to a second intermediate position, and using the handle assemblies to move the television or display monitor to a desired tilt or yaw position. Finally, the handle assemblies can be moved to a retracted position.

[0020] The above overview is not intended to describe every embodiment or implementation of the subject matter of this disclosure. The following figures and detailed description illustrate various embodiments in more detail. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The subject matter of this disclosure can be more fully understood by taking into consideration the following detailed description of various embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 It is a rear isometric view of a television set and a mounting component having a mounting and positioning handle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 It is attached to the television. Figure 1 Rear view of the TV bracket mounting hardware;

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A close-up isometric view of a handle assembly within the mounting hardware.

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 1The mounting components and the rear isometric view of the television set, wherein the handle assembly is positioned in the stowed position;

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An isometric view of the mounting components and the rear view of the television set, wherein the handle assembly is positioned in the mounting location;

[0027] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 An isometric view of the mounting components and the rear view of the television, wherein the handle assembly is positioned in the positioning position;

[0028] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A front isometric view of the mounting bracket and the television set, wherein the television set is depicted in dashed lines, and a handle assembly is used to extend and retract the mounting bracket arm to position the television set toward or away from the wall.

[0029] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The mounting hardware and a front isometric view of the television set, wherein the television set is depicted in dashed lines, and a handle assembly is used to rotate the television set horizontally.

[0030] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 The mounting hardware and front isometric view of the television set, wherein the television set is depicted in dashed lines, and the handle assembly is used to tilt the television set vertically.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a front isometric view of a display mount having adjustable wall attachments according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A front isometric view of a display mounting assembly, wherein an electronic display device is attached and the mounting assembly is attached to a wall;

[0033] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 Rear isometric view of the wall joint assembly of the mounting component;

[0034] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Partial front isometric view of the lower wall joint connector of the wall joint assembly;

[0035] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 A partial front isometric view of the upper wall joint connector of the wall joint assembly;

[0036] Figure 15 yes Figure 12 A partial exploded view of the upper portion of the pivot assembly of the wall joint assembly;

[0037] Figure 16 yes Figure 12 Isometric view of the pivot component of the wall joint assembly;

[0038] Figure 17 yes Figure 12 A top plan view of the pivot assembly of the wall joint assembly, wherein the upper bushing block is depicted in dashed lines for clarity;

[0039] Figure 18 yes Figure 12 Partial front isometric view of the lower bushing block of the wall joint assembly;

[0040] Figure 19 yes Figure 10 Rear isometric view of the display mounting assembly of the display mount.

[0041] Figure 20 This is a right view of the display joint assembly, which depicts the display tilt feature of the mount.

[0042] Figure 21 yes Figure 19 Partial rear isometric view of the tilting mechanism of the display joint assembly;

[0043] Figure 22 yes Figure 19 Partial rear isometric view of the display height adjustment mechanism of the display joint assembly;

[0044] Figure 23 yes Figure 10 A partial isometric view of the pivotal connection between the upper and lower arms of the mounting assembly, wherein the arm cover is depicted in dashed lines; and

[0045] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram showing the wall joint, the display joint, and the display, wherein an asymmetrically positioned guide groove generates a momentary tilt axis around which the display and the display joint rotate.

[0046] While various embodiments can be modified into various alterations and alternatives, details of the various embodiments have been shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail. However, it should be understood that the intention is not to limit the claimed invention to the described embodiments. Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter defined by the claims. Detailed Implementation

[0047] like Figure 1As shown, the fully motion display mount 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention generally includes a wall joint assembly 22, an arm assembly 24, a display joint assembly 26, and handle assemblies 33 and 35. The structure, installation, and operation of the wall joint assembly 22, the arm assembly 24, and the display joint assembly 26 are further described below.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, the display mounting assembly 26 generally includes an inclined mounting channel 188, support rods 184 and 186, and display mounting brackets 180 and 182. The display mounting brackets 180 and 182 are secured to the rear side 175 of the television 176 by fasteners 51.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, each of the handle assemblies 33 and 35 generally includes a handle shaft 252, a gripping portion 254, a guide plate 256, a guide pin 258, and a pivot 260. The handle shaft 252 is fixed to the guide plate 256. The guide plate 256 defines an arcuate guide groove 262, and the guide pin 258 is carried by a support rod 186. The guide plate 256 is pivotally attached to the support rod 186, thereby enabling the handle shaft 252 to pivot about axis A, wherein the guide groove 262 slides along the guide pin 258.

