Wall mount for visual display unit

The mount with integrated brackets and sockets simplifies the installation of visual display units by allowing unskilled installers to align and integrate electrical and data connections accurately, reducing complexity and cost.

GB2635093BActive Publication Date: 2026-02-23NASS MEDIA
View PDF 3 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
GB2025002325
Authority / Receiving Office
GB · GB
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-03-28
Publication Date
2026-02-23
Estimated Expiration
2043-03-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The installation of visual display units in buildings is challenging due to the need for precise alignment of brackets, accurate recess creation, and integration of electrical and data connections, which requires skilled labor and increases complexity and cost.

Method used

A mount comprising a rectangular box with integrated brackets, electrical and communication sockets, and adjustable attachment points, allowing unskilled installers to secure the display unit with predefined dimensions and orientations, accommodating wiring and enabling easy integration with wall surfaces.

Benefits of technology

Facilitates accurate and efficient installation of visual display units with minimal skill required, ensuring precise alignment and integration of electrical and data connections, while reducing complexity and cost.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 00000001_0000
    Figure 00000001_0000
  • Figure 00000002_0000
    Figure 00000002_0000
  • Figure 00000003_0000
    Figure 00000003_0000
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

A wall mount for a visual display unit comprising: a rectangular box 10 having sides, a base 20; a subbase 30 having electrical sockets 40 and communication sockets 50; mounting brackets 70, 70’; and
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

