Patent Publication Number: US-2005133677-A1

Title: Apparatus and method for supporting an electronic visual display

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
      The present invention relates generally to furniture, and more specifically to an apparatus for supporting television monitors, plasma screens, computer monitors, motorized projection screens and/or other electronic visual displays, wherein the apparatus comprises apertures and channels for managing and concealing electrical cables and wires.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      With recent innovations and advancements in technology, electronic visual displays, such as televisions and computer monitors, are becoming increasingly thinner and more affordable. Because such ultra-thin visual displays have become more prevalent, the need for furniture specifically adapted to support such displays has grown accordingly. Unfortunately, conventional entertainment units are generally unsuitable to support such thin screen media, as the sheer depth and size of such entertainment units are typically more suited for accommodating conventional tube televisions and the like.  
      Additionally, because flat screen monitors usually possess a height much greater than their base, such monitors are typically unstable and, as such, are susceptible to tipping over. Although, pedestals specifically designed to support flat screen monitors are available, as are support brackets for wall-mounting flat screen televisions, such support devices have not been incorporated into existing furniture pieces to facilitate accommodation of flat screen displays therewithin.  
      Furthermore, current support mechanisms do not provide a sufficient means for managing and/or concealing the numerous electrical cables and wires needed to power and support the audiovisual display. Unfortunately, the integration of audiovisual accessories significantly exacerbates the problem. For example, to wall mount a flat screen, holes must typically be drilled into the wall to conceal power, cable, DVD, VCR, stereo, camera and/or video game console wires and cables. Moreover, several such holes may be necessary to receive wiring and cabling from additional electronic devices.  
      Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for an apparatus for supporting an electronic visual display, and for managing and concealing the numerous cables and wires associated therewith. Furthermore, there is a need for such an apparatus that enables easy installation and integration of electronic accessories and their associated wire connections.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing an apparatus for supporting electronic visual displays, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of apertures and channels for managing and concealing electrical cables and wires.  
      According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is an apparatus for supporting television monitors, plasma screens, computer monitors, motorized projection screens and/or other electronic visual displays, wherein an A/V connector plate is provided to integrate auxiliary electronic devices, and wherein apertures and channels are provided to manage and conceal the cables and wires needed to support the electronic visual display.  
      More specifically, the apparatus possesses a first aperture to permit cables and wires to traverse therethrough, wherein a plurality of smaller apertures are formed around the first aperture for receiving mounting screws therein, and wherein the electronic visual display is mounted over the first aperture. A horizontally elongated recess is situated on a lower rear portion of the apparatus, wherein a power outlet and audiovisual source, namely a television antenna, satellite dish or cable outlet, are located proximal to the recess when the apparatus is secured to a wall surface. The apparatus also possesses an A/V connector plate for connecting auxiliary electronic devices to the electronic visual display, power source, and/or audiovisual source.  
      A first channel is disposed on the apparatus to connect the recess to the first aperture, thereby permitting wires and cables to connect the electronic visual display to the power source and/or audiovisual source disposed on the wall surface. A second channel is disposed on the apparatus to connect the recess to the A/V connector plate, thereby permitting wires and cables to connect selected auxiliary electronic devices to the electronic visual display, power source, and/or audiovisual source disposed on the wall surface.  
      Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to mount and display an electronic visual display, yet effectively manage and conceal the cables and wires needed to power and support the electronic visual display.  
      Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ease of assembly.  
      Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to permit the integration of auxiliary electronic devices, such as VCRs, DVD players, stereos, cameras, and/or video game consoles, yet effectively manage and conceal associated cables and wires.  
