Projector screen roller mount system

Abstract

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

Description

[0001] PROJECTOR SCREEN ROLLER MOUNT SYSTEM

[0002] RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 549,128, entitled PROJECTOR SCREEN ROLLER MOUNT SYSTEM, filed February 2, 2024, said application being hereby fully incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The present application relates to screens for displaying images produced by video and film projectors, and more specifically, a mount system for a projector roller having a motor end bracket assembly and a pin end bracket assembly that operably engage with a slot inside a projector screen housing.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Dedicated projection screens are a common feature in conference rooms, lecture halls, and other settings where presentations are made to groups of people. It is often desirable for such screens to be concealed and deployed only when needed. Typically, the screen is stored on a roller within a housing, and the screen can be selectively deployed and retracted by rotating the roller. These projection screens are commonly wall, ceiling, and in-ceiling mounted.

[0008] A drawback of prior mounting assemblies for projection screens, however, is that the mounting assemblies require specific brackets for wall mounting that can differ for ceiling and / or in-ceiling mounting. Larger, wider screens can oftentimes be quite heavy, such that the installation of projector screen assemblies can be cumbersome, often times requiring more than one scissor lift and numerous personnel. Further, maintenance requirements on a projection screen assembly, such as replacing a motor assembly for an electric screen roller, can result in complex lift requirements and numerous personnel to remove the projection screen assembly from the mounting bracket(s) to complete the maintenance.

[0009] What is needed are mounting assemblies, systems and methods in conjunction with projection screens to address the drawbacks of prior mounting assemblies, systems and methods, including more effectively installing and conducting maintenance on projection screens that can reduce high labor cost, low installation and / or maintenance efficiency and poor user experience of the existing projection screen installation using prior mounting assemblies.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] According to embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein, mounts, systems, assemblies and methods are provided that enable installation of a projection screen to a desired substrate such as a wall or ceiling that address the foregoing problems.

[0012] In some aspects, a projection screen system includes a projection screen assembly having a projection screen housing configured to house a projection screen, the projection screen housing having a main body having a top wall connecting opposing side walls and having an open bottom. The projection screen housing has an interior t-slot configuration located on the top wall inside the enclosure provided by the housing. The t-slot configuration engages a motor end bracket assembly for attachment of a first end of the projection screen assembly having a motor assembly within the projection screen housing. The t-slot configuration is also capable of operably engaging a pin end bracket assembly for attachment of a second end of the projection screen assembly having a pin within the projection screen housing. In some aspects, the motor end bracket assembly includes a case mount assembly that can be operably connected with a motor mount assembly and a support assembly. The case mount assembly includes a base plate having a top flange plate that is substantially perpendicular to the base plate. The top flange plate is configured to operably insert within the t-slot configuration of the projector screen housing.

[0013] The case mount assembly can also provide mounting points for a U-bolt that can used with a cable or strap to assist lifting a projector roller into projector screen housing during installation and / or maintenance.

[0014] The case mount assembly can include one or more vertical slots extending from a bottom edge into a body portion area, whereby the vertical slots enable operable engagement with tab portions of the motor mount assembly. The case mount assembly can also include two or more threaded apertures for operably attaching a support assembly. In some aspects, the two or more threaded apertures are located proximate a bottom portion of the case mount assembly and fasteners can be used for holding and clamping the support assembly.

[0015] In some aspects, the motor mount assembly has two or more slots for fasteners to attach a motor. The motor mount assembly can also include an aperture, preferably a square aperture, to engage and align with the square shaped pin of the projector screen assembly, which holds the motor stationary and supports the projection roller.

[0016] The motor mount assembly can have two flange portions having a tab configuration with a top tab slot and a bottom tab slot, whereby the top tab slot can operably insert within and operably engage with the respective slot of the case mount assembly. In some aspects, the tabs lock within the slots. In some aspects, the support assembly can be located below the motor mounting assembly, such that the bottom tab slot operably engages with a 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 case mount assembly by removing one of the fasteners, which allows that end of the support assembly to swing relative to the remaining fastener, which allows for removal of the motor mount assembly for maintenance or replacement of the motor or a projector roller. In some other aspects, each of the fasteners can be removed from the support assembly to remove the support assembly, which also allows for removal of the motor mount assembly for maintenance or replacement of the motor or a projector roller.