The present invention relates to a wall mount for a visual display unit, so as to enable rapid, efficient and accurate mounting of a visual display unit on the surface, particularly a wall. Background visual display units, for example as used for televisions, computers, are ubiquitous and are increasingly being installed as part of a building. In particular, since visual display units typically adopt the VESA standard used for TV brackets and wall mounting systems it is entirely practical to provide a mount during the construction phase of a building, or room within a building with an expectation that whatever equipment and occupant may subsequently wish to use can be attached to a pre-supplied and installed support. This situation provides a number of challenges when outfitting a room during construction. Attaching a TV bracket to a support, such as a wall, needs to be carried out accurately, for example the bracket needs to be mounted plumb, i.e. in conformance with horizontal and vertical whilst the surface into which the securing fosters are inserted may be uneven, particularly since mounting position according to architects plans may place a brackets on the mortar joints or similar. Whilst this is not an insurmountable problem it can provide difficulty require skill and patience. Particularly with modern visual display units of nearly 2 m in width any inaccuracy is visually very evident to an end user in a finished room was on a building site when viewing the face of a VASA bracket of a few centimetres across will be much harder to spot. Further, with particularly large visual display units, as mentioned nearly 2 m in width these typically require 2 brackets, these 2 brackets need to be accurately aligned relative to one another as the VESA connections on the visual display unit are precisely placed and must be able to match with the brackets as installed. Complex brackets with adjustable joints can overcome this but this adds cost and complexity. Similarly, when 2 brackets are used, typically with an elbow or concertina arrangement to enable a visual display units be moved away from a wall or pushback towards it then is important that the axis of bending is equivalent between the 2 brackets otherwise there will be an inherent stress if the brackets are pivoted in different planes. Again, whilst accurate installation can address this it increases cost complexity and the skill required. These aspects are important since increasingly with built-in visual display units there installed at what may be termed a second fix during the building construction and it will be very convenient if a plasterer will be capable of installing the supports as they will be constructing any pacing of a wall. There is also a need to install visual display units in a building in a recess in a wall. This is typically achieved by building the wall forward so as to create the recess. It is impractical to cut away a portion of the wall to create the recess. This provides the further challenge that it is desirable that any recess for the visual display unit accurately fit the dimensions, certainly within a few centimetres very preferably less than a centimetre. This again requires accuracy and the location of the recess compared to the location of the brackets again needs to be accurate. There is a further problem that because a number of different trades are used, each with a different remitting capability of work, that aspects such as electrical outlets and outlets for data cables, aerial cables, and the like are installed separately and typically not with a high degree of accuracy as those trades focus on electrical safety rather than mechanical accuracy. Relevant prior disclosures include W02012109739 to Millison, CN 101742189 to Hongbo and US 2007096606 to Ryu. There is, therefore, a need for means to assist in the installation of a visual display unit in a building, whether this be by means of a single bracket, jewel brackets a recessed installation or combinations thereof all this along with the necessary electrical and data connections. The present invention seeks to address these needs. The invention The present invention in its various aspects is as set out in the appended claims. The present invention provides a mount for a visual display unit for installation on a wall of a building, the mount comprising: a. a rectangular box having sides, a base, and a subbase b. one or more visual display unit mounting brackets attached to the base c. one or more electrical sockets mounted to the subbase d. one or more communication sockets mounted to the subbase e. one or more attachment points for the mount. This is very advantageous as it allows an installer to place the mount on a wall in a single step, attached to the wall via the one or more attachment points, to provide a mount for a visual display unit in which the brackets are directly placed, electrical sockets are present and all items are in the correct orientation so that an unskilled person can provide, as attached to a wall of the building, a mount for a visual display unit without requiring an particular skills, other than an ability to place at least one fixing to affix the mount by the attachment point(s) to the wall. Qualification and 5 competence regarding mounting electrical sockets and communication sockets is therefore also not required as the these are pre-installed in the mounts, the dimensions of the box and other portions of the mounts are predefined, such as to conform to those required for a standard visual display unit. Upon installation the mounts can be conveniently, for example, have its front edge made level with a wall by the surround beading built up by dry lining, such as plasterboard and the front edges 10 of the box providing an accurate and clean border for what will become a recess in the wall, a recess which is otherwise difficult to accurately create and typically have higher accuracy than a plastering tradesperson may typically achieve. The mount of the present invention may have the base of the rectangular box that is raised above the rear edges of the box sides, so as to create a recess in the rear side of the box intended to be L5 attached to the wall. This is the significant advantage that, typically pre-mounted, electrical and communication outlets mounted in the general area of the intended placement of the visual display unit can be anywhere within the edges of the box (i.e., the rear edges) without causing any hindrance to the installation of the mount. This is particularly advantageous as the mounting of electrical wiring can often be ’0 generous in its location and certainly often only accurate to within numbers of centimetres rather than millimetres. Wires protruding from a wall can therefore be accommodated within the recess. The base can be provided with apertures to feed the wires through, or an installer may create apertures as required either by means of knockouts (preferably) or by creating holes by drilling et cetera. 