      These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Selected Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:  
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and  
       FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the rear panel is disengaged from the apparatus. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS  
      In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3 , the present invention in a preferred embodiment is an apparatus  10  for displaying a television monitor M on a wall surface W; however, it is contemplated in an alternative embodiment that apparatus  10  could be utilized to display other electronic devices and equipment, such as, for exemplary purposes only, plasma screens, computer monitors, motorized projection screens, and/or audio speakers. It is also contemplated that apparatus could be utilized to display a television monitor M on adjacent wall surfaces, on a ceiling surface or on adjacent ceiling and wall surfaces. Apparatus  10  generally preferably comprises front panel  20 , middle portion  50  and rear panel  150 . More specifically, front panel  20  preferably comprises front side  21 , rear side  23 , top edge  22 , bottom edge  24 , left edge  26  and right edge  28 , wherein front panel  20  is preferably in the form of a rectangular wooden board with a veneer or laminate finish. It is recognized that front panel  20  could alternatively embody other suitable shapes and could be formed from other suitable materials, such as, for exemplary purposes only, particle board, tin, aluminum, plastic, or other strong, rigid, yet relatively lightweight materials.  
      Preferably formed on upper portion  25  of front panel  20  is aperture  30 , wherein aperture  30  is preferably centrally positioned between left edge  26  and right edge  28 . Preferably, aperture  30  is rectangular-shaped and comprises corners  32 ,  34 ,  36  and  38 , wherein circular-shaped apertures  40 ,  42 ,  44  and  46  are disposed proximal to corners  32 ,  34 ,  36  and  38 , respectively, for receiving mounting screws therein, as more fully described below. It is recognized that apertures  30 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44  and  46  could alternatively embody other suitable shapes and could be situated anywhere on front panel  20 , so long as a mounting bracket may be mounted over aperture  30  for purposes more fully described below.  
      Preferably, middle portion  50  of apparatus  10  is in the form of a rectangular board comprising front side  52 , rear side  54 , top edge  56 , bottom edge  58 , left edge  60  and right edge  62 . Preferably, the width of top and bottom edges  56  and  58 , respectively, of middle portion  50  are approximately equal to the width of top and bottom edges  22  and  24 , respectively, of front panel  20 ; the length of left and right edges  60  and  62 , respectively, of middle portion  50  are approximately five inches shorter than the length of left and right edges  26  and  28 , respectively, of front panel  20 ; and the thickness of middle portion  50  is approximately three times the thickness of front panel  20 . Middle portion  50  is preferably formed from recycled cardboard; however, it is contemplated that middle portion  50  could alternatively be formed from other suitable materials, such as, for exemplary purposes only wood, particle board, cork, expanded polystyrene, or other relatively strong, lightweight materials.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 3 , preferably formed on upper middle region  51  of middle portion  50  are apertures  61 ,  63 ,  64 ,  66  and  68 , wherein apertures  61 ,  63 ,  64 ,  66  and  68  are substantially identical to apertures  30 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44  and  46 , formed on front panel  20 , and wherein apertures  61 ,  63 ,  64 ,  66  and  68  are substantially aligned with apertures  30 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44  and  46  when top edge  22  of front panel  20  is aligned with top edge  56  of middle portion  50 , as more fully described below.  
      Preferably disposed on lower portion  53  of rear side  54  of middle portion  50  is substantially rectangular-shaped recess  70 . Preferably, recess  70  is centrally positioned between left edge  60  and right edge  62  of middle portion  50 , and situated approximately  5  inches from bottom edge  58 . It is recognized that recess  70  could alternatively embody other suitable shapes and/or sizes, and that any number of recesses  70  could be situated in any suitable configuration on apparatus  10 , so long as recess  70  accommodates for electrical outlets and plugs to pass through and permit apparatus  10  to stand flush against wall surface W, as more fully described below. Preferably, recess  70  is horizontally elongated to increase the lateral area in which apparatus  10  may be positioned on wall surface W to accommodate for outlets and plugs.  
      Preferably, channel  80  is disposed on rear side  54  of middle portion  50 , wherein channel  80  is centrally positioned between left edge  60  and right edge  62  of middle portion  50 , and wherein channel  80  extends from aperture  61  to recess  70 . It is recognized that channel  80  could be alternatively situated at any suitable position on apparatus  10 , so long as cables, wires and/or other similar electrical conductors can extend from aperture  61 , through channel  80 , and into recess  70 , as more fully described below.  
      Preferably, horizontal channel  90  is disposed on lower portion  53  of rear side  54  of middle portion  50 , wherein channel  90  extends from left edge  60  to right edge  62 . It is recognized in an alternate embodiment that channel  90  could be situated at any suitable position on apparatus  10 , so long as cables and wires can extend from channel  90  to aperture  61 , as more fully described below.  