[0017] In some aspects, the pin end bracket assembly includes a case mount assembly that can be operably connected with a bearing mount assembly. The case mount assembly includes a base plate having a top flange plate that is substantially perpendicular to the base plate. The top flange plate is configured to operably insert within the t-slot configuration of the projector screen housing.

[0018] The case mount assembly can also provide mounting points for a U-bolt that can used with a cable or strap to assist lifting a projector roller into projector screen housing during installation and / or maintenance.

[0019] The case mount assembly can also include an aperture located proximate a bottom portion of the base plate, which allows for installation of a fastener for locking the case mount assembly and the bearing mount assembly during normal operational use, which prevents a swinging rotation of the bearing mount assembly with respect to the case mount assembly. The case mount assembly can include one or more horizontal slots located proximate a body portion area of the base plate. The one or more horizontal slots enable operable engagement with hook tab portions of the bearing mount assembly. The hook tab portions of the bearing mount assembly are preferably located in a top edge portion. When the hook tab portions of the bearing mount assembly are operably engaged with the horizontal slots of the case mount assembly and the fastener is removed, the bearing mount assembly is capable of a swinging rotation.

[0020] In some aspects, the swinging rotation of the bearing mount assembly with respect to the case mount 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 swinging rotation of the bearing mount assembly with respect to the case mount assembly is up to 30°, in some aspects up to 27.5°, in some aspects up to 25°, in some aspects up to 22.5°, and in some aspects up to 20°. In some aspects, the swinging rotation of the bearing mount assembly with respect to the case mount 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 between 10° and 20°

[0021] In some aspects, the bearing mount assembly also includes an aperture for operably receiving a pin of the projector screen assembly.

[0022] In some aspects, the bearing mount assembly includes a bearing ramp, wherein the bearing ramp has a ramp located below the pin receiving aperture. In some aspects, the ramp has a generally V-shaped or U-shaped configuration with a ramping gradient that extends from the bottom edge of the base plate towards the pin receiving aperture. In some aspects, the ramp has a configuration to guide the pin of the projector screen roller into the pin receiving aperture. The ramp and pin receiving aperture can allow for the bearing mount assembly to be swung away from the pin during installation, such that bearing mount assembly swings back into a substantially vertical position when the pin is operably inserted within the pin receiving aperture. The ramp and pin receiving aperture can enable the bearing mount assembly to be swung away from the pin during removal or maintenance of the projection screen assembly.

[0023] In an embodiment, a projection screen system includes a screen assembly including a roller presenting a pair of opposing ends and a motor assembly, one of the opposing ends of the roller having a projecting pin, the motor assembly disposed at the other of the opposing ends of the roller, a housing having a main body with a top wall and opposing side walls defining an interior cavity having an open bottom, the top wall defining a t-slot facing into the interior cavity, a motor end bracket assembly receiving the motor assembly, the motor end bracket having a portion engaged in the t-slot, and a pin end bracket assembly defining a pin receiving aperture receiving the projecting pin of the roller and having a portion engaged in the t-slot.

[0024] In embodiments, the motor end bracket assembly includes a motor case mount assembly operably connected with a motor mount assembly and a support assembly, wherein the motor case mount assembly includes a base plate having a top flange plate that is substantially perpendicular to the base plate, and wherein the top flange plate is received in the t-slot.

[0025] In embodiments, the motor case mount assembly has a U-bolt, wherein the U-bolt is adapted to receive a cable or strap to assist in lifting the roller into the housing during installation and / or maintenance. The motor case mount assembly can define a plurality of vertical slots, and the plurality of vertical slots enable operable engagement with a plurality of tab portions of the motor mount assembly.