25 The mount of the present invention may have a subbase that is raised further above the rear edges of the box than the base. This is advantageous since the subbase thereby creates a recess or larger recess behind it, so as to accommodate the aforementioned wiring and makes construction of the mount simplified. Particularly preferably in the present invention subbase houses the one or more communication 30 sockets and the one or more electrical sockets. This means that the subbase can be created as a separate assembly, both in assembly which is inherently smaller than the mount as a whole and so can be conveniently equipped with the necessary sockets in a separate construction operation. This feature is particularly beneficial when combined with the subbase being forward of the base (as in the immediately preceding features) as the wiring can then be fed easily to the sockets for subsequent attachment after the mount has been installed. This enables the electrical installation, typically requiring a qualified person, to be readily carried out with a minimum of mechanical inconvenience. This is further facilitated by an additional preferable feature on which the subbase is detachable. This is particularly helpful since it enables the gap between the base and / or the subbase on the wall to be minimised whilst allowing an installer connecting the wires from the wall to the socket's greater freedom of access. Specifically the subbase can be detached from the mounts, the wires attached to the sockets which are preferably mounted in the subbase and then the subbase reattached to the mount thus providing a compact mounting position such as with the wires tucked behind the subbase yet providing adequate access for the installer. In the present invention the one or more visual display unit mounting brackets are attached to the base. This is advantageous as it gives adequate space for the mounting brackets between the edges of the box and the bases of the box. In the present invention, the subbase is preferably located centrally with regard to the sides of the box. This limits the length of wiring needed to extend between the wall and the subbase either for access between the subbase on the base or accessing the subbase itself where the subbase comprises the sockets. This again allows greater flexibility for installation errors. In the present invention, the portion of the base below the subbase is absent, such that below the subbase there is access to the wall. This means that wiring coming from the wall may enter the mounts by means of the gap between the base and the subbase and allows the wiring to be readily threaded through. Particularly in combination with the aforementioned features of the detachable subbase this gives rapid and easy wiring. As will be appreciated, the use of the present invention enables an unskilled person to place a mount on a wall, further building activities can finish the room, for example by means of plastering decorating or other trades such that an end-user can confidently install, atypically large, visual display unit into the mounts with an assurance that the mounts will be accurate and provide the necessary connections in a convenient place are more likely properly installed due to the ease of installation. In the present invention which is for the mount the rear edges of the box are configured to have 3 contact points for use in contacting the wall, at least 2 of the 3 contact points being adjustable such that they may be advanced or retracted with respect to the depth of the box. This is advantageous as the wall need not be precisely vertical or have some other dimension precisely defined, such as protruding mortar between joints of blocks or bricks from which the wall is constructed or other impediments such that the rear edge of the box need not contact the wall but the 3 contact points do so and being triangular are inherently stable. The contact points are adjustable such that the mounts may be readily made plumb, both horizontal and vertical and in the mutually perpendicular, dimension here termed the applicate (equivalent to what may be thought of as a Z direction). Additionally, preferably the mount comprises one or more built-in spirit levels. This is not only for convenience but because building in the spirit level means that the spirit level is accurately in contact with the mount. This is particularly present when measuring an angle perpendicular to the mounting wall since there is very little depth in which to accurately mount the spirit level in that direction. However, in the subsequent dry lining such as adjacent to the mounts there is a large area to enable plumb to be ascertained in the plasterer will make the wall perfectly vertical and any misalignment of the mount would then be very clearly evident and undesirable. As such preferably at least 1 of the one or more spirit levels is for measuring the angle perpendicular to the mounting wall. In the present invention, the attachment point or points is located in the base. Given the relatively large area of the base, this enables a plurality of attachment points to be provided so that if any one attachment point is not in a convenient place, such as overlapping mortar joints, void in the wall, or other impediments an alternative attachment point may be selected. Ultimately two attachment points are preferred as if one attachment fails then there will be one retaining point remaining. However, it is preferable that there is a single attachment point located central to the, as normally viewed, left and right sides of the mount. This is particularly so work installation is intended to be recessed and surrounded by dry lining, such as plasterboard, since the surrounding dry lining subsequently installed will provide mechanical integrity to the installed mount even if a single attachment point fails in a single attachment point means that horizontal and vertical alignment of the boxes readily achieved. When in conjunction with the free depth are just points mentioned previously the whole mounts may be readily installed with high accuracy but with minimum complexity and skill required. Even more so when combined with the built-in spirit level or levels. The mount of the present invention is preferably constructed from wood or a wood-derived board. Suitable materials include MDF, plywood, chipboard, and native wood. Preferred is MDF as this gives stability in construction and dimensional accuracy. The present invention preferably uses fire retardant MDF and plywood. The present invention is preferably made of MDF as visual display units have been found to create sufficient long-term heating that