Abstract:
A support assembly includes a stand having an underside surface configured to be placed on top of a flat screen device and an upper surface configured to support at least one object; a mount secured to the underside surface of the stand, the mount presenting a first ratchet ring; an arm presenting a second ratchet ring; and a fastener positioned and arranged to mechanically connect the arm to the mount, causing the first ratchet ring to engage the second ratchet ring, setting the arm at a desired angle so that the arm engages the flat screen device while the stand extends at least substantially horizontally from the top of the flat screen device.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates generally to stands or shelving. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a stand or shelf for vertically disposed objects, such as televisions and video monitors. 
         [0002]    The use of flat screen televisions is ever-increasing. Seemingly all new televisions will eventually be flat screens. Flat screen technology has also become standard for computer monitors. Moreover, flat screen technology has become very pervasive in the workplace, including individual work stations sometimes employing multiple computer monitors, large video monitors for meetings and conference calls, and video conferencing. 
         [0003]    Older televisions often had a flat horizontal top surface. The flat top surface was often used to place and house pictures, television remote controls, ornaments and the like. The flat top surface was very convenient because it sat directly above the typical focal point of the room, namely, the television screen. Flat screen televisions and video monitors, by definition, do not have flat horizontal top surfaces. Flat screen televisions and video monitors instead have thin horizontal borders that cover the top of the video screen and associated electronics located behind the screen. 
         [0004]    There is accordingly a need for a stand or shelf that provides a flat horizontal surface along the top of a flat screen device, such as, televisions, computer monitors, video monitors and the like. As is known, flat screens can be stand-supported or be wall mounted. There is a need accordingly for a stand or shelf that provides a flat horizontal surface along the top of either a stand-supported or a wall mounted flat screen device. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present disclosure provides a support assembly that forms a flat horizontal supporting surface along the top of any flat screen device, such as, televisions, computer monitors, video monitors and the like. The support assembly includes a stand that extends horizontally at the top of the flat screen devices. The user can place one or more objects on the stand, such as speaker or other electronic device, remote control, picture, ornament, book, supply, plants etc. The stand includes mounting holes that enable the stand to be connected to one or more mount. The mount includes a mounting flange and a ratchet base extending perpendicularly from the mounting flange. The mounting flange includes mounting holes that match the hole pattern formed in the stand. The ratchet base includes, defines, connects to or mates with a ratchet ring. 
         [0006]    The support assembly also includes an arm that is placed in ratcheted communication with the ratchet ring of the mount. The arm includes a circular base and a member that extends from the circular base. The circular base includes, defines, connects to or mates with a second ratchet ring. The ratchet ring of the arm is placed in ratchet communication with the ratchet ring of the mount. The circular base includes or defines a hole that allows a torque screw or fastener to fit through the arm and connect to the mount to secure the two ratchet rings together, so that the arm extends at a desired angle relative to the stand. The torque screw can thread into the mount or extend through the mount and thread into a nut or threaded bracket placed on the opposite side of the mount from its ratchet ring. 
         [0007]    The user rotates the arm to a desired angle relative to the stand and then tightens the fastener or torque screw so that the two ratchet rings lock together. The desired angle causes the stand of the assembly to sit horizontally on top of the flat screen device. A spring is compressed when the ratchet rings lock together to maintain tension on the ratcheted connection. The stand at its front end includes a downwardly bent flange that catches the top front bezel of the flat screen device when the arm contacts the rear of the flat screen device. Rotating the arm to an angle α more away from being straight down (270°) causes the rear end of the stand to sit elevationally higher. Rotating the arm to an angle α closer to being straight down (270°) causes the rear end of the stand to sit at an elevationally lower position. The ratchet rings provide a high degree of adjustability, allowing the user to select an angle α that allows the stand to reside at least substantially horizontally at the top of the flat screen device. 
         [0008]    The arm at its distal end includes a cap that abuts against the back of the flat screen device when the support assembly is placed on top of the flat screen device. 
         [0009]    The support assembly in one embodiment provides a quick disconnect/reconnect feature in the form of a cammed lever. The cammed lever includes a dual-lobed cammed head and a handle arm extending integrally from, formed with, or attached to the cammed head. The dual lobes of cammed head each define a circular aperture that receives a cylindrical female threaded nut. The threaded nut receives a male threaded stud of the torque or fastener between the lobes of the cammed head. The dual lobes of cammed head each have a larger radius in a locking direction and a smaller radius in a loosening direct. The user turns the handle arm of the cammed lever in a first direction so that the smaller radius faces the elongated arm of the support assembly, loosening the ratchet rings, and allowing the elongated arm to be set to a desired angle α. The user then turns the handle arm of the cammed lever in the opposite direction, so that the larger radius faces the elongated arm of the support assembly, tightening the ratchet rings together, and locking the elongated arm at the desired angle α. 