[0026] In embodiments, the motor case mount assembly is operably coupled to the support assembly with a plurality of removable fasteners. The motor mount assembly can include a square aperture to engage with a square shaped pin of the motor assembly. In embodiments, the motor case mount assembly defines a plurality of slots, and the motor mount assembly has a pair of spaced-apart flange portions, each flange portion having a top tab slot, and each top tab slot operably inserts within and operably engages a separate one of the plurality of slots of the motor case mount assembly. The support assembly can be disposed below the motor mount assembly, wherein the motor mount assembly has a pair of spaced-apart flange portions, each flange portion having a bottom tab slot, and wherein each bottom tab slot operably engages with a top plate portion of the support assembly.

[0027] In embodiments, the support assembly is fastened to the motor case mount assembly with a pair of fasteners. One end of the support assembly can be detached from the motor case mount assembly by removing one of the pair of fasteners thereby enabling the one end of the support assembly to swing relative to the base plate on the remaining fastener, enabling removal of the motor mount assembly for maintenance or replacement of the motor assembly or roller. In other embodiments, both of the pair of fasteners can be removed to remove the support assembly, which also enables removal of the motor mount assembly for maintenance or replacement of the motor assembly or roller.

[0028] In embodiments, the pin end bracket assembly includes a pin case mount assembly operably coupled with a bearing mount assembly. The pin case mount assembly can include a base plate having a top flange plate oriented substantially perpendicular to the base plate, and wherein the top flange plate is received within the t-slot of the housing.

[0029] In embodiments, the pin case mount assembly has a U-bolt, and the U-bolt is adapted to receive a cable or strap to assist in lifting the roller into the housing during installation and / or maintenance. The pin case mount assembly and the bearing mount assembly can be fastened together with a fastener during normal operational use, thereby preventing swinging rotation of the bearing mount assembly with respect to the pin case mount assembly.

[0030] In embodiments, the pin case mount assembly defines one or more horizontal slots, the bearing mount assembly has one or more hook tab portions, and the hook tab portions are engaged in the horizontal slots, thereby enabling the bearing mount assembly to swing relative to the pin case mount assembly. In embodiments, a swinging rotation of the bearing mount assembly with respect to the pin case mount 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 embodiments, swinging rotation of the bearing mount assembly with respect to the pin case mount assembly is up to 30°, in some aspects up to 27.5°, in some aspects up to 25°, in some aspects up to 22.5°, and in some aspects up to 20°. In embodiments, the swinging rotation of the bearing mount assembly with respect to the pin case mount 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 between 10° and 20°.

[0031] In embodiments, the bearing mount assembly includes a bearing ramp, wherein the bearing ramp has a ramp located below the pin receiving aperture, wherein the ramp is generally V-shaped or U-shaped and has a ramping gradient that extends from a bottom edge of the base plate towards the pin receiving aperture.

[0032] The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the subject matter hereof. The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify various embodiments.

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Subject matter hereof may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying figures, in which:

[0035] FIG. 1 is a front topside 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;

[0036] FIG. 2 is a backside isometric end view of the projection screen system of FIG. 1 showing a pin end bracket assembly operably inserted within the t-slot configuration at a first end of the projection screen housing, and with the projection screen housing depicted as transparent for clarity;

[0037] FIG. 3 is an end view of the projection screen housing of FIG. 2 with the projection screen assembly, motor end bracket assembly, and pin end bracket assembly omitted for clarity;

[0038] FIG. 4 is an end view of the projection screen housing of FIG. 2 with the pin end bracket assembly operably coupled with the projection screen assembly;

[0039] FIG. 5 is a side partial view of the projection screen housing and pin end bracket of FIG. 4 with the housing depicted as transparent for clarity, and having the pin end bracket assembly operably engaged with the t-slot of the housing;

[0040] FIG. 6 is a top isometric view of the pin end bracket assembly of FIG. 2 without the projection screen housing and only a portion of the projection screen roller for clarity;

[0041] FIG. 7 is a side view of the pin end bracket assembly of FIG. 2, without the projection screen housing and only a portion of the projection screen roller for clarity, and depicting the swinging rotation of the bearing mount assembly;

[0042] FIG. 8 is another side view of the pin end bracket assembly of FIG. 2 without the projection screen housing and the roller for clarity;

[0043] FIG. 9 is an end view of the pin end bracket assembly of FIG. 2, without the projection screen housing for clarity, depicting the roller pin engaged with the bearing mount assembly;

