Patent Publication Number: US-2009235509-A1

Title: Tool-Less Television Stand

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/038,332 filed Mar. 20, 2008 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/085,269 filed Jul. 31, 2008, the entirety of each of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to television stands. More specifically, the invention is directed to a tool-less television stand. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Current video monitor technology is moving rapidly to flat screens. LCD and plasma screens are popular flat screen products. These flat screens can be mounted in a traditional manner on a horizontal surface by placement on a stand. These stands can be constructed from multiple pieces and assembled prior to distribution, but such stands are typically relatively expensive due, at least in part, to exorbitant shipping costs, as well as the need for significant shelf or floor space at a retailer. Other stands are shipped in pieces, and can be assembled by the ultimate consumer. These assembly stands are typically less expensive due to their improved shipping considerations (shipped flat and in a smaller volume of space), but can be less desirable to a consumer who then must spend time assembling the stand. Often, the consumer may become quite frustrated by the process of assembly. Other problems arise when a single piece is missing from the package, preventing satisfactory assembly and contributing to increased costs to the manufacturer, both in customer dissatisfaction, but also in the need to respond to consumer complaints, and to resolve consumer complaints. 
     It is an object of this invention, therefore, to overcome the deficiencies and obstacles described above. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     One embodiment of the invention provides stand for a television. The stand includes a first support including a planar surface and a base surface opposing the planar surface. The base surface includes a plurality of reception holes, and each reception hole includes at least a first portion and second portion. The first portion is in fluidic communication with the second portion and an ambient environment and the first portion defines a first portion axis. The second portion defines a second portion axis such that the first portion axis defines an angle with respect to the second portion axis that is greater than zero and less than 180 degrees. Additionally, the stand includes at least a first leg including a male portion at a first end of the first leg. The first leg includes a first diameter and the male portion includes a second diameter, the second diameter smaller than the first diameter. The second diameter is sized to fit within at least one of the reception holes. The male portion includes at least a first prong extending radially from the male portion. The first prong is sized to translate axially and laterally along the first portion and axially along the second portion. 
     Another embodiment of the invention provides a television stand that includes a first portion with a reception hole and a second portion including a male portion sized to fit within the reception hole. The second portion is rotated by contact between the male portion and reception hole as the second portion is axially moved into the reception hole. 
     Yet another aspect of the invention provides a method for assembling a television stand. The method includes receiving at least a first leg in a reception hole of a first support and translating the first leg along a first portion in a first axial direction and a lateral direction. Additionally, the method includes translating the first leg along a second portion in a second axial direction, the second axial direction substantially opposing the first axial direction, such that the second portion substantially restricts lateral translation. 
     The aforementioned and other features and advantages of the invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the invention rather than limiting the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an stand for a television, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 2-5  are perspective view of stand for a television in various stages of assembly, in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method in accordance with one aspect of the invention; 
         FIGS. 7-16  illustrate assembly drawings for a television stand and assembly instructions for a television stand in accordance with the invention; 
         FIGS. 17-19  illustrate perspective views of a television stand assembled in accordance with the invention; and 
         FIGS. 20-23  illustrate assembly drawings for a television stand in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a stand  100  for a television. The stand includes a first support  110  including a planar surface  111  and a base surface  112  opposing the planar surface, the base surface  112  including a plurality of reception holes  115 , wherein each reception hole  115  includes at least a first portion  125  and second portion  130 , the first portion  125  in fluidic communication with the second portion  130  and an ambient environment  135 , the first portion  125  defining a first portion axis  140  and the second portion  130  defining a second portion axis  145  such that the first portion axis  140  defines an angle  150  with respect to the second portion axis  145  that is greater than zero and less than 180 degrees. 
     In addition, stand  100  includes at least a first leg  120 . First leg  120  includes a male portion  155  at a first end  160  of the first leg  120 . First leg  120  includes a first diameter  165  and the male portion  155  includes a second diameter  170 , the second diameter  170  smaller than the first diameter  165 , the second diameter  170  sized to fit within at least one of the reception holes  115 . Male portion  155  includes at least a first prong  180  extending radially from the male portion  155 , the first prong  185  sized to translate axially and laterally along the first portion  125  and axially along the second portion  130 . 
     In one embodiment, at least one of the reception holes  115  further includes at least a third portion  128 , the third portion  128  in fluidic communication with the first portion  125 , and wherein the third portion  128  includes a third portion axis  133 , the third portion axis  133  defining an angle  138  with respect to the first portion axis  140  that is greater than zero and less than 180 degrees. 
     In one embodiment, male portion  155  includes a second prong  180 , the first prong  185  and second prong  180  spaced apart from each other, and wherein the first prong  185  defines a first prong axis substantially perpendicular to a first leg axis  199 , and the second prong  180  defines a second prong axis  198  substantially perpendicular to the first leg axis  199 , and wherein the second prong  180  is sized to translate axially and laterally along the first portion  125  and axially along the second portion  130 . 
     In one embodiment, at least one of the first prong  185  and second prong  180  include a first side, second side, third side, and fourth side, such that the second side and third side are substantially linear and opposing, while the first side is substantially linear and opposes an arcuate fourth side. Any desired number of prongs can radially extend from the male portion, but in one embodiment, four prongs extend, and interface with the reception hole. In one embodiment, four legs interface with four reception holes. 