         [0010]    The assembly can employ one, two or more ratcheted arms to provide whatever support is needed. Using two or more ratcheted arms allows for the stand to be elongated to support multiple objects, or a single elongated object, such as a sound bar. The topper is easy to install and adjust. The parts making up the support assembly can be made of any combination of metal, plastic, rubber or wood. The parts can be machined or molded. For example, the ratchet rings can be molded plastic pieces that abut up against the mount and the arm, respectively. 
         [0011]    It is therefore an advantage of the present disclosure to provide a support assembly that forms a flat horizontal supporting surface along the top of any flat screen device, such as, televisions, computer monitors, video monitors and the like. 
         [0012]    It is another advantage of the present disclosure to provide a support assembly that forms a flat horizontal surface along the top of a self-supported or wall mounted flat screen device. 
         [0013]    It is a further advantage of the present disclosure to provide a support assembly that forms a flat horizontal surface along the top of a flat screen device, and which is adjustable without the use of external tools. 
         [0014]    It is yet another advantage of the present disclosure to provide a support assembly having a quick disconnect/reconnect feature. 
         [0015]    Moreover, it is an advantage of the present disclosure to provide a support assembly that forms a flat horizontal surface along the top of a flat screen device, and which is easy to install. 
         [0016]    Further still, it is an advantage of the present disclosure to provide a support assembly that forms a flat horizontal surface along the top of a flat screen device, and which is sturdy and can support a reasonable amount of weight. 
         [0017]    Still further, it is an advantage of the present disclosure to provide a support assembly that forms a flat horizontal surface along the top of a flat screen device, and which is highly adjustable 
         [0018]    Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description of the Invention and the figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a support assembly of the present disclosure. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is an assembled perspective view of one embodiment of a support assembly of the present disclosure. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a support assembly of the present disclosure. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  illustrates various loose parts of one embodiment for the support assembly of the present disclosure. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the support assembly being used with a flat screen device. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the support assembly being used with a flat screen device. 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a support assembly of the present disclosure. 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is an assembled perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of a support assembly of the present disclosure. 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of yet a further embodiment of a support assembly of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    Referring now to the drawings and in particular to  FIGS. 1 to 4 , one embodiment for a support assembly  10   a  is illustrated. Support assembly  10   a  in the illustrated embodiment includes a stand  20 , a mount  30  connected to stand  20 , an arm  40  that is placed in ratcheted communication with mount  30 , a fastener or torque screw  50  for selectively tightening and loosening arm  40  to mount  30 , and a bracket  60  for threadingly engaging torque screw  50 . Each of stand  20 , mount  30 , arm  40 , torque screw  50  and bracket  60  can be made of metal (e.g., steel, stainless steel, aluminum), plastic (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate), rubber, wood, composite materials, and any combination thereof. 
         [0029]    Stand  20  includes a top plate  22  and a front flange  24  extending from or connected to top plate  22 . Top plate  22  and front flange  24  can be for example about 0.125 inch (3.2 mm) thick or thicker if desired. Front flange  24  is placed in front of the flat screen device, such as, a television, computer monitor, video monitor, etc. Front flange  24  accordingly does not extend too far downwardly, so as not to block the viewing of the image displayed on the flat screen device. Top plate  22  in one embodiment is six inches (15.2 cm) wide (dimension extending along top of the flat screen device) and 5.5 inches (14.0 cm) deep (dimension extending from back of the flat screen device). Top plate  22  can have different widths and depths, e.g., can have a twelve inch (30.4 cm) double width and two or more ratcheting subassemblies to support the larger width as illustrated below. 
         [0030]    Top plate  22  and front flange  24  are metal or plastic in one embodiment and are provided respectively with top surface padding  26   a,  bottom surface padding  26   b  and inner flange surface padding  26   c.  Padding  26   a,    26   b,  and  26   c  can be a softer metal, plastic, covered foam, covered sponge, rubber, foam rubber, wood, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment padding  26   a,    26   b  and  26   c  is adhered to, heat sealed to, sprayed onto and/or mechanically attached to the respective mating surfaces of top plate  22  and front flange  24 . Padding  26   a,    26   b,  and  26   c  helps to prevent scratching of the flat screen device. Padding  26   a,    26   b,  and  26   c  also helps to prevent objects set onto top plate  22  from scratching the top plate, and may also help to prevent the objects from slipping. 
