Projection screen roll mounting system

Abstract

A projection screen system having a housing with a t-slot defined in a top wall for operatively engaging a motor end bracket and a pin end bracket. The motor end bracket has a motor housing mounting assembly connected with a motor mounting assembly and a support assembly. The motor mounting assembly attaches the motor assembly and at least one end of the support assembly can swing to an unengaged position to allow removal of the motor mounting assembly for maintenance or replacement. The pin end bracket has a pin housing mounting assembly connected with a bearing mounting assembly via a horizontal swing hinge enabling the bearing mounting assembly to swing outward to accommodate installation and removal of the roller. The bearing mounting assembly can have a ramp that guides the pin of the screen roller into the aperture during installation.

Description

Related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 549,128, filed February 2, 2024, entitled “PROJECTOR SCREEN ROLLER MOUNTSYSTEM,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to a screen for displaying images generated by a video and movie projector, and more specifically, to a mounting system for a projector roller having a motor end bracket assembly and a pin end bracket assembly, the motor end bracket assembly and the pin end bracket assembly being operably engaged with a groove located inside the projection screen housing. Background Technology

[0003] Dedicated projection screens are a common feature in conference rooms, lecture halls, and other environments where presentations are given to crowds. These screens are typically expected to be concealed and deployed only when needed. Typically, the screen is stored on rollers within a housing, and can be selectively deployed and retracted by rotating the rollers. These projection screens are commonly wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, or recessed ceiling-mounted.

[0004] However, existing mounting assemblies for projection screens have drawbacks. They require specific brackets for wall mounting, which may differ for ceiling mounting and / or recessed ceiling mounting. Larger, wider screens can often be quite heavy, making the installation of the projection screen assembly cumbersome and typically requiring more than one scissor lift and numerous personnel. Furthermore, maintenance needs for the projection screen assembly, such as replacing the motor assembly for the motorized screen rollers, can lead to complex lifting requirements and require a significant number of personnel to remove the projection screen assembly from the mounting bracket for maintenance.

[0005] There is a need for installation components, systems, and methods that can be integrated with projection screens to address the shortcomings of existing installation components, systems, and methods, including more efficient installation and maintenance of projection screens. This can reduce the high labor costs, low installation and / or maintenance efficiency, and poor user experience associated with current projection screen installations using existing installation components. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, mounting components, systems, assemblies, and methods are provided that enable a projection screen to be mounted to a desired substrate such as a wall or ceiling, thereby addressing the aforementioned problems.

[0007] In some aspects, the projection screen system includes a projection screen assembly having a projection screen housing configured to house a projection screen. The projection screen housing has a body having a top wall connecting opposite sidewalls and an open bottom. The projection screen housing has an internal T-slot configuration located on the top wall within an enclosure provided by the housing. The T-slot configuration engages a motor end bracket assembly for attaching a first end of the projection screen assembly having the motor assembly to the projection screen housing. The T-slot configuration is also capable of operably engaging a pin end bracket assembly for attaching a second end of the projection screen assembly having a pin to the projection screen housing.

[0008] In some aspects, the motor end bracket assembly includes a housing mounting assembly that can be operably connected to the motor mounting assembly and the support assembly. The housing mounting assembly includes a base plate having a top flange plate substantially perpendicular to the base plate. The top flange plate is configured to be operably inserted into a T-slot configuration of the projection screen housing.

[0009] The housing mounting assembly can also provide mounting points for U-bolts, which can be used with cables or straps to help lift the projector roller into the projection screen housing during installation and / or maintenance.

[0010] The housing mounting assembly may include one or more vertical slots extending from the bottom edge to a portion of the body, such slots enabling operable engagement with a protruding portion of the motor mounting assembly. The housing mounting assembly may also include two or more threaded orifices for operably attaching a support assembly. In some aspects, the two or more threaded orifices are located near the bottom portion of the housing mounting assembly, and fasteners may be used to retain and clamp the support assembly.

[0011] In some aspects, the motor mounting assembly has two or more slots for fasteners to attach the motor. The motor mounting assembly may also include orifices, preferably square orifices, to engage and align with square-shaped pins of the projection screen assembly, which will keep the motor stationary and support the projection roller.

[0012] The motor mounting assembly may have two flange portions having a convex configuration with a top convex groove and a bottom convex groove, whereby the top convex groove can be operably inserted into and operably engaged with a corresponding groove in the housing mounting assembly. In some aspects, the convex is locked within the groove.

