GB2611534A - Mounting apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A mounting plate for a display screen where the mounting plate 1 directly connects at a first side (13 fig. 1B) to a wall (25 fig. 3) or a stand (15 fig. 2), and at a second side (11) directly connects to a display screen (19). Wherein, the mounting plate removably mounts the display screen to both a wall and a stand. An associated method of mounting a display screen to a wall or a stand is provided. An associated stand and an associated display screen are also provided.

Description

Mounting Apparatus and Method Field of the Invention Moll The present invention relates to mounting apparatus for display screens, particularly but not exclusively for television screens, and a method of mounting such screens using the apparatus.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Television screens are both high value and easy to damage. Once a television screen is set up and installed in the user environment, such as mounted on a stand or on a wall, it will usually stay in this location for extended periods of time without being moved or handled and is therefore unlikely to be damaged. However, to get to this stage a television screen will first need to be mounted in its location of use, such as on a stand or on a wall, and it is during this mounting stage in particular that damage is likely to occur. [0003] Existing mounting devices for television screens suffer from a number of drawbacks. They are difficult to use, whether for wall or stand mounting, and typically include a time consuming and involved attachment process for securing to the television screen. The television must be manually supported in the air until it is secured. As such, installation typically requires three people, two to hold the television screen and one to perform the attachment.

[0004] Accordingly, the installation process is both physically demanding for users and complex, requiring both strength and dexterity. These factors increase the likelihood of user failure at the mounting stage, either by dropping the television screen or incompletely securing the television screen to the mounting apparatus so that the television screen may then immediately, or at some later time, separate from the mounting apparatus, fall to the floor and break.

[0005] Another problem with wall mounting of television screens is that the available space between the television screen and the wall, within which the mounting apparatus is located, is typically small and cramped. This makes attachment to the wall mounting apparatus difficult and error prone, and increases the time needed to manually support the television, thus increasing the likelihood of damage.

[0006] Alternatively, where the available space between the television screen and the wall, in which the mounting apparatus is located is not small and cramped, this may be because the mounting apparatus is large and extends far out from the wall. This may installation easier, but may cause the television screen once mounted to be further away from the wall. Not only is this less space efficient, but it also increases the shadow gap between the television screen and the wall, causing undesirable large shadows on the wall around the edge of the television screen.

[0007] A further problem is that a user is typically provided with a stand mount as part of the purchased television product. Should the user wish to wall mount the television, they are required to purchase a separate dedicated wall mount.

[0008] KR100873131 B1 concerns a floor stand including a base and an arm which extends upward from the base and attaches to a television. The floor stand can be disassembled so that the base and the arm are separated, and the base can be attached to a wall. The arm can be reattached to the television in a different orientation, and the arm can then be attached to the base plate with a different fixing mechanism and location from the stand configuration. As such the components of the original floor stand can be disassembled and reassembled in a different configuration to create a wall mount for a television. This assembly is slow and complex for the user, requiring many parts to be disassembled and reassembled in a different configuration. Further, by virtue of the indirect connection between the base plate and the television, as the arm is always located extending between the base plate and the television in both floor stand and wall mounting configurations, the device is bulky and the television is always separated and distant from the wall.

Statement of the Invention

[0009] Aspects of the invention are defined by the accompanying claims.

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention may address problems in the state of the art, such as those described in the Background section. For instance, embodiments of the present invention may provide improvements in ease, optionality and final configuration of mountings of televisions screens.

[0011] For instance, embodiments of the invention may provide for an advantageously thin and unobtrusive wall and stand mounting plate. Embodiments of the invention may provide an advantageously fast and simple manner of mounting a display screen to both a wall and a stand, and in particular may use the same manner and mechanism of attachment for mounting to both the wall and stand such that a user is only require to familiarise themselves with a single mounting technique regardless of whether the mounting plate is being used for wall mounting or stand mounting. Embodiments of the invention may also provide an advantageously fast and simple manner of mounting the display screen to the mounting plate, in particular such that the time and/or number of users required to mount the display screen is reduced.

