Patent Publication Number: US-2022232188-A1

Title: Television monitor with dual configuration support assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/139,060, filed Jan. 19, 2021, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to stands for televisions or other visual displays such as video and computer monitors, and more specifically, to stands that have multiple configurations, such as a wall-mountable configuration and a free-standing configuration. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Consumers often wish to have the option of configuring televisions or other video monitors in different locations and in different ways depending on the size of the monitor, the room it is placed in, and the available furniture. It is sometimes desirable to allow the monitor to stand freely on a table, or an entertainment center. It may also be desirable to mount the monitor on a wall. In cases where the monitor is part of an audio-visual system, an audio device such as a soundbar may be provided and may require different placement relative to the monitor and/or additional hardware in the different configurations. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a television monitor assembly that can be reconfigured in free-standing and wall-mountable configurations and which reduces the amount of support hardware required for both configurations. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a television monitor assembly is provided. The television monitor assembly comprises a television monitor having a height defining a monitor height axis and a width defining a monitor width axis, the television monitor further comprising a front surface and a rear surface spaced apart along a monitor thickness axis. The television monitor assembly also comprises a first pair of support members, comprising a first base member and a first vertical member, the first base member having a first base member length defining a first base member length axis, a first base member width defining a first base member width axis, and a first base member thickness defining a first base member thickness axis, wherein the first base member length is greater than the first base member width and the first base member thickness. The television monitor assembly further comprises a second pair of support members comprising a second base member and a second vertical member. the second base member having a second base member length defining a second base member length axis, a second base member width defining a second member width axis, and a second base member thickness defining a second base member thickness axis, wherein the second base member length is greater than the second base member width and the second base member thickness. The television monitor assembly has (i) a free-standing configuration in which the first vertical member and the second vertical member are attached to the rear surface of the television monitor such that the first vertical member length axis is substantially parallel to the monitor height axis, the second vertical member length axis is substantially parallel to the monitor height axis, the first vertical member is spaced apart from the second vertical member along the monitor width axis, the first base member is attached to the first vertical member such that the first base member length axis is substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the monitor, and the second base member is attached to the second vertical member such that the length of the second base member is substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the monitor, and (ii) a wall-mountable configuration, in which the first vertical member and the second vertical member are attached to the rear surface of the television monitor such that the first vertical member length axis is substantially parallel to the monitor height axis, the second vertical member length axis is substantially parallel to the monitor height axis, and the first vertical member is spaced apart from the second vertical member along the monitor width axis. In some examples, when the television monitor assembly is in the wall-mountable configuration, the first base member is attached to the first vertical member such that the first base member length axis is substantially parallel to the monitor width axis, and the second base member is attached to the second vertical member such that the second base member length axis is substantially parallel to the monitor width axis. In certain examples, an audio-visual system is provided which comprises the television monitor assembly and a soundbar, wherein when the television monitor assembly is in the free-standing configuration, the soundbar is selectively attachable to the upper surface of the first base member and the upper surface of the second base member. In the same or other examples, when the television monitor assembly is in the wall-mountable configuration, the soundbar is selectively attachable to the bottom surface of the first base member and the bottom surface of the second base member. 
     In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, a television monitor assembly is provided which comprises a television monitor, a first base member, a second base member, a first vertical member, and a second vertical member, wherein the television monitor assembly has (i) a free-standing configuration in which the first base member is attached to the first vertical member to define a first spatial orientation between the first base member and the first vertical member and a first spatial orientation between the first base member and the television monitor, the second base member is attached to the second vertical member to define a first spatial orientation between the second base member and the second vertical member and a first spatial orientation between the second base member and the television monitor, and (ii) a wall-mountable configuration in which the first base member is attached to the first vertical member to define a second spatial orientation between the first base member and the first vertical member and a second spatial orientation between the second base member and the television monitor, and in which the second base member is attached to the second vertical member to define a second spatial orientation between the second base member and the second vertical member and a second spatial orientation between the second base member and the television monitor. In certain examples, an audio-visual system comprising the television monitor assembly and a soundbar is provided, wherein in the free-standing configuration, the soundbar is attached to the first base member and the second base member to define a first spatial orientation between the soundbar and the first base member and a first spatial orientation between the soundbar and the second base member, and in the wall-mountable configuration, the soundbar is attached to the first base member and the second base member to define a second spatial orientation between the soundbar and the first base member and a second spatial orientation between the soundbar and the second base member. 