[0013] In some aspects, the support assembly can be located below the motor mounting assembly, such that the bottom boss groove engages operably with the top plate portion of the support assembly to provide longitudinal support. In some aspects, one end of the support assembly can be removed from the housing mounting assembly by removing one of the fasteners, allowing that end of the support assembly to swing relative to the remaining fasteners, which allows the removal of the motor mounting assembly for maintenance or replacement of the motor or projector roller. In some other aspects, each fastener in the fasteners can be removed from the support assembly to remove the support assembly, which also allows the removal of the motor mounting assembly for maintenance or replacement of the motor or projector roller.

[0014] In some aspects, the pin end bracket assembly includes a housing mounting assembly that can be operably connected to a bearing mounting assembly. The housing mounting assembly includes a base plate having a top flange plate substantially perpendicular to the base plate. The top flange plate is configured to be operably inserted into a T-slot configuration of the projection screen housing.

[0015] The housing mounting assembly can also provide mounting points for U-bolts, which can be used with cables or straps to help lift the projector roller into the projection screen housing during installation and / or maintenance.

[0016] The housing mounting assembly may also include an aperture located near the bottom portion of the substrate, which allows for the installation of fasteners to lock the housing mounting assembly and bearing mounting assembly during normal operation, preventing the bearing mounting assembly from swinging or rotating relative to the housing mounting assembly.

[0017] The housing mounting assembly may include one or more horizontal slots located near a portion of the body of the substrate. The one or more horizontal slots enable operable engagement with a hook-shaped protrusion of the bearing mounting assembly. The hook-shaped protrusion of the bearing mounting assembly is preferably located in the top edge portion. When the hook-shaped protrusion of the bearing mounting assembly is operably engaged with the horizontal slot of the housing mounting assembly and the fastener is removed, the bearing mounting assembly is capable of pivoting and rotating.

[0018] In some aspects, the oscillating rotation of the bearing mounting assembly relative to the housing mounting assembly is at least 5°, in some aspects at least 7.5°, in some aspects at least 10°, in some aspects at least 12°, and in some aspects at least 15°. In some aspects, the oscillating rotation of the bearing mounting assembly relative to the housing mounting assembly is at most 30°, in some aspects at most 27.5°, in some aspects at most 25°, in some aspects at most 22.5°, and in some aspects at most 20°. In some aspects, the oscillating rotation of the bearing mounting assembly relative to the housing mounting assembly is between 5° and 30°, in some aspects between 7.5° and 27.5°, in some aspects between 10° and 25°, in some aspects between 12.5° and 22.5°, and in some aspects between 10° and 20°.

[0019] In some aspects, the bearing mounting assembly also includes orifices for operably receiving pins of the projection screen assembly.

[0020] In some aspects, the bearing mounting assembly includes a bearing ramp, wherein the bearing ramp has a ramp located below the pin receiving orifice. In some aspects, the ramp has a generally V-shaped or U-shaped configuration with a ramp gradient extending from the bottom edge of the substrate toward the pin receiving orifice. In some aspects, the ramp has a configuration that guides the pin of the projection screen roller into the pin receiving orifice. The ramp and the pin receiving orifice allow the bearing mounting assembly to swing away from the pin during installation, such that the bearing mounting assembly swings back to a generally vertical position when the pin is operably inserted into the pin receiving orifice. The ramp and the pin receiving orifice allow the bearing mounting assembly to swing away from the pin during removal or maintenance of the projection screen assembly.

[0021] In one embodiment, the projection screen system includes a screen assembly comprising a pair of opposite ends of rollers and a motor assembly, one end of the opposite ends of the rollers having a protruding pin, the motor assembly being disposed at the other end of the opposite ends of the rollers, a housing having a body having a top wall and opposing side walls defining an inner cavity with an open bottom, the top wall defining a T-groove facing the inner cavity, a motor end bracket assembly receiving the motor assembly having a portion engaging in the T-groove, and a pin end bracket assembly defining a pin receiving orifice for receiving the protruding pin of the rollers and having a portion engaging in the T-groove.

[0022] In one embodiment, the motor end bracket assembly includes a motor housing mounting assembly operably connected to the motor mounting assembly and the support assembly, wherein the motor housing mounting assembly includes a base plate having a top flange plate substantially perpendicular to the base plate, and wherein the top flange plate is received in a T-groove.

[0023] In one embodiment, the motor housing mounting assembly has U-bolts adapted to receive cables or straps to aid in lifting the roller into the housing during installation and / or maintenance. The motor housing mounting assembly may define a plurality of vertical slots, and these slots enable operably engaging with a plurality of protruding portions of the motor mounting assembly.