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention may comprise a mounting plate capable of being directly connected to a display screen and advantageously capable of being directly connected to a wall or a stand, such that the same mounting plate may be used for removably mounting display screens to either a stand or a wall as desired.

[0013] According to an aspect, there is provided a mounting plate for a display screen. The mounting plate is configured for direct physical connection of a first side of the mounting plate to a wall, direct physical connection of the first side of the mounting plate to a stand, and direct physical connection of a second side of the mounting plate to a display screen, such that the mounting plate is capable of removably mounting the display screen both to a wall and to a stand.

[0014] The mounting plate may comprise a first means for the direct physical connection of the first side of the mounting plate to a wall, and the first means may comprises a first plurality of holes allowing fastenings for attachment to a wall to pass therethrough such that the first side of the mounting plate can be removably connected to a wall by the fastenings attached to the wall. Preferably, the first plurality of holes may comprise at least four holes located near the periphery of the mounting plate.

[0015] The mounting plate may comprise second means for the direct physical connection of the first side of the mounting plate to a stand, and the second means may comprise a second plurality of holes allowing fastenings for attachment to a stand to pass therethrough such that the first side of the mounting plate can be connected to a stand by the fastenings attached to the stand. Preferably, the second plurality of holes may comprise at least four holes located near the periphery of the mounting plate. Optionally, the second plurality of holes further comprises at least two holes located away from the periphery of the mounting plate.

[0016] The mounting plate may be removably connectable to a stand by fastenings passing through each of the second plurality of holes and into the stand, and may be removably attachable to a wall by fastenings passing through each of the first plurality of holes and into the wall.

[0017] The mounting plate may comprise third means for the direct physical connection of the second side of the mounting plate to a display screen, and the third means may comprise one or more projections onto which a display screen can be hung. The projections may be located on an upper edge of the mounting plate, and may extend vertically upwardly from the upper edge of the mounting plate, and away from a main body of the mounting plate. The one or more projections may be configured to be substantially parallel to a second side of the mounting plate.

[0018] According to an aspect a stand for a display screen is provided. The stand may include the mounting plate a stand plate for attachment of the mounting plate thereto. [0019] According to an aspect a display screen is provided. The display screen may have a mounting area in the back thereof for receiving the third means of the mounting plate.

[0020] According to an aspect, a method of mounting a display screen on a wall or stand using the mounting plate is provided. The method may comprise removably connecting the mounting plate to a wall or stand, and subsequently removably connecting a display screen to the mounting plate.

[0021] The method may comprise removably connecting the mounting plate to a wall using the first means, or removably connecting the mounting plate to a stand comprises removably connecting the mounting plate to a stand using the second means, and ssubsequently removably connecting a display screen to the mounting plate comprises removably connecting a display screen to the mounting plate using the third means.

[0022] The method may comprise removably connecting the mounting plate to the stand comprises attaching the fastenings to the stand and through the second plurality of holes. [0023] The method may comprise removably connecting the mounting plate to the stand such that the first side of the mounting plate being fastened in direct physical contact with the stand. Optionally, the method may comprise additionally attaching the fastenings which are through the second plurality of holes located near the periphery of the mounting plate to the display screen.

[0024] The method may comprise removably connecting the mounting plate to a wall comprises attaching the fastenings to the wall and through the first plurality of holes. [0025] The method may comprise removably connecting the mounting plate to the wall comprises the first side of the mounting plate being fastened in direct physical contact with the wall. Alternatively, the method may comprise locating spacers between the mounting plate and the wall.

[0026] The method may comprise removably connecting the display screen to the third means by inserting the third means into a mutually dimensioned slot in the back of the display screen.

[0027] Various embodiments and aspects of the invention are described without limitation below, with reference to the figures.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0on] There now follows, by way of example only, a detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the figures identified below.

