Abstract:
A protective device for a flat display monitor comprises a thin transparent protective shielding covering the entire front viewing area of the display monitor. The device is removably attached and secured to the frame of the display monitor using brackets and adjustable clamping members. Once installed, the display monitor is protected from environmental threats or other incidental damage.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/293,843 filed Jan. 11, 2010, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to flat screen monitors, and in particular, to an attachable protective cover for such a monitor. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Home video game systems are more popular than ever. Modern technological advancements in gaming systems have resulted in literally hundreds of games with unprecedented depth and detail. As these systems evolved, so have the ergonomic properties of the handheld game controllers that are used with them. 
     The game controllers used with the WII® video gaming system and similar motion-sensing units are of a wireless nature and are held in one&#39;s hand. Such controllers utilize the motion of the user&#39;s hands and arms to generate movements on screen. While such gaming systems are certainly very fun to play, the rapid and aggressive movement of the controller can result in it being accidentally thrown across the room. 
     Unfortunately, as televisions have grown in height and width, both the probability of accidentally striking the screen in such a manner and the cost of rectifying the damage have increased proportionally. If such a controller should strike the screen of a plasma or liquid crystal display (LCD) flat screen monitor, damage will likely result. Repairs of such screens can cost into the hundreds or thousands of dollars, and often end up requiring the complete replacement of the television unit. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide protective devices for television or display device screens. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,241, issued in the name of Kita et al., describes an image display device with a screen protection arrangement peripherally surrounding a display screen of the device. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,137,548, issued in the name of Uchida et al., describes a mounting structure for a display device including a frame on which a screen is held and a protecting panel retained in place over the screen with a Z-form holding member. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,469,752, issued in the name of Ishikawa et al., describes an attachable protective screen for an image display device including a top bracket and a bottom bracket which receive a protector screen. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,362,386, issued in the name of Huber, describes an integrated structural screen panel for protection television including a protective panel which correspondingly mates with the television cabinet to contain and protect a lenticular screen and a Fresnel screen of the television. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such devices are difficult to install on an existing monitor or display device. Also, many such devices are difficult to remove once installed. Furthermore, many such devices mount to a monitor or display device in a manner which requires modification or permanent damage to the monitor. Accordingly, there exists a need for a protective panel for a monitor or similar flat screen display device without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a protective device for flat display screens which is readily removable and attachable from existing devices in a manner which does not necessitate permanent damage or alteration of the existing device. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to protect an entire viewing surface of a flat screen monitor such as a television screen from environmental threats including thrown objects. The device includes a transparent plastic frontal pane, a rectangular perimeter frame, a pair of top-mounted hooks, and a plurality of swing clips. 
     Another object of the present invention is to comprise a height and a width corresponding to the dimensions of the screen. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide an uninhibited view of the display through the frontal pane by comprising the frontal pane of a polymeric plastic material which may comprise additional enhancements such as non-glaring coatings, tinting, or polarizing. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to support the device by engaging a top edge of the monitor with the hooks. Each hook includes an “L”-shaped appendage integrally molded to the perimeter frame. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to horizontally secure the device to the monitor with the plurality of swing clips. Each swing clip includes an arcuate plastic hook-shaped member which pivots about a hinge portion of the swing clip. Each hook-shaped member applies a retaining spring force to a rear surface of the monitor to secure the device in place. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to secure and protect the monitor by further comprising each swing clip of a cup-shaped foot portion including a high-friction material which stabilizes the device against the rear surface of the monitor and prevents scratching of the monitor. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to prevent the frame from scratching the monitor by including a plurality of rubber bumpers arranged along a rear surface of the frame. The bumpers provide a non-scratching interface between the frame and the monitor and also provide a protective gap between the panel and the viewing surface portion to protect the viewing surface from damage when the panel is struck with an impact force. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to include at least one alternate embodiment including a pivoting clamp and a stationary clamp in lieu of the swing clips. The pivoting clamp and stationary clamp extend from the frame around to the rear surface of the monitor and are selectively secured to the monitor with a pair of manual spindles which apply a clamping force to the monitor. Each spindle includes a pad which provides secure, non-damaging engagement of the rear surface of the monitor. