GB2502150A

GB2502150A - A visual display unit mount

Info

Publication number: GB2502150A
Application number: GB1208827.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Milton Brydson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-05-18
Filing date: 2012-05-18
Publication date: 2013-11-20
Also published as: GB201208827D0; WO2013171502A1; CA2908437A1

Abstract

A visual display unit mount comprises a base 2, a visual display unit bracket, a control (6, fig 4) and an arm wherein the position of the arm is electrically controllable by a user through use of the control. Articulated joints may be in place between the arm, base and bracket. Parts of the mount may be hydraulically movable. The arm may allow movement of the bracket in more than one plane. The control may be locally provided. The control may be a remote control providing wireless connectivity. The bracket may be provided independently. The mount may be attached to a horizontal surface. The mount may be attached to a vertical surface.

Description

A VISUAL DISPLAY UNIT MOUNT

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a visual display unit mount, more particularly for monitors or similar.

Background

Due to increasing population pressures, increased numbers of people or users are finding that living or working space is at a premium.

Technological advances do much to mitigate the effects of limited space whereby users can take advantage of technology to entertain in manners not available.

Many users in particular spend much time working or using screens, televisions or visual display units in order to work, rest or play.

Attendant problems of this combination of factors relate to maximisation of technological advances, for minimum expense in a world of limited resources, and without cluttering workspaces and living spaces with technology.

Miniaturisation is a growing trend, but is not suitable for all technology and in fact screens have tended towards increases in size.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Granted United States patent US 7 715 187 (HOTELLING et al) discloses a docking system, comprising: a portable electronic device capable of operating in multiple orientations including vertical and horizontal; and a docking station configured to mechanically accept and operatively interface with the portable electronic device in any of its multiple orientations including vertical and horizontal.

United States patent application US 5 589 849 (DITZIK) discloses a display device position adjusting apparatus, which comprises: a. a table support structure defining a horizontal surface member and a plurality of vertical support members fixed to the horizontal surface, the horizontal surface member having an opening sufficiently large that the display device can fit inside the opening and moved in a multiplicity of orientations; b. means for adjusting the display device through a large range of orientations, wherein the adjusting means is attached to the table support structure, such that the display device can be adjusted to position well above and below the table support structure horizontal surface an can be locked into a fixed position, and wherein the adjusting means provides: -a front reversible motor connected to a display elevation linkage means and front display hinge, for elevation adjustment, and -a rear reversible motor connected to a display inclination linkage means and rear hinge, for inclination rotation adjustment, wherein each linkage means is connected to the to a display device cradle in which the display device sits; c. said table support structure being suitable for a computer desk, capable of supporting computer related devices; and d. said adjusting means may be comprised of a plurality of electrical and mechanical adjustment means.

International patent application WO 8 501 648 (IRELAND) discloses a stand for an electronic instrument having a light display1 comprising: a base member for supporting the stand, including swivel means to enable said stand to swivel in a substantially horizontal plane; telescoping post means attached to said base member including an inner post member and an outer post member which slide relative to each other to enable height adjustment of the post means; a support carriage for supporting the instrument thereon; tilt connector means for pivotally attaching said support carriage to said telescoping post means to enable said carriage to tilt in a substantially vertical direction; and cylinder means for maintaining the post means in an adjusted height position after movement of the carriage on said post means to different height positions.

In contrast the present invention provides a means of adjusting or orienting a monitor for maximal viewing purposes, both for standard users and those of limited mobility.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a visual display unit mount, comprising: a base, a visual display unit bracket, a control, and an arm, wherein position of the arm is electrically controllable by a user through use of the control.

Preferably the mount is articulated such that articulated joints are in place between the arm, base and bracket, collectively to be known as parts.

These articulations ideally allow the parts to assume a plurality of positions with regards to each other and consequently furthermore allows the visual display unit (VDU)to assume a plurality of positions with regards to the base.

In this way a user may reposition a VDU, such as television screen or computer monitor when and as required. For example the user may reposition the VDU for viewing from a remote location within a room, or for others to enable their viewing of the VDU.

Preferably the arm is a hydraulic arm and is movable by way of a hydraulic actuator.