Figure 1A shows a front view of a mounting plate according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 1B shows a side view of the mounting plate; Figure 24 shows an exploded view of the mounting plate and a stand according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2B shows a rear perspective view of the mounting plate and stand; Figure 2C shows a rear perspective view of the mounting plate removably attached to the stand; Figure 2D shows a rear perspective view of a television mounted on the stand using the mounting plate; Figure 3A shows a front perspective view of the mounting plate during a stage of wall mounting; Figure 3B shows a front perspective view of the mounting plate during a stage of wall mounting; Figure 3C shows a side view of the mounting plate removably attached to a wall; Figure 3D shows a perspective view of the television mounted on the wall using the mounting plate.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0029] In the following description, functionally similar parts carry the same reference numerals between figures. References to direction, such as upper, lower, top, bottom and the like, are with reference to the orientation of a display screen such as a television screen when mounted in the normal orientation.

[0030] Mounting apparatus in embodiments of the invention may comprise a mounting plate which may be thin in depth and/or sheet-like. When located between a display screen and a stand or a wall, this allows for the display screen to be in close proximity to and not project far from the stand or wall.

[0031] The same mounting plate may be removably attached to either a wall or a stand, with the user able to choose between either wall mounting or stand mounting using the same mounting plate, and also change between the two depending on preference. Advantageously, the mounting plate may be configured to use common features and mechanisms for connection to both a stand and a wall. This improves simplicity in the design, construction, and ease of use for a user who needs to be familiar with only a single means for connection, and/or a single manner of connection, regardless of application. [0032] In the following description embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to a television, however as noted above the invention is not limited in this regard and is instead applicable to display screens in general.

[0033] Referring to Figures 14 and 1B, there is shown a mounting plate 1 in an embodiment of the present invention, with Figure 14 showing the mounting plate 1 from a television side view 11, which is the side of the mounting plate 1 which interfaces with the back of a television. The opposite side of the mounting plate 1 is termed the mounting side 13, and is the side of the mounting plate 1 which interfaces with the wall or stand to which the mounting plate 1 is removably attached. Figure 1B shows the mounting plate 1 from a side view.

[0034] The mounting plate 1 includes means for connection, suitable for securing and attaching the mounting plate 1 to either a stand or a wall. For instance, the means for connection may include fastenings such as screws or bolts fixed in location or captive on the mounting plate 1 but able to freely rotate in said location for removable attachment to a stand or wall. Alternatively, in the embodiments depicted in the Figures, the means for connection may comprise mounting holes suitable for accommodating removable means for securing and attaching the mounting plate 1 to either a stand or a wall. For instance, as depicted in the Figures, the mounting holes may comprise two sets of holes, such as stand mounting holes 2 suitable for accommodating removable means for securing and attaching the mounting plate 1 to a stand, and wall mounting holes 3 suitable for accommodating removable means for securing and attaching the mounting plate 1 to a wall. The means for securing and attaching may be fastenings, which may for instance be screws or bolts. The stand mounting holes 2 may be suitably dimensioned to allow fastenings such as screws or bolts to pass therethrough for attachment to a stand, and the wall mounting holes 3 may be suitably dimensioned to allow suitable fastenings such as screws or fittings to attach to different wall surfaces such as brick, concrete or stud walls. The means for securing and attaching may for instance be suitable for use with screwdrivers or Allen keys.

[0035] Alternatively, where the means for connection are mounting holes, the means for securing and attaching may be fastenings such as plugs or hooks which attach to a stand or wall, or are already embedded in a stand or wall, which the mounting holes may be suitably dimensioned to fit around and thereby allow the mounting plate to hang from the plugs or hooks.

[0036] The stand mounting holes 2 may be suitably dimensioned to allow fastenings such as screws or bolts to pass through for attachment to the back of a television with mutually compatible fittings. For instance, the stand mounting holes 2 and/or wall mounting holes 3 may be between approximately Smm to 20mm in diameter. Preferably, the wall mounting holes 3 may be approximately 9mm in diameter. Optionally, the stand mounting holes 2 may be larger in diameter than the wall mounting holes 3. The location of the mounting holes may be anywhere on the mounting plate 1, but preferably there are at least four stand mounting holes 2 and four wall mounting holes 3 located near the periphery and/or corners of the mounting plate 1. For instance, as depicted in the Figures, within the vicinity of each of four corners of the mounting plate 1 there may be two mounting holes, one stand mounting hole 2 and one wall mounting hole 3. Optionally, as depicted in the Figures, in the vicinity of each of the corners of the mounting plate 1 one of the stand mounting holes 2 or wall mounting holes 3 may be located inward of, with respect to the centre of the mounting plate 1, the other type of mounting hole. Optionally, in the vicinity of each of the corners of the mounting plate 1, one of the stand mounting holes 2 or wall mounting holes 3 may be located vertically above the other type of mounting hole in its immediate vicinity.