[0050] Handle assemblies 33 and 35 can be individually positioned in any location within the travel range allowed by guide groove 262 and guide pin 258, said any location including: Figure 4 The retracted position shown in the figure has the handle shaft 252 extending in a generally horizontal direction and the gripping part 254 positioned below the display joint 26. Figure 5 The mounting position shown indicates that the handle shaft 252 extends in a generally parallel direction, and the gripping portion 254 is disposed laterally outward relative to the display engagement portion 26; and Figure 6 The TV positioning position shown has the handle shaft 252 extending in a generally vertical direction, and the gripping part 254 positioned below the display connector 26. Therefore, the user can attach the wall connector assembly 22 to the wall 90, and the display connector assembly 26 can be separately attached to the rear side 175 of the television 176. Then, the handle assemblies 33 and 35 can pivot to... Figure 5 The extended mounting position is shown. The user can then use the gripping part 254 to lift the television 176 and engage the clips 210, 212 on the tilting joint channel 188 with... Figure 5 The tilting guide bracket 190, already attached to the arm assembly 24, engages to mount the television set 176. With the television set 176 mounted and secured, the handle assemblies 33, 35 can pivot as follows: Figure 6The TV is positioned as shown. In this position, the user can then position the TV 176 toward or away from the wall, rotate the TV 176 horizontally (yaw), or tilt the TV 176 vertically (pitch) by pulling or pushing the gripping part 254, as shown respectively. Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown in the diagram. Once the television 176 is positioned as desired, the handle assemblies 33 and 35 can be folded down. Figure 4 The retracted position shown conceals the handle assemblies 33, 35 from view of the screen side of the television 176. It will be understood that the handle assemblies 33, 35 may be connected to the upper support rod 184 instead of the lower support rod 186 as shown; in this case, the gripping part 254 will be positioned above, rather than below, the display joint 26 in both the mounted and retracted positions.

[0051] Therefore, the television 176 can be installed and positioned with minimal need for the user to grip the television 176 itself, thereby avoiding potential damage. Furthermore, the handle assemblies 33 and 35 provide gripping points, enabling a safer and more manageable installation, thus minimizing the possibility of damage or injury from the television being dropped.

[0052] exist Figures 10 to 24 In the middle, it is described Figure 1 The monitor mount 20 comprises various aspects of the monitor mount 20. The monitor mount 20 generally includes a wall joint assembly 22, an arm assembly 24, and a monitor joint assembly 26.

[0053] The wall joint assembly 22 generally includes wall attachment brackets 28 and 30, crossbars 32 and 34, and arm connection assembly 36. Each of the wall attachment brackets 28 and 30 generally includes a channel 38, a channel cover 40, and clamps 42 and 44. Each channel 38 has sidewalls 46 and 48 and a backplate 50. The sidewalls 46 and 48 have outwardly extending protrusions 52 and 54 at their top ends 56 and outwardly extending protrusions 58 and 60 at their bottom ends 62. The protrusions 52 and 54 define openings 64 and 68, and the protrusions 58 and 60 define openings 70 and 72. Clamps 42 are pivotally attached between the sidewalls 46 and 48 by rivets 74, and clamps 44 are pivotally attached between the sidewalls 58 and 60 by rivets 76. The opposite end 78 of clamp 42 is fastened to back plate 50 by fastener 80, and the opposite end 82 of clamp 44 is fastened to back plate 50 by fastener 84. Back plate 50 defines openings 86, 88 for receiving fasteners (not shown) that fasten channel 38 to wall 90. Channel cover 40 is fitted between side walls 46, 48 to conceal channel recess 92.

[0054] Crossbars 32 and 34 are slidably received through openings 64 and 68 and openings 70 and 72, respectively. Crossbars 32 and 34 have decorative end caps 94.

[0055] The arm connection assembly 36 generally includes a back plate 96, an upper bushing support 98, a lower bushing support 100, an upper bushing 102, a lower bushing 104, and arm pivot tubes 106 and 108. The back plate 96 is fixed to the upper bushing support 98, the lower bushing support 100, and the crossbars 32 and 34 by rivets 110.