[0024] In one embodiment, the motor housing mounting assembly is operatively connected to a support assembly using a plurality of removable fasteners. The motor mounting assembly may include a square aperture for engaging with a square-shaped pin of the motor assembly. In another embodiment, the motor housing mounting assembly defines a plurality of slots and has a pair of spaced-apart flange portions, each flange portion having a top flange slot, and each top flange slot operatively inserting into and engaging with a single slot of the plurality of slots of the motor housing mounting assembly. The support assembly may be disposed below the motor mounting assembly, wherein the motor mounting assembly has a pair of spaced-apart flange portions, each flange portion having a bottom flange slot, and wherein each bottom flange slot operatively engages with a top plate portion of the support assembly.

[0025] In one embodiment, the support assembly is secured to the motor housing mounting assembly using a pair of fasteners. One end of the support assembly can be removed from the motor housing mounting assembly by removing one of the fasteners, thereby allowing one end of the support assembly to swing relative to the base plate on the remaining fasteners. This enables the removal of the motor mounting assembly for maintenance or replacement of the motor assembly or roller. In other embodiments, both fasteners in the pair can be removed to remove the support assembly, which also enables the removal of the motor mounting assembly for maintenance or replacement of the motor assembly or roller.

[0026] In one embodiment, the pin end support assembly includes a pin housing mounting assembly operably coupled to the bearing mounting assembly. The pin housing mounting assembly may include a base plate having a top flange plate oriented generally perpendicular to the base plate, wherein the top flange plate is received within a T-groove of the housing.

[0027] In one embodiment, the pin housing mounting assembly has a U-bolt, and the U-bolt is adapted to receive a cable or belt to help lift the roller into the housing during installation and / or maintenance. The pin housing mounting assembly and the bearing mounting assembly can be fastened together with fasteners during normal operation, thereby preventing the bearing mounting assembly from swinging or rotating relative to the pin housing mounting assembly.

[0028] In one embodiment, the pin housing mounting assembly defines one or more horizontal grooves, and the bearing mounting assembly has one or more hook-shaped protrusions that engage in the horizontal grooves, thereby allowing the bearing mounting assembly to swing relative to the pin housing mounting assembly. In another embodiment, the swing rotation of the bearing mounting assembly relative to the pin housing mounting assembly is at least 5°, in some aspects at least 7.5°, in some aspects at least 10°, in some aspects at least 12°, and in some aspects at least 15°. In yet another embodiment, the swing rotation of the bearing mounting assembly relative to the pin housing mounting assembly is at most 30°, in some aspects at most 27.5°, in some aspects at most 25°, in some aspects at most 22.5°, and in some aspects at most 20°. In one embodiment, the oscillating rotation of the bearing mounting assembly relative to the pin housing mounting assembly is between 5° and 30°, in some respects between 7.5° and 27.5°, in some respects between 10° and 25°, in some respects between 12.5° and 22.5°, and in some respects between 10° and 20°.

[0029] In one embodiment, the bearing mounting assembly includes a bearing ramp, wherein the bearing ramp has a ramp located below the pin receiving orifice, wherein the ramp is generally V-shaped or U-shaped and has a ramp gradient extending from the bottom edge of the substrate toward the pin receiving orifice.

[0030] 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

[0031] The subject matter of the invention can be more fully understood by considering the following detailed description of various embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a front top isometric view of a projection screen system having a projection screen assembly operably engaged with a motor end bracket assembly and a pin end bracket assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The rear equidistant end view of the projection screen system shows a pin end bracket assembly operably inserted into a T-slot configuration at the first end of the projection screen housing, wherein the projection screen housing is depicted as transparent for clarity.

[0034] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An end view of the projection screen housing, wherein, for clarity, the projection screen assembly, the motor end bracket assembly, and the pin end bracket assembly are omitted;

[0035] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 An end view of the projection screen housing, wherein the pin end bracket assembly is operably connected to the projection screen assembly.

[0036] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A partial side view of the projection screen housing and pin end bracket, wherein, for clarity, the housing is depicted as transparent and has a pin end bracket assembly that engages operably with the housing's T-slot.

[0037] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A top isometric view of the pin end bracket assembly, showing only a portion of the projection screen roller without the projection screen housing for clarity.

[0038] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A side view of the pin end bracket assembly, for clarity, without the projection screen housing and only a portion of the projection screen roller, and it depicts the swinging rotation of the bearing mounting assembly.

[0039] Figure 8 yes Figure 2 Another view of the pin end bracket assembly, for clarity, without the projection screen housing and rollers;

[0040] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 An end view of the pin end bracket assembly, without projection of the screen housing for clarity, depicting the roller pin engaging with the bearing mounting assembly;

[0041] Figure 10 yes Figure 2 A front isometric view of the pin end bracket assembly, for clarity, without projection screen housing and roller, and depicting the engagement side that engages with the roller in an operable manner.

[0042] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 The rear equidistant end view of the projection screen system shows the motor end bracket assembly operably inserted into a T-slot configuration at the second end of the housing.

