WO2009138824A1

WO2009138824A1 - Support for flat screen tv

Info

Publication number: WO2009138824A1
Application number: PCT/IB2008/054425
Authority: WO
Inventors: Domenico Morello
Original assignee: Domenico Morello
Priority date: 2008-05-15
Filing date: 2008-10-27
Publication date: 2009-11-19
Also published as: ITPI20080042A1

Abstract

The present invention concerns a support for flat screen televisions comprising a supporting base on the ground (2) and a supporting arm (3) with predetermined length connected at its lower end to the supporting base in a way to result emerging from it upward. The upper end of the arm is operatively connected to a supporting element (4) able to keep the television. Means of connection (8) are required to connect operatively, or rather in a movable manner, the supporting element of the television respect to the supporting arm allowing position settings of the television respect to the arm.

Description

TITLE SUPPORT FOR FLAT SCREEN TV

Technical Field

The present invention refers to the technical field of TVs accessories. In particular it refers to a specific support able to sustain a flat screen TV as LCD and similar.

State of the Art Are nowadays known TV supports and in particular supports studied specifically for new generation flat screen TVs. These types of TVs, entirely innovative, add to a high video quality a limited encumbrance, being their thickness completely contained into few centimetres. The new types of support, thus, gets well adapted to these new geometries and moreover to the well contained thickness of the televisions, giving a wide liberty of solutions. Moreover, the different types of choices at disposition in the market try to let coexist both a good design that gets well inserted in the decor of the environment and a good level of functionality.

For this aim, for example, are available supports for flat screen televisions that are fixed to the wall. In this case a simple arm can be fitted in a point of a wall and the television remains thus as "hanged" on air. However, against a solution that has surely a good visual impact and allows an elevated encumbrance saving, it is not exempted by big inconvenient.

First of all the fitting of the television is practically definitive. Once it has been chosen a position, it is necessary to practice some holes on the wall to then install in a permanent manner the supporting arm through screws. This implies an installation work that is anything but easy and simple and moreover, once it has been chosen a posibion for the television, this cannot be change unless a nev/ installation is made.

Moreover it is necessary to make a passage of the electric cables that results not easy. The cables must fall downwards from the television towards the plugs in an invisible manner, otherwise the visual impact of the

"hanged" television looses all its effect and also its functionality. Surely this implies a plodding work that often must be done by experts of the field and, consequently, causes a high increase in the costs charged to the buyer.

In other cases, the flat screen television can be hold by supporting tables similar to computer desk or simple furniture and that have on the upper base a supporting arm for the flat screen. However, such a simple solution presents the inconvenient of great encumbrance. The supporting legs of the table and its volume that greatly increases in height occupies unavoidably great spaces creating uneasiness moreover in the small environments. Moreover it is not possible to make a regulation of the position of the television. Especially the height but also the inclination of the television results practically fixed.

Disclosure of invention

It is therefore the aim of the present invention to give a support for flat screen TV that resolves the above mentioned inconvenient.

In particular it is the aim of the present invention to give a support for flat screen TV that does not result cumbersome and at the same time does not require complex and final installations.

It is also the aim of the present invention to give a support for television that allows to place the - ό - television in a versatile and simple manner respect to the needs of the user.

It is also the aim of the present invention to give a support for flat screen televisions that is easily transportable from an environment to another and that does not leave any cable in sight.

These and other aims are reached with the present support for flat screen televisions characterized by the fact that it comprises: - At least a ground support base (2);

At least a supporting arm (3) with predetermined length and connected at its lower end to the supporting base such to result emerging from it upwards;

At least a supporting element (4) operatively connected to the upper end of the supporting arm and able to keep the television;

Means of connection (8) able to connect in a movable manner the supporting element of the television respect to the supporting arm allowing position settings of the television respect to the same arm.

In this manner it is thus possible to obtain different types of regulation of the television respect to the arm.

The user, with satisfaction, can change both the angle and height of positioning of the screen, according to his tastes and in function to the place where the television is placed. At the same time the described solution allows, along to the setting functionality, the possibility to move it easily and with contained cumbrances . Advantageously the connection means (8) comprise:

- At least a hinged connection (14, 12, 13, 12' , 13' ; 140, 120, 130, 120' , 130') or similar able to connect in an adjustable manner the supporting element respect to the supporting arm allowing the angle settings; - A -

Blocking means (16; 160) able to fix the television respect to the supporting arm in a predetermined selected setting position.

According to this solution, thus, it is possible to make decidedly an angle position regulation of the screen and fix it then in the selected position. Obviously the technical solution possibilities of the hinge and of the blocking means can be many and equivalent to each other.