     In accordance with a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method of mounting a free-standing television monitor assembly on a wall is provided, wherein the free-standing television monitor assembly comprises a television monitor having a front surface and a rear surface, a first vertical member attached to the rear surface of the television monitor, and a second vertical member attached to the rear surface of the television monitor, wherein the first vertical member has a first vertical member first end and a first vertical member second end spaced apart along a first vertical member length axis, the second vertical member has a second vertical member first end and a second vertical member second end spaced apart along a second vertical member length axis, the first vertical member second end is spaced apart from the television monitor along the first vertical member length axis, and the second vertical member second end is spaced apart from the television monitor along the second vertical member length axis, the first vertical member second end is attached to a first base member, the first base member having a first base member length defining a first base member length axis, and wherein the second vertical member second end is attached to a second base member having a second base member length defining a second base member length axis, wherein the first base member length axis is substantially perpendicular to the television monitor front surface, and the second base member length axis is substantially perpendicular to the television monitor front surface. The method comprises detaching the first base member from the first vertical member; detaching the second base member from the second vertical member; attaching the first base member to the first vertical member such that the first base member length axis is substantially parallel to the television monitor front surface; attaching the second base member to the second vertical member such that the second base member length axis is substantially parallel to the television monitor front surface; and attaching the rear surface of the television monitor to the wall. 
     In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a television monitor assembly is provided which comprises a television monitor having a height defining a monitor height axis and a width defining a monitor width axis, the television monitor further comprising a front surface and a rear surface spaced apart along a monitor thickness axis. The television monitor assembly also includes a first support comprising a first base member and a first vertical member, the first base member having a first base member length defining a first base member length axis, a first base member width defining a first base member width axis, and a first base member thickness defining a first base member thickness axis, wherein the first base member length is greater than the first base member width and the first base member thickness. The television monitor assembly also includes a second support comprising a second base member and a second vertical member, the second base member having a second base member length defining a second base member length axis, a second base member width defining a second member width axis, and a second base member thickness defining a second base member thickness axis, wherein the second base member length is greater than the second base member width and the second base member thickness, wherein the television monitor assembly has (i) a free-standing configuration in which the first support is attached to the television monitor such that the first base member length axis and the second base member length axis are substantially perpendicular to the monitor width axis; and (ii) a wall-mounted configuration in which the second support is attached to the television monitor such that the first base member length axis and the second base member length axis are substantially parallel to the monitor width axis, In certain examples, the first support is integrally formed to comprise the first base member and the first vertical member, and the second support is integrally formed to comprise the second base member, and the second vertical member. In other examples, the first support member comprises a first support assembly that includes the first base member and the first vertical member, and the second support comprises a second support assembly that includes the second base member and the second vertical member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a television monitor assembly in a first free-standing configuration; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an audio-visual system comprising the television monitor assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the television monitor assembly of  FIG. 1  in a second free-standing configuration; 
         FIG. 4A  is a first perspective view of a first monitor support assembly in a free-standing configuration; 
         FIG. 4B  is a second perspective view of the first monitor support assembly of  FIG. 4A  with a cable management clip; 
         FIG. 4C  is a top plan view of the first vertical member of  FIGS. 4A and 4B ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a first perspective view of a first support assembly in wall-mountable configuration; 
         FIG. 5B  is a partial, second perspective view of the first support assembly of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6  is the television monitor assembly of  FIG. 1  in a wall-mounted configuration; 
         FIG. 7  is the audiovisual system of  FIG. 2  in a wall-mounted configuration; 
         FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a television monitor assembly in a first free-standing configuration; 
         FIGS. 9A-9B  are close-up views of a portion of the television monitor assembly of  FIG. 8  showing the installation of a first support in an uninstalled and installed first free-standing configuration used when no soundbar is attached to the first support; 
         FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of the television monitor assembly of  FIG. 8  in a first wall-mounted configuration prior to attachment of an audio device to the first and second supports; 
         FIG. 11A  is a side elevation of the television monitor assembly of  FIG. 8  in a first wall-mounted configuration with an attached audio device in which the audio device projects further away from the television monitor relative to a second wall-mounted configuration; 
         FIGS. 11B-11C  are close-up views of the rear of the television monitor assembly of  FIG. 8  showing the installation of a first support in the first wall-mounted configuration; 
         FIGS. 11D-11E  are close-up side elevation views of the television monitor assembly of  FIG. 8  showing the installation of a retention bracket in the first wall-mounted configuration; 