[0043] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 An end view of the projection screen housing, wherein the motor end bracket assembly is operably connected to the projection screen assembly.

[0044] Figure 13For clarity, the projection screen housing is depicted as a transparent partial side view, and it has a motor end bracket assembly that is operably engaged in a T-slot.

[0045] Figure 14A yes Figure 11 A front isometric view of the motor end bracket assembly, for clarity, without the projection screen housing, rollers and motor assembly, and depicting the engagement side that receives the motor assembly;

[0046] Figure 14B yes Figure 11 A front view of the motor end bracket assembly, at an isometric partial exploded view;

[0047] Figure 15 yes Figure 11 An end view of the motor end bracket assembly, for clarity, omitting the projection screen housing and motor assembly, and depicting the engagement side that operably engages with the motor assembly; and

[0048] Figure 16 yes Figure 11 Rear isometric view of the motor end bracket assembly.

[0049] 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 specific embodiments described. 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

[0050] exist Figures 1 to 2 and Figure 11 The image depicts a projection screen system 10 according to certain embodiments of the present invention. For example... Figures 1 to 2 and Figure 11 As depicted in the illustrated embodiments, the projection screen system 10 typically includes a projection screen assembly 20 configured to engage operably with one or more mounting brackets 50.

[0051] Projection screen system 20 typically includes a projection screen housing 22 that defines an inner cavity 55a for receiving screen assembly 25, such as Figure 1 As depicted in [the text]. When not in use, the screen assembly 25 is concealed within the projection screen housing 22, for example... Figures 1 to 2 and Figure 11 As shown, and then unfolded from the projection screen housing 22 during normal operation (not depicted).

[0052] Screen assembly 25 typically includes a projection screen (not shown) wound on roller 100 and a motor assembly 102. The motor assembly 102, which may include an electric motor electrically connected via cable 103 to a power supply and control device (not shown), is rotatably coupled to roller 100 such that operation of the motor assembly 102 causes roller 100 to rotate to wind the screen (not shown) and unwind the screen from roller 100 according to the direction of rotation. Screen assembly 25 is operably engaged at a first end via pin end bracket assembly 60 and at a second end via motor end bracket assembly 80. Pin end bracket assembly 60 and motor end bracket assembly 80 each typically have a top flange plate operably engaged with a T-slot 114 of projection screen housing 22, as further described below.

[0053] The projection screen housing 22 typically includes a body 24 that extends at least the length of the screen assembly 25 and preferably by a distance longer than the screen assembly 25, such as to accommodate any auxiliary components that may be associated with the screen assembly 25. In some embodiments, the projection screen housing 22 may also include a bottom plate (not depicted) and end plates (not depicted). The body 24 is preferably a single structural member, more specifically a single extruded member. The body 24 preferably has an elongated extruded configuration. In some preferred embodiments, the body 24 comprises extruded aluminum. In other embodiments, the body 24 is not a single piece but may comprise two or more cooperating structural members to form the housing.

[0054] like Figure 3 As depicted, the main body 24 typically includes a front wall 26, a top wall 28, and a rear wall 30, thereby defining an inner cavity 55a with an open bottom 32, which accommodates the screen assembly 25 and related components of the screen assembly 25.

[0055] Although Figure 3 An end view of the main body 24 is depicted, but it will be readily understood by a person skilled in the art that the front wall 26, rear wall 30, and top wall 28 extend axially by a length L, as shown. Figure 1 As depicted, the open bottom 32 is defined by a space extending between the front edge 44 of the front wall 26 and the rear edge 40 of the rear wall 30. The front wall 26 has a corner portion 104 located near the transition between the front wall 26 and the top wall 28 of the body 24. The rear wall 30 also has a corner portion 106 located near the transition between the rear wall 30 and the top wall 28 of the body 24. In some preferred embodiments, the corner portions 104, 106 have an arcuate corner configuration as depicted.

[0056] The body 24 defines a rear recess 38 and a rear edge 40. The rear recess 38 is disposed in the transition between the top wall 28 and the proximal end 108 of the rear wall 30. The rear edge 40 of the rear wall 28 is preferably located near the open bottom 32 to which the rear wall 26 terminates. In some embodiments where the body 24 has a generally symmetrical configuration, the body 24 also has a front recess 42 and a front edge 44. The front recess 40 is disposed in the transition between the top wall 28 and the proximal end 110 of the front wall 26. The front edge 44 of the front wall 26 is preferably located near the open bottom 32 to which the front wall 26 terminates. The rear recess 38 is accessible from the top side of the body 24. The front recess 38 is also accessible from the top side of the body 24.