[0044] FIG. 10 is a front isometric view of the pin end bracket assembly of FIG. 2, without the projection screen housing and the roller for clarity, and depicting an engagement side that operably engages with the roller;

[0045] FIG. 11 is a backside isometric end view of the projection screen system of FIG. 1 showing a motor end bracket assembly operably inserted within the t-slot configuration at a second end of the housing;

[0046] FIG. 12 is an end view of the projection screen housing of FIG. 11 with the motor end bracket assembly operably coupled with the projection screen assembly;

[0047] FIG. 13 is a side partial view with the projection screen housing depicted as transparent for clarity, and having the motor end bracket assembly operably engaged in the t-slot;

[0048] FIG. 14A is a front isometric view of the motor end bracket assembly of FIG. 11 without the projection screen housing, roller, and motor assembly for clarity, and depicting an engagement side that receives the motor assembly;

[0049] FIG. 14B is a front isometric partial exploded view of the motor end bracket assembly of FIG. 11;

[0050] FIG. 15 is an end view of the motor end bracket assembly of FIG. 11, without the projection screen housing and the motor assembly for clarity, and depicting an engagement side that operably engages with the motor assembly; and

[0051] FIG. 16 is a backside isometric view of the motor end bracket assembly of FIG. 11.

[0052] While various embodiments are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed inventions to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims.

[0053] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] There is depicted in FIGS. 1-2 and 11 a projection screen system 10 according to certain embodiments of the invention. As depicted in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 11, projection screen system 10 generally includes projection screen assembly 20 configured to be operably engaged with one or more mounting brackets 50.

[0055] Projection screen system 20 generally includes projection screen housing 22 defining interior cavity 55a that receives a screen assembly 25, as depicted in FIG. 1. Screen assembly 25 is concealed within projection screen housing 22 when not in use, such as shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 11, and then deployed from projection screen housing 22 during normal operational use (not depicted).

[0056] Screen assembly 25 generally includes a projection screen (not depicted) which is rolled up on roller 100, and motor assembly 102. Motor assembly 102, which can include an electric motor electrically coupled to a power source and control (not depicted) through cable 103, is rotationally coupled to roller 100 such that operation of motor assembly 102 rotates roller 100 to roll and unroll the screen (not depicted) from roller 100 depending on the direction of rotation. Screen assembly 25 is operably engaged with projection screen housing 22 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 generally have a top flange plate that operably engages with a t-slot 114 of projection screen housing 22 as further described below.

[0057] Projection screen housing 22 generally includes main body 24 that extends at least the length of screen assembly 25, and preferably a distance longer than screen assembly 25 such as may be necessary to receive any ancillary components that may be associated with screen assembly 25. In some embodiments, projection screen housing 22 can also include a bottom plate (not depicted) and end plates (not depicted). Main body 24 is preferably a single structural component, more specifically a single extruded component. Main body 24 preferably has the configuration of an elongated extruded structure. In some preferred embodiments, main body 24 comprises extruded aluminum. In other embodiments, main body 24 is not one piece, but can include two or more cooperating structural components to form the housing. As depicted in FIG. 3, main body 24 generally includes front wall 26, top wall 28, and rear wall 30, defining interior cavity 55a with open bottom 32 that houses screen assembly 25 and its related components.

[0058] While FIG 3 depicts an end view of main body 24, one of ordinary skill will appreciate that front wall 26, rear wall 30, and top wall 28 extend an axial length L as depicted in FIG. 1. Open bottom 32 is defined by the space extending between front edge 44 of front wall 26 and rear edge 40 of rear wall 30. Front wall 26 has an angular portion 104 located proximate the transition of main body 24 between front wall 26 and top wall 28. Rear wall 30 also has an angular portion 106 located proximate the transition of main body 24 between rear wall 30 and top wall 28. In some preferred embodiments, angular portions 104, 106, have an arcing angular configuration as depicted.