warping and distortion of other forms of wood-based construction can be detrimental to the long-term integrity of the installation. Even the creation of a significant crack around the edge of the mount and any adjacent surface, such as dry lining, giving issues regarding them and installation and even pest control. Alternatively, the present invention may be constructed primarily from metal. This is however not particularly preferred as thermal expansion and contraction are typically significantly different from other building materials and sealing the mounts 2 adjacent components such as dry lining with longterm integrity is problematic. In the present invention, particularly when wood-based materials are used the mount attachment point or points comprise a metal contact for a fastener used to mount the mount on a wall. This gives greater strength and higher accuracy. In the present invention, the recess of the box has a 16:9 aspect ratio. This is conventional for visual display units and differentiates the present mounts over related mounting systems where the issues addressed by the present invention, such as those addressed in the background section are less applicable. In the present invention, there are preferably 2 visual display unit mounting brackets located equidistant from the centreline of the box and wherein the subbase is present between the mounting brackets. This has been found to be ergonomically the most effective configuration particularly for large screens over 1 m in width and the present invention, as mentioned addresses the issue of visually aligning such a plurality of brackets which are all required to terminate in a very precisely orientated VESA mount on the visual display unit whilst originating, without the benefit of the present invention in an irregular and often inhomogeneous wall surface. Further benefits of the present invention include the walls of the mounts providing a protective border to any screen recessed within the mount such as a visual display unit that is mounted on the mounting brackets in an extended configuration, any electrical and communications collections made in that same integration and the visual display unit then pushed back into the recess of the mount so as to be recessed within it and thereby protected. This also avoids trailing cables and the like with their associated hazards. The further feature of the invention on one or more inside edges of the wall there may be present toggle mounts. By this is meant a feature that has a protrusion which when pressed retracts into a secure position when pressed again extends, with a resilient (i.e. sprung) force. It is particularly beneficial because the mount is intended to be used with a visual display unit having a relatively small clearance around the edge so that when the visual display unit is recessed within the mount there is a little gap around the edge to protect the visual display. The toggle mounts enable a screen to be fully recessed but by subsequent pressing and releasing enables the screen to be pushed forward of any rearmost position contacting the toggle mounts so that the screen can be readily pulled forward so as to extend the mounting brackets were ready to access, such as for maintenance. The present invention also encompasses a method of installation of the above-mentioned mounts onto a wall. This method comprises the steps: Placing the mount as described above into a recess within a mounting surface, such as a wall, so that the base of the mount is adjacent to the base of the recess / the wall. Once the mount is in place the user may use the one or more attachment points to secure the mount to the wall to secure it in place, via a suitable fastening means passed through the attachment points in the base and / or subbase of the mount. In some cases, further fastening means, such as bolts, screws, or nails can be passed through the walls of the mount into the surrounding wall to further secure the mount. Once in position the user may connect the sockets of the mount to the relevant cables, note that such cables may be present in the wall behind the mount, or threaded into the mount via a knockout or hole made in the base or sides of the mount. In some cases, the mount may have a separate subbase wherein the subbase comprises one or more electrical sockets and / or communication sockets, the cables would couple to the subbase sockets. In these cases, the subbase may be removable to allow easier access to the cables behind the mount. Further, in some cases, the subbase may be raised relative to the base thereby providing a gap through which cables can be fed into the mount. Once the wires are connected to the mount, a display unit can be coupled to the mount via the one or more brackets within the mount. More specifically, the end of the bracket remote from the mount may be coupled to a mounting plate that would couple to the rear of the display unit. Once the bracket is secured to the display unit, the user may couple the various inputs and outputs of the display unit to the respective socket of the mount. Then the brackets of the mount may be retracted so that the display unit recesses into the mount until the display unit is flush with the edge of the mount. the present invention also encompasses a kit of parts for the mounting of a mount onto a wall. Wherein the kit comprises a mount as described above, with fastening means to couple the attachment points of the mount to a mounting surface, with further fastening means for securing one or more fastening plates to the display unit. In some cases, the kit may include further fastening means for securing the sides of the mount to the surrounding wall. In some cases, the kit may include cables for attaching the sockets of the mount to the display unit. The kit may also include the necessary tool for affixing the fastening means to the mount and / or display unit. Detailed Description The present invention will now be illustrated by means of the following figures in which: Figure 1 represents a perspective view of the box that forms the display unit mount, which includes a base and a subbase. Figure 2 represents a front view of the box that forms the display unit mount from figure 1. Figure 3 represents a rear view of the box that forms the display unit mount from figure 1. Figure 4 represents a perspective view of the box that forms the display unit mount, which includes a base and a pair of mounting brackets coupled to a mounting plate. Figure 5 represents a side view of the box from figure 4. Figure 6 represents a perspective view of the box that forms the display unit mount, which includes a base, a subbase, and a pair of mounting brackets coupled to a mounting plate. Figure 7 represents a rear view of the box mount from figure 6. Figure 8 represents the box mount of figure 6 