[0057] As depicted, the rear recess 38 preferably has a channel or groove configuration relative to the top surface 112 of the top wall 28, such that the rear recess 38 extends toward the inner cavity 55a of the projection screen housing 22. The channel or groove configuration of the rear recess 38 may have a generally U-shaped or V-shaped configuration. The rear recess 38 is defined by a first surface 38a and a second surface 38b. The first surface 38a is connected to the proximal end 108 of the rear wall 30 and is generally perpendicular to the top wall 28. The second surface 38b is connected to the top wall 28 and forms an angle α with the first surface 38a, which is preferably between about 30° and about 60°, in some aspects between about 35° and about 55°, in some aspects between about 40° and about 50°, and in some aspects about 45°.

[0058] The front recess 42 preferably has a channel or groove configuration relative to the top surface 112 of the top wall 28, such that the front recess 42 extends toward the inner cavity 55a of the projection screen housing 22. The channel or groove configuration of the front recess 42 has a generally U-shaped or V-shaped configuration. The front recess 42 is defined by a first surface 42a and a second surface 42b. The first surface 42a is connected to the proximal end 110 of the front wall 26 and is generally perpendicular to the top wall 28. The second surface 42b is connected to the top wall 28 and forms an angle β with the first surface 42a, which is preferably between about 30° and about 60°, in some aspects between about 35° and about 55°, in some aspects between about 40° and about 50°, and in some aspects about 45°.

[0059] The main body 24 defines a T-shaped groove 114 facing the inner cavity 55a between recesses 38 and 42. The T-shaped groove 114 is defined by a top wall 28, opposing elongated fingers 46 and 47, and opposing channels 46a and 47a. The elongated fingers 46 extend into the inner cavity 55a toward the recesses 42, which are generally parallel to the top wall 28. The space between the top wall 28 and the elongated fingers 46 defines a first channel 46a. The elongated fingers 47 extend into the inner cavity 55a toward the recesses 38, which are generally parallel to the top wall 28. The space between the top wall 28 and the elongated fingers 47 defines a second channel 47a. In some embodiments, the elongated fingers 46 and 47 are located in the same plane. In some other embodiments, the elongated fingers 46 and 47 are located in different planes, such that the first channel 46a and the second channel 47a have different relative distances between the top wall 28 and the corresponding elongated fingers 46, 47.

[0060] During normal operation, the T-shaped groove 114 formed by the first channel 46a, the second channel 47a, and the top wall 28 engages operably with one or more internal mounting components, as further described below.

[0061] Now refer to Figures 4 to 10 The pin end bracket assembly 60 typically includes a pin housing mounting assembly 62, which can be operably connected to the bearing mounting assembly 70. The pin housing mounting assembly 62 includes a base plate 64 having a top flange plate 63. The base plate 64 and the top flange plate 63 are generally perpendicular, such that the base mounting assembly 62 has an L-shaped configuration. The top flange plate 63 has a width wider than the base plate 64, such that the top flange plate 63 is configured to be slidably received in a T-slot 114 of the projection screen housing 22, without the base plate 64 obstructing attachment to the T-slot 114. Figure 2 and Figures 4 to 5 As depicted, during normal operation, the T-slot 114 of the projection screen housing 22 slidably receives the top flange plate 63 of the pin end bracket assembly 60.

[0062] The top flange 63 may have one or more fasteners 65, such as screws, which, when the top flange 63 is received in the T-slot 114, can be inserted into or secured to the top wall 28 of the projection screen housing 22 to prevent the top flange 63 from sliding in the T-slot 114. The base plate 64 may receive U-bolts 66 such that cables or straps (not depicted) can be attached to the U-bolts 66 to help lift the roller 100 into the projection screen housing 22 during installation and / or maintenance.

[0063] The substrate 64 may define one or more horizontal slots 67. The slots 67 allow for operable engagement with the hook-shaped protrusions 72 of the bearing mounting assembly 70. The hook-shaped protrusions 72 of the bearing mounting assembly 70 are preferably located at the top edge of the bearing plate 71. When the hook-shaped protrusions 72 of the bearing mounting assembly 70 are operably engaged with the horizontal slots 67 of the housing mounting assembly 60, the bearing mounting assembly 70 can pivot and rotate relative to the fixed housing mounting assembly 60 by an angle θ, such as... Figure 7 As depicted in the text.