      Preferably disposed on rear side  54  of middle portion  50  are vertical slits  100  and  102 . Preferably, slits  100  and  102  are disposed through channel  90 , wherein slit  100  is disposed proximate to left edge  60  of middle portion  50 , and wherein slit  102  is disposed proximate to right edge  62  of middle portion  50 . Slits  100  and  102  are preferably configured to receive and retain blank plate  110  and A/V connector plate  120  via frictional fit, wherein slit  100  preferably possesses blank plate  110 , and wherein slit  102  preferably possesses A/V connector plate  120 . It is recognized that slit  100  could possess blank plate  110  or A/V connector plate  120 , and slit  102  could possess blank plate  110  or A/V connector plate  120 . Moreover, it is recognized that although blank plate  110  and A/V connector plate  120  are preferably removably secured to middle portion  50 , blank plate  110  and A/V connector plate  120  could be permanently affixed to middle portion  50 .  
      Preferably, blank plate  110  is provided to cover and seal channel  90 , wherein blank plate  110  is in the form of a rectangular-shaped piece of wood. It is recognized, however, that blank plate  110  could alternatively embody other suitable shapes and/or sizes, and could be formed from other suitable materials, such as, for exemplary purposes only particle board, cardboard, aluminum, tin, or plastic.  
      A/V connector plate  120  is preferably a thin rectangular plate possessing a plurality of A/V connection ports, as is known within the art, for connecting auxiliary electronic devices to television monitor M, as more fully described below. It is recognized that A/V connector plate  120  could also possess supplemental power outlets and/or a cable outlet to connect auxiliary electronic devices to a power source and/or an audiovisual source, as more fully described below. It is further contemplated that apparatus  10  could possess any number and configuration of A/V connection ports, cable outlets and/or supplemental power outlets. Although apparatus  10  preferably comprises A/V connector plate  120  disposed on a lower outer portion of apparatus  10 , it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that apparatus  10  could possess any number of A/V connector plates  120  situated in any suitable configuration on apparatus  10 .  
      Preferably, channel  130  is disposed on rear side  54  of middle portion  50 , wherein channel  130  is centrally positioned between left edge  60  and right edge  62  of middle portion  50 , and wherein channel  130  extends from channel  90  to recess  70 . It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that channel  130  could be situated at any suitable position on apparatus  10 , so long as cables and wires can extend from channel  90  to recess  70 , as more fully described below. Furthermore, although apparatus  10  preferably comprises channels  80 ,  90 , and  130 , it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that apparatus  10  could comprise any number of channels, situated in any suitable configuration within apparatus  10 , so long as wires and/or cables are able to traverse channels connecting recess  70  to aperture  61  and/or A/V connector plate  120 , and so long as wires and/or cables are able to traverse channels connecting aperture  61  to A/V connector plate  120 .  
      Preferably, rear side  54  of middle portion  50  further possesses threaded screw holes  140 ,  142 ,  144  and  146  for attaching middle portion  50  to rear panel  150 , as more fully described below. Preferably, screw hole  140  is disposed on upper left portion  71  of rear side  54 , screw hole  142  is disposed on upper right portion  73  of rear side  54 , screw hole  144  is disposed on bottom left portion  75  of rear side  54 , and screw hole  146  is disposed on lower right portion  77  of rear side  54 . It is recognized that middle portion  50  could comprise any number of screw holes, situated in any suitable configuration on rear side  54 , so long as rear panel  150  can be removably secured to middle portion  50 , as more fully described below.  
      Preferably, rear panel  150  is in the form of a rectangular board comprising front side  152 , rear side  154 , top edge  156 , bottom edge  158 , left edge  160  and right edge  162 . Preferably, rear panel  150  is preferably substantially identical to front panel  20 , wherein the width of top and bottom edges  156  and  158  of rear panel  150  are approximately equal to the width of top and bottom edges  22  and  24  of front panel  20 ; however, the length of left and right edges  160  and  162  of rear panel  150  are preferably approximately five inches shorter than the length of left and right edges  26  and  28  of front panel  20 . It is recognized that rear panel  150  could alternatively embody other suitable shapes and/or sizes, and that rear panel  150  could be formed from other suitable materials, such as, for exemplary purposes only, particle board, tin, aluminum, plastic, or other strong, rigid, yet relatively lightweight materials.  