         FIG. 12A  is a side elevation view of the television monitor assembly of  FIG. 8  in a second wall-mounted configuration with an attached audio device in which the audio device is recessed further toward the rear of the television monitor relative to the first wall-mounted configuration; 
         FIGS. 12B-12C  are close-up views of the rear of the television monitor assembly of  FIG. 8  showing the installation of a first support in the second wall-mounted configuration; 
         FIGS. 13A-13C  are close-up perspective views of the first support of the television monitor assembly of  FIG. 8  showing the installation of a retention bracket used in the first and second wall-mounted configurations; and 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded view of a cable clip and audio device-support bracket used to support an audio device when the television monitor assembly of  FIG. 8  is in the first and second wall-mounted configurations. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts when referring to the drawings herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As discussed below, the present disclosure provides television monitor assemblies that are configurable from one or more wall-mounted configurations to one or more free-standing configurations. In preferred examples, the television monitor assemblies comprise first and second supports that comprise a vertical member and a base member, and the supports are adjustably configurable to provide the one or more wall-mounted and one or more free-standing television monitor assembly configurations. As compared to known television monitor assemblies, the examples of such reconfigurable television monitor assemblies described herein reduce the amount of hardware required to provide free-standing and wall-mounted televisions and to attach audio devices, in particular soundbars, to the television monitor assembly. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a television monitor assembly  10  is depicted which has both free-standing and wall-mounted configurations. More specifically, television monitor assembly  10  that has a support assembly  34  that can be reconfigured into a free-standing and wall-mountable configuration. Support assembly  34  comprises first support subassembly  36  and second support subassembly  42 . The spatial orientation between the support assembly  34  components is different in the free-standing and wall-mountable configurations. The television monitor assembly  10  may be used with an audio device  80  to define an audio-visual system  15 . In certain examples, the spatial orientation between the sound bar and the television is the same in the free-standing and wall-mountable configurations. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  a television monitor assembly  10  is provided. The television monitor assembly  10  comprises a television monitor  20  (which may be any type of video monitor or visual display) that includes a front surface  22  defining the viewing screen and a rear surface  24  (not visible) that includes a plurality of connectors for transmitting and receiving audio and video signals. The monitor  20  has a first end  30  spaced apart from a second end  32  along a monitor width axis m w  and a top surface  26  spaced apart from a bottom surface  28  along a monitor height axis m h . The front surface  22  and the rear surface  24  are spaced apart along a monitor thickness axis m t . The monitor  20  may receive video and/or audio signals from any conventional source such as a cable box, over the air antenna, a receiver, a CD player, an amplifier, a soundbar, a DVD player or a Blu-Ray Player. 
     Support assembly  34  is provided and in  FIG. 1  is assembled into a free-standing configuration that allows monitor  20  to stand without any lateral support from another piece of furniture or a wall. Support assembly  34  is subdivided into a first support assembly that comprises a first base member  38  and a first vertical member  40 , and a second support assembly that comprises a second base member  44  and a second vertical member  46 . The first base member  38  has a first end  60  spaced apart from a second end  62  (visible in  FIG. 4A ) along a base member length axis b l  and a bottom surface  56  spaced apart from an upper surface  58  along a base member thickness axis b t . A first base member first side wall  61  is spaced apart from a first base member second side wall  63  (not visible) along a first base member width axis b w . Similarly, second base member  44  has a first end  68  spaced apart from a second end  70  along the base member length axis b l , and a second base member bottom surface  64  spaced apart from a second base member upper surface  66  along base member thickness axis b t . Second base member first side wall  65  is spaced apart from second base member second side wall  67  (not visible) along the base member width axis b w . In the free-standing configuration of  FIG. 1 , the first base member  38  and second base member  44  are oriented with their length axes b l  perpendicular to monitor front surface  22 , monitor width axis m w , and monitor height axis m h  but parallel to monitor thickness axis m t . In addition to first and second base members  38 ,  44  and vertical members  40 ,  46  members, the support assembly  34  includes, and preferably consists exclusively of, two brackets and a plurality of fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, anchors, rivets, etc.). 
     As best seen in  FIG. 4C , first vertical member  40  has a hexagonal cross-sectional profile when viewed along the first vertical member length axis v l . First vertical member  40  has first end  41  ( FIGS. 4A,4B ) spaced apart from a second end  94  along a vertical member length axis v l , a front attachment surface  49   a  spaced apart from a rear attachment surface  49   b  along a vertical member thickness axis v t , and a first lateral side  43   a  spaced apart from a second lateral side  43   b  ( FIG. 4 c   ) along a vertical member width axis v w . First diagonal side  51   a  is spaced apart from second diagonal side  51   b  along a direction between the vertical member width axis v w  and the vertical member thickness axis v t , as are third diagonal side  53   a  and fourth diagonal side  54   b  relative to one another. Front attachment surface  49   a  has a plurality of openings  45   a,    45   b,  and  45   c  arranged along the vertical member length axis v l  which align with corresponding openings  47   a,    47   b,  and  47   c  on rear attachment surface  49   b  to receive fasteners (e.g., screws) that will connect first vertical member  40  to the rear surface  24  of video monitor  20 . Although not separately shown, second vertical member  46  has the same set of corresponding surfaces and axes and is identical to first vertical member  40 . 