[0037] The mounting plate 1 may be of any suitable dimensions, and may for instance be substantially rectangular. For example, the mounting plate 1 may be approximately 300mm by 200mm. The mounting plate 1 may be made of any suitable material providing the required strength to support a television. The mounting plate 1 may be made of plastic and/or of metal, for instance steel. Optionally, as for instance depicted in Figures 3A and 3B, the main body of the mounting plate 1 may be formed into a configuration including areas of ridges and areas of recesses, whilst still providing a thin profile. This configuration may appear similar to a waffle, and may for instance be formed by pressing the mounting plate 1, in particular when the mounting plate 1 is made of a metal material. This configuration adds advantageous additional stiffness, rigidity and structural integrity to the mounting plate 1 whilst simultaneously allowing it to maintain a thin profile and form factor. Hence this configuration thereby improves the ability of the mounting plate 1 to securely support a television in a wide variety of different mounting configurations, whilst still being unobtrusive and compact.

[0038] The mounting plate 1 may be approximately 10mm in depth, which allows the mounting plate 1 to be unobtrusive, regardless of whether attached to a wall or a stand, and as will be described further below allows a significant reduction in shadow gap between the television it is attached to and the wall it is mounted to.

[0039] The mounting plate 1 may be physically connectable directly to each of the elements to which it is connected in use, such as the television and the stand or wall. In particular, there may be no need for additional elements to be located between the mounting plate 1 and the stand or wall. Instead, the mounting plate 1 itself may directly contact the wall or stand in use, while providing a secure mounting thereto. Hence, the mounting plate 1 may provide low-profile mounting of televisions to walls or stands, as the mounting plate 1 is thin and requires no further substantial elements between itself and the wall or stand in order to securely attach thereto. Hence the mounting plate 1 may provide a direct mounting of a television to either a wall or a stand, by virtue of a single element located between the television and the stand or wall, directly connected to the television and the stand or wall.

[0040] By comparison, wall mountings according to the state of the art often require arms or pillars extending from the wall into a second fitting, such as a plate, which then attaches to the television, or alternatively or additionally require arms or pillars attached to the television and extending to a second fitting, such as a base plate, which is attached to the wall. These additional elements add complexity and size to the mounting apparatus, making them protrude further from the wall and/or increasing the difficulty of user installation.

[0041] The mounting plate 1 may also be used with spacers 7 located between the mounting plate 1 and a wall. The spacers 7 may be dimensioned for use with a particular size or shape of television. The spacers may be used to distance the mounting plate 1 from a wall to allow a particular television to be flat against or close to the wall in use when removably connected to the mounting plate 1. This allows the mounting plate 1 to be compatible with a wide range of different television dimensions. The spacers 7 may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic or rubber, and in use will typically be located in line with the mounting holes such that the means of attaching the mounting plate 1 to the television, stand and/or walls, such as screws, passes through the centre of the spacers 7. Accordingly, the spacers 7 will be typically be formed as cylindrical tubes. The spacers 7 may be separate modular items, to be inserted by the user during mounting.

[0042] The use of spacers 7 does not detract from the ability of the mounting plate 1 to be used without spacers 7, and the spacers 7 are therefore optional additional features.