         [0031]      FIG. 4  illustrates that stand  20  includes or defines mounting holes  28 . The illustrated embodiment shows three holes, wherein the middle hole is offset from the outer mounting holes, which helps to prevent mount  30  from pivoting under load in any direction relative to stand  20 . Stand  20  can have alternative numbers and configurations for mounting holes  28 , and have additional holes, e.g., for routing electrical cords and wires. 
         [0032]    Mount  30  includes a mounting flange  32   a  and a ratchet base  32   b.  In one embodiment mounting flange  32   a  and ratchet base  32   b  are bent or formed from the same piece of metal or plastic forming mount  30 . In another embodiment, mounting flange  32   a  and ratchet base  32   b  are separate pieces that are secured together, e.g., via welding, adhesive, and/or via mechanical securement. Mounting flange  32   a  and ratchet base  32   b  can be made of a thicker material than for stand  20 , e.g., on the order of 0.125 inch (3.2 mm) thick to 0.375 inch (9.5 mm) thick. 
         [0033]    Ratchet base  32   b  includes or defines a center hole  34  for receiving the threaded stud  54  of torque screw  50  or fastener. Center hole  34  can be a through-hole sized to allow the threaded stud  54  of torque screw  50  to pass through. Center hole  34  can alternatively be female threaded to threadingly engage the male threads of the threaded stud  54  of torque screw  50 . 
         [0034]    Ratchet base  32   b  also includes, defines or attaches to a circular set of ratchets  36 , which engage mating ratchets of arm  40 . Individual ratchets  36  have a triangular cross-section in one embodiment and are disposed radially about a center point to form a circle or ring. Ratchets  36  extend outwardly from a base portion of ratchet base  32   b  in a same direction as the direction in which mounting flange  32   a  extends from ratchet base  32   b  of mount  30 . 
         [0035]    In one embodiment, ratchets  36  or ratchet ring  36  is a separate plastic or metal piece that abuts up against ratchet base  32   b  of mount  30 . For example, separate ratchet ring  36  can be a molded plastic piece made of any of the plastics listed above, or of a tougher plastic, such as Teflon. In another embodiment, ratchets  36  or ratchet ring  36  is formed with ratchet base  32   b  and mount  30 . For example, ratchet ring  36  can be machined from the same piece of metal with ratchet base  32   b  to form mount  30 . Or, ratchet ring  36  can be formed from the same plastic mold as ratchet base  32   b  to form mount  30 .  FIG. 4  illustrates ratchet ring  36  both as a separate, stand alone, piece and as formed with ratchet base  32   b.    
         [0036]    Mounting flange  32   a  and ratchet base  32   b  of mount  30  each define mounting holes  38 , and in the illustrated embodiment, define three mounting holes  38 . The mounting holes  38  of mounting flange  32   a  (illustrated best in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) are spaced apart so as to match mounting holes  28  defined in top plate  22  of stand  20 . Mounting holes  38  and mounting holes  28  can each be through holes for receiving bolts that are fastened via separate nuts to tighten mount  30  against stand  20 . Alternatively, either mounting holes  38  or mounting holes  28  are threaded to threadingly receive bolts or fasteners to tighten mount  30  against stand  20 . In an embodiment, mounting holes  38  are threaded, and the holes of padding  26   a  that made the holes  28  of stand  20  are enlarged to allow bolt heads sit down into the padding, so that the bolt heads do not reside above padding  26   a  and interrupt the supporting surface of stand  20 . In various alternative embodiments, mount  30  can be permanently welded to or formed with stand  20 . 
         [0037]    The mounting holes  38  of ratchet base  32   b  of mount  30  can likewise be either through holes or be threaded.  FIG. 4  illustrates that the top two mounting holes  38  of ratchet base  32   b  extend all the way through ratchet base  32   b  of leg  32   b.  If ratchet ring  36  is a separate piece, the bottom mounting hole  38  of mount  30  also extends all the way through ratchet base  32   b.  If ratchet ring  36  is formed as part of or integrally with mount  30 , then bottom hole  38  of mount  30  is a blind hole that does not extend through the integrally formed ratchet ring  36  of mount  30 . 
         [0038]    If center hole  34  of ratchet base  32   b  of mount  30  is a through hole, then bracket  60  can be provided, wherein the center hole  62  of bracket  60 , which aligns with center hole  34  of mount  30 , is threaded to threadingly receive the threaded stud  54  of torque screw or fastener  50 . Bracket  60  in turn includes mounting holes  68 , which align with the mounting holes  38  of ratchet base  32   b.  Mounting holes  68  of bracket  60  and mounting holes  38  of ratchet base  32   b  can both be through holes that accept bolts or fasteners, which in turn threadingly engage nuts to fasten bracket  60  to ratchet base  32   b  of mount  30 . Alternatively, either mounting holes  68  or mounting holes  38  are threaded to threadingly engage bolts or fasteners to fasten bracket  60  to ratchet base  32   b  of mount  30 . 