[0059] Main body 24 defines rear groove 38 and rear edge 40. Rear groove 38 is disposed in the transition between top wall 28 and proximal end 108 of rear wall 30. Rear edge 40 of rear wall 28 is preferably located proximate open bottom 32, where the rear wall 26 ends. In some embodiments wherein main body 24 has a substantially symmetrical configuration, main body 24 also has front groove 42 and front edge 44. Front groove 40 is disposed in the transition between top wall 28 and proximal end 110 of front wall 26. Front edge 44 of front wall 26 is preferably located proximate open bottom 32, where the front wall 26 ends. Rear groove 38 is accessible from the top side of main body 24. Front groove 38 is also accessible from the top side of main body 24.

[0060] Rear groove 38 preferably has a channel or trough configuration with respect to the top surface 112 of top wall 28 as depicted, such that rear groove 38 extends toward the interior cavity 55a of projection screen housing 22. The channel or trough configuration of rear groove 38 can have a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped configuration. Rear groove 38 is defined by first surface 38a and second surface 38b. First surface 38a is connected with proximal end 108 of rear wall 30, and is substantially perpendicular to top wall 28. Second surface 38b is connected with top wall 28 and forms an angle a with first surface 38a 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°.

[0061] Front groove 42 preferably has a channel or trough configuration with respect to the top surface 112 of top wall 28, such that front groove 42 extends toward the interior cavity 55a of projection screen housing 22. The channel or trough configuration of front groove 42 has a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped configuration. Front groove 42 is defined by first surface 42a and second surface 42b. First surface 42a is connected with proximal end 110 of front wall 26 and is substantially perpendicular to top wall 28. Second surface 42b is connected with top wall 28 and forms an angle P with first surface 42a 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°.

[0062] Main body 24 defines a t-slot 114 facing into interior cavity 55a, between grooves 38, 42. T-slot 114 is defined by top wall 28, opposing elongated fingers 46, 47 and opposing channels 46a, 47a. Elongated finger 46 extends into interior cavity 55a toward groove 42 substantially parallel with top wall 28. The space between top wall 28 and elongated finger 46 defines first channel 46a. Elongated finger 47 extends into interior cavity 55a toward groove 38 substantially parallel with top wall 28. The space between top wall 28 and elongated finger 47 defines second channel 47a. In some embodiments, elongated finger 46 and elongated finger 47 are in the same plane. In some other embodiments, elongated finger 46 and elongated finger 47 are in different planes, such that first and second channels 46a, 47a have a different relative distance between top wall 28 and the respective elongated finger 46, 47.

[0063] During normal operational use, t-slot 114 formed by first and second channels 46a, 47a and top wall 28 operably engages with one or more internal mounting assemblies as further described below.

[0064] Referring now to FIGS. 4-10 pin end bracket assembly 60 generally includes pin case mount assembly 62 that can be operably connected with bearing mount assembly 70. Pin case mount assembly 62 includes base plate 64 having top flange plate 63. Base plate 64 and top flange plate 63 are substantially perpendicular, such that base mount assembly 62 has an L- shaped configuration. Top flange plate 63 has a width that is wider than base plate 64, such that top flange plate 63 is configured to be slidably received in t-slot 114 of projection screen housing 22 while base plate 64 does not hinder attachment with t-slot 114. As depicted in FIGS. 2 and 4- 5, during normal operational use, t-slot 114 of projection screen housing 22 slidably receives top flange plate 63 of pin end bracket assembly 60.

[0065] Top flange plate 63 can have one or more fasteners 65, such as screws, which can be inserted into or fastened to top wall 28 of the projection screen housing 22 when top flange plate 63 is received in t-slot 1 14 to inhibit sliding of top flange plate 63 in t-slot 114. Base plate 64 can receive a U-bolt 66, such that a cable or strap (not depicted) can be attached to U-bolt 66 to assist in lifting roller 100 into projection screen housing 22 during installation and / or maintenance. Base plate 64 can define one or more horizontal slots 67. Slots 67 enable operable engagement with hook tab portions 72 of bearing mount assembly 70. Hook tab portions 72 of bearing mount assembly 70 are preferably located at top edge of bearing plate 71. When hook tab portions 72 of bearing mount assembly 70 are operably engaged with horizontal slots 67 of case mount assembly 60, bearing mount assembly 70 is capable of a swinging rotation relative to the fixed case mount assembly 60 through an angle 0 as depicted in FIG. 7.