Mare particularly, in a preferred embodiment, the articulations are able to be moved electrically.

Ideally articulations are manipulable, and/or the arm, base or bracket is electrically or mechanically controllable.

Preferably the arm is adapted to allow movement of the bracket in more than one plane. For example the bracket may adjust or reposition for height and/or horizontal distance and/or rake in relation to a fixed point.

In yet further embodiments the bracket and/or mount may allow rotation of the VDU, so that the VDU may be viewed in horizontal or vertical orientation.

Ideally the control is locally provided. For example in some embodiments the control may be a set of switches or buttons that relate to various movements or articulations of the mount.

In preferred embodiments however the control consists of a rocker control, having either internal analogue or digital switches that are activated by a single pad in order to mimic potential movements of the mount.

Advantageously the control is remotely provided by inclusion of wireless connectivity, such as shortwave radio waves, to include BLUETOOTH (Trade Mark). In this way the user may be situated remotely from the VDU and able to ensure that the VDU is aligned and oriented for optimal viewing.

In particular this may enable a disabled user to operate and manipulate the yOU's orientation so thatthe user may derive maximum enjoyment.

Preferably the bracket may be provided independently wherein for example the VOU may be attached to the mount either using an existing fitting which will correspond with a universal fit' bracket that enables a plurality of VDU fittings to be encompassed within the bracket and the mount.

Preferably the mount may be attached to a horizontal surface such that the VDU may be mounted onto a table.

Preferably the mount may be attached to a vertical structure, such that the VDU can be mounted onto a wall.

Preferred embodiments may also allow the VDU to be attached to either as required, wherein the mount may be provided in a kit of parts allowing the mount to be adaptable to a plurality of surfaces or structures. For example some embodiments of the base may be provided or include a clip or clamp.

Such a mount in particular permits use of a dual purpose smart television or monitor, wherein the mount for example enables a user to use the monitor at a desk and subsequently move the mount to enable the user to view a television from a more comfortable location, so maximising technology in limited spaces.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention, Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the mount; Figure 2 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment; Figures 3 show two side views of the embodiment; Figures 4 show a front and rear view of the embodiment; Figures 5 a view from below and above of the embodiment; Figures 6 show an isometric and isometric exploded view of an embodiment of a wireless control; and Figures 7 show an isometric exploded and isometric view of an embodiment of a wired control;

Detailed Description of Figures

The pictured embodiment uses worm gears 1 and two motors 2 to require less components and achieve a smoother more precise movement than would be achieved in embodiments using hydraulics.

The pictured and preferred embodiment of the mount provides a fully adjustable visual display unit, or monitor, stand that smoothly repositions a user's monitor to a more desirable angle whilst they are sat in a comfortable working position.

A worm gear also locks the stand in place so there is no risk of the visual display unit monitor (not shown) tilting forwards over time. As worm gears provide a precise, smooth, controlled movement they are ideal for both movement in the X and V plane.

Another embodiment uses a motor and worm gear to rotate the monitor 360° through the X plane, and hydraulic pistons to tilt.

Ball bearings 3 allow the monitor to easily rotate whilst not transferring any weight from the monitor through the mechanisms. Preferably the two bearings 3 stop the arm from tilting forwards under the weights of the monitor, wherein a motor rotates the arm, which sits between the two bearings 3 to allow it to easily rotate. Two strong springs 4 keep the monitor at the desired height and the bearings 3 take strain from the monitor leaning forward allowing it to rotate smoothly.

Further embodiments use a universal plate that allows the majority of flat screen monitors to be easily fitted into place. Such an embodiment may still rotate, but uses a worm gear and motor in the arm which allows very fine adjustments to be made to also reduce thickness of the mount.

Such worm gears are ideally made from metal to be able to take full weight of the monitor.

The pictured embodiment includes a universal monitor plate wherein an existing monitor is attached to the mount, for example using 4 screws, being universal with holes 100mm and 75mm apart.

Movement is achieved using a remote control with no effort or movement required from the user. This control may be a wired control or wireless, in order that disabled users are not disadvantaged.

As pictured in Figure 6 the mount includes a 4-button remote that has a (universal serial bus) USB connector for recharging the battery.