     First base member  38  has a triangular shape when viewed in a direction along the base member length axis b l . When viewed along axis b l  first base member first side wall  61  slopes toward first base member second side wall  63  (not shown) when moving from bottom surface  56  to upper surface  58 . The second end  94  of first vertical member  40  is recessed along the vertical member length axis v l  in a direction toward first end  41  of vertical member  40 . The resulting recess cooperatively and abuttingly engages upper surface  58  and first and second side walls  61  and  63  of first base member  38 . As shown in  FIG. 5A , a plurality of openings  95   a - 95   f  are arranged along the bottom surface  56  of first base member  38  and align with corresponding openings in upper surface  58  of first base member  38  to receive fasteners that connect first base member  38  to first vertical member  40 . In the free-standing configuration of  FIG. 1 , second base member  44  is identically oriented in all respects to first base member  38  and engages second vertical member  46  in the same manner that first base member  38  engages first vertical member  40 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , second end  98  of second vertical member  46  is recessed and engages and connects to first and second side walls  65  and  67  (not shown) of second vertical member  46  in the same way that first vertical member second end  94  is recessed and engages and connects to first base member first side wall  61 , second side wall  63  and upper surface  58 . 
     The terms “length,” “width,” and “thickness” define different dimensions of a given member relative to other dimensions of that member. However, the length dimension of the first and second base members  38  and  44  is greater than both the width and thickness dimensions by a factor of least two, preferably at least eight, and more preferably at least ten. In the figures, the base members  38  and  44  are shaped like a triangular prism, however, other suitable shapes may be used. The vertical members have a hexagonal cross-section as best seen in  FIG. 4 c   . However, other suitable shapes may be used. When the term “axis” is used with respect to a particular dimension of a particular member herein, that axis stays fixed relative to the member even if the member&#39;s position or orientation changes relative to other components. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the same set of axes is used to refer to the length, widths, and thicknesses of both base members  38  and  44 . The same coordinate system is used to define the length, width, and thickness axes (v l , v w , v t ) of the vertical members  40 ,  46 . The labeling of the coordinate system indicates that the base member  38 ,  44  length axis b l  is parallel to the vertical member  40 ,  46  thickness axis v t , that the base member  38 ,  44  width axis b w  is parallel to the vertical member width axis v w , and that the base member thickness axis b t  is parallel to the vertical member length axis v l . The monitor coordinate system shows the relative relationship between the monitor width, height, and thickness axes m w , m h , and m t  and the base member and vertical member axes b w , v w , b t , v l , b l , v t . With respect to the monitor  20 , the terms “height” and “width” are used in their conventional sense when normally viewing the front surface  22 , and the thickness refers to the distance between the front surface  22  and rear surface  24 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , an audio-visual system  15  comprising the television monitor assembly  10  of  FIG. 1  and an elongated soundbar  80  is provided and is shown in a free-standing configuration. Elongated soundbar  80  has a first end  82  spaced apart from a second end  84  along a soundbar length axis that is parallel to the monitor width axis m w . Soundbar  80  has a bottom surface  86  spaced apart from an upper surface  88  along a soundbar height axis that is parallel to the monitor height axis m h . Soundbar  80  also has a front surface  83  spaced apart from a rear surface along a soundbar thickness axis that is parallel to the monitor thickness axis m t . A plurality of speaker drivers is arranged along the soundbar length axis and located behind the cover extending over soundbar  80 . The speaker drivers have median axes M that are parallel to the monitor thickness axis m t . In the free-standing configuration of  FIG. 2 , soundbar front surface  83  is spaced apart from monitor front surface  22  along the monitor thickness axis m t  and slightly below monitor bottom surface  28  along monitor height axis m h . Thus, the speaker drivers are spaced apart from the monitor  20  along the monitor thickness axis m t  and along the monitor height axis m h . The first base member  38  bottom surface  56  openings  95   a - 95   f  shown in  FIG. 5A  and corresponding openings in the upper surface  58  of base member  38  may be used to attach the first base member  38  to the soundbar  80  and may align with complementary openings in the bottom of the soundbar  80  housing to receive screws or other suitable fasteners. Second base member  44  is connected to soundbar  80  in the same way, albeit at a position spaced apart from the first base member  38  along the length axis of the soundbar  80  and the monitor width axis m w . 
       FIG. 3  shows the television monitor assembly of  FIG. 1  in a second free-standing configuration in which the bottom surface  28  of monitor  20  is closer to the first and second base member upper surfaces  58  and  66 . Soundbar  80  may still be attached to the first and second base members  38  and  44  in the manner described with respect to  FIG. 2 . However, soundbar  80  will not be spaced apart from monitor  20  along the monitor height axis m h  and may eclipse part of the front surface  22  of monitor  20 . Openings  45   a - 45   d  allow the first vertical member  40  to connect to different vertical positions along the rear surface  24  of the monitor  20 , and thereby alter the distance between the monitor bottom surface  28  and the first and second base member upper surfaces  58 ,  66  along the monitor height axis m h . 