[0064] In some aspects, the swing rotation angle θ of the bearing mounting assembly 70 relative to the housing mounting assembly 60 is at least 5°, in some aspects at least 7.5°, in some aspects at least 10°, in some aspects at least 12°, and in some aspects at least 15°. In some aspects, the swing rotation angle θ of the bearing mounting assembly 70 relative to the housing mounting assembly 60 is at most 30°, in some aspects at most 27.5°, in some aspects at most 25°, in some aspects at most 22.5°, and in some aspects at most 20°. In some aspects, the swing rotation angle θ of the bearing mounting assembly 70 relative to the housing mounting assembly 60 is between 5° and 30°, in some aspects between 7.5° and 27.5°, in some aspects between 10° and 25°, in some aspects between 12.5° and 22.5°, and in some aspects between 10° and 20°.

[0065] Fastener 74 can be inserted through an aperture (not shown) in the substrate 64 and bearing plate 71 to lock bearing plate 71 to substrate 64 during normal operation. In this locked position, fastener 74 inhibits oscillating rotation of bearing mounting assembly 70 relative to pin housing mounting assembly 62. To restore oscillating rotation, fastener 74 can be removed. Bearing mounting assembly 70 also defines a pin receiving aperture 75 for rotatably receiving a pin 27 protruding from roller 100 of projection screen assembly 20, the pin 27 in… Figure 6 It is shown as being inserted into the pin receiving hole 75.

[0066] Now refer to Figures 8 to 10 The bearing mounting assembly 70 may include a bearing ramp 76. The bearing ramp 76 is preferably configured with a ramp 77 disposed below the pin receiving orifice 75. The ramp 77 has a generally V-shaped or U-shaped configuration, such that the width of the ramp 77 is wider at the bottom and narrows near the top of the pin receiving orifice 75. The ramp 77 also preferably has a slope gradient extending from the bottom edge of the bearing plate 71 toward the pin receiving orifice 75, such that the thickness of the ramp 77 is greater near the pin receiving orifice 75 compared to the bottom edge of the bearing plate 71.

[0067] When the bearing mounting assembly 70 is in a generally vertical position, the inclined surface 77 of the bearing ramp 76 allows the pin 27 to be guided into the pin receiving orifice 75, enabling the installation of the roller 100. When the bearing mounting assembly 70 swings outward relative to the pin housing mounting assembly 62 through an angle θ, the inclined surface 77 and the pin receiving orifice 75 also enable the removal or maintenance of the roller 100.

[0068] In some preferred embodiments, the hook-shaped protrusion 72 and the bearing ramp 76 are located on the same side of the bearing mounting assembly 70. In other embodiments, the U-bolt 66, the hook-shaped protrusion 72, and the bearing ramp 76 are located on the same side of the pin end support assembly 60.

[0069] Now refer to Figures 12 to 16 The motor end support assembly 80 typically includes a motor housing mounting assembly 82, which can be operably coupled to the motor mounting assembly 90 and the support assembly 96. The motor housing mounting assembly 82 includes a base plate 84 having a top flange plate 83. The motor housing mounting assembly 82 includes opposing side plates 81, which can be configured to provide rigid support for the base plate 84. The base plate 84 and the top flange plate 83 are generally perpendicular, such that the motor housing mounting assembly 82 has an L-shaped configuration. The top flange plate 83 has a width wider than the base plate 84, such that the top flange plate 83 is configured to be received in a T-slot 114 of the projection screen housing 22, while the base plate 84 does not obstruct attachment to the T-slot 114. In some aspects, the base plate 84 has a neck portion 88 narrower than the width of the top flange plate 83. Figures 11 to 13 As depicted, during normal operation, the T-slot 114 of the projection screen housing 22 receives the top flange plate 83 of the motor end bracket assembly 80.

[0070] The top flange 83 may have one or more fasteners 85, such as screws, which may be inserted into or secured to the top wall 28 of the projection screen housing 22 when the top flange 83 is received in the T-slot 114. The base plate 84 may receive U-bolts 86 such that cables or straps (not depicted) may be attached to the U-bolts 86 to help lift the roller 100 into the projection screen housing 22 during installation and / or maintenance.

[0071] The substrate 84 may define one or more vertical slots 87, such as Figure 14BAs depicted, the groove 87 operably engages with the protrusion 92 of the motor mounting assembly 90. The groove 93a of each protrusion 92 engages within the vertical groove 87 of the base plate 84. The groove 93b of each protrusion 92 engages with the top plate 97 of the support assembly 96. During normal operation, the operable engagement of the grooves 93a and 93b with the groove 87 and the top plate 97, respectively, prevents the motor mounting assembly 90 from disengaging from the base plate 84.

[0072] The support assembly 96 may include a top plate 97 and a bottom plate 98. The top plate 97 may provide support and lock the motor mounting assembly 90 in place relative to the substrate 84. In some aspects, the top plate 97 and the bottom plate 98 have an L-shaped configuration. In some aspects, the bottom plate 98 may provide additional support and may extend further away from the substrate 84 than the motor mounting assembly 90, such that the bottom plate 98 may form a lip as an additional safety feature for supporting the motor end of the projection screen assembly.