         [0039]    If center hole  34  of ratchet base  32   b  of mount  30  is a threaded hole, then bracket  60  need not be provided, and thus mounting holes  38  of ratchet base  32   b  need not be provided. Threaded center hole  34  of ratchet base  32   b  now receives the threaded stud  54  of torque screw  50 . In a further alternative embodiment, center hole  34  of ratchet base  32   b  of mount  30  is a through hole, and a nut is welded to the side of ratchet base  32   b  opposite to that of ratchets  36 . Here again, bracket  60  and mounting holes  38  ratchet base  32   b  need not be provided. The welded nut instead receives the threaded stud  54  of torque screw  50 . 
         [0040]    Mount  30  mates with arm  40  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 3 . Arm includes a circular base  42   a  and a member  42   b  extending from base  42   a.  Circular base  42   a  includes or defines a hole or aperture  44  that receives the threaded stud  54  of torque screw  50 . Fastener or torque screw  50  abuts up against the side of circular base  42   a  that opposes ratchets or ratchet ring  46 . 
         [0041]    Just like with ratchets  36  or ratchet ring  36  of mount  30 , in one embodiment, ratchets  46  or ratchet ring  46  of arm  40  is a separate plastic or metal piece that abuts up against base  42   a  of arm  40 . For example, separate ratchet ring  46  can be a molded plastic piece made of any of the plastics listed above, or of a tougher plastic, such as Teflon. Separate ratchets  36  and  46  can be the same pieces so that they mate together properly. In another embodiment, ratchets  46  or ratchet ring  46  is formed with base  42   a  and arm  40 . For example, ratchet ring  46  can be machined from the same piece of metal with base  42   a  to form arm  40 . Or, ratchet ring  46  can be formed from the same plastic mold as base  42   a  to form arm  40 . Integrally formed ratchets  36  and  46  can have the same size and number of individual ratchet peaks, so that they mate together properly.  FIG. 4  illustrates ratchet ring  46  both as a separate, stand alone piece and as formed with circular base  42   b.    
         [0042]    Ratchets  36  and  46  provide support assembly  10   a  with a large amount of adjustability. The user simply turns arm  40  until ratchets  36  and  46  align at an angle, such that top plate  22  is relatively horizontal when the distal end of member  42  abuts the flat screen device. 
         [0043]    Member  42   b  extends from base  42   a  a distance, such that the total length of arm  40  is longer than the depth of top plate  22  in one embodiment, which is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . That is, if top plate  22  is 5.5 inches (14.0 cm) deep (dimension extending from the back of the flat screen device), then the total length of arm  40  can be 6 inches (15.2 cm) or longer. The length of member  42   b  is the total length of arm  40  less the diameter of circular base  42   a.    FIG. 3  illustrates that member  42   b  can rotate to virtually any desired angle about hole or aperture  44  and threaded stud  54 . 
         [0044]    Arm  40 , (including member  42   b ), like mounting flange  32   a  and ratchet base  32   b  of mount  30 , can be made of a thicker material, e.g., on the order of 0.125 inch (3.2 mm) thick to 0.375 inch (9.5 mm) thick. Member  42   b  is substantially straight in the illustrated embodiment, but can have a slight taper, such that member  42   b  narrows as it extends from circular base  42   a  to its distal end. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the distal end of member  42   b  can also be reduced in size to accommodate a soft cap  48 , such as a rubber (e.g., silicone) or plastic cap (e.g., a softer plastic), so that arm  40  will not scrape or scratch the flat screen device when abutted against the device. Soft cap  48  can be press-fitted, adhered, and/or fastened mechanically to the distal end of member  42   b.    