      Preferably formed on upper middle portion  151  of rear panel  150  are apertures  170 ,  172 ,  174 ,  176  and  178 , wherein apertures  170 ,  172 ,  174 ,  176  and  178  are substantially identical to apertures  30 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44  and  46 , respectively, formed on front panel  20 . Preferably, when top edge  156  of rear panel  150  is aligned with top edge  22  of front panel  20  and top edge  56  of middle portion  50 , as more fully described below, apertures  170 ,  172 ,  174 ,  176  and  178 , formed on rear panel  150 , align with apertures  30 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44  and  46 , respectively, formed on front panel  20 , and apertures  61 ,  63 ,  64 ,  66  and  68 , respectively, formed on middle portion  50 , to form throughholes  180 ,  184 ,  186 ,  188  and  190 , respectively, for purposes more fully described below. Preferably, throughholes  180 ,  184 ,  186 ,  188  and  190 , and associated apertures formed on front panel  20 , middle portion  50  and rear panel  150 , are positioned at selected distances from one another depending on the location of the mounting screw apertures disposed on the selected associated mounting plate, as more fully described below. It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that apparatus  10  could possess any number of apertures and throughholes, situated in any suitable configuration on apparatus  10 , so long as apparatus  10  can be mounted to wall surface W and so long as wires and cables can be passed through and out of apparatus  10 .  
      Aperture  200  is preferably centrally disposed on lower portion  153  of rear panel  150 , wherein aperture  200  is preferably dimensioned and positioned to engage recess  20  when top edge  156  of rear panel  150  is aligned with top edge  56  of middle portion  50 , as more fully described below. Aperture  200 , in combination with recess  20 , preferably accommodates for electrical outlets and plugs to pass therethrough and permit apparatus  10  to stand flush against wall surface W.  
      Preferably, rear panel  150  further possesses apertures  210 ,  212 ,  214  and  216  for attaching rear panel  150  to middle portion  50 , as more fully described below, wherein apertures  210 ,  212 ,  214  and  216  are dimensioned and positioned to engage screw holes  140 ,  142 ,  144  and  146 , formed on middle portion  50 , when top edge  156  of rear panel  150  is aligned with top edge  56  of middle portion  50 , as more fully described below. It is recognized that rear panel  150  could comprise any number of apertures, situated in any suitable configuration on rear panel  150 , so long as rear panel  150  can be removably secured to middle portion  50 , as more fully described below.  
      Front panel  20  is preferably permanently attached to middle portion  50 , wherein top edge  22  of front panel  20  is preferably aligned with top edge  56  of middle portion  50 . Rear side  23  of front panel  20  is preferably glued to front side  52  of middle portion  50 ; although it is recognized that other suitable fasteners could alternatively be utilized, such as, for exemplary purposes only, screws, rivets, bolts, nails, rubber cement, or other suitable adhesives.  
      After the appropriate wires and cables are set into place, as more fully described below, rear panel  150  is preferably removably secured to middle portion  50 , wherein top edge  156  of rear panel  150  is preferably aligned with top edge  56  of middle portion  50 . Preferably, screws are inserted into apertures  210 ,  212 ,  214  and  216 , formed on rear panel  150 , to removably secure front side  152  of rear panel  150  to rear side  54  of middle portion  50 ; however, it is recognized that other suitable fasteners could be utilized, such as, for exemplary purposes only, a tab and slot engagement.  
      Referring back to  FIG. 2 , and with continued reference to  FIG. 3 , notch  220  is preferably disposed on lower rear portion  11  of apparatus  10 , wherein notch  220  preferably accommodates for base trim and or floor molding on wall surface W, if present, to permit apparatus  10  to stand flush against a wall surface.  