wherein the brackets are coupled to separate mounting plates. Figure 9 represents a perspective view of the box that forms the display unit mount, which includes a base, a subbase, and a single mounting bracket coupled to a mounting plate, showing the additional hinges used to couple the bracket to the base and the mounting plate. Figure 10 represents a side view of the box mount from figure 6 with the additional hinges from figure 9. Figure 11 represents a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, like numerals referencing like features to the earlier embodiment. Figure 12 represents a vertical cross-section down the middle, as along line A-A of Figure 11, of the embodiment shown in figure 11. Figure 13 represents a horizontal cross-section across the centre, as along line A-A of Figure 12. Figure 14 shows detail of claims connection to support bar. The figures and description of the present invention provide the following numbered features which represent: 10 - Box 20- Base 30-Subbase 40 - Electrical socket aperture 42 - Electrical socket 50 - Communication socket aperture 60 - Mounting points 70, 70' - Mounting brackets 72 - Bracket pivot 80- Mounting plate 90,90' - Mounting plates 100 - First hinge (between the base and the bracket) 110 - Second hinge (between the bracket and the mounting plate) 120 - Support bar or tube 122 - Upper pivot of support bar 124 - Lower pivot of support bar 126 - Coupling plates 128 - Support bracket 130 - Coupling plate securing bolt, removal allowing a different stacking of plates 16 to adjust height. 132,134 - Spacer washers together with plates 126 allowing various stacking to adjust height. 136 - Clamp 138- Clamp adjusting screw / bolt, providing further means to adjust bracket height. Referring now to Figures 1 to 3. This figure provides a perspective view of a box 10 that may be used to form a mount for a display unit, such as a television, monitor or other displays. Wherein the box 10 comprises a rectangular box, wherein the sides of the box are large enough to house the desired display unit, it is noted that these boxes may be provided in a range of standard sizes or be customized to suit a user's needs. The rear of the box comprises a base 20 and may also comprise a separate smaller subbase 30. wherein at least one of the base 20 and subbase 30 comprises one or more attachment points 60, these points are configured to receive a securing / fastening means, such as a bolt, screw, nail or similar means, to attach the box 10 to a desired surface, such as a wall, where the user wishes to mount the display unit. In use, this box mount may be recessed into the desired surface thereby hiding the mount from view. In the preferable case these box mounts would be used during construction wherein the desired surface would be built with a recess in place, the box mount could then be secured into the recess using the one or more attachment points before the surface is fully constructed. It should also be noted that in some cases the side walls of the box 10 may also include mounting points wherein an attachment means, such as a nail, screw, or bolt can be passed through the sides of the box 10 and into the mounting surface. In other cases, the walls of the box 10 may include L-shaped brackets on the edges of the box, which can be used to form attachment points between the sides of the box and the mounting surface, said brackets may be part of the box side, or a separate piece that can be used when needed. Additionally, either the base 20 or the subbase 30 may comprise one or more sockets 40,50, wherein the display unit would be coupled to said sockets 40,50, and wherein cables would be coupled to the socket through the walls of the box 10, so as to provide inputs or outputs to the display unit. For example, the base 20 or subbase 30 may comprise one or more electrical sockets 40, wherein the power plug of the display unit would be inserted into the socket 40 and a power cable would be coupled to the rear of the socket 40 through the base 20, subbase 30, or a side of the box 10, to supply power to the display unit through the box mount. In some cases, these power cables would be coupled to a switch that is remote from the display unit to allow the user to control when power is supplied to the box mount, without needing to remove the display unit from the mount. Similarly, the base 20 or subbase 30 can comprise one or more communication sockets 50 configured to provide inputs / outputs to the display unit, for example these sockets 50 may comprise HDTV sockets, USB sockets, ethernet sockets, as well as other video and / or audio inputs and output sockets. In these cases, the communication socket 50 would be coupled to the display unit by the necessary cable, while a second cable would couple to the rear of the socket 50 through the base 20, subbase 30 or a side of the box 10, wherein the second cable would extend through the mounting surface to the necessary input or output device that would communicate with the display unit, such as a computer, router, gaming system, streaming device, speaker among other suitable devices. In some cases, the cables coupled to the communication sockets 50 may couple to a separate socket remote from the display unit, this remote socket may or may not be mounted to the same surface as the display unit, wherein a user can couple a device to the remote socket to connect it to the display unit, without needing to remove the display unit from the mount. This external socket may comprise a plurality of communication sockets coupled to a panel that would be mounted either to the same mounting surface as the display unit, or to a separate location. Note that in these examples the cable within the mounting surface would act as an extension cable between the display unit and the external input / output panel or input / output device. Both the electrical socket 40 and the communication sockets 50 are designed to reduce the need for complicated wiring for the display unit. More specifically, the electrical socket 40 allows power to be delivered directly to the display unit mount meaning the user would not need to worry about the location of a suitable external power sockets to power the display unit. Likewise, the communication sockets 50 would allow the user to use small cables to couple the display unit to the socket within the mount, ensuring that said cables do not obstruct the display unit, thereby allowing the display unit to recess into the box 10 of the mount. Then the cables coupled to the rear of the communication sockets can be passed through the mounting surface and coupled to an exterior socket panel where the user can connect the desired input or output device that would communicate with the display without the cables potentially spoiling the aesthetics of the display, this