         [0045]    Fastener or torque screw  50  includes a knob or handle  52  connected to or formed with a threaded stud  54  discussed above. Handle  52  and stud  54  can each be any of the metals or plastics discussed herein, or combinations thereof. For example, handle can be polycarbonate, while stud  54  can be steel, stainless steel or aluminum. Handle  52  can be knurled or have finger extensions and undulations, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 3 . Threaded stud  54  can be of a relatively robust diameter, e.g., 0.25 inch (6.4 mm) to 0.500 inch (12.7 mm) or of a standard metric equivalent thread diameter, e.g., 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10mm, 11 mm, 12 mm or 13 mm. The female thread of hole  34  or  64  is sized to match the male thread diameter and pitch of threaded stud  54 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 1  illustrates that a collar  70 , and a spring  75  located within collar  70 , are in turn located within openings  34  and/or  44  of ratchet base  32   b  of mount  30  and/or base  42   a  of arm  40 , respectively. In an embodiment, collar  70  and spring  75  are located solely within opening  44  in base  42   a  of arm  40 . Collar  70  can be metal or plastic, such as Teflon. Spring  75  is sized so that it (i) holds ratchet rings  36  and  46  apart when fastener or torque screw  50  is loosened, and (ii) provides a lock washer biasing effect when torque screw  50  is tightened so that arm  40  is pressed firm and in a desired angular position against mount  30 . Spring  75  is also sized so that it is not too difficult for the user to compress the spring when tightening torque screw  50 . 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , examples of support assembly  10   a  in use are illustrated.  FIG. 5  illustrates that front flange  24  and support pad  26   c  are abutted against the top, front horizontal bezel  82  of flat screen device  80 , e.g., flat screen television, flat screen computer monitor, flat screen video monitor and the like, while free end or cap  48  of arm  40  engages a rear surface of flat screen device  80 . Front flange  24  is sized so as not to extend down over a screen  84  of flat screen device  80 . Member  42   b  of arm  40  is rotated from a straight vertical position (270°) to a desired position or angle α (about 245° in the illustrated example), so that top plate  22  of stand  20  resides at least substantially horizontally relative to flat screen device  80 . At the desired angle, the user locks ratchet  46  against ratchet  36 , using torque screw or fastener  50 . The user can later unscrew fastener  50  to set support assembly  10   a  at a difference angle for a different device  80 , or disassemble support assembly  10   a,  e.g., for transport. 
         [0048]    It should be appreciated that rotating member  42   b  of arm  40  towards the straight vertical position (270°) would lower the rear end  29  of top plate  22  relative to the top of flat screen device  80  in  FIG. 5 . Rotating member  42   b  of arm  40  further away from the straight vertical position (270°) in  FIG. 5  would raise the rear end  29  of top plate  22  relative to the top of flat screen device  80 . Providing ratchet rings  36  and  46  with many individual ratchets or teeth, e.g., seventy-two ratchets or teeth, allows for a fine adjustment of the rear end  29  of top plate  22 , so that top plate  22  can be made at least substantially horizontal regardless of the backside configuration of flat screen device  80 . Generally, “flatter” backside configurations for devices  80  will require that rotating member  42   b  be rotated further away from the straight vertical position (270°), while bulkier backside configurations for devices  80  will require that rotating member  42   b  be rotated closer to the straight vertical position (270°). In any case, soft cap  48  at the end of arm  40  provides for scratchless contact with flat screen device  80 . Soft cap  48  in an embodiment also has a relatively high coefficient of friction, which helps to keep support assembly  10   a  from slipping against flat screen device  80 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 6  illustrates an object  90  placed on top plate  22  of stand  20 . In an embodiment, support assembly  10   a  (and each of the assemblies  10   a  to  10   c  described herein) can support at least twenty lbs. (44 kg). It is expressly contemplated to size top plate  22  so as to support speakers and sound bars, which can be difficult to locate, especially when flat screen device  80  is wall mounted. Also, mounting speakers above a television is advantageous because most of the sound in a television video emanates from the top third of the screen.  FIG. 6  illustrates that object  90  has a cord  92  that fits through one of the mounting holes  28  of top plate  22 . Here, one of the mounting holes  28  is not used for fastening to mount  30  and instead accepts and directs cord  92  of object  90 . Plate  22  alternatively provides one or more hole or aperture (not illustrated), in addition to mounting holes  28 , for accepting a cord  92 . Further alternatively, rear end  29  of top plate  22  includes or defines one or more clip (not illustrated) for clipping, holding and routing one or more cord  92  of object. 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an alternative support assembly  10   b  is illustrated. Alternative support assembly  10   b  includes many of the same features as support assembly  10   a,  including stand  20 , having top plate  22 , front flange  24 , padding  26   a  to  26   c  and all of the materials, structure and alternatives for same discussed above. Stand  20  of support assembly  10   b  also includes a rear flange  28  located at rear end  29 . Rear flange  28  provides additional rigidity to top plate  22  and stand  20 . Rear flange  28  can be bent upwardly instead of downwardly as illustrated, so that rear flange  28  also helps to prevent object  90  from sliding off of the rear end of stand  20 . Rear flange  28  when bent upwards can also provide notches for holding and routing cords and wires. 