[0043] The mounting plate 1 includes a feature for convenient removable mounting of a screen onto the mounting plate. In some embodiments, this feature comprises one or more projections, such as tabs or lips 5, located on the upper side of the mounting plate 1. There may be a single tab 5, for instance extending substantially across the length of the upper side of the mounting plate 1. Alternatively, as depicted in the Figures, there may be a plurality of tabs 5, for instance four tabs 5. Regardless, the tab(s) 5 preferably extend across the majority of the upper side of the mounting plate 1. The tab(s) 5 may be configured to extend vertically from the upper side of the mounting plate 1 and away from the centre of the mounting plate 1. In particular, the correct orientation of the mounting plate 1 is with the tab(s) 5 on the upper side thereof, and hence the tab(s) 5 may be used by the user to correctly orientate the mounting plate 1 before use. Preferably, the tab(s) 5 are located closer to the television side 11 of the mounting plate 1, for instance substantially parallel and in line with the front face of the television side 11 of the mounting plate 1 as depicted in Figure 1B.

[0044] According to embodiments of the invention, the tab(s) 5 are configured to attach the mounting plate 1 to a television by interfacing with and being inserted into a mutually dimensioned tab receiving area in the back of the television, as will be described further below. As such, the tab(s) 5 may be configured to allow the television to hang in position on the mounting plate 1 under gravity, such that the television is securely supported by the mounting plate 1. The tab(s) 5 may provide a load bearing functionality supporting the weight of the television and/or may provide a locating functionality, for instance preventing lateral movement of the television such that the television is prevented from falling off the mounting plate 1 in use.

[0045] Hence, the mounting plate 1 may be able to be directly physically connected to the back of the television without requiring additional or substantial elements to be located between the mounting plate 1 and the back of the television. For instance, the tab(s) 5 may be inserted directly into the mutually dimensioned tab receiving area such that the tab(s) .5 and mounting plate 1 are in direct physical contact with the back of the television. Additionally, whilst the television is connected to the tab(s) 5, the television side 11 of the mounting plate 1, or a portion thereof, may be in direct contact with the back of the television, and the back of the television may substantially rest on the television side 11 of the mounting plate 1.

[0046] As will be described further below, the mounting plate 1 may include additional holes 17 for accommodating means for further securing and attaching the mounting plate 1 to a stand. The additional holes 17 may be located anywhere on the mounting plate 1, such as near the centre thereof. An example of these additional holes 17 is shown in Figure 2A. Further, the mounting plate 1 may also include other holes or openings which are not shown in the Figures, for instance to allow cabling to pass through the mounting plate 1 from the stand to the television.

[0047] Advantageously, the same mounting plate 1 may be used to mount a compatible television either on a stand or on a wall. Each of these options will be described below.

With reference to Figure 2 the user may choose to use the mounting plate 1 with a stand 15. For clarity, Figure 2A shows an exploded view of the mounting plate 1 and stand 15 whereas Figure 2B shows the mounting plate 1 positioned in location on the stand 15 and at the stage of securing the mounting plate 1 to the stand 15. As shown in Figure 2A, the stand 15 may comprise a number of components, such as for instance a base 151, a stand pillar 153, a stand arm 155, and/or a stand plate 157. The stand 15 including the stand base 151, a stand pillar 153, a stand arm 155, and/or a stand plate 157 may be constructed together before the user begins attaching the mounting plate 1 to the stand 15.

[0048] The additional holes 17 may be used to secure the mounting plate 1 to the stand 15 by any appropriate fastening, such as screws. By the use of the additional holes 17 in combination with the stand mounting holes 2, the mounting plate 1 is better secured to the stand 15. Fastenings passing through the additional holes 17 may additionally be used to hold the stand 15 together, for instance attaching the stand plate 157 and the stand arm to the stand pillar. Figure 2B also shows the optional spacers 7, as will be described further below.

[0049] Regardless of the presence of the optional additional holes 17, the mounting plate 1 may be secured to the stand 15 using the stand mounting holes 2 and any suitable means for securing and attaching such as fastenings, as previously described. The stand 15 includes stand holes 23 which are positioned to be in line with the stand mounting holes 2 of the mounting plate 1, such that suitable means for securing and attaching such as fastenings can pass through both the stand mounting holes 2 and the stand holes 23 and hence removably and securely attach the mounting plate 1 to the stand 15.

