Modular flat-panel monitor stand

• US 8,670,232 B2
• Filed: 07/22/2009
• Issued: 03/11/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 07/22/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Bliven, Robert P., Gagne, Jacques, Robertson, Kenneth G., Lee, Brian, Perry, Brian David
• Primary Examiner(s): Gandhi, Jayprakash N
• Assistant Examiner(s): Desai, Nidhi
• Application Number:
  US13/386,428
• Publication Number:
  US 20120120628A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,693 Days
• Field of Search: 36167901-67945, 36167955-67959, 248917-924, 312/223.1, 312/223.2
• US Class Current: 361/679.55
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/041 Allowing quick release of the apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/10 around a horizontal axis F16M11/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 13/00 Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles heads thereof F16M11/02 ; undercarriages thereof F16M11/20 ; adapted to be stuck in the ground A45F3/44 ; sockets or holders for poles or posts E04H12/22; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles supports for measuring instruments G01D11/30; supports for casings of remote control switching devices H01H9/025
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1601 Constructional details related to the housing of computer displays, e.g. of CRT monitors, of flat displays constructional details related to flat displays integrated in a portable computer, e.g. laptop, handheld computer G06F1/1637; constructional details related to television receivers H04N5/64

Abstract

A flat-panel display stand in accordance with the present invention includes a modular assembly for supporting a display on a horizontal surface so that the display tilt can be adjusted by the user. The stand has a modular design with only two modules: a retainer clip and supporting leg that are uniquely hinged together and connected to the rear of the display.

Claims

1. A support device for supporting a flat-panel display on a horizontal surface, the support device comprising:

an adjustable supporting leg for supporting the flat-panel display in an inclined position, the supporting leg having a substantially planar structure, with a top and bottom surface, and a first elongated semi-circular tubular member disposed at one end thereof, said tubular member being partially open along the longitudinal axis to form a semi-circular well; and

a retainer clip housing disposed at the back of the flat-panel display and having a second elongated semi-circular tubular member disposed at one end of the retainer clip housing for rotatingly mating with the first elongated semi-circular tubular member of the supporting leg, said retainer clip adapted to removeably attach to the flat-panel display;

wherein the first and second elongated tubular members when interconnected are disposed within a semi-circular rotational well molded into the flat-panel display to allow the supporting leg to partially rotate relative to the retainer clip.

2. A support device as in claim 1, wherein said support device further comprises:

first and second positioning tabs affixed to the bottom surface of the retainer clip housing for positioning said retainer clip relative to the flat-panel display; and

a pair of assembly hooks spaced apart and extending beyond the second elongated semi-circular tubular member, said assembly hooks adapted for locking one end of the retainer clip housing in place when secured to the flat-panel display.

3. A support device as in claim 2 wherein the retainer clip housing further comprises a pair of finger snaps disposed on the bottom surface of the retainer clip housing for securing the other end of the retainer clip housing to the flat-panel display.

4. A support device as in claim 3 wherein the retainer clip housing further comprises a pair of posts disposed on the top surface of the retainer clip housing to prevent the supporting leg from closing to the top surface of the retainer clip housing.

5. A support device as in claim 3 wherein the retainer clip housing further comprises an elongated ridge disposed on the top surface of the retainer clip housing to prevent the supporting leg from closing to the top surface of the retainer clip housing.

6. A support device as in claim 5 wherein the supporting leg and the retainer clip housing are each constructed of a hard molded plastic material.

7. A support device as in claim 6 wherein the supporting leg further comprises a substantially planar structure having an opening therein sufficient for channeling cables from the display apparatus.

8. A self-supporting flat panel display apparatus comprising:

a flat panel display housing having a front and rear portion, and a recessed semi-circular tubular trough having a longitudinal axis, said recessed semi-circular tubular trough being disposed on the rear portion;

a modular supporting stand pivotally secured to the recessed semi-circular tubular trough for supporting the display housing on a horizontal surface in an inclined position,

said supporting stand comprising;

an adjustable supporting leg having a substantially planar structure with a top and bottom surface, a first elongated semi-circular tubular member disposed on the bottom surface at one end of the supporting leg, the tubular member being partially open along the longitudinal axis forming a semi-circular well; and

a retainer clip adapted for connection to the rear of the display housing and having a second elongated semi-circular tubular member disposed at one end thereof for rotatingly mating with the first elongated semi-circular tubular member of the supporting leg, said retainer clip adapted to be removeably coupled to the back of the display and for tightly holding the first elongated semi-circular tubular member within the recessed tubular trough in the flat panel display housing.

9. A flat panel display apparatus as in claim 8 wherein said flat panel display housing further comprises:

a first and second pair of positioning slots disposed on the rear portion of the display housing, said second pair of positioning slots being disposed within said recessed semi-circular tubular trough and transverse to said longitudinal axis.

10. A flat panel display apparatus as in claim 9 wherein said retainer clip further comprises:

a pair of positioning tabs disposed on the retainer clip and adapted for insertion through the first pair of positioning slots, and

a pair of elongated snaps disposed on the retainer clip and adapted to protrude through the first pair of positioning slots for securely holding the retainer clip to the rear of the display.

11. A flat panel display apparatus as in claim 10 wherein said first elongated semi-circular tubular member further comprises a pair of supporting ribs disposed transverse to the longitudinal axis thereof for providing torsional rigidity to said tubular member.

12. A flat panel display apparatus as in claim 11 wherein the retainer clip housing further comprises a pair of posts disposed on the top surface of the retainer clip housing to prevent the supporting leg from closing to the top surface of the retainer clip housing.

13. A flat panel display apparatus as in claim 11 wherein the retainer clip housing further comprises an elongated ridge disposed on the top surface of the retainer clip housing to prevent the supporting leg from closing to the top surface of the retainer clip housing.

14. A flat panel display apparatus as in claim 13 wherein the adjustable supporting leg and the retainer clip are constructed of a hard molded plastic material.

15. A flat panel display apparatus as in claim 8 wherein the adjustable supporting leg is rotatingly moveable about the recessed semi-circular tubular trough so as to allow said flat panel display to till backwards within a 20°

range.