       FIG. 6  depicts the television monitor assembly of  FIG. 1  in a wall-mounted configuration. Monitor  20  is connected to a wall using a known connection apparatus such as one compliant with the VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) standard for flat display mounting interfaces. The first and second vertical members  40  and  46  are attached to the rear surface  24  in the same manner as in  FIG. 1 . However, the spatial orientation between first base member  38  and first vertical member  40  is different in the wall-mounted configuration of  FIG. 6  than in the free-standing configuration of  FIG. 1 , as is the spatial orientation between second base member  44  and second vertical member  46 . In addition, the spatial orientation between first base member  38  and monitor  20  is different in the wall-mounted configuration of  FIG. 6  than in the free-standing configuration of  FIG. 1 , as is the spatial orientation between the second base member  44  and the monitor  20 . More specifically, in the wall-mounted configuration of  FIG. 6 , the bottom surface  56  of first base member  38  is parallel to the length axis v l  and the width axis v w  of first vertical member  40 . The bottom surface  56  is perpendicular to the first vertical member  40  thickness axis v t . In contrast, in the free-standing configuration of  FIG. 1 , first base member  38  bottom surface  56  is parallel to the first vertical member thickness axis v t , and width axis v w  and perpendicular to the first vertical member  40  length axis v l . Also, in the wall-mounted configuration of  FIG. 6 , the bottom surface  56  of first base member  38  is parallel to the monitor width axis m w  and the monitor height axis m h  and is perpendicular to the monitor thickness axis m t . The spatial orientations of the second base member  44  and second vertical member  46  are the same as those between the first base member  38  and first vertical member  40  in both the free-standing configuration of  FIG. 1  and the wall-mounted configuration of  FIG. 2 . The spatial orientations of the first and second base members  38  and  44  relative to their corresponding vertical members  40  and  46  and relative to the monitor  20  are the same regardless of whether the soundbar  80  is provided or not. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 6 , in some wall-mounted implementations, the soundbar  80  may be directly connected to the bottom surfaces  56 ,  64  of first and second base members  38  and  44 . However, in  FIG. 6  the first and second base members  38  and  44  are provided with respective brackets  100  and  106 . Bracket  100  has a connection portion  102  and a support portion  104 . The connection portion  102  is parallel and connected to first base member  38  bottom surface  56  by fastener  114  (which extends through an opening in connection portion  102  and opening  95   b  in the bottom surface  56  of first base member  38 . Bracket  106  has a corresponding connection portion  108  and supporting portion  110  as well as a fastener  112  that projects through an opening in connection portion  108  and a corresponding opening in the bottom surface  64  of second base member  44 . Support portions  104  and  110  project away from the first and second base members  38 ,  44  in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surfaces  56 ,  64  and parallel to the height axis b y  of the first and second base members  38 ,  44 . 
     The soundbar  80  rests on support portions  104  and  110  and may be connected to them by appropriate fasteners. The positions of the brackets  100  and  106  along the monitor length axis m l  may be adjusted as desired to different support locations along the length axis of the soundbar  80 .  FIG. 7  shows an audiovisual system in which soundbar  80  is installed on brackets  100  and  106 . As  FIGS. 1-3 and 6-7  indicate, the soundbar  80  may be connected to the television monitor assembly  10  in the same spatial orientation in both the free-standing and wall-mounted configurations. In addition, the monitor assembly need only be supplied with a support assembly  34  comprising a plurality of fasteners, first and second base members  38  and  44 , first and second vertical members  40  and  46  and brackets  100  and  106  to allow the monitor assembly to be connected to the soundbar in both the free-standing and wall-mounted configurations. Thus, monitor assemblies in accordance with the present disclosure minimize the support hardware needed to provide free-standing and wall-mounted audiovisual systems that include a soundbar. 
     A method of converting the free-standing monitor assembly of  FIG. 1  to the wall-mounted assembly of  FIG. 6  will now be described. In accordance with the method, first base member  38  is detached from first vertical member  40  such as by unscrewing screws that are positioned in one of the bottom surface  56  openings  95   a - 95   f  and a corresponding opening in second end  94  of first vertical member  40 . The second vertical member  46  is similarly detached from second base member  44 . The first base member  38  is then attached with its upper surface  58  abuttingly engaging the first attachment surface  49   a  of first vertical member  40 .  FIG. 5A  shows an example in which opening  95   f  in the bottom surface  56  of first base member  38  is attached to opening  45   a  on the front attachment surface  49   a.  The opening  45   a  ( FIG. 4A ) is recessed to a greater degree than openings  45   b - 45   d  to receive the upper surface  58  and a portion of the first base member side walls  61  and  63  (not shown). In  FIG. 6 , opening  95   d  in the bottom surface  56  of first base member  38  is aligned with opening  45   a  on first vertical member  40  and fastener  92  is inserted through the openings  45   a  and  95   d  to connect the first base member  38  to first vertical member  40 . In both  FIGS. 5A and 6  the bottom surface  56  of first base member  38  is parallel to the vertical member width axis v w , vertical member length axis v l , monitor width axis m w  and monitor height axis m h . Bottom surface  56  is perpendicular to vertical member thickness axis v t  as well as to monitor thickness axis m t . 