[0050] Optionally, as shown in Figure 2B, the spacers 7 may also be included on the television side 11 of the mounting plate 1. For instance, as previously described the spacers 7 may be configured to allow the means for securing and attaching the mounting plate 1 to the stand 15, such as fastenings, to pass through them. The spacers 7 may be used when mounting the mounting plate 1 to a wall, wherein they may be located between the mounting plate 1 and the wall. Additionally or alternatively, the spacers 7 may be used when mounting the mounting plate 1 to a stand 15, and may be located between the mounting plate 1 and the television. According to these embodiments, the spacers 7 may maintain a desired spacing between the television and the mounting plate 1, and/or the spacers 7 may advantageously be located there and/or located on or in the back of the television as a useful and convenient storage location for the user to keep the spacers 7 for later use if and when the user wants to mount the mounting plate 1 on a wall. Accordingly, this provides further convenience, ease of use and simplicity of stand mounting or wall mounting optionality to the mounting plate.

[0051] In use, the user first attaches the mounting plate 1 to the stand 15. In embodiments in which there are no additional holes 17 the user will first position the mounting plate 1 on the stand 15 such that stand mounting holes 2 and the stand holes 23 are aligned. The user will then begin removably attaching the mounting plate 1 to the stand, by passing the means for securing and attaching, for instances fastenings such as screws, through the stand mounting holes 2 and the stand holes 23 and securing them, for instance by tightening. In embodiments in which there are additional holes 17, the user may additionally or alternatively also use these to attach the mounting plate 1 to the stand 15.

In particular, the presence of the additional holes 17 allows the mounting plate 1 to be attached to the stand 15 without having to use the stand mounting holes 2 at this initial stage, such that once the television is attached to the mounting plate 1 the stand mounting holes 2 can subsequently be used to simultaneously attach the mounting plate 1 to both the stand 15 and the television by passing means for securing and attaching, such as fastenings, all the way through the stand holes 23 of the stand 15, the stand mounting holes 2 of the mounting plate 1 and into mutual receiving holes in the back of the television. This embodiment advantageously provides additional support and secure attachment of the stand 15, the mounting plate land the television. Regardless, according to embodiments of the invention the mounting plate 1 may be secured to the stand 15 by the stand mounting holes 2, and the stand mounting holes 2 may additionally be used to further secure the mounting plate 1 to the television.

[0052] Once the mounting plate 1 is attached to the stand 15, for instance in any of the previously described manners, the user is then able to mount the television on the combined mounting plate 1 and stand 15 arrangement, as for instance shown in Figure 2C.

In particular, Figure 2C shows the television 19 about to be mounted on the mounting plate 1 which is attached to the stand 15. In particular, the television 19 may include a mounting area 21. The mounting area 21 may be recessed into the back of the television 19, and in particular may be of a sufficient depth such that once the television 19 is mounted on the combined mounting plate 1 and stand 15 arrangement, the back of the stand 15, such as the stand plate 157, is flush with the back of the television 19. Further, the television side 11 of the mounting plate 1 may at this stage be in direct physical contact with the back of the television 19 and may be flat against it. Regardless, the upper side of the mounting area 21 may include a mutually dimensioned tab receiving area, such as slots or holes, which is configured to receive the tab(s) 5 such that once the television 19 is mounted on the combined mounting plate 1 and stand 15 the tab(s) 5 cannot be seen, for instance as depicted in Figure 2D which shows the combined mounting plate 1 and stand 15 arrangement mounted to the television 19.

[0053] Hence, according to embodiments of the present invention, the configuration of the mounting plate 1 including the tab(s) 5 feature advantageously allows a user to quickly, simply, and securely mount the television 19 on the mounting plate 1 attached to the stand 15.