Between the different constructive solutions, the hinged connection can comprise at least a pin (14) to allow the rotation at a predetermined "alpha" angle of the supporting element around an orthogonal surface (10) respectively to the frontal surface (screen) of the television and the ground. In this case the pin results to be passing through specific eyelets (12', 13') obtained in butt strap joints (12, 13), or similar, and firmly connected respectively to the supporting element (4) and to the supporting arm (3) . The pin is threaded in at least one end (15) and the blocking means comprising at least a clamping knob (16) blocked on said thread such to result sliding along it in correspondence to its rotation. In this way the knob works as contrast, pushing against the butt strap joints realizing the blocking of the supporting element in a predetermined angle position respect to the arm.

Obviously this results to be one of the many solutions possible to obtain an angle regulation of the television and the blocking m the position.

Alternatively the blocking means can comprise the action of friction of the hinge, and such to sustain the twisting moment generated by the weight of the television.

A second construction solution, expects that the previous hinged connection could comprise a sphere (140) inserted in the respective sites (130') and (120') to allow angle rotation settings around it and the blocking means comprise a threaded screw (160) that can be screwed in contrast against said sphere.

Xn this way the rotation does not happen only on a predefined plane but is practically "spatial" around the same.

For both the configurations is then expectable that the above connection means (8) comprise also, in combination, a vertical sliding site (<?3), obtained in correspondence to the upper end of the supporting arm (3), and a plate element (24) . In this way the plate results to be sliding within the vertical sliding site allowing this way a vertical regulation movement of the supporting element respect to the supporting arm and further blocking means allowing the fitting into the position.

In this manner thus is possible to realize not only an angle setting but also a height setting of the television. Advantageously the supporting arm is hollow in its inside defining a path for passing the electric cables of the television. According to this solution is thus possible to maintain the cables hiding realizing a more beautiful and neat visual impact.

For this aim the supporting base is drilled along its height in correspondence of the connection to the lower end of the supporting arm to allow the passage toward the outside of the electrical cable in output.

Advantageously is expected a hinged connection (21) or similar in correspondence to the lower end of the supporting arm to the supporting base that allows angle settings of the supporting arm respect to the base and ulterior blocking means able to fix the selected position. In this way it is prevalently possible to change the position of the height of the screen while the upper hinges allow the angle setting. However nothing would avoid to use the above mentioned hinge 21 to give particular inclinations to the screen useful for example to avoid the back-light.

Depending on the needs, the supporting arm can be realized in at least two halves connected reciprocally to each other by means of a hinged coupling (22) or similar.

This further solution allows to move reciprocally the parts that constitutes the arm in a way to be able to change, also in this case, the height position of the video (beyond the angles) .

According to a constructive technical solution, the above mentioned hinged coupling (21, 22) comprises:

- At least a pin or similar to allow the reciprocal rotation of the two halves on an orthogonal plane respectively to the television and to the ground, the pin being threaded in at least one of its ends;

- At least a blocking knob able to slide on the thread to fix reciprocally the two halves in a predetermined angle position. Advantageously are also provided means (25, 26) able to connect the base (2) to the arm (3) .

In particular, the above means comprise at least a rolling bearing (25) that can allow a rotational setting of the arm around an axis emerging from the ground and passing from the connection point of the arm to the base..

In this manner the arm 3 is adjustable also torsionally, or rather by applying a torsion to it.

Advantageously the above mentioned means comprise in combination the bearing with a lock (26) comprising a rotating arm within a blocking site of the base to fix the selected position.

Selected the position, thus, it is possible to proceed with its blocking by inserting the lock within its site. Brief description of drawings

Further features and advantages according to the invention, will be clearer with the description of one of its pattern realization that follows, made to illustrate but not limit, with reference to the annexed drawings, in which:

Figure 1 and figure 2 represent a schematic view of the present support according to a first preferred solution;

Figure 3 represents a possible constructive detail according to the first preferred configuration.

- Figure 4 shows a second preferred solution of the invention. figure 5 represents a technical solution that allows a setting also in height of the video and is applicable to both the preferred described configurations,

- Figure 6, 7 and 8 represent constructive solutions applicable to the preferred configurations and that allow further regulations practicable on the base and along the arm. Description of some chosen pattern realizations

With reference both to figure 1 and to figure 2, it is represented a support 1 for flat screen televisions 7 according to the present invention. Generally, the support is essentially constituted by a support base 2, a supporting arm 3 and by a support element 4 for the television. The supporting arm 3 is connected at its lower end 5 to the support base resulting, consequently, as emerging from it upward. The supporting element 4 of the television 7 is then connected to the upper end 6 of the arm through specific connection means 8 and described in detail further on.