      Now referring back to  FIG. 1 , with continued reference to  FIG. 3 , after the appropriate wires and cables are set into place, as more fully described below, a flat screen television monitor or plasma screen mounting plate P is preferably affixed to front panel  20  of apparatus  10  via insertion of mounting screws S through mounting plate P and into throughholes  184 ,  186 ,  188  and  190 , wherein mounting screws S preferably extend passed apertures  170 ,  172 ,  174 ,  176  and  178 , formed on rear panel  150 , and into wall surface W, thereby anchoring and removably securing apparatus  10  to wall surface W. Preferably, mounting plate P is a conventional attachment plate for mounting a flat screen television monitor or plasma screen to a wall surface, as is known within the art. Mounting plate P is typically included with the purchase of a flat screen television monitor or plasma screen. Subsequently, television monitor M is preferably removably secured to mounting plate P. It is contemplated in an alternative embodiment that other suitable fasteners for mounting television monitor M to apparatus  10  and for affixing apparatus  10  to wall surface W could be utilized, such as, for exemplary purposes only, brackets, nails, bolts, rivets, dowels, and the like.  
      To operate apparatus  10 , first wire set C 1  is preferably utilized to connect television monitor M to a power and/or audiovisual source, second wire set C 2  is preferably utilized to connect television monitor M to A/V connector plate  120 , and third wire set C 3  is preferably utilized to connect A/V connector plate  120  to the power and/or audiovisual source. Prior to attaching rear panel  150  to middle portion  50 , and prior to mounting apparatus  10  to wall surface W, first wire set C 1 , second wire set C 2  and third wire set C 3  are preferably appropriately positioned within apparatus  10 , as more fully described below.  
      Preferably, to connect television monitor M to a power and/or audiovisual source, first wire set C 1  is inserted into throughhole  180 , wherein first wire set C 1  is subsequently passed through channel  80  and into recess  70 . Television monitor M is preferably mounted proximal to throughhole  180 . Preferably, a power outlet and audiovisual source, preferably an antenna, satellite dish or cable outlet, are located proximal to recess  70  when apparatus  10  is secured to wall surface W.  
      Preferably, to connect television monitor M to A/V connector plate  120 , second wire set C 2  is inserted into throughhole  180 , wherein second wire set C 2  is subsequently passed through channel  80 , recess  70 , channel  130  and into channel  90 . Preferably, to connect A/V connector plate  120  to the power and/or audiovisual source disposed on wall surface W, third wire set C 3  is inserted into recess  70 , wherein third wire set C 3  is subsequently passed through channel  130  and into channel  90 .  
      It is contemplated that any number and configuration of cables and/or wires could be utilized to connect and integrate the various electronic devices, or that apparatus  10  could possess built-in cables and wires to connect the various electronic devices. Preferably, rear panel  150  is removably secured to middle portion  50  to enclose the wires and cables, wherein screws are inserted into throughholes  210 ,  212 ,  214  and  216  formed on rear panel  150 .  
      In an alternate embodiment, apparatus  10  could lack rear panel  150 .  
      In another alternate embodiment, apparatus  10  could embody a unitary structure possessing apertures and channels for managing and concealing cables and wires therein.  
      In yet another alternate embodiment, apparatus  10  could embody other suitable shapes, such as, for exemplary purposes only, pyramidal, diamond, elliptical or semicircle.  
      In yet still another alternate embodiment, apparatus  10  possesses a decorative trim, wherein the decorative trim is disposed on a top wall, a left sidewall and a right sidewall of apparatus  10 .  
      In yet still another further alternate embodiment, apparatus  10  could be configured to display more than one electronic visual display.  
      In still another alternate embodiment, apparatus  10  could possess mounting plates or apertures for audio speakers.  
      In still a further alternate embodiment, apparatus  10  could possess appendages such as shelves and cabinets.  
      In still another alternate embodiment, apparatus  10  could possess any number and configuration of channels for managing and concealing cables and wires.  
      In yet a further alternate embodiment, apparatus  10  could possess any number and configuration of A/V connector plates and associated channels for connecting the electronic visual display to auxiliary electronic devices.  
      In still a further alternate embodiment, apparatus  10  could be configured to stand or hang without the support of a wall surface.  
      Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.