         [0051]    Support assembly  10   b  also includes an alternative mount  130  and an alternative arm  140 . Alternative mount  130  includes mounting flange  132   a  and ratchet base  132   b,  and includes all of the materials, structure and alternatives for same discussed above for mount  30 . Mounting flange  132   a  defines mounting holes as is the case with mounting holes  38  of mounting flange  32  of mount  30 . Ratchet base  132   b  defines a threaded hole  134  for receiving torque screw or fastener  50 . Threaded bracket  60  ( FIG. 1 ) is accordingly not needed with support assembly  10   b.  If mount  130  is a molded plastic piece, threaded hole  134  can be a metal insert pressed into ratchet base  132   b,  so that the threads do not strip. Ratchet base  132   b  also defines elongated holes or grooves  136  to remove material, weight and cost from support assembly  10   b.  Elongated holes or grooves  136  in an embodiment also accept like shaped extensions (not seen in  FIG. 7  but illustrated below in  FIG. 9  as extensions  37 ) extending from the backside of ratchet ring  36 , so that ratchet ring  36  fits into ratchet base  132   b  and therefore cannot rotated relative to base  132   b.  Ratchet base  132   b  is illustrated as operating with a separate ratchet ring  36  but can be formed alternatively with or be permanently attached to ratchet ring  36  as discussed above for ratchet base  32   b.    
         [0052]    Alternative arm  140  includes a member  142   b  extending from a circular ratchet base  142   a,  and includes all of the materials, structure and alternatives for same discussed above for arm  40 . Circular base  142   a  defines a through-hole  144  for accepting threaded stud  54  of torque screw or fastener  50 . Spring  75  fits primarily within knob or handle  52  of torque screw  50 . Ratchet ring  46  abuts up against the inner surface of circular base  142   a  and is placed in ratcheted communication with ratchet ring  36  when torque screw  50  is threaded into female threaded hole  134  of mount  130 . Ratchet ring  46  can be formed with or be permanently attached to circular base  142   a.  Ratchet ring  46  is alternatively a separate piece, which can have extensions (not seen in  FIG. 7  but illustrated below in  FIG. 9  as extensions  47 ) on the surface opposite its ratcheted surface, that fit into mating grooves or holes (not seen in  FIG. 7  but illustrated below in  FIG. 9  as grooves or holes  246 ) formed in circular base  142   a,  so that separate ratchet ring  46  fits into and cannot rotate relative to circular base  142   a  of arm  140 . Spring  75  acts as a lock washer to hold torque screw  50  tight when ratchet rings  36  and  46  are locked together. 
         [0053]    Member  142   b  in the illustrated embodiment has a slight taper, such that member  42   b  narrows as it extends from circular base  142   a  to its distal end. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the distal end of member  142   b  extends to an integrally formed or molded cap  148 , which here is shaped as a knurled wheel. Arm  140  can be any of the plastics discussed above, rubber (e.g., silicone), wood, or a metal having rounded edges, so that arm  140  will not scrape or scratch flat screen device  80  when abutted against the device. Cap  148  can alternatively be a separate piece press-fitted, adhered, and/or fastened mechanically to the distal end of member  142   b.    
         [0054]      FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5 to 7  illustrate single arm versions of assemblies  10   a  and  10   b,  wherein the single arms are at least approximately located side-to-side-wise in the center or middle of stand  20 , so that assemblies  10   a  and  10   b  are inherently balanced side-to-side-wise. Referring now to  FIG. 8 , an alternative multi-arm support assembly  10   c  is illustrated. Alternative support assembly  10   c  includes many of the same features as support assembly  10   b,  including mounts  130 , arms  140 , torque screws or fastener  50  and springs  75 . Mounts  130 , arms  140 , torque screws  50  and springs  75  can be made of any of the materials, have any of the structure and any of the alternatives discussed above in connection with assemblies  10   a  and  10   b.  The primary difference between support assembly  10   c  and assemblies  10   a  and  10   b  is that support assembly  10   c  includes multiple arms  140  and alternative stand  120  having an elongated top plate  122 , flange  124 , and padding  126   a  to  126   c.  Alternative stand  120  can be made of any of the materials, and have any of the structures and alternatives discussed above for stand  20 . Although not illustrated, stand  120  can have a rear flange, such as rear flange  28  of stand  20  of support assembly  10   b.    
         [0055]    Elongated stand  120  is supported by two or more arms  140  as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Mounts  130  can be alternated as illustrated, so that mounting flanges  132   a  always point outwards towards the closer of the side edges of stand  120 . In one alternative embodiment, a connecting rod  156  is releaseably secured within holes or slots  146  formed in members  142   b  of arms. Connecting rod  156  allows a user to rotate two or more arms  140  and associated ratchets  46  at one time to a desired angle relative to fixed ratchets  36 . Alternatively, connecting rod  156  is not provided and the user instead rotates members  142  individually to the same desired angle α, where ratchet rings  46  can then be tightened against ratchet rings  136 . In any case, multiple arms support elongated stand  120 , which can be sized for flat screen devices  80  up to eighty-five inches (216 cm) or more. Elongated stand  120  can support multiple objects  90  or an elongated object  90 , such as a sound bar. 