The supporting arm 3, with the aim to economize as much as possible the encumbrance spaces and the weights, can thus be assimilated to a tube emerging from the ground, even if elements with generic elongated shapes can be easily used without having to move apart from the present inventive concept. Moreover variable geometries of the tube can be easily used, as for example circular, quadrangular or similar cross sections, the whole to optimise the encumbrance saving in the environment where the television has to be placed.

Without going into detail, a possible solution of realization of the supporting element of the television could be for example constituted by a simple frame 4 within which the television is inserted. Both figure 1 and 2 and figure 3 show a possible realization, but obviously there could be equivalent solutions without having to move apart from the inventive concept. With the aim to allow a position setting of the television respect to the ground 9, or indifferently to the supporting arm 3, the connection means 8 are provided movable, in the sense that they allow to move the supporting element 4 respect to the supporting arm. Once the ideal position of the television has been selected by the user, blocking means (16; 160) allow to fix the selected position.

The settings of the television respect to the supporting arm can be many and allow thus to orient the television according to the user's needs.

Thus, according to a first preferred configuration of the invention the connection means 8 can for example comprise a simple hinged device that allows the rotation of the television respect to an orthogonal plane 10 both at the frontal surface of the same television 7 and at the ground 9 of a predetermined ^ualpha" angle (look still at figure 1 and 2) . In particular in both figures I and 2 it is represented the "alpha" angle space of setting of the television 7 on the plane 10. For this aim, as schematically represented in figure 3, it is possible for example to comprise a hinged device comprising Ά simple rotating axis, as a pin 14 or similar. The pin couples two specific butt straps 12 connected to the arm 3 and butt straps 13 or similar connected to the support 4 by means of eyelets passages 12' and 13' obtained respectively on the above mentioned butt straps 12 and 13. The coupling of the butt straps happens in the direction of the arrow similarly to a groove-and-tongue joint. Moreover the connection means 3 comprise blocking means 16 that allow to fix the selected angle position in an easy way avoiding that the television rotates until the lowest position of the stop under the action of its own weight. Different typed of blocking means can be easily used without having to move apart from the present inventive concept. For example a simple clamping knob 16 can clock or lock up the selected position. In this case the pin 14 will result threaded at one end 15 and the knob can be alternatively screwed/unscrewed along this thread such to go against, for example, the butt strap 12 and determinate the blocking (this in the case where the groove-and-tongue joint is such that the butt straps 13 result to be inside the respective butt straps 12) . In other cases it is possible to have a coupling by hinge that simply has a higher friction coefficient at the time of rotation generated by the same television by its own weight. This can be realized for example with a pin 14 coupling with eyelets (12', 13') with a certain degree of interference. In such case, after the manual setting of the slant, the selected position will be maintained automatically since the same friction works as a block. Still in figure 3, just to illustrate, are indicated possible angle settings according to the present first preferred configuration.

A second preferred configuration of the invention comprises then a connection through a hinge of spherical type 140 {look at figure 4) . In this case, then, the movement of the supporting element 4 respect to the supporting arm 3 will not be limited to a sole and simple rotation around the above mentioned surface 10 but, rather, it will be a rotation that has more freedom to rotate around the same sphere 140 and placed within the respective site (120', 130') obtained on the supports (120, 130) . Any setting position of the television will be then obtainable..

Also in this case there can be comprised blocking means 160 to fix the selected position. In particular the friction coefficient results to be particularly advantageous and simple. In other cases a simple lateral threaded screw 160 can go against the sphere to fix the position. Just to illustrate, in figure 4 it is represented a possible angle setting configuration according to this solution. In particular it is highlighted a rotation of the screen on the surface of the same screen (as an car steering ) and a rotation on the surface 10 as described above.

