Quick release assembly for an electronic device

Abstract

A quick release assembly is provided to enable a user to easily attach and detach electronic equipment such as a flat panel monitor to an extension arm or other mounting device. One embodiment of the quick release assembly includes an adapter plate for connecting to the electronic equipment, a connecting plate for securing to the mounting device, and a release plate disposed between the adapter plate and the connecting plate. When fully assembled, the user can press a release mechanism on the release plate to disengage the release plate and the connecting plate form the adapter unit. After the release mechanism is pressed, the connecting plate can be slid off of the adapter plate. Unlike conventional devices, it is not necessary to remove or loosen hard-to-reach fasteners in order to disconnect the electronic device from the mounting device.

1 . A method of configuring an adapter unit that is operable to releasably couple an electronic device to a mounting apparatus, the method comprising:
 coupling a release plate to an adapter plate so that a first side of the release plate contacts a first side of the adapter plate; and   coupling a connecting plate to the release plate and to the adapter plate so that a first side of the release plate contacts a second side of the release plate, the release plate being disposed between the adapter plate and the connecting plate;   wherein actuation of the release plate causes the connecting plate to at least partly decouple from the adapter plate.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein coupling the connector plate includes sliding the connecting plate into contact with the adapter plate so that a pair of angled members of the connector plate are in operative contact with the adapter plate. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising fastening the electronic device to a second side of the adapter plate. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising securing the connecting plate to the mounting apparatus. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein securing the connecting plate includes riveting the connecting plate to a tilter mount of the mounting apparatus. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising pressing a release mechanism on the release plate to at least partly decouple the connecting plate from the adapter plate. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising slidably disengaging the connecting plate from the adapter plate.