         [0056]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a further alternative support assembly  10   d  is illustrated. Alternative support assembly  10   d  includes many of the same features as support assembly  10   b  (and  10   a ), including stand  20 , having top plate  22 , front flange  24 , padding  26   a  to  26   c  and all of the materials, structure and alternatives for same discussed above. Stand  20  of support assembly  10   d  also includes rear flange  28  located at rear end  29 , providing additional rigidity to top plate  22  and stand  20 . Rear flange  28  can again be bent upwardly instead of downwardly as illustrated, so that rear flange  28  also helps to prevent object  90  from sliding off of the rear end of stand  20 . Rear flange  28  when bent upwards can also provide notches for holding and routing cords and wires. 
         [0057]    Support assembly  10   d  also includes mount  130  and an alternative arm  240 . Mount  130  includes mounting flange  132   a  (not visible in  FIG. 9 ) and ratchet base  132   b,  and includes all of the materials, structure and alternatives for same discussed above for mount  30 . Mounting flange  132   a  defines mounting holes as is the case with mounting holes  38  of mounting flange  32  of mount  30 . Ratchet base  132   b  here defines a through hole  134  for allowing threaded stud  54  of torque screw or fastener  50  to pass through ratchet base  132   b.  Threaded bracket  60  ( FIG. 1 ) is not needed with support assembly  10   d.  Ratchet base  132   b  also defines elongated holes or grooves  136  to remove material, weight and cost from support assembly  10   b.  Elongated holes or grooves  136  in an embodiment also accept like shaped extensions  37  extending from the backside of ratchet ring  36 , so that ratchet ring  36  fits into ratchet base  132   b  and therefore cannot rotated relative to base  132   b.  Ratchet base  132   b  is illustrated as operating with a separate ratchet ring  36  but can be formed alternatively with or be permanently attached to ratchet ring  36  as discussed above for ratchet base  32   b.    
         [0058]    Alternative arm  240  includes a member  242   b  extending from a circular ratchet base  242   a,  and includes all of the materials, structure and alternatives for same discussed above for arms  40  and  140 . Circular base  242   a  defines a through-hole  244  for accepting threaded stud  54  of torque screw or fastener  50 . Spring  75  again fits primarily within knob or handle  52  of torque screw  50 . Ratchet ring  46  abuts up against the inner surface of circular base  242   a  and is placed in ratcheted communication with ratchet ring  36  when torque screw  50  is threaded into a cammed lever  250  discussed in more detail below. Ratchet ring  46  can be formed with or be permanently attached to circular base  242   a.  Ratchet ring  46  is alternatively a separate piece, which can have extensions  47  on the surface opposite its ratcheted surface, that fit into mating grooves or holes  246  formed in circular base  242   a,  so that separate ratchet ring  46  fits into and cannot rotate relative to circular base  242   a  of arm  240 . Spring  75  again acts as a lock washer to hold torque screw  50  and cammed lever  250  tight together, while ratchet rings  36  and  46  are locked together. 
         [0059]    Member  242   b  can again have a slight taper, such that member  242   b  narrows as it extends from circular base  242   a  to its distal end. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the distal end of member  242   b  extends to an integrally formed or molded cap  248 . Member  242   b  and cap  248  as illustrated have or include 90° bent or formed flanges, increasing rigidity. Arm  240  can be any of the plastics discussed above, rubber (e.g., silicone), wood, or a metal having bent or formed flanges, and be smooth so that arm  240  will not scrape or scratch flat screen device  80  when abutted against the device. Cap  248  can alternatively be a separate, soft piece press-fitted, adhered, and/or fastened mechanically to the distal end of member  242   b  to further reduce scratching. 
         [0060]    The primary difference with support assembly  10   d  of  FIG. 9  is the addition of cammed lever  250 . Cammed lever  250 , including any of its components, can be made of any of the plastics discussed above, rubber (e.g., silicone), wood, or any of the metals discussed above, such as steel, stainless steel or aluminum. Lever  250  includes a dual-lobed cammed head  252  and a handle arm  254  extending integrally from, formed with, or attached to cammed head  252 . The dual lobes of cammed head  252  each define a circular aperture  256 . Circular apertures  256  of the dual lobes of cammed head  252  are aligned with each other. 