[0066] In some aspects, the swinging rotation angle 0 of the bearing mount assembly 70 relative to the case mount 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 swinging rotation angle 0 of the bearing mount assembly 70 relative to the case mount assembly 60 is up to 30°, in some aspects up to 27.5°, in some aspects up to 25°, in some aspects up to 22.5°, and in some aspects up to 20°. In some aspects, the swinging rotation angle 0 of the bearing mount assembly 70 relative to the case mount 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 between 10° and 20°.

[0067] Fastener 74 can be inserted through apertures (not depicted) in base plate 64 and bearing plate 71 to lock bearing plate 71 to base plate 64 during normal operational use. Fastener 74 in this locked position inhibits swinging rotation of bearing mount assembly 70 with respect to . pin case mount assembly 62. In order to restore the swinging rotation, fastener 74 can be removed. Bearing mount assembly 70 also defines a pin receiving aperture 75 for rotatably receiving pin 27 projecting from roller 100 of the projection screen assembly 20, which is shown inserted into pin receiving aperture 75 in FIG. 6. Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, bearing mount assembly 70 can include a bearing ramp 76. Bearing ramp 76 is preferably configured with ramp 77 disposed below pin receiving aperture 75. Ramp 77 has a generally V-shaped or U-shaped configuration, such that the width of ramp 77 is wider at the bottom and narrows at the top proximate pin receiving aperture 75. Ramp 77 also preferably has a ramping gradient that extends from the bottom edge of bearing plate 71 towards pin receiving aperture 75, such that the thickness of ramp 77 is greater proximate pin receiving aperture 75 compared with the bottom edge of bearing plate 71.

[0068] When bearing mount assembly 70 is in a substantially vertical position, ramp 77 of bearing ramp 76 enables pin 27 to be guided into pin receiving aperture 75 to enable installation of roller 100. When bearing mount assembly 70 is swung outward through angle 0 relative to pin case mount assembly 62, ramp 77 and pin receiving aperture 75 also enable removal or maintenance of roller 100.

[0069] In some preferred aspects, hook tab portions 72 and bearing ramp 76 are located on the same side of bearing mount assembly 70. In some other aspects, U-bolt 66, hook tab portions 72, and bearing ramp 76 are located on the same side of pin end bracket assembly 60.

[0070] Referring now to FIGS. 12-16, motor end bracket assembly 80 generally includes motor case mount assembly 82 that can be operably coupled with motor mount assembly 90 and support assembly 96. Motor case mount assembly 82 includes base plate 84 having top flange plate 83. Motor case mount assembly 82 includes opposing side plates 81, which can be provided for rigid support of base plate 84. Base plate 84 and top flange plate 83 are substantially perpendicular, such that motor case mount assembly 82 has an L-shaped configuration. Top flange plate 83 has a width that is wider than base plate 84, such that top flange plate 83 is configured to be received in t-slot 114 of the projection screen housing 22 while base plate 84 does not hinder attachment with t-slot 114. In some aspects, base plate 84 has a neck portion 88 that is narrower than the width of top flange plate 83. As depicted in FIGS. 11-13, during normal operational use, t-slot 114 of projection screen housing 22 receives top flange plate 83 of motor end bracket assembly 80.

[0071] Top flange plate 83 can have one or more fasteners 85, such as screws, which can be inserted into or fastened to top wall 28 of projection screen housing 22 when top flange plate 83 is received in t-slot 114. Base plate 84 can receive a U-bolt 86, such that a cable or strap (not depicted) can be attached to U-bolt 86 to assist in lifting roller 100 into projection screen housing 22 during installation and / or maintenance.

[0072] Base plate 84 can define one or more vertical slots 87 as depicted in FIG. 14B. Slots 87 operably engage with tab portions 92 of motor mount assembly 90. Slot 93a of each tab portion 92 engages within vertical slot 87 of base plate 84. Slot 93b of each tab portion 92 engage top plate 97 of support assembly 96. During normal operation, the operable engagement of slots 93a, 93b with slot 87 and top plate 97, respectively, prevents motor mount assembly 90 from disengaging from base plate 84.