system also allows the input / output devices to be changed without the need to remove the display unit from the mount, or removing the mount from the mounting surface. This also means the user can install the display unit without the need to install the various sockets the display requires as they are pre-built into the mount itself. It is also noted that in some cases the base 20 and / or subbase 30 may be raised relative to the bottom of the box's side walls, thereby leaving a recess behind the base 20 or subbase 30. This recess can be used to house the cables used to couple the sockets of the box mount to the external power supply, input / output panel, or user devices. This recess helps ensure that the external cables 5 do not obstruct the box mount when it is recessed into the mounting surface. Further, if the user has already mounted sockets, such as a power socket into the recess within the mounting surface, this recess may house such sockets without obstructing the box mount. In some cases, the subbase 30 would be removable and would house such sockets 40,50, so that in cases where the user has already installed the sockets into the mounting surface, the redundant sockets can be removed. 10 Figures 4 and 5 depict another example of the box display mount, more specifically this example depicts a means of mounting the desired display unit to the box mount. In this case, the box mount comprises a pair of hinged brackets 70,70', wherein one end of the bracket 70,70' is mounted to the base 20 of the box 10, and the other end of the bracket 70,70' is coupled to a mounting plate 80, said mounting plate 80 would then be coupled to the rear of the display unit, securing it to the box 15 mount. These brackets 70,70' ensure that the display unit is attached to the box mount ensuring that it does not come loose or fall from the box mount. Additionally, when the brackets 70,70' are hinged the user may use the brackets 70,70' to lift the display unit out of the box mount, far enough to allow a user access to the cables and sockets 40,50 behind the display unit. Further, the user may tilt the display by extending one of the brackets 70,70' further than the other, to allow more access 20 to a specific side of the display unit. It should also be noted that in Figures 4 and 5 the subbase 30 has been removed. As previously mentioned, some cases, the one or more sockets 40,50 would be mounted to the subbase 30 and the subbase 30 would be configured to be removable, so that a user may remove the subbase 30 entirely when the mount sockets are not needed, this may be the case when the user has mounted a 25 suitable socket in the recess of the mounting surface. This may also be necessary when extension cables have been passed into the box mount, so that the cables of the display unit are coupled directly to the extension cables without the need for the mount sockets 40,50. In other cases, the subbase 30, and the one or more sockets mounted thereon, are removable so that the user can have greater access to the wall behind the box mount, and to any cables that pass through the recess in 30 the rear of the box mount, to be coupled to either the electrical / communication sockets 40,50 or directly to the display unit. This removable subbase 30 would also provide easier access to the sockets 40,50 as the user can move the sockets from behind the display unit, without detaching the display unit from the brackets 70,70'. Figure 5 displays a side view of the box mount from figure 4, this view help to indicate the location of the box's base 20 relative to the other features of the mount. From this perspective, it can be seen that the base is raised relative to the bottom of the box mount thereby forming a recess between base 20 and the end of the box walls which may be used to house the cables coupled to the display 5 unit, or external sockets as described above. It can also be seen from this image that there is still a large recess between the base 20 and the front of the box mount, this space would be used to house the brackets 70,70' when they are retracted, this recess would also have a desired depth so that when the brackets 70,70' are retracted the front surface of the display unit would be flush with the front of the box mount, and / or the surrounding mount surface. 10 Figures 6 and 7 depict the same box mount as figures 4 and 5 with the addition of the subbase 30, with the electrical / communication sockets 40,50 being mounted to said subbase 30. In this example, the subbase 30 would be posited so that it would be raised relative to the base 20, while still being recessed relative to the mounting plate 80, when the brackets 70,70' are retracted. The extra space between the recessed base 20 and the raised subbase 30 would be used to house the cables 15 coupling the display unit to the one or more sockets mounted to the subbase 30. Note that the gap between the subbase 30 and the base 20 would also allow external cables that couple directly to the display unit to be passed through the rear of the box mount, via the said gap, without the need to drill knockout into the walls or base 20 of the mount, this is preferable as such knockouts would weaken the structure of the mount. 20 Figure 8 shows another example of the claimed box mount wherein instead of a single mounting plate 80 coupled to both of the hinged brackets 70,70', the mount has separate smaller mount plates 90,90' coupled to the end of a respective bracket 70,70'. By using this system, the brackets 70,70' can have more freedom of movement as they are no longer coupled together. This may allow the mounted display to be moved more easily as the hinged brackets 70,70' can move 25 independently, allowing the display to tilt to a wider angle compared to the system with a single mount plate 80, thereby allowing more space to access the cables behind the display unit. Additionally, the separate mounting plates 90,90'can be positioned to couple to different display units, more specifically, the brackets 70,70' with separate mounting plates 90,90' can be arranged into different positions to attach to the different types of display units, for example by moving the 30 mounting plates 90,90' closer together or further apart, which is not possible with a single large mounting plate 80. Figures 9 and 10 depict a further example of the claimed box mount, wherein there is only a single hinged bracket 70 between the base 20 and the mounting plate 90. By having only, a single hinged bracket 70 the display unit can have a greater range of motion as the display is only anchored to the mount at one point, this allows the display to be tilted to a wider angle without being hindered by a second bracket, this allows more access to the space behind the display unit. However, it is noted that by having only a single bracket 