     In one embodiment, the first support includes at least one base hole in the planar surface for receiving at least one additional leg. In such embodiments, additional supports can be added to form a multi-support television stand, with each support matching with a predetermined number of legs (such as four), each each of the legs and supports being similarly constructed. In one embodiment, additional geometric configurations can be formed with differing dimensions of the supports and different arrangements. 
     In one embodiment, the first portion  125  translates the first prong  185  from a first position  250  ( FIG. 2 ) to a second position  655  ( FIG. 6 ) laterally offset from the first position and the second portion substantially restricts lateral movement of the first prong  185 . In one embodiment, the width of the second portion is configured to closely match the width of the prong. In one embodiment, the depth of the second portion is configured to exceed at least one half of the height of the prongs. 
     In one embodiment, first portion  125  has a variable interior dimension. In one embodiment, first portion  125  includes a first tapered wall and a second tapered wall such that the taper of the first tapered wall and second tapered wall are different. 
       FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 , and  5  illustrate the first leg moving into the first support, and at various stages along the path. As can be seen, the first prong  185  translates vertically in a first axial direction between  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and then translates laterally, while continuing the vertical translation in the first axial direction between  FIGS. 2 and 3  and on into  FIG. 4 . At  FIG. 4 , the first prong has reached the end of the first portion, and then translates axially in a second axial direction between  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The second direction substantially opposes the first axial direction. Having moved in the second axial direction, the lateral translation of the prong is substantially reduced. 
     In one embodiment, a spring or other biasing member biases the prong against axial translation in the first axial direction after moving in the second axial direction. The spring, in one embodiment, exerts force between the first support and first leg. In another embodiment, the spring is disposed within the reception hole and exerts axial force on the male portion. In another embodiment, a spring biases a lock substantially restricting movement in the first axial direction after moving in the second axial direction. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates one embodiment of a method  600  for a method for assembling a television stand, in accordance with one aspect of the invention. Method  600  begins at  610  by receiving at least a first leg in a reception hole of a first support. Step  610  is partially illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Method  600  continues at  620  by translating the first leg along a first portion in a first axial direction and a lateral direction, as seen in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  4 . Additionally, method  600 , at step  630 , translates the first leg along a second portion in a second axial direction, the second axial direction substantially opposing the first axial direction, and wherein the second portion substantially restricts lateral translation as seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . In one embodiment, translating the first leg along the first portion includes receiving at least a first prong in the first portion; and guiding the first prong from a start of the first portion to the start of the second portion.  FIG. 6  illustrates the prong in its destination position  655 . 
     Another aspect of the invention provides for a method of selling a television stand. This method includes manufacturing a leg configured to be inserted directly into a support surface by translating axially in a first axial direction and laterally along a first portion to translate axially in a second portion in a second axial direction such that the first axial direction opposes the second axial direction. The method further includes manufacturing a support portion configured to guide the manufactured leg to translate axially in a second portion in a second axial direction such that the first axial direction opposes the second axial direction. The leg and support portion are packaged and distributed to consumers without tools or other fasteners. 
     Another aspect of the invention provides for a disassembled television stand in a box. The disassembled television stand in a box consists of a container holding a predetermined number of support portions configured to guide a leg to translate axially in a second portion in a second axial direction such that the first axial direction opposes the second axial direction and a predetermined number of legs configured to translate axially in a second portion in a second axial direction such that the first axial direction opposes the second axial direction. Another aspect of the invention provides for a disassembled television stand in a box, such that the box consists of a container holding at least one set of directions and a predetermined number of support portions configured to guide a leg to translate axially in a second portion in a second axial direction such that the first axial direction opposes the second axial direction and a predetermined number of legs configured to translate axially in a second portion in a second axial direction such that the first axial direction opposes the second axial direction. 
     Another embodiment of the invention provides for a television stand including at least three legs and at least two support surfaces. Each support surface includes at least one leg hole configured to receive the legs. The legs are inserted into and through the leg holes and attached using at least one threaded support. 
       FIGS. 7-16  illustrate assembly drawings for a television stand and assembly instructions for a television stand in accordance with the invention. In particular,  FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate methods of attaching legs to a support surface.  FIG. 9  illustrates another step in an assembly process, and  FIG. 10  is a schematic view of an assembled television stand.  FIG. 11  is a side view of an assembled television stand,  FIG. 12  is a top view of a support surface, and  FIG. 13  is a side view of a shaft for connecting the legs to a support surface.  FIGS. 14-15  are cross sectional views of a leg, and  FIG. 16  is a cross sectional view of a cover for a leg in accordance with other aspects of the invention. 
       FIGS. 17-19  illustrate perspective views of a television stand assembled in accordance with the invention. 
       FIGS. 20-23  illustrate assembly drawings for a television stand in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in  FIGS. 20-23 , the legs include a different cover device, and provide for interchangeable covers, such as different colors, textures or the like. As shown in  FIGS. 20-23 , the legs wherein include a cover portion to mate with at least one interchangeable cover. Thus, the appearance of the television stand can be modified to color match a decor, match a personal color preference, display affinity colors (such as those of a university or a sports team or the like), and can even be swapped out at a user&#39;s discretion. The interchangeable covers can be included in a package, or sold separately. 
     Those of skill in the art will recognize that the disclosures herein provide for a television stand that does not require tools or separate tool-operated implements for assembly. Therefore, the television stand can be more easily assembled by a consumer, and can assist in reducing costs by reducing the number of pieces, such as screws or tools, that need to be included in a package. 
     The attached figures illustrate various features of the invention. Other variations and combinations of features will be apparent to those with skill in the art. Those variations are included within the disclosure herein.