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of procuring a model of the device having suitable width and height dimensions which match dimensions of an existing flat panel monitor; rotating the swing clips to a forward position; lowering the device over an upper edge portion of the monitor; engaging the hooks to establish an installed vertical position of the device; laterally centering the device upon the monitor; rotating the swing clips rearwardly around each vertical side portion of the monitor; flexing and expanding the swing clips to enable insertion of edge portions of the monitor within the arcuate portion of the swing clips; releasing each swing clip against the rear surface of the monitor; establishing a stable high-friction contact between the foot portions of each swing clip and the monitor; and benefiting from improved protection of the flat panel monitor. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental perspective view of a flat screen monitor protective panel  10  installed onto a flat screen monitor  60 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the flat screen monitor protective panel  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the flat screen monitor protective panel  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of a swing clip portion  14  of the flat screen monitor protective panel  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an environmental perspective view of an alternate protective panel  20  installed onto a flat screen monitor  60 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the alternate protective panel  20 , according to the alternate embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 7  is a top close-up view of a pivoting clamp portion  24  of the alternate protective panel  20 , according to the alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  protective panel 
               11  pane 
               12  frame 
               13  hook 
               14  swing clip 
               15  hinge 
               17  foot 
               18  bumper 
               20  alternate protective panel 
               22  alternate frame 
               23  alternate hook 
               24  pivoting clamp 
               25  stationary clamp 
               27  spindle 
               28  thumb grip 
               29  pad 
               30  alternate hinge 
               60  flat screen monitor 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 4 , and an alternate embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 5 through 7 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a protective panel (herein described as the “device”)  10 , which provides a means for protecting an entire viewing surface of a flat screen monitor  60 , such as, but not limited to: a television screen, a computer monitor, a process controller read-out, or the like; against damage caused by thrown or falling objects or a variety of other possible environmental threats. The device  10  comprises a transparent plastic frontal pane  11  further comprising a rectangularly-shaped perimeter frame  12 . The frame  12  provides an attachment means to top and side edges of the flat screen monitor  60  via a pair of top-mounted hooks  13  and at least four (4) swing clips  14  along side edges. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective environmental view of the device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The device  10  is depicted as installed onto a flat screen monitor  60  and secured by means of the top-mounted hooks  13  and a pair of swing clips  14  along each side edge; however, it is envisioned that the device  10  may be introduced having various width and height dimensions so as to match various flat screen display apparatuses  60  and therefore may have a corresponding greater or lesser number of side-mounted swing clips  14 , and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the device  10 . It is further envisioned that the frame  12 , hooks  13 , and swing clips  14  be preferably fabricated of durable plastic materials manufactured in molding and extrusion processes and made available in various decor-matching colors; however, said portions of the device  10  may also be made of non-magnetic metallic materials such as aluminum, without deviating from the concept, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the device  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , front and rear perspective views of the device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The device  10  comprises a transparent plastic pane  11 , envisioned to be made of acrylic or equivalent polymeric plastic material, such as, but not limited to: PLEXIGLAS®, LEXAN®, or the like. It is further envisioned that the pane  11  may comprise additional enhancements such as non-glaring coatings, tinting, polarizing, or the like. The pane  11  is securely affixed to the frame  12  preferably by means of chemical bonding or equivalent processes such as, but not limited to: plastic vibration welding, rivets, screws or the like. The frame  12  further comprises a pair of hooks  13 . The hooks  13  comprise “L”-shaped appendages being integrally-molded into said frame  12  and extending rearwardly so as to captivate a top edge of the flat screen monitor  60 , thereby establishing an installed vertical location of the device  10 . It is further envisioned that said hooks  13  may also be affixed to the frame  12  by means such as, but not limited to: chemical bonding, spot welding, or riveting, without deviating from the concept. And as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the device  10 . The device  10  further comprises a plurality of swing clips  14  being pivotally attached to vertical side portions of the frame  12  via respective hinge portions  15 . The swing clips  14  comprise arcuate plastic hook-shaped members which apply a retaining spring force to a rear surface portion of the flat screen monitor  60 , thereby securely mounting the device  10  and ensuring the protection of a viewing area portion of the monitor  60  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a top view of a swing clip portion  14  of the device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The frame  12  further comprises an axial hinge  15  which provides a pivoting attachment means to the swing clip  14  to enable installation and removal of the device  10  from the flat screen monitor  60  as illustrated here. The swing clips  14  comprise arcuate plastic members envisioned being made using a flexible plastic material capable of being expanded so as to encompass a rear portion of the flat screen monitor  60 , thereby applying a retaining spring force to a rear surface portion of the flat screen monitor  60 . Each swing clip  14  further