70 the display unit may be less secure in the mount, as having only one anchoring point increases the risk of the display unit becoming detached from the mount, it may also be more difficult to align the display unit with the box 10 of the mount as the single bracket 70 can become misaligned more easily when compared to a pair of brackets 70,70'. Therefore, it may be preferable to use systems with a pair of brackets 70,70', as the display device would be more secure and may be easier to align with the mount due to the limited movement. It is also noted that even though the two-bracket system provides more restricted access to the area behind the display, there would still be sufficient access to the cables of the display in such a system, especially as the hinged brackets would allow the display to be tilted to provide easier access. Figures 9 and 10 help to indicate how the brackets 70,70' could be coupled to the box mount and the mounting plate 80,90,90'. In the depicted example, there is a first hinge 100 connecting the first end of the bracket 70 to the base 20 of the box mount, this first hinge 100 would be fixed to the box mount and would be configured to allow the bracket 70 to pivot around the hinge 100 in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the base 20. There would be a similar second hinge 110 attached to the second end of the bracket coupling the bracket 70 to the mounting plate 80,90, wherein the second end of the bracket would be configured to allow the mounting plate 80,90 to pivot relative to the bracket 70 in at least one directional plane. In this case, the hinges of the hinged bracket 70 and the hinges 100,110 at each end of the bracket 70 all rotate in the same plane, this allows the bracket to fold in a manner to contract the bracket 70, while staying aligned to a single plane thereby reducing the risk of the display unit becoming misaligned with the box mount. It is noted that the claimed system may use other types of hinges to allow more motion in the bracket 70. in the present invention, the hinges 100, 110 on the ends of the brackets are coupled to rails allowing the user to adjust the position of the bracket 70 within Support bar or tube 120 on the box mount, to allow the system to be adjusted to different display units, as the mounting point on the display units may be in different positions. Further, the ends of the brackets coupled to the base 20 may be coupled to a single rail, or to parallel rails so that the user could adjust the space between the brackets 70,70', allowing them to adjust the system for different-sized display units. In some cases, the hinges of the brackets 70,70' may be toggle hinges, wherein the user pushes the mounting plate 80,90,90', or an attached display unit, slightly to trigger the hinges to expand or contract. This type of hinge may be preferable as the user does not require a lip, handle, gap or other feature to allow the user to actuate the brackets 70,70' as such features may be difficult to install, and may not be aesthetically pleasing, further this allow the display unit to be flush to the mounting surface with the need to any gaps or space between the edge of the display unit and the walls of the mount 10, or the surrounding surface. It is also noted that in some cases, the sides of the box mount may include one or more spirit levels mounted to the sides of the mount, wherein said spirit levels would be visible when to a user when the mount is being installed, thereby allowing the user to ensure that the mount is level before being secured using the attachment points 60. It should be noted that in some cases the attachment points 60 may be configured so that they or the fastening means coupled to them can be adjusted slightly, to realign the mount should a spirit level show that the mount is not aligned to a desired level. Regardless of the exact system that is chosen the method of installing the box mount would be the same. In cases where the mount is installed into an existing structure, a recess can be made into a mounting surface such as a wall for receiving the box mount. Once the box mount is placed into the recess securing means can be inserted into the attachment points 60 to secure the mount in place, it is noted that further securing means, such as screws, bolts, or nails, can be inserted through the walls of the box 10 of the mount to further secure the box mount into place. Once in place, the user can place beading, plaster, or other suitable materials around the edge of the box mount to hide the edges of the recess around the box 10 is placed within. In some cases, the box mount may be placed on a surface during construction. In these cases, the mounting surface, for example, a wall, can be built with an aperture for the box mount, wherein the beading within the wall can be positioned to leave a space large enough to accommodate the box 10 with parallel beams to support the upper and lower sides of the box mount. Once placed into the space in the wall a user may pass securing means through the sides of the box mount, and / or the attachment points 60, and into the surrounding wall or beams to secure the box mount in place as described above. Once secured, the user can surround the rest of the box with drywall, insulation, or other materials before the outer surface of the wall is plastered. Using this method, the user can ensure that the box mount surface is flush with the surface of the wall, and that the recess containing the box 10 is hidden from view without the need for extra materials. Additionally, by using this method the user can place the wires and cables that the display unit required into the wall, thus ensuring the display unit has all the necessary inputs and outputs it requires, instead of trying to run such wires through the walls and floor of the building later. In some cases, the above-mentioned mount may be provided in a kit. Wherein the kit would comprise one of the mounts as described above comprising a box 10, base 20, subbase 30, brackets 70,70' and mounting plates 80,90,90', the kit would further include fastening means for securing the mount to the mounting surface via the connection points 60 of the mount. Said kit may also include additional features such as the cables for coupling the display unit to the various sockets 40,50 mounted to the base 20 or subbase 30, such as one or more HDMI cables, 5 ethernet cables, AUX cables, power lead extensions, USB cables, among others. The kit may also include the necessary tools for connecting the fastening means to the box mount, and / or a spirit level to ensure the box mount is correctly aligned. In the present invention the mount may be wherein the base 20 below the subbase 30 is absent, such that below the subbase 30 there is access to the wall. Either excellent fingering much is