Independent from the pin or sphere solution just described, it is also possible to match to the preceding ones also a height setting of the television. For this aim, as schematically indicated in figure 5, it is expected that the supporting arm 3 is supplied with a vertical sliding site 23 similarly to a track. Obviously also the supporting element 4 will be also supplied with a plate element 24 that results to be sliding within said sliding site. In this manner it is possible to change the height of the television. Just for reasons of simplicity, the figure 5 represents a height setting combined to an pin angle setting 14 even if, in a totally indifferent manner, the same can be combined to the sphere solution 140. Once the position is selected, a lock constituted for example by the usual clamping knob (not described in figure just for simplicity reasons) will fix the position. Obviously elements that are completely equivalent to the sliding track, as the blocking elements, can easily be used without having to move apart from the present invention. In all the described preferred configuration, the supporting arm 3 is hollow inside to define a passing path for the electric cable in such a manner that these do not result in sight and are "neat". Moreover (look at figure 6) the supporting base comprises a hole 20 in correspondence to the connection to the lower end of the supporting base and passing through the whole height d of its section, In this manner it is possible to pass toward the outside the electrical cables outgoing from the supporting arm to then connect them to the normal domestic outlets.

Both the described preferred configurations of the invention (look at figure 6) can expect the lower end of the supporting arm supplied with a hinge 21 that connects in a rotating manner the supporting arm 3 respect to the base 2 allowing also in this case a further angle regulation of the arm respect to the base. Moreover, nothing would avoid to realize the supporting arm in two or more halves connected to each other reciprocally by means of a hinge coupling 22 (look at figure 7) . In this manner not only it is possible to incline the arm respect to the base, but it is also possible to bend among them the parts that constitute the same arm allowing also in this manner the set the height of the television, beyond obviously its angle position. Also in this case, similarly to what has been, already described, the hinge coupling can comprise an axis of rotation and a blocking element to fix reciprocally both the two or more halves constituting the arm in a predetermined angle position and the same arm respect to the base.

A possible addition can expect at the base, beyond the described hinge 21, means (25, 26) that allow a rotation of the arm 3 around a vertical axis emerging from the ground and the consequent blocking into the selected position. For this aim (look at the scheme of figure θ) it can be easily used a common sphere bearing 25 on which bind the free end of the arm and fix it, as in the prior art, to the base. The simple rotational friction can be used as block into the position, otherwise common locks 26 (schematically represented in the figure) , comprising a simple rotary arm around a pin, can constrain the arm 3 to the base into the selected position. Equivalent solution can be used, without moving apart from the present inventive concept.

It is briefly described the functioning of the present invention in order to highlight both the use and the achievement of the prefixed aims of the present invention. Once it is positioned the television 7 on the supporting element 4 (look at figure 1 and 2), in the case where only the friction coefficient is sufficient to maintain into the position the television, it is enough to act manually on the same television to realized a rotation and to allow the angle position setting of the screen respect to the arm. This is, obviously, both in the case where the hinge is of spherical type and in the case where the hinge is constituted by a simple pin. In particular the figure 1 describes an "alpha" angle of setting on the surface 10 specific for the pin solution 14, and in parhicular the figures 3 and 4 highlight the different setting possibilities respectively with a simple hinge and spherical hinge solution. In particular figure 4 shows the possibility contemporarily to rotate the television as a car steering and incline it respect to the arm 3.

In the case where the solution does not include a blocking by friction force mean, it is then necessary to proceed by unloosing the grip of the clamping knob (16; 160), make the angle regulation of the television and proceed again with the tightening into the position.

As described in figure 5, in the case where it is possible also the sliding within the track 23 of the supporting element 4 respect to the supporting arm, similarly to what has been said, will be enough to unloose the grip of the clamping knob (not represented in the figure) to make the regulation and then proceed with its clamping to realize the blocking into the position. Just as an example in figure 5 it is represented an arrow that indicates a "descent" of setting of the support 4 by means of the plate 24 sliding within the track. In this manner not only it will be possible to find an angle orientation of the television that is optimal for the user depending on his needs, but it will also be possible to have a variation of the height. It is then possible, similarly to what has already been described, to make rotation settings of the arm respect to the base by means of the hinge 21 of figure 6. These will allow to find different angles that can result to be useful to give a wide possibility of choices to the user.

Moreover, in the case it is made a configuration of the invention where the supporting arm is realized in more parts reciprocally movable to each other, through the same pin hinge 22 and clamping or locking knob the arms can be folded to each other changing Lheir reciprocal angle and thus the entire height, In the case the constructive solution expects it, it will be possible to make rotational settings of the arm thanks to the means 25 acting with a torsion on the arm. When the right position is chosen the lock 26 can be rotated within the blocking site.

It results clear at this point how all the selected aims have been reached. In particular it is clear how the present structure, thanks to the supporting arm emerging from the supporting base allows to economize the encumbrances occupied by the television. This last one indeed is held exactly as if it was leaning on a table even if the encumbrance volume of the arm is very contained thanks to the use of the arm 3. Moreover it will result easily transportable in the different places of the house without having the positioning to result definitive.