[0073] Support assembly 96 can include top plate 97 and bottom plate 98. Top plate 97 can provide support and lock motor mount assembly 90 in place with respect to base plate 84. In some aspects, top plate 97 and bottom plate 98 have an L-shaped configuration. In some aspects, bottom plate 98 can provide additional support and can extend further away from base plate 84 than motor mount assembly 90, such that bottom plate 98 can form a lip as an additional safety feature for supporting the motor end of projector screen assembly. Top plate 97 of support assembly 96 can include one or more threaded apertures 99 for receiving threaded fasteners 99a. Top plate 97 preferably includes one threaded aperture 99 at each end that corresponds with apertures 89 of base plate 84, such that threaded fastener 99a inserted through aperture 89 and into threaded aperture 99 can operably clamp and hold motor mount assembly 90 into base plate 84.

[0074] Motor mount assembly 90 defines slots 94 for receiving fasteners (not depicted) to attach motor assembly 102. Motor mount assembly 90 can also include aperture 95, which is preferably a square aperture, to engage and align with a square shaped pin (not depicted) of the motor assembly 102 to rotationally lock motor assembly 102 thereby holding motor assembly 102 stationary and supporting roller 100.

[0075] In some preferred aspects, support assembly 96 is located at a bottom edge of base plate 84 and below motor mount assembly 90. In this configuration, bottom tab slot 93b operably engages with top plate 97 providing additional longitudinal support. In some aspects, one end of support assembly 96 can be removed from motor case mount assembly 82 by removing one of fasteners 99a. When one of fasteners 99a is removed, that end of the support assembly 96 is capable of swinging away from top plate 83 toward inner cavity area 55a, such support assembly 96 rotates on the remaining fastener 99a. Swinging one end of support assembly 96 into inner cavity area 55a provides access to motor mount assembly 90, such that the longitudinal clamping provided by top plate 97 in slots 93b is removed, and motor mount assembly 90 can be disengaged from motor case mount assembly 82. This enables removal of motor mount assembly 90 for maintenance or replacement of motor 102 or roller 100 without removing motor case mount assembly 82 from t-slot 114. In some other aspects, each of the fasteners 99a can be removed from threaded apertures 99 of support assembly 96, such that the entire support assembly 96 can be removed from motor case mount assembly 82, which also enables removal of motor mount assembly 90 for maintenance or replacement of motor 102 or roller 100.

[0076] Hence, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that each of pin end bracket assembly 60 and motor end bracket assembly 80 have a case mounting assembly 62, 82, respectively, that can remain operably engaged in t-slot 114 while other portions of the assembly can be removed for maintenance or repair. Case mounting assemblies 62, 82 each include a U- bolt 66, 86, respectively, that provides for securing a cable or strap (not depicted) during installation and / or maintenance. Therefore, the projection screen assembly 20 does not need to be entirely removed from the wall, ceiling or in-ceiling mounting for repairs or maintenance.

[0077] During normal operational use, pin end bracket assembly 60 and motor end bracket assembly 80 are each operably engaged with the projection screen housing 22 via t-slot 114 prior to installation of the projection screen assembly 20. Each of pin end bracket assembly 60 and motor end bracket assembly 80 can be slid within t-slot 114 to the desired width prior to fasteners 65, 85, being secured into projection screen housing 22.

[0078] In some aspects, the motor assembly end of projection screen assembly 20 is operably engaged with motor end bracket assembly 80 prior to the opposite end being operably engaged with pin end bracket assembly 60. In some other aspects, the pin end of projection screen assembly is operably engaged with pin end bracket assembly 60 prior to the motor assembly end being operably engaged with motor end bracket assembly 80. In some aspects, the motor assembly end of projection screen assembly can be operably disengaged from motor end bracket assembly 80 without also disengaging the pin end from pin end bracket assembly 60. This allows the motor assembly to be repaired or replaced without removing the entirety of the projection screen 25 from the projection screen housing 22.

[0079] Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed inventions.

[0080] Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various embodiments can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted.

[0081] Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended.