Claims

1. A mount for a visual display unit for installation on a wall of a building, the mount comprising:a. a rectangular box 10 having sides, a base 20 and a subbase 30b. one or more visual display unit mounting brackets 70,70' attached to the base 20 or subbase 30; and hinges 100, 110 on the ends of the brackets 70,70', coupled to rails configured to allow a user to adjust the position of the brackets 70, 70' within a support bar or tube 120 on the rectangular box mount;c. a mounting plate 80,90 for the visual display unit;d. one or more electrical sockets 40 mounted to the subbase 30e. one or more communication sockets 50 mounted to the subbase 30f. one or more attachment points 60 for the mount.

2. The mount of any preceding claim wherein the base 20 of the rectangular box 10 is above the rear edges of the box 10 so as to create a recess in the side of the box intended to be attached to the wall.

3. The mount of any preceding claim wherein the subbase 30 houses the one or more communication sockets 50 and the one or more electrical sockets 40.

4. The mount of any preceding claim wherein the one or more visual display unit mounting brackets 70,70' are attached to the base 20.

5. The mount of any preceding claim wherein the subbase 30 is located centrally with regards to the sides of the box 10.

6. The mount of any preceding claim wherein the rear edges of the box are configured to have 3 attachment points for use in contacting the wall, at least 2 of the 3 contact points being adjustable such that they may be advanced or retracted with respect to the depth of the box.

7. The mount of any preceding claim wherein the attachment point 60 or points is located in the base 20.

8. The mount of any preceding claim wherein there is a single attachment point 60 located central to the, as normally viewed, left and right sides of the mount.

9. The mount of any preceding claim wherein the mount is constructed from wood or a wood derived board.

10. The mount of any preceding claim wherein the mount attachment point 60 or points comprises a metal contact for a fastener usable to mount the mount on a wall.

11. The mount of any preceding claim wherein the recess of the box has a 16:9 aspect ratio.

12. The mount of any preceding claim wherein there are 2 visual display unit mounting brackets 70, 70' are located equidistant a centreline of the box and wherein the subbase 30 is present between the mounting brackets 70,70'.

13. The mount of any preceding claim wherein the subbase 30 is detachable.

14. The mount of any preceding claim wherein the mount comprises one or more built-in spirit levels.

15. The mount of claim 14 wherein at least 1 of the one or more spirit levels is configured for measuring angle perpendicular the mounting wall.

16. A method of installing the mount of claims 1 to 19, wherein the method comprises:placing the box 10 of the mount into a recess in a wall the mount is to be mounted to; and securing the box 10 to the wall be placing a suitable fastening means into the one or more attachment points 60.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step to secure a display unit to the mount, further comprising the steps:attaching a display unit to the one or more brackets 70,70' via the mounting plate 80,90,90'; andcoupling the display unit to the one or more electrical sockets 40, and one or more communication socket 50 coupled to the base 20 or subbase 30 of the mount, via suitable cables.

18. A kit of parts for the mount of claims 1 to 15, wherein the kit comprises a mount comprising:the box 10, base 20, subbase 30;wherein one of the box 10, base 20, or subbase 30 comprises one or more mounting points 60, electrical sockets 40 and communication sockets 50; and one or more display mounting brackets 70,70'.

19. The kit of parts of claim 18, further comprising fastening means for securing the mount to the wall.

20. The kit of parts of claim 19, further comprising tools for securing the fastening means to the mount.

21. The kit of parts of claims 18 to 20, further comprising cables to couple the one or more electrical sockets 40 and one or more communication sockets 50 to a display unit.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Wall mounting type ultra-thin television

    CN101742189A

  • In-wall type multi-functional television set

    US20070096606A1

  • Mounting apparatus for an audio / video system and related methods and systems

    WO2012109739A1