     Second base member  44  is then attached to second vertical member  46  in the same fashion as first base member  38  is attached to first vertical member  40 . The base member and vertical member pairs  38 ,  40  and  44 ,  46  are preferably configured so as to be symmetrical to one another but need not be. 
     The connection portion  102  of first bracket  100  is attached to the bottom surface  56  of first base member  38  as described previously, and connection portion  108  of second base member  44  is similarly connected to bottom surface  64  of second base member. Soundbar bottom surface  86  is attached to the support portions  104  and  110  of brackets  100  and  106  as described previously. Monitor  20  is attached to a wall using a suitable connection apparatus such as a VESA standard-compliant attachment mechanism. To put the monitor assembly in the free-standing configuration, the foregoing steps may be reversed. 
     In some optional configurations, one or more cable management clips may be provided to route monitor cables. The clips are preferably u-shaped and made of a resilient plastic that flex relative to one another and which are suitable for snap-fit engagement. As shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , cable management clip  90  may be snap-fit connected to the first vertical member  40  and/or second vertical member  46 . As shown in  FIG. 4B  a cable management clip  91  may be snap fit to the first base member  38  and/or second base member  44 . When in the free-standing configuration, the clip  91  is preferably provided on the portion of the first base member  38  that is behind the rear surface  24  of monitor  20  such that the rear surface  24  is between the clip  91  and the front surface  22  along the monitor thickness axis m t . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8-14  a second embodiment of a television monitor assembly  120  is depicted. Unless otherwise indicated, the features of the second embodiment which correspond to those of the first embodiment have reference numerals that are 100 plus the reference numeral of the first embodiment&#39;s corresponding feature. Television monitor assembly  120  comprises a television monitor  121  that has a front surface  122  and a rear surface  124 . Front surface  122  and rear surface  124  are spaced apart from one another along a monitor thickness axis m t . Television monitor  121  also has a top surface  126  spaced apart from a bottom surface  128  along a monitor height axis m h  and a width along a width axis m w  that is perpendicular to the monitor height axis m h  and the monitor thickness axis mt. Thus, the television monitor  121  will be described with reference to the same coordinate system m w , m h , m t  used to describe the first embodiment. 
     Television monitor assembly  120  includes support assembly  134  comprising first and second supports  136  and  142 . Supports  136  and  142  may be attached to the television monitor  121  in multiple ways to create wall-mounted and free-standing configurations. In the example of  FIG. 8 , the television monitor assembly  120  is in a free-standing configuration. In certain examples, in addition to the monitor  121  and the supports  136 , and  142 , the television monitor assembly  120  includes, and preferably consists exclusively of, two support brackets and a plurality of fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, anchors, rivets, etc.) to provide everything required to convert the assembly  120  to from one or more free-standing configurations to one or more wall-mounted configurations. 
     First support  136  includes a first base member  138  and a first vertical member  140 , and second support  142  includes a corresponding second base member  144  and second vertical member  146  ( FIG. 2 ). The first and second supports  136  and  142  will be described with reference to first support  136  as the two supports  136  and  142  have the same structure. 
     In a preferred example, and as shown in the figures, first support  136  is integrally formed to include first base member  138  and first vertical member  140  instead of using screws, bolts, or other fastening devices to mechanically connect the first base member  138  and the first vertical member  140 . Thus, in contrast to the first embodiment, the first base member  138  and first vertical member  140  are not reconfigurable relative to one another, but rather, maintain the same spatial orientation relative to one another regardless of whether the television monitor assembly  120  is in a free-standing or wall-mounted configuration. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , in the free-standing configuration the first base member  138  length axis b l  is perpendicular to the front surface  122  and rear surface  124  of the television monitor and to the monitor thickness axis m t , and the first base member width axis b w  is parallel to the monitor width axis m w . The first base member thickness axis b t  is parallel to the monitor height axis m h  and the vertical member height axis v h . The vertical member width axis v w  is parallel to the monitor width axis m w , and the vertical member thickness axis v t  is parallel to the monitor thickness axis m t .  FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate the attachment of first support  136  to monitor  121  in a first free-standing configuration. Television monitor  121  includes an opening  129  formed in the bottom surface  128  of monitor  121 . A recess is provided in the interior of monitor  121  to receive first vertical member  140  when it is inserted into opening  129  in a direction along the monitor height axis m h . In the first free-standing configuration the distance between the upper surface  158  of first base member  138  along the monitor height axis m h  and the first vertical member length axis v l  is reduced relative to a second configuration in which the distance is greater. Although an audio device such as soundbar  80  may be attached to the first and second base members  138  and  144  in the first free-standing configuration, the soundbar  80  would block a portion of the monitor front surface  122 . 