[0056] The upper bushing 102 has a body portion 112 defining cylindrical recesses 114, 116 and longitudinal grooves 118. For example... Figure 5 As depicted, the upper bushing 102 is fitted into the upper bushing support 98, wherein the upper ends 120 and 122 of the arm pivot tubes 106 and 108 are rotatably received in the cylindrical recesses 114 and 116, respectively. The body portion 112 also defines a bore 124 that receives the threaded shaft 126 of the friction adjustment knob 128. A nut 130 is disposed on the rear side 132 of the body portion 112 and threadedly connected to the threaded shaft 126. When the friction adjustment knob 128 is rotated clockwise, the body portion 112 is compressed and bent by the nut 130, thereby narrowing the groove 118 and causing the cylindrical recesses 114 and 116 to fit more tightly around the upper ends 120 and 122 of the arm pivot tubes 106 and 108, thereby increasing the friction and resisting rotation of the arm pivot tubes 106 and 108. When the friction adjustment knob 128 is rotated counterclockwise, the friction decreases.

[0057] like Figure 8 As depicted (where the lower bushing support 100 is omitted for clarity), the lower bushing 104 has a body portion 134 defining cylindrical recesses 136, 138 and longitudinal grooves 140. Figure 6 As depicted, the lower bushing 104 is fitted into the upper bushing support 100, wherein the lower ends (not shown) of the arm pivot tubes 106, 108 are rotatably received in cylindrical recesses 136, 138. The body portion 134 also defines a hole (not shown) that receives the threaded shaft 146 of the friction adjusting bolt 142. A nut 143 is disposed on the rear side portion 132 of the body portion 134 and threadedly connected to the threaded shaft 146. When the friction adjusting bolt 142 rotates clockwise, the body portion 134 is compressed and bent by the nut 143, thereby narrowing the groove 140 and causing the cylindrical recesses 136, 138 to fit more tightly around the lower ends of the arm pivot tubes 106, 108, thereby increasing the friction magnitude to resist rotation of the arm pivot tubes 106, 108. When the friction adjusting bolt 142 rotates counterclockwise, the friction decreases.

[0058] It will be understood that wall attachment brackets 28, 30 can be attached to wall 90 at positions corresponding to the supports in the wall, whether these positions are positioned with standard spacing such as 16 inches or 24 inches, or with non-standard spacing. Then, by sliding crossbars 32, 34 through openings 64, 68, 70, 72 until the desired position is achieved, crossbars 32, 34 and arm connection assembly 36 can be positioned relative to wall attachment brackets 28, 30 as needed. Clamps 42, 44 can then be tightened to secure crossbars 32, 34 in place.

[0059] Arm assembly 24 generally includes lower arms 144, 146 and upper arms 148, 150. Each of the lower arms 144, 146 has a structural arm portion 152, typically made of metal such as steel, and an arm cover 154, typically made of plastic. Each of the upper arms 148, 150 has a structural arm portion 156, typically made of metal such as steel, and an arm cover 158, typically made of plastic. The lower arms 144 and 148, and the lower arms 146 and 150 are respectively connected by means of... Figure 13 The pivoting connectors 160, as depicted in the exemplary manner, are joined together. The structural arm portion 152 of the lower arm 144 is fixed to the hollow shaft tube 162. The structural arm portion 156 of the upper arm 148 has a bushing portion 164 that rotatably receives the hollow shaft tube 162. A spacer 166 is fitted around the hollow shaft tube 162 and has an external decorative cover 168. Figure 11 As depicted, the upper arms 148, 150 are pivotally connected to the display joint carrier bracket 170 via pivot pins 172, 174. It will be understood that this arrangement allows the lower arms 144 and 148, as well as the lower arms 146 and 150, to be hinged about the hollow shaft tube 162 and pivot about the arm pivot tubes 106, 108 and pivot pins 172, 174, so that the display joint assembly 26 and the attached television or monitor 176 can be positioned closer to or further away from the wall 90, laterally displaced from side to side, or angled relative to the wall 90.

[0060] It will be further understood that any wires or cables required to supply power or signals to the television or monitor 176 can be managed or concealed by running the wires or cables through the arm covers 154, 158 and the hollow shaft tube 162.

[0061] The display joint assembly 26 generally includes a tilting assembly 178, display mounting brackets 180 and 182, and support rods 184 and 186. The tilting assembly 178 generally includes a tilting joint channel 188, a tilting guide bracket 190, an upper guide pin 192, and a lower guide pin 194. The tilting joint channel 188 has a front wall 196 and rearwardly projecting side walls 198 and 200. The side walls 198 and 200 define openings 202 and 204 and openings 206 and 208, respectively, for receiving the support rods 184 and 186 passing through them.

