System and method for mounting a flat panel device

Abstract

A system and method for mounting a flat panel device are provided. The system includes a frame having a receiving space configured to receive a flat panel device therein, and a tension plate attached to the frame that provides for leveling of the frame and retention of the frame in the wall. The method includes providing a frame having a receiving space configured to receive a flat panel device therein and a tension plate attached to the frame, inserting the frame into a hole in a wall on which the flat panel device is to be mounted, adjusting the tension plate to level the frame and retain the frame in the hole, and mounting the flat panel device in the receiving space.

1 . A system for mounting a flat panel device on a wall, the system comprising:
 a frame having a receiving space configured to receive a flat panel device therein; and   a tension plate attached to the frame that provides for leveling of the frame and retention of the frame in the wall.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the frame is rectangular in shape. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the frame is formed of a substantially rigid material. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the frame is formed of a carbon fiber or a metal. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the metal comprises steel, aluminum, or a sheet metal. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the frame is molded, welded, or press formed to form the frame as a solid structure. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises a flange at a front outer edge thereof configured to cover an area of a wall cut for installation of the system. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one attachment device configured to attach the tension plate to the frame, the at least one attachment device being adjustable to provide for leveling of the frame and retention of the frame in the wall. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one attachment device comprises:
 one or more threaded adjustment bolts configured to mate with one or more threaded holes provided in the tension plate;   one or more corresponding washers provided on the respective adjustment bolt and configured to limit vertical movement of the tension plate; and   one or more corresponding locking nuts configured to retain the connection between the respective adjustment bolt and the tension plate.   
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of retainer plates configured to be mounted to an existing stud of a wall. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of retainer plates are each configured to be mounted to an existing stud of a wall by a plurality of bolts configured to mate with a plurality of receiving holes formed in the respective retainer plate. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein each of the plurality of retainer plates comprises a notch and angle that forms a recess configured to mate with one of the tension plate or a locking wedge provided on an exterior of the frame. 
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 one or more hanger rails installed within the receiving space; and   one or more mounting rails configured to be attached to a flat panel device, wherein the one or more mounting rails each comprise one or more mounting hooks configured to mate with the one or more hanger rails to mount the flat panel device in the receiving space.   
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein upper and lower edges of the one or more hanger rails are attached to a rear wall of the receiving space to form a channel configured to receive electronic wirings. 
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a locking wedge provided on an exterior wall of the frame opposite to an exterior wall of the frame to which the tension place is attached.   
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one j-box. 
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 16 , further comprising at least one cover configured to be attached to the at least one j-box, the at least one cover having at least one hole for passing electronic cabling therethrough. 
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the flat panel device comprises one of a LCD device, a PDP device, or an OLED device. 
   
   
       19 . A method of mounting a flat panel device on a wall, the method comprising:
 providing a frame having a receiving space configured to receive a flat panel device therein and a tension plate attached to the frame;   inserting the frame into a hole in a wall on which the flat panel device is to be mounted;   adjusting the tension plate to level the frame and retain the frame in the hole; and   mounting the flat panel device in the receiving space.   
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 attaching a plurality of retainer plates to existing studs of the wall; and   inserting the frame into the wall so that the tension plate is positioned adjacent the plurality of retainer plates.