comprises a cup-shaped foot portion  17  being adhesively bonded to a rearward end portion and made using a high-friction material such as rubber, soft plastic, or the like to stabilize the swing clip  14  against the rear surface of the flat screen monitor  60 . The device  10  also comprises a plurality of rubber bumpers  18  arranged along a rear surface of the frame  12 . Said bumpers  18  provide a non-scratching contact means between the device  10  and the flat screen monitor  60  as well as establishing a protective gap between the pane  11  and the viewing surface portion of the flat screen monitor  60 , thereby providing additional protection against accidental impact forces. Said bumpers  18  comprise rectangular sections of high-friction flat rubber stock being adhesively bonded to a rear surface of the frame  12 , thereby further stabilizing the device  10  upon the flat screen monitor  60 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , environmental and perspective views of an alternate protective panel  20 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The alternate protective panel  20  is depicted in  FIG. 5  being installed upon a flat screen monitor  60 , and being secured thereonto by means of a pair of alternate hooks  23 , a pivoting clamp  24 , and a stationary clamp  25 . The alternate protective panel  20  provides an alternate clamping means, thereby allowing attachment to said alternate protective panel  20  to various makes, models, and types of flat screen monitors  60  in addition to flat screen monitor  60  being suitable to the previously described preferred embodiment  10 . As with the preferred embodiment of the device  10 , it is understood that the alternate protective panel  20  may be introduced having various width and height dimensions so as to match various flat screen display apparatuses  60  and therefore may have a corresponding greater or lesser number of pivoting  24  and stationary  25  clamps, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the alternate protective panel  20 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a top close-up view of a pivoting clamp portion  24  of the alternate protective panel  20 , according to the alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The alternate protective panel  20  comprises the transparent pane  11  being encased within an alternate frame  22 . Said alternate frame  22  comprises similar construction and materials as the previously described preferred frame  12 ; however, said alternate frame  22  provides additional means of attachment to other flat screen monitors  60 . Said alternate frame  22  further comprises a pair of alternate hooks  23 , a pivoting clamp  24 , and a stationary clamp  25 . The alternate hooks  23  comprise similar construction and function as the previously described preferred embodiment clamps  13  being integrally-molded into a top edge of the alternate frame  22 . The stationary clamp  25  preferably comprises an “L”-shaped appendage being an integrally-molded feature at an intermediate position along a vertical side portion of the alternate frame  22  and being positioned opposite a location of the pivoting clamp  24 . The stationary clamp  25  comprises a rigid rearwardly extending “L”-shaped appendage while the pivoting clamp  24  provides a rotational means via an alternate hinge portion  30  in a similar manner as the previously described swing clip  14 . The pivoting clamp  24  and the stationary clamp  25  both comprise respective threaded clamping spindle portions  27  being threadingly attached to an outward leg of each clamp  24 ,  25 . Said spindle  27  comprises a threaded shaft portion further comprising a soft non-marring hemispherical pad  29  affixed to a proximal end, and a common thumb grip  28  appendage at a distal end. In use, the spindle  27  is digit-operated to apply a clamping force to the flat screen monitor  60  via contact of the pad  29  against a rear surface. Said spindle  27  allows each of the clamps  24 ,  25  to function in a manner similar to a conventional “C”-clamp-type device to secure the alternate protective panel  20  to the flat screen monitor  60 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the device  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 , or alternately as indicated in  FIG. 5 . 
     The method of utilizing the preferred device  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring a model of the device  10  having suitable width and height dimensions which match said dimensions of an existing flat panel monitor  60  onto which the device  10  is to be applied; rotating the swing clips  14  to a forward position so as to clear side portions of the monitor  60 ; lowering the device  10  over an upper edge portion of the monitor  60 ; allowing engagement of the hooks  13 , thereby establishing an installed vertical position of the device  10 ; laterally centering the device  10  upon the monitor  60 ; rotating the swing clips  14  rearwardly around each vertical side portion of the housing of the monitor  60 ; flexing and expanding said swing clips  14  to enable insertion of edge portions of the monitor  60  within the arcuate portion of the swing clips  14 ; releasing each swing clip  14  against the rear surface of the monitor  60 ; establishing a stable high-friction contact between the foot portions  17  of said swing clip  14  and said monitor  60 ; and, benefiting from improved protection of a flat panel monitor  60  afforded a user of the present invention  10 . 
     The method of utilizing the alternate protective panel  20  may be achieved by performing the following additional steps: rotating each pivoting clamp  24  outwardly; threadingly retracting each spindle  27  to obtain sufficient clearance using the thumb grips  28 ; sliding the alternate device  20  in a lateral until the corresponding side portion of the monitor  60  is inserted within an open side portion of the stationary clamp  25 ; lowering the alternate protective panel  20  allowing the alternate hooks  23  to rest upon a top portion of the monitor  60 ; ensuring that the alternate protective panel  20  is laterally centered over the monitor  60 ; rotating the pivoting clamp  24  rearwardly about the alternate hinge  30  to engage the corresponding side edge portion of the monitor  60 ; and, securing the alternate protective panel  20  to the monitor  60  by manually rotating each spindle  27  in a clockwise direction using the thumb grip portions  28  until finger-tight. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.