[0062] The tilting guide bracket 190 is secured to the front wall 196 of the tilting engagement channel 188 by clips 210, 212, and has a front wall 214 and rearwardly projecting side walls 216, 218. Each of the side walls 216, 218 defines an upper guide groove 220 and a lower guide groove 222. Figure 10 As depicted, the upper guide groove 220 and the lower guide groove 222 can be positioned along the circumference of a circle C, the center CC of which is positioned forward at a distance L from the front wall 196 of the inclined joint channel 188. It will be understood that the dimensions of the circle C and the orientation of the grooves 220, 222 can be chosen to give any desired distance L. Preferably, the distance L is chosen such that the center CC is positioned within the television or monitor 176 attached to the mounting.

[0063] The upper guide pin 192 extends through the upper guide groove 220 and slides or rolls within it. Similarly, the lower guide pin 194 extends through the lower guide groove 222 and slides or rolls within it. Either guide pin 192 or 194 can be selectively tightened or loosened by an optional friction control knob 224 to increase or decrease the friction resisting the movement of the guide pins 192 or 194 within the grooves 220 or 222.

[0064] Alternatively, such as Figure 24As depicted in the schematic diagram, the upper guide groove 220 and lower guide groove 222 can be any geometry, including arcuate, straight, or other shapes. In the figure, the wall joint 22, arm assembly 24, or tilt guide bracket 190 defines the upper guide groove 220 and lower guide groove 222. The display joint 26 carries the follower in the form of upper guide pin 192 and lower guide pin 194. The television 176 is attached to the display joint 26. At any given moment, the display joint 26 and the television 176 can be understood as rotating about an instantaneous axis of rotation, or "tilt axis." If the guide grooves are not perfectly symmetrical relative to each other, or if the guide grooves are a shape other than arcuate and positioned along the circumference of a circle, the position of the instantaneous axis of rotation will move as the display joint 26 and the television 176 tilt. The distance between the upper guide pin 192 and the lower guide pin 194 is fixed and does not change. At any given tilt position, the instantaneous axis of rotation will be positioned along a line perpendicular to the midpoint of the line drawn between the upper guide pin 192 and the lower guide pin 194. As shown, the region R intersecting the vertical line defines the position of the tilt axis of the device. If region R is forward relative to the display joint 26 (as depicted), the television 176 will tend to maintain its tilt position and will not introduce excessive friction into the sliding or rolling connection between the upper guide pin 192 and the lower guide pin 194, or into the corresponding grooves where the upper guide pin 192 and the lower guide pin 194 engage, or into external friction devices such as the friction control knob 224.

[0065] Each of the monitor mounting brackets 180, 182 has a front wall 226 and rearwardly projecting side walls 228, 230. The front wall 226 defines an opening 232 for receiving fasteners (not depicted) for attaching a television or monitor 176. The side walls 228, 230 define an upper elongated opening 234. A support rod 184 is received through the opening 234. Figure 9 and Figure 12As depicted, adjacent to the bottom end 236 of each of the monitor mounting brackets 180, 182, a sidewall 228 defines a lower elongated opening 238. A support rod 186 is received through the opening 238. A vertical height adjustment assembly 240 typically includes a U-shaped bracket 242, a threaded bolt 243, and an adjusting nut 244. The U-shaped bracket 242 is fixed to the support rod 186 and is slidable on the sidewall 230. The adjusting nut 244 is threaded onto the threaded bolt 243. As the threaded bolt 243 is rotated, the adjusting nut 244 translates, causing the U-shaped bracket 242 to move up or down. Thus, each monitor mounting bracket 180, 182 can be displaced up or down relative to the support rods 184, 186 to allow the monitor mounting brackets 180, 182 and the attached television or monitor 176 to be vertically positioned individually. It will be understood that, if necessary, the individual adjustment of the vertical height adjustment component 240 may also allow for vertical tilting of the television or monitor 176 (different left and right heights).