[0073] The top plate 97 of the support assembly 96 may include one or more threaded holes 99 for receiving threaded fasteners 99a. The top plate 97 preferably includes a threaded hole 99 at each end corresponding to an opening 89 in the base plate 84, such that a threaded fastener 99a inserted through the opening 89 and into the threaded hole 99 can operably clamp and hold the motor mounting assembly 90 into the base plate 84.

[0074] The motor mounting assembly 90 defines a slot 94 for receiving a fastener (not depicted) to attach the motor assembly 102. The motor mounting assembly 90 may also include an aperture 95, preferably a square aperture, to engage and align with a square-shaped pin (not depicted) of the motor assembly 102, thereby rotatably locking the motor assembly 102, thereby keeping the motor assembly 102 stationary and supporting the roller 100.

[0075] In some preferred aspects, the support assembly 96 is located at the bottom edge of the base plate 84 and below the motor mounting assembly 90. In this configuration, the bottom protrusion groove 93b engages operably with the top plate 97, thereby providing additional longitudinal support. In some aspects, one end of the support assembly 96 can be removed from the motor housing mounting assembly 82 by removing one of the fasteners 99a. When one of the fasteners 99a is removed, this end of the support assembly 96 is able to swing away from the top plate 83 toward the inner cavity region 55a, such that the support assembly 96 rotates on the remaining fasteners 99a. Swinging one end of the support assembly 96 into the inner cavity region 55a provides access to the motor mounting assembly 90, such that the longitudinal clamping provided by the top plate 97 in the groove 93b is removed, and the motor mounting assembly 90 can be disengaged from the motor housing mounting assembly 82. This allows the motor mounting assembly 90 to be removed for maintenance or replacement of the motor 102 or roller 100 without removing the motor housing mounting assembly 82 from the T-slot 114.

[0076] In some other respects, each fastener in fastener 99a can be removed from the threaded hole 99 of support assembly 96, so that the entire support assembly 96 can be removed from motor housing mounting assembly 82, which also makes it possible to remove motor mounting assembly 90 for maintenance or replacement of motor 102 or roller 100.

[0077] Therefore, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that each of the pin-end bracket assembly 60 and the motor-end bracket assembly 80 has a housing mounting assembly 62, 82, which can be operably engaged in the T-slot 114, while other parts of the assembly can be removed for maintenance or repair. Each housing mounting assembly 62, 82 includes a U-bolt 66, 86, configured to secure cables or straps (not depicted) during installation and / or maintenance. Therefore, it is not necessary to completely remove the projection screen assembly 20 from a wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, or recessed ceiling-mounted component for repair or maintenance.

[0078] During normal operation, before the projection screen assembly 20 is installed, the pin end bracket assembly 60 and the motor end bracket assembly 80 are each operably engaged with the projection screen housing 22 via the T-slot 114. Each of the pin end bracket assembly 60 and the motor end bracket assembly 80 can slide within the T-slot 114 to a desired width before fasteners 65, 85 are secured into the projection screen housing 22.

[0079] In some aspects, the motor assembly end of the projection screen assembly 20 is operably engaged with the motor end bracket assembly 80 before its opposite end is operably engaged with the pin end bracket assembly 60. In other aspects, the pin end of the projection screen assembly is operably engaged with the pin end bracket assembly 60 before its motor assembly end is operably engaged with the motor end bracket assembly 80.

[0080] In some respects, the motor assembly end of the projection screen assembly can be operably disengaged from the motor end bracket assembly 80 without also disengaging the pin end from the pin end bracket assembly 60. This allows for repair or replacement of the motor assembly without removing the entire projection screen 25 from the projection screen housing 22.

[0081] 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. Moreover, while various materials, sizes, shapes, configurations, and positions 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.

[0082] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter of this disclosure may include fewer features than those illustrated in any of the individual embodiments described above. The embodiments described herein are not intended to be an exhaustive representation of how 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, elements described with respect to one embodiment may be implemented in other embodiments, even if not described in such embodiments.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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 also 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.

[0085] For the purposes of interpreting the claims, it is clearly intended that the provisions of 35 USC § 112(f) should not be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “steps for” are recited in the claims.

Claims

1. A projection screen system, comprising: A screen assembly comprising a roller having a pair of opposite ends and a motor assembly, wherein one end of the opposite ends of the roller has a protruding pin and the motor assembly is disposed at the other end of the opposite ends of the roller; The housing has a body having a top wall and opposing side walls, the opposing side walls defining an inner cavity with an open bottom, and the top wall defining a T-shaped groove facing the inner cavity; A motor end bracket assembly that receives the motor assembly, the motor end bracket having a portion engaging in the T-slot; A pin end support assembly that defines a pin receiving orifice for receiving the protruding pin of the roller and has a portion engaging in the T-groove.