     Fastener openings  145   a - 145   c  are provided on a rear surface of first vertical member  140 . In the first free-standing configuration, the lower fastener openings  145   a  and  145   b  are aligned with corresponding openings  125   a  and  125   b  formed in the rear surface  124  of television monitor  121 . Fasteners  127   a  and  127   b  (such as screws) are inserted through a respective one of television monitor rear surface openings  125   a  and  125   b  and into a respective one of first vertical member fastener openings  145   a  and  145   b.  In the first free-standing configuration, an audio device is not attached to the first and second supports  136  and  142 . However, one could be attached. The spacing between the lower surface  128  of television monitor  121  and the base members  138  and  144  could cause the audio device to block a portion of the display. Television monitor  121  includes rear surface openings spaced apart from openings  125   a  and  125   b  along the monitor width axis m w  for attaching the second vertical member  146  of second support  142  to monitor  121 . 
     In the second free-standing configuration, the bottom surface  128  of television monitor  121  is spaced farther from upper surface  158  of first base member  138  than in the first free-standing configuration. In the second free-standing configuration, vertical member  140  attaches to monitor  121  in the same fashion as in the first free-standing configuration. However, instead of first vertical member fastener openings  145   a  and  145   b,  first vertical member fastener openings  145   b  and  145   c  are aligned with monitor rear surface openings  125   a  and  125   b.  Second support vertical member  146  is also attached to rear surface  124  of the monitor  121  as explained previously. In the second free-standing configuration an audio device such as sound bar  80  may be attached to the first base member  138  and a second base member  144  ( FIG. 10 ) of second support  142  such as by providing through holes in the base members  138  and  144  which align with openings in the bottom of the sound bar  80  to receive fasteners for holding the soundbar  80  to the first base member  138  and second base member  144 . The soundbar  80  bottom surface would rest on and abuttingly engage the respective upper surfaces  158  and  166  of first and second base members  138  and  144  ( FIG. 10 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , television monitor assembly  120  is shown in a wall-mounted configuration. In a wall-mounted configuration, supports  136  and  142  are attached to the television monitor  121  such that the length axis b l  of the first and second base members  138  and  144  is parallel to the monitor width axis m w . Cable management clips  190  and  191  are shown and are used to receive the various cables that connect the monitor  121  to external media devices such as DVD/Blu-Ray players and cable boxes. 
       FIG. 11A  shows an audio visual system comprising television monitor assembly  120  in a first wall-mounted configuration with a sound bar  80  attached thereto. In the first wall-mounted configuration, front surface  83  of soundbar  80  is spaced apart from television monitor front surface  122  along the monitor thickness axis m t  by a distance that is greater than in a second wall-mounted configuration described below. Referring to FIGS.  11 B and  11 C, in the first wall-mounted configuration, vertical member  140  is inserted into opening  129  in the bottom surface  128  of television monitor  121 . Openings  147   a  and  147   b  in vertical member  140  are aligned with television monitor rear surface openings  125   a  and  125   b  to receive fasteners (e.g., screws) to secure the vertical member  140  to the television monitor  121 . It is this positioning of the vertical member  140  relative to the television monitor  121  that positions the front surface  83  of audio device  80  farther from front surface  122  of television monitor  121  along the monitor thickness axis m t  relative to the second wall-mounted configuration. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11A , the audio visual system includes audio device support brackets, a first of which (support bracket  200 ) is shown. Support bracket  200  is L-shaped and comprises a support portion  204  and a connection portion  202 . 
     Support bracket  200  is shown in more detail in  FIG. 14 . An opening is formed in the support portion  204  of the support bracket  200  and is aligned with a corresponding opening (not shown) in a bottom surface of soundbar  80  and receives a fastener (such as a screw) for connecting the soundbar  80  to the support bracket  200 . Opening  214  in connection portion  202  receives fastener  215  and connects it to a support bracket engagement member  198  of cable management clip  190  via an opening (not separately labeled) in support bracket engagement member  198 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13A-C  and  14 , cable management clip  190  includes support bracket engagement member  198  and an L-shaped member  196  that is spaced apart rearwardly from the support bracket engagement member  198  along the first base member width axis b w . An upper portion of the L-shaped member  196  and support bracket engagement member  198  define an upper opening  197  that is in communication with an upper recess  194 . 