[0066] In use, wall mount brackets 28, 30 can be attached to pillars in wall 90 to match the pillar spacing, whether standard spacing such as 16 inches or 24 inches or non-standard spacing. Crossbars 32, 34 can be displaced relative to wall mount brackets 28, 30 to achieve desired lateral positioning on wall 90. Clamps 42, 44 can then be tightened to prevent further displacement of crossbars 32, 34. Monitor mounting brackets 180, 182 can be attached to the rear of a television or monitor 176 and connected to support rods 184, 186. Monitor mounting brackets 180, 182 can be laterally positioned along support rods 184, 186 equidistant from tilt assembly 178 to match the spacing of attachment points on the television or monitor 176. Vertical height adjustment assembly 240 can be adjusted to vertically shift the position of the television or monitor 176, or tilt the monitor if necessary. The television or monitor 176 can tilt about a virtual horizontal axis passing through the center CC of the circle C. This tilting motion is described more fully in U.S. Patent No. 6,905,101, which is owned by the owner of the invention and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0067] Various embodiments of the systems, apparatus, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that the various features of the described embodiments can be combined in various ways to produce many additional embodiments. In addition, while various materials, sizes, shapes, configurations, and positions, etc., for use with the disclosed embodiments have been described, other materials, sizes, shapes, configurations, and positions besides those disclosed may be utilized without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.

[0068] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter of this disclosure may include fewer features than those shown in any of the individual embodiments described above. The embodiments described herein are not intended to be an exhaustive representation of how the various features of the subject matter of this disclosure can be combined. Therefore, embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, various embodiments may include combinations of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, an element described with respect to one embodiment may be implemented in other embodiments, even if the element is not described in such an embodiment.

[0069] While dependent claims may refer to specific combinations with one or more other claims in the claims, other embodiments may also include combinations of dependent claims with the subject matter of each other dependent claim, or combinations of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are set forth herein unless stated otherwise.

[0070] Any combination of references to the foregoing documents is limited to such that no subject matter contrary to the express disclosure herein is incorporated. Any combination of references to the foregoing documents is further limited to such that any claims included in the documents are not incorporated herein by reference. Any combination of references to the foregoing documents is further limited to such that any limitations provided in the documents are not incorporated herein by reference unless expressly included herein.

[0071] For the purposes of interpreting the claims, unless the specific terms "means for..." or "steps for..." are used in the claims, it is expressly indicated that 35 USC does not apply. The provisions of 112 (f).

Claims

1. A mounting member for attaching a television set to a structure, the mounting member comprising: A wall joint, said wall joint being adapted to be attached to the structure; A display mount adapted to be attached to the television set, the display mount operatively coupled to the wall mount such that the display mount can selectively move relative to the wall mount in pitch and yaw, the display mount including a pair of vertically spaced support rods, each support rod having a pair of opposite ends; and A pair of handle assemblies operatively coupled to the display joint, each handle assembly having an elongated shaft with a pair of opposite ends, one end of which is coupled to the display joint and the handle assembly having a guide plate defining a guide groove, and the other end of which has a gripping portion; one handle assembly is pivotally coupled to a first support rod in the support rod near one end of the opposite ends of the support rod, and the other handle assembly is pivotally coupled to the first support rod in the support rod near the other end of the opposite ends of the support rod; a pair of guides... Pins extend from the first support rod in the support rod, and each guide pin extends through a separate guide groove in the guide groove, thereby enabling each handle assembly to selectively move between a first extended position, a second intermediate position, and a third retracted position. In the first extended position, the shaft extends in a generally horizontal direction and the gripping portion is laterally outward relative to the display joint. In the second intermediate position, the shaft portion extends in a generally vertical direction and the gripping portion is positioned above or below the display joint. In the third retracted position, the shaft extends in a generally horizontal direction and the gripping portion is positioned above or below the display joint.

2. The mounting component according to claim 1, wherein, The mounting also includes an arm assembly operatively connected to the wall joint and the display joint.

3. The mounting component according to claim 1, wherein, The mounting component includes a tilt guide bracket defining a pair of vertically spaced guide slots and operatively coupled to the display joint. The mounting component also includes a pair of guide pins operatively coupled to the wall joint, each of the guide pins engaging in a separate guide slot within the guide slots, thereby enabling the display joint to tilt about a generally horizontal tilt axis positioned forward relative to the display joint.

4. The mounting component according to claim 3, wherein, The guide groove is arc-shaped and is arranged along the circumference of a circle having a center that is forward-facing relative to the display joint.

5. The mounting component according to claim 1, wherein, The mounting includes a tilt guide bracket defining a pair of vertically spaced guide slots and operatively coupled to the display joint. The mounting also includes a pair of guide pins operatively coupled to the wall joint, each guide pin engaging in a separate guide slot within the guide slots, thereby enabling the display joint to tilt about a generally horizontal instantaneous tilt axis positioned forward relative to the display joint.