         [0061]    The dual lobes of head  252  are cammed such that radius R1 illustrated in  FIG. 9  is greater than radius R2. For example, radius R1 can be 5% to 50% greater than radius R2. Cammed lever  250  includes a cylindrical nut  258  that fits within circular apertures  256  defined by the dual lobes of head  252 . Cylindrical nut  258  defines a female threaded hole  260  that threadingly receives threaded stud  54  of torque screw or fastener  50 . Threaded hole  260  is placed in the longitudinal center of cylindrical nut  258 , so that threaded hole  260  resides between the dual lobes of head  252  when cylindrical nut  258  is fully fitted into circular apertures  256  defined by the dual lobes of head  252 . In this manner, threaded stud  54  can reach threaded hole  260  while cylindrical nut  258  is fully fitted into the dual lobes of head  252 . 
         [0062]    A collar  270  is fitted between arm  240  and head  252  of cammed lever  250 . Collar  270  can be made of any material discussed herein, e.g., any of the plastics discussed above, rubber (e.g., silicone), wood, or any of the metals discussed above, such as steel, stainless steel or aluminum. Collar  270  defines a through hole  272  through which threaded stud  54  of torque screw or fastener  50  extends to reach threaded hole  260  of cylindrical nut  258 . Collar  270  defines plural notches  274  on its side abutting arm  240 , which receive extensions  47  of ratchet ring  46  that extend through mating grooves or holes  246  formed in circular base  242   a,  so that collar  270  cannot rotate when torque screw or fastener  50  is threaded into threaded hole  260  of cylindrical nut  258  of cammed lever  250 . 
         [0063]    Collar  270  on its side opposite that of notches  274  defines a curved or rounded surface  276  that matingly receives the dual lobes of head  252 . When handle arm  254  of cammed lever  250  is pointing at least substantially vertically downwardly as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , cammed lever  250  is in its locked or tightened position. In the tightened or locked position of  FIG. 9 , larger radius R1 is abutted against curved or rounded surface  276 . The larger radius R1 pulls threaded hole  260  of cylindrical nut  258  away from collar  70 , arm  240 , ratchet rings  36  and  46 , and mount  130 , pulling handle  52  of torque screw or fastener  50  firmly against mount  130 , and locking ratchet rings  36  and  46  together. 
         [0064]    When the user turns handle arm  254  ninety degrees clockwise in  FIG. 9 , the dual lobes of head  252  transition from the first, larger radius R1 to instead the second, smaller radius R2 being abutted against curved or rounded surface  276 . Smaller radius R2 pushes threaded hole  260  of cylindrical nut  258  towards collar  70 , arm  240 , ratchet rings  36  and  46 , and mount  130 , overcoming spring  75  and pushing handle  52  of torque screw or fastener  50  away from mount  130 , so that ratchet rings  36  and  46  can be separated, allowing the user to rotate ratchet ring  46  and thus arm  240  relative to mount  130  and stand  20 . Cammed lever  250  in this manner provides support assembly  10   d  with a quick disconnect/reconnect mechanism, which provides the user with mechanical advantage via handle arm  254  to quickly, via a ninety degree turn, loosen ratchet rings  36  and  46 , reset ratchet ring  46  and arm  240  to a new, desired position, and to quickly, via a reverse ninety degree turn, tighten ratchet rings  36  and  46  together, locking arm  240  in the desired position. 
         [0065]    The user can alternatively or additionally loosen and tighten ratchet rings  36  and  46  via torque screw or fastener  50  of support assembly  10   d  as has been described herein. Alternatively, cammed lever  250  in essence replaces torque screw or fastener  50 . Instead, a bolt or threaded rod with a nut, such as a lock nut, is inserted through aperture  134  of ratchet base  132   b  of mount  130  (or aperture  34  of ratchet base  32   b  of mount  30 ). The bolt or threaded rod extends further through ratchet rings  36  and  46  and arm  40 ,  140 ,  240  and into cylindrical nut  258 , where the bolt or threaded rod mates threadingly with threaded hole  260  of nut  258 . Here, spring  75  may also be omitted. In any of the cammed lever  250  embodiments, collar  270  may be omitted. That is, the cammed dual lobes of head  252  can instead abut directly up against elongated arm  40 ,  140 ,  240  or against a flat washer located between the cammed dual lobes of head  252  and arm  40 ,  140 ,  240 . 
         [0066]    It should be understood that while flat screen devices are one primary use for support assemblies  10   a  to  10   d,  the support assemblies described herein can be used instead with any relatively thin and flat vertical structure. For example, it is expressly contemplated to use support assemblies  10   a  to  10   c  in the workplace with cubicle walls. In many instances, cubicle space is at a premium. Support assemblies  10   a  to  10   c  provide the worker with additional room for books, pictures, plants, supplies, etc. 
         [0067]    It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.