     L-shape member  196  has a lower surface  193  that is positioned beneath the upper surface  158  of first base member  138  when cable management clip  190  is in an installed condition on first base member  138  as shown in  FIGS. 13A-13C . Cables can be inserted through the upper opening  197  for retention in recess  194 . Middle horizontal portion  199  separates upper recess  194  from lower recess  195  that is sized to fit over the upper surface  158  of first base member  138 . When installed on first base member  138 , cable management clip  190  and support bracket  200  can be selectively repositioned along the first base member  138  length to a desired position for supporting soundbar  80 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11E and 13A-13C , a retention bracket  210  is provided which includes a C-shaped member  213  having an opening  212  and side brackets  216  and  218  (not shown).  FIGS. 11D and 11E  show the television monitor assembly  120  with the retention bracket omitted and as it is about to be installed. Retention bracket  210  is located rearward of the bracket  100  along the monitor thickness axis m w  and the base member width axis b w    
     Side brackets  216  and  218  include respective openings  214  and  217  (not shown) which receive bosses  220  and  221  (not shown) formed on each side of the middle horizontal portion  199  of retention bracket  210 . In addition, a reward protrusion  192  formed on cable management clip  190  is received by opening  212  in C-shaped member  213 . The engagement of bosses  220 ,  221  and protrusion  192  with respective openings  214 ,  217  allows the retention bracket  210  to snap-fittingly engage cable management clip  190 . The C-shaped member  213  extends over the top of cable management clip  190  and under the bottom of base member  138  to better ensure that the weight and dimensions of the soundbar do not cause the cable management clip  190  to come off the first base member  138 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 10 , one cable management clip  190  and  191  is shown for each base member  138  and  144 , and one audio device support bracket such bracket  100  would be connected to each of them. However, additional support brackets and cable management clips may be provided on either or both base members  138  and  144 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12A-12C  television monitor assembly  120  is shown in a second wall-mounted configuration. In the second wall-mounted configuration, the support bracket  100 , cable management clip  190 , and retention bracket  210  are attached to first base member  138  in the same fashion as in the first wall-mounted configuration, as are any counterparts thereof attached to second base member  144 . However, instead of inserting the vertical member  140  into television monitor bottom surface opening  129 , it is attached to the outside of the rear surface  124  and externally to television monitor  121 . Openings formed through the surface of vertical member  140  opposite the surface through which openings  147   a  and  147   b  are formed are aligned with openings  125   a  and  125   b  to receive fasteners  127   a  and  127   b.  Securing vertical member  140  to the rear surface  124  of television monitor  121  causes the front surface  83  of sound bar  80  to be located closer to the front surface  122  of television monitor  121  in a direction along the monitor thickness axis m w . As with the previous embodiments, it is understood that second support  142  would connect to the rear surface  124  of television monitor  121  in a similar fashion. 
     A method of using the television monitor assembly  120  of  FIG. 8  will now be described. In accordance with the method, the television monitor assembly  120  is provided in the free-standing configuration of  FIG. 8 , and it is desired to mount the television monitor assembly on a wall. If the television monitor assembly  120  is in the second free-standing configuration with a soundbar attached to base members  138  and  144 , the soundbar is removed from the base members. 
     The first support  136  is removed from television monitor  121  by removing fasteners  127  and  127   b  from rear surface  124  of television monitor  121 , and sliding the vertical member  140  out of the internal recess (not shown) in the television monitor  121 . The second support  142  is removed in a similar fashion. Support bracket  200  is attached to cable management clip  190  by inserting fastener  215  through support bracket opening  214  and into a corresponding opening in support bracket engagement member  198  of cable management clip  190 . A second corresponding support bracket (not shown) is attached to a corresponding cable management clip in a similar fashion. Soundbar  80  is attached to support bracket  200  by inserting a fastener through opening  217  and into a corresponding opening in a bottom surface of soundbar  80 , and the second corresponding support bracket is attached to the soundbar  80  in a similar fashion. 
     First support  136  is rotated 90 degrees (when viewed along the vertical member  140  length axis v l ) such that the first base member  138  length axis b l  is parallel to the monitor width axis m w , and the vertical member  140  is reinserted in opening  129  in bottom surface  128  of television monitor  121  and into the internal recess therein. Fasteners  127   a  and  127   b  are inserted through openings  125   a  and  125   b  in rear surface  124  of television monitor  121  and into openings  147   a  and  147   b  in vertical member  140 . Second support  142  is installed in the same fashion at a location spaced apart from opening  129  along the monitor width axis m w . 
     The sound bar  80  with the assembled support bracket  200  and cable management clip  190  is attached to the first base member  138  by snap fitting the first base member  138  into recess  195  on cable management clip  190 . The soundbar  80  is attached to the second base member  144  in a similar fashion. Retention bracket  213  is attached to cable management clip  190  as shown in  FIGS. 13B and 13C  by snap fitting side bracket opening  214  over bosses  220  such that bosses  220  projects through opening  214 , and a counterpart side bracket  218  (not shown) is attached to the opposite side of the cable management clip  190  in a similar fashion as both sides of middle horizontal portion  199  have protrusions like bosses  220 . Opening  212  in C-shaped member  213  is snap-fit over protrusion  192  on cable management clip L-shaped member  196 . A counterpart retention bracket (not shown) is attached to the counterpart cable management clip (not shown) attached to second base member  144 . The audio visual system comprising the television monitor assembly  120  and sound bar  80  is then attached to a wall using a known connection apparatus such as a VESA wall mount. If the second wall-mounted configuration is desired, vertical member  140  would be attached to the rear surface  124  of television monitor  121  as shown in  FIGS. 12B and 12C . The method may be reversed to place television monitor assembly  120  in a free-standing configuration.