Not at last, this particular supporting technical solution allows at least the angle setting of the television respect to the arm facing this way all the "comfort" needs" of the user.

The above description of a specific shape is able to show the invention from the conceptive point of view, m a way that others, by using the art, can modify and/or adapt in different applications this specific shape without any further research and without going apart from the inventive concept, and, therefore, it is intended that these adaptations and transformations will be considered as equivalent to this specific realization. The means and materials to make the many described functions can be of various nature without exiting the area of the invention, it is intended that the expressions or the terminology used have a simple descriptive aim and therefore not limiting.

Claims

CLΛIMS

1. Support for flat screen televisions characterized by the fact that it comprises: - At least a ground support base (2) ;

- At least a supporting arm (3) with predetermined length and connected at its lower end to said supporting base such that to result emerging from it upwards;

At least a supporting element (4) operatively connected to the upper end of said supporting arm and able to keep the television;

- Means of connection (8) able bo connect in a movable manner the supporting element of the television respect to the supporting arm allowing position settings of the television respect to said arm.

2. Support for flat screen televisions, according to claim

1, where said connection means (8) comprise:

At least a hinged connection (14, 12, 13, 12' , 13' ; 140, 120, 130, 120' , 130') or similar able to connect in an adjustable manner said supporting element respect to said supporting arm allowing the angle settings;

Blocking means (16; 160) able to fix the television respect to said supporting arm in a predetermined selected setting position.

3. Support for flat screen televisions, according to claim

2, where said hinge connection comprises at least a pin (14) to allow the rotation to a predetermined "alpha" angle of said supporting element around an orthogonal surface 10 respectively to the frontal surface of the television and the ground, said pin results to be passing through specific eyelets (12', 13') obtained in connecting butt straps (12, 13), or similar firmly connected respectively to said supporting element (4) and to said supporting arm (3) , said pin being threaded in at least one end (15) and said blocking means comprising at least a clamping knob (16) blocked on said thread such that to result sliding along it in correspondence to its rotation pushing against said connecting butt straps to realize the blocking of said supporting element in a predetermined angle position respect to said arm.

4. Support for flat screen televisions, according to claim 2, where said blocking means comprise the friction action of said hinge, said friction able to sustain the twisting moment generated by the weight of the television.

5. Support for flat screen televisions, according to claim 2, where said hinged connection comprises a sphere (140) inserted in the respective sites (130') and (120') to allow angle rotation settings around it and the blocking means comprise a threaded screw (160) that can be screwed in contrast against said sphere,

6. Support for flat screen televisions, according to one or more of the previous claims, where said connection means comprise also, in combination, a vertical sliding site (23), obtained in correspondence to the upper end of the supporting arm and a plate element (24) , said plate being sliding within the vertical sliding site allowing this way a vertical regulation movement of the supporting element respect to said supporting arm and further blocking means allowing the fitting into the position.

7. Support for flat screen televisions, according to claim 1, where said supporting arm is hollowed mside defining a path for passing the electric cables of said television.

8. Support for flat screen televisions, according to one or more of the previous claims, where said supporting base

(2) is drilled along its height in correspondence of the connection to the lower end of the supporting arm to allow the passage toward the outside of said electrical cable in output from said supporting arm.

9. Support for flat screen televisions, according to one or more of the previous claims, where is expected a hinged connection (21) or similar in correspondence to said lower end of the supporting arm to said supporting base that allows angle settings of said supporting arm respect to said base and ulterior blocking means able to fix the selected position.

10. Support for flat screen televisions, according to one or more of the previous claims, where said supporting arm can be realized in at least two halves connected reciprocally to each other by means of a hinged coupling (22) or similar.

11. Support for flat screen televisions, according to claim 9 and 10, where said hinge coupling comprises: - At least a pin or similar to allow the reciprocal rotation of said two halves on an orthogonal plane respectively to said television and to the ground, said pin being threaded in at least one of its ends;

- At least a blocking knob able to slide on said thread to fix reciprocally said two halves in a predetermined angle position.

12. Support for flat screen televisions, according to claim 9, 10 and 11, where are also provided means (25, 26) able to connect said base (2) to said arm (3) .

13. Support for flat screen televisions, according to claim 12, where said means comprise at least a rolling bearing (25) that can allow a rotational setting of said arm around an axis emerging from the ground and passing from the connection point of the arm to the base.

14. Support for flat screen televisions, according to claim 12 and 13, where said means comprise in combination said bearing with a lock. (26) comprising a rotating arm within a blocking site of the base to fix the selected position.