In other embodiments a USB or THUNDERBOLT (Trade Mark) hub provides easy access and increases available ports and is located at a side to keep the mount front uncluttered. As seen in Figure 4 an internal rechargeable battery for a wireless remote, can be recharged using the USB ports on the base front 5, where further local control is situate 6.

A large base (Figure 2, 7) provides weighting and stability to accommodate a range of monitor sizes. A metal rod acts as a pivot and also gives stability to the base. In some further embodiments the base is clamped to a desk (not shown) which significantly reduces the amount of space taken up by the monitor base. Extra support ribs can be added to allow heavier monitors. For larger size screens an additional gear can be added which will raise even heavy screens.

Figure 6 and 7 show different controls however it is envisaged a range of possible shapes are possible and/or desirable, all of which can be wired or wireless. In preferred embodiments a joystick allows a greater level of accuracy over fine movements and a 4-way joystick, (which may be included on the base, and/or operated remote controlled wireless or via a hard wire connection) allows a very precise movement to be achieved.

The pictured and preferred embodiment provides an electronically adjustable computer monitor stand and is well-suited for offices or organisations with a large number of computer monitors that require multiple user use.

The embodiment allows for effective hotdesking wherein multiple users are enabled to easily and quickly adjust monitor arrangement and/or orientation for personal use, so preventing discomfort and workplace injury.

In any event provision of a fully adjustable monitor stand aims to provide more comfort for users in an office environment It will enable the user to move their monitor into an optimum position efficiently.

The pictured embodiment is well suited to cater for as many different sizes and shapes of monitors as possible to enable the monitor to be secured to the stand in a simple and safe way and be able to rotate the monitor through an X plane 360° and a Y plane 450 in both directions.

Such bases may have a very small footprint, taking up much less space than a standard monitor stand when achieved using the clamp, but will need a suitable desk.

Nylon straps or other durable webbing or similar flexible material may be provided and available to securely attach an existing monitor base with minimal effort, modifications or need for tools. Nylon webbing strap and buckle firmly secure the monitor in place.

Such embodiments require minimal setting up, and attach to most existing monitor bases using 2 straps and do not require any modification to the existing monitor, and will work even if they do not have a universal plate fitting on the rear of the monitor.

In the pictured and preferred embodiment however the monitor sits on a central circular plate that can be tilted 45° forwards or backwards! this is sat on top of another base plate that can be rotated 360°. Central column rotates! whilst the outer casing keeps it vertical.

Claims

Claims 1. A visual display unit mount1 comprising of a base, a visual display unit bracket, a control, and an arm, wherein position of the arm is electrically controllable by a user through use of the control.
2. A mount according to claim 1 articulated such that articulated joints are in place between the arm, base and bracket.
3. A mount according to claim 1 or 2 wherein parts of the mount are hydraulically movable.
4. A mount according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the arm may allow movement of the bracket in more than one plane.
5. A mount according to claim ito 4 wherein the control is locally provided.
6. A mount according to claim 1 to 4 wherein control is remotely provided by inclusion of wireless connectivity.
7. A mount according to any preceding claim wherein the bracket may be provided independently.
8. A mount according to any preceding claim wherein the mount may be attached to a horizontal surface.
9 A mount according to any preceding claim that may be attached to a vertical surface.
10. A method of arranging a visual display unit according to any preceding claim or according to the figures.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A mount for a visual display unit comprises of a base with a column upstanding therefrom, a visual display unit bracket is supported on a movable arm connected to the column, a first actuator is arranged to displace the bracket with respect to the column, a second actuator is arranged to rotate the column with respect to the base, and a controller controls the actuators.2. A mount according to claim 1 wherein the movable arm has articulated joints.3. A mount according to claim 1 or 2 wherein at least one actuator is a motor.4. A mount according to claim 1 or 2 wherein at least one actuator is hydraulic.5. A mount according to any preceding claim wherein the bracket is adapted to be displaced through mare than one plane.6. A mount according to claim 1 to 4 wherein control is wireless. S. * * * ** : 20 7. A mount according to claim 3 wherein at least one worm gear drive is * provided.*.*.*.* 8. A mouth substantially herein described with reference to the Figures. * *SS..... * . Sc,