2. The projection screen system according to claim 1, wherein, The motor end bracket assembly includes a motor housing mounting assembly operably connected to the motor mounting assembly and the support assembly, wherein the motor housing mounting assembly includes a base plate having a top flange plate substantially perpendicular to the base plate, and wherein the top flange plate is received in the T-groove.

3. The projection screen system according to claim 2, wherein, The motor housing mounting assembly has U-bolts, wherein the U-bolts are adapted to receive cables or straps to help lift the roller into the housing during installation and / or maintenance.

4. The projection screen system according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein, The motor housing mounting assembly defines a plurality of vertical slots, wherein the plurality of vertical slots enable operably engaging with a plurality of protruding portions of the motor mounting assembly.

5. The projection screen system according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein, The motor housing mounting assembly is operably connected to the support assembly using a plurality of removable fasteners.

6. The projection screen system according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein, The motor mounting assembly includes a square aperture for engaging with a square-shaped pin of the motor assembly.

7. The projection screen system according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein, The motor housing mounting assembly defines a plurality of slots and has a pair of spaced-apart flange portions, each flange portion having a top protrusion slot, wherein each top protrusion slot is operably inserted into and operably engaged with a single slot among the plurality of slots of the motor housing mounting assembly.

8. The projection screen system according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein, The support assembly is disposed below the motor mounting assembly, wherein the motor mounting assembly has a pair of spaced-apart flange portions, each flange portion having a bottom protrusion groove, and wherein each bottom protrusion groove is operably engaged with a top plate portion of the support assembly.

9. The projection screen system according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein, The support assembly is fastened to the motor housing mounting assembly by a pair of fasteners, wherein one end of the support assembly can be detached from the motor housing mounting assembly by removing one of the fasteners, thereby allowing the one end of the support assembly to swing relative to the base plate on the remaining fasteners, thereby enabling the removal of the motor mounting assembly for maintenance or replacement of the motor assembly or the roller.

10. The projection screen system according to claim 9, wherein, Both fasteners of the pair of fasteners can be removed to remove the support assembly, which also makes it possible to remove the motor mounting assembly for maintenance or replacement of the motor assembly or the roller.

11. The projection screen system according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3, wherein, The pin end support assembly includes a pin housing mounting assembly that is operably connected to the bearing mounting assembly.

12. The projection screen system according to claim 11, wherein, The pin housing mounting assembly includes a base plate having a top flange plate oriented substantially perpendicular to the base plate, wherein the top flange plate is received within the T-groove of the housing.

13. The projection screen system according to claim 11, wherein, The pin housing mounting assembly has U-bolts, wherein the U-bolts are adapted to receive cables or straps to help lift the roller into the housing during installation and / or maintenance.

14. The projection screen system according to claim 11, wherein, During normal operation, the pin housing mounting assembly and the bearing mounting assembly are fastened together with fasteners, thereby preventing the bearing mounting assembly from swinging or rotating relative to the pin housing mounting assembly.

15. The projection screen system according to claim 11, wherein, The pin housing mounting assembly defines one or more horizontal grooves, wherein the bearing mounting assembly has one or more hook-shaped protrusions, and wherein the hook-shaped protrusions engage in the horizontal grooves, thereby enabling the bearing mounting assembly to swing relative to the pin housing mounting assembly.

16. The projection screen system according to claim 15, wherein, The bearing mounting assembly can swing and rotate relative to the pin housing mounting assembly by at least 5°, at least 7.5° in some aspects, at least 10° in some aspects, at least 12° in some aspects, and at least 15° in some aspects.

17. The projection screen system according to claim 15, wherein, The bearing mounting assembly can swing and rotate relative to the pin housing mounting assembly by up to 30°, in some respects up to 27.5°, in some respects up to 25°, in some respects up to 22.5°, and in some respects up to 20°.

18. The projection screen system according to claim 15, wherein, The oscillating rotation of the bearing mounting assembly relative to the pin housing mounting assembly is between 5° and 30°, in some respects between 7.5° and 27.5°, in some respects between 10° and 25°, in some respects between 12.5° and 22.5°, and in some respects between 10° and 20°.

19. The projection screen system according to claim 19, wherein, The bearing mounting assembly includes a bearing ramp, wherein the bearing ramp has a ramp located below the pin receiving orifice, wherein the ramp is generally V-shaped or U-shaped and has a ramp gradient extending from the bottom edge of the substrate toward the pin receiving orifice.

Images