[0082] Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein. For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35

[0083] U.S.C. § 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A projection screen system comprising: a screen assembly including a roller presenting a pair of opposing ends and a motor assembly, one of the opposing ends of the roller having a projecting pin, the motor assembly disposed at the other of the opposing ends of the roller; a housing having a main body with a top wall and opposing side walls defining an interior cavity having an open bottom, the top wall defining a t-slot facing into the interior cavity; a motor end bracket assembly receiving the motor assembly, the motor end bracket having a portion engaged in the t-slot; a pin end bracket assembly defining a pin receiving aperture receiving the projecting pin of the roller and having a portion engaged in the t-slot.

2. The projection screen system of claim 1, wherein the motor end bracket assembly includes a motor case mount assembly operably connected with a motor mount assembly and a support assembly, wherein the motor case mount assembly includes a base plate having a top flange plate that is substantially perpendicular to the base plate, and wherein the top flange plate is received in the t-slot.

3. The projection screen system of claim 2, wherein the motor case mount assembly has aU-bolt, wherein the U-bolt is adapted to receive a cable or strap to assist in lifting the roller into the housing during installation and / or maintenance.

4. The projection screen system of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the motor case mount assembly defines a plurality of vertical slots, and wherein the plurality of vertical slots enables operable engagement with a plurality of tab portions of the motor mount assembly.

5. The projection screen system of any of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the motor case mount assembly is operably coupled to the support assembly with a plurality of removable fasteners.

6. The projection screen system of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the motor mount assembly includes a square aperture to engage with a square shaped pin of the motor assembly.

7. The projection screen system of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the motor case mount assembly defines a plurality of slots, and the motor mount assembly has a pair of spaced-apart flange portions, each flange portion having a top tab slot, and wherein each top tab slot operably inserts within and operably engages a separate one of the plurality of slots of the motor case mount assembly.

8. The projection screen system of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the support assembly is disposed below the motor mount assembly, wherein the motor mount assembly has a pair ofspaced-apart flange portions, each flange portion having a bottom tab slot, and wherein each bottom tab slot operably engages with a top plate portion of the support assembly.

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

10. The projection screen system of claim 9, wherein both of the pair of fasteners can be removed to remove the support assembly, which also enables removal of the motor mount assembly for maintenance or replacement of the motor assembly or roller.

11. The projection screen system of claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3, wherein the pin end bracket assembly comprises a pin case mount assembly operably coupled with a bearing mount assembly.

12. The projection screen system of claim 1 1, wherein the pin case mount assembly includes a base plate having a top flange plate oriented substantially perpendicular to the base plate, and wherein the top flange plate is received within the t-slot of the housing.

13. The projection screen system of claim 11, wherein the pin case mount assembly has a U- bolt, wherein the U-bolt is adapted to receive a cable or strap to assist in lifting the roller into the housing during installation and / or maintenance.

14. The projection screen system of claim 11, wherein the pin case mount assembly and the bearing mount assembly are fastened together with a fastener during normal operational use, thereby preventing swinging rotation of the bearing mount assembly with respect to the pin case mount assembly.

15. The projection screen system of claim 11, wherein the pin case mount assembly defines one or more horizontal slots, wherein the bearing mount assembly has one or more hook tab portions, and wherein the hook tab portions are engaged in the horizontal slots, thereby enabling the bearing mount assembly to swing relative to the pin case mount assembly.

16. The projection screen system of claim 15, wherein a swinging rotation of the bearing mount assembly with respect to the pin case mount 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°.

17. The projection screen system of claim 15, wherein a swinging rotation of the bearing mount assembly with respect to the pin case mount assembly is up to 30°, in some aspects up to27.5°, in some aspects up to 25°, in some aspects up to 22.5°, and in some aspects up to 20°.

18. The projection screen system of claim 15, wherein the swinging rotation of the bearing mount assembly with respect to the pin case mount 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 between12.5° and 22.5°, and in some between 10° and 20°.

19. The projection screen system of claim 19, wherein the bearing mount assembly includes a bearing ramp, wherein the bearing ramp has a ramp located below the pin receiving aperture, wherein the ramp is generally V-shaped or U-shaped and has a ramping gradient that extends from a bottom edge of the base plate towards the pin receiving aperture.

Images