6. The mounting component according to claim 5, wherein, The guide groove is straight.

7. The mounting component according to claim 5, wherein, The guide slots are arranged asymmetrically relative to each other.

8. A video display system, comprising: Television or display monitor; as well as Mounting member for movably attaching the television or display monitor to a wall, the mounting member comprising: A wall joint, the wall joint being adapted to be attached to the wall; A display joint, attached to the television or display monitor, operatively coupled to the wall joint such that the display joint can selectively move relative to the wall joint in pitch and yaw, the display joint including a pair of vertically spaced support rods, each support rod having a pair of opposite ends; and A pair of handle assemblies operatively coupled to the display joint, each handle assembly having an elongated shaft with a pair of opposite ends, one end of which is coupled to the display joint and the handle assembly having a guide plate defining a guide groove, and the other end of which has a gripping portion; one handle assembly is pivotally coupled to a first support rod in the support rod near one end of the opposite ends of the support rod, and the other handle assembly is pivotally coupled to the first support rod in the support rod near the other end of the opposite ends of the support rod. Guide pins extend from the first support rod in the support rod, and each guide pin extends through a separate guide groove in the guide groove, thereby enabling each handle assembly to selectively move between a first extended position, a second intermediate position, and a third retracted position. In the first extended position, the shaft extends in a generally horizontal direction and the gripping portion is laterally outward relative to the display joint. In the second intermediate position, the shaft portion extends in a generally vertical direction and the gripping portion is positioned above or below the display joint. In the third retracted position, the shaft extends in a generally horizontal direction and the gripping portion is positioned above or below the display joint.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The mounting also includes an arm assembly operatively connected to the wall joint and the display joint.

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The mounting component includes a tilt guide bracket defining a pair of vertically spaced guide slots and operatively coupled to the display joint. The mounting component also includes a pair of guide pins operatively coupled to the wall joint, each of the guide pins engaging in a separate guide slot within the guide slots, thereby enabling the display joint to tilt about a generally horizontal tilt axis positioned forward relative to the display joint.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The guide groove is arc-shaped and is arranged along the circumference of a circle having a center that is forward-facing relative to the display joint.

12. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The mounting includes a tilt guide bracket defining a pair of vertically spaced guide slots and operatively coupled to the display joint. The mounting also includes a pair of guide pins operatively coupled to the wall joint, each guide pin engaging in a separate guide slot within the guide slots, thereby enabling the display joint to tilt about a generally horizontal instantaneous tilt axis positioned forward relative to the display joint.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein, The guide groove is straight.

14. The system according to claim 12, wherein, The guide slots are arranged asymmetrically relative to each other.

15. A method for positioning a television set or display monitor relative to a structure, the method comprising: An installation component is provided, the installation component comprising: A wall joint, the wall joint being adapted to be attached to the wall; A display joint, attached to the television or display monitor, operatively connectable to the wall mount, allowing selective tilt and yaw movement of the display joint relative to the wall mount, the display joint including a pair of vertically spaced support rods, each support rod having a pair of opposite ends; and A pair of handle assemblies operatively coupled to the display joint, each handle assembly having an elongated shaft with a pair of opposite ends, one end of which is coupled to the display joint and the handle assembly having a guide plate defining a guide groove, and the other end of which has a gripping portion; one handle assembly is pivotally coupled to a first support rod in the support rod near one end of the opposite ends of the support rod, and the other handle assembly is pivotally coupled to the first support rod in the support rod near the other end of the opposite ends of the support rod; a pair of guides... Pins extend from the first support rod in the support rod, and each guide pin extends through a separate guide groove in the guide groove, thereby enabling each handle assembly to selectively move between a first extended position, a second intermediate position, and a third retracted position. In the first extended position, the shaft extends in a generally horizontal direction and the gripping portion is laterally outward relative to the display joint. In the second intermediate position, the shaft portion extends in a generally vertical direction and the gripping portion is positioned above or below the display joint. In the third retracted position, the shaft extends in a generally horizontal direction and the gripping portion is positioned above or below the display joint. Attach the wall joint to the structure; Attach the display connector to the television or display monitor; Move each of the handle assemblies to the first extended position; Connect the display joint to the wall joint; Move each of the handle components in the handle assembly to the second intermediate position, and Use the handle assembly to move the television or display monitor to the desired pitch or yaw position.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising moving the handle assembly to the retracted position.

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