[0054] In use, once the mounting plate 1 is attached to the stand 15, the user(s) can lift the television 19 and manoeuvre it onto the mounting plate 1 such that the mounting plate 1 is positioned within the mounting area 21 of the television 19. Typically, two users will be required, with for instance one holding each side of the television 19 and facing each other along the length of the television 19. However, for smaller televisions 19 a single user may be able to support the television 19 alone. Accordingly, the user(s) can then position, angle and/or lower the television 19 in one fast and simple movement such that the tab(s) 5 of the mounting plate 1 engages with the mutually dimensioned tab receiving area, for instance in the form of slots or holes as previously described. Once completed, the television 19 is securely mounted on the stand 15 by virtue of hanging on the mounting plate 1, and is secured in position under gravity by virtue of the tab(s) 5 which advantageously prevents the television 19 from detaching or falling from the stand 15. [0055] As previously described, the mounting plate 1 may only be secured to the stand 15 by virtue of the additional holes 17. In these embodiments, as previously described, as a final stage the user may pass means for securing and attaching, such as fastenings, through the stand holes 23 of the stand 15, the stand mounting holes 2 of the mounting plate land into mutual receiving holes in the back of the television. Advantageously, in these embodiments, the stand mounting holes 2 can be used to simultaneously attach the mounting plate 1 to both the stand 15 and the television 19, providing additional support and secure attachment of the television 19 to the mounting plate land stand 15.

[0056] Hence, the mounting plate 1 according to embodiments of the present invention is particularly advantageous, as the user is able to quickly, simply and conveniently mount the television 19 on the mounting plate 1. Firstly, the tab(s) 5 arrangement provides a fast and simple movement which reduces the amount of time the user(s) have to manually support the television 19 in the air, hence reducing the difficulty and physical exertion of the user(s) but also reducing the likelihood of damage by virtue thereof. Secondly, the ability to mount the television 19 on the mounting plate 1 merely by virtue of positioning, angling, and manoeuvring the television 19 under gravity whilst manually supported allows for only two users to easily mount the television 19. In particular, as compared to existing mounting devices which require positioning and tightening of attachments such as screws before the television 19 is securely mounted, i.e. before the user(s) can stop manually supporting the television 19, there is no need for a required third person to perform the positioning and tightening of the attachments whilst the two other users manually support the television 19. The same advantage applies where the television 19 is small enough to be held by only single user, in which case the second person needed for existing mounting devices is advantageously not required. Thirdly, as will be described further below, as the mounting plate 1 according to embodiments of the invention is advantageously universally applicable for mounting the television 19 to both a wall and a stand 15, the manner of securely mounting of the television 19 to the mounting plate 1 is therefore the same for both applications.

[0057] To remove the television 19 from the mounting plate 1 and to remove the mounting plate 1 from the stand 15, the user(s) can simply perform the above described steps in reverse, for instance, starting with lifting the television 19 off the mounting plate 1, then detaching the mounting plate 1 from the stand 15.

[0058] The mounting plate 1 may be sold to the user attached to the stand 15, for instance in any of the manners previously described. In this instance when the user purchases the television 19 with the stand 15, if the user wants to mount the television 19 to the stand 15, they may advantageously start from the stage as depicted in Figure 2C. Alternatively, if the user wants to mount the television 19 to a wall, they must first remove the mounting plate 1 from the stand 15, for instance in any manner as previously described. Hence the user is advantageously provided with a stand 15 which further incorporates an integrated wall mounting mechanism in the form of the mounting plate 1, which the user can choose to use in the wall mounting or stand mounting application.

[0059] Alternatively or subsequently to mounting the television 19 on the stand 15, for instance in any manner as previously described, the user may choose to use the mounting plate 1 for mounting the television on a wall 25, for instance as depicted in Figure 3A. In particular, according to embodiments of the invention including the wall mounting holes 3, the mounting plate 1 can be placed against the wall and the wall mounting holes 3 can be used as a template to mark where on the wall where the holes for mounting need to be created, for instance by inserting a pencil or drill through each of the wall mounting holes 3. To ensure the mounting plate 1 is level and correctly aligned, the user may for instance choose to use a spirit level 27. The user may then create suitable holes for mounting in the wall 25, for instance using a drill, and must select the appropriate means for securing and attaching the mounting plate 1 to the wall 25, such as fastenings. These selections will vary depending on the type of wall, for instance, brick, concrete or stud. Regardless, the dimensions of the wall mounting holes 3 may be able to accommodate the appropriate means for securing, such as fastenings, and attaching to the wall 25 regardless of the type of wall.

[0060] Once the appropriate holes have been created in the wall 25, the mounting plate 1 may be removably attached to the wall 25, for instance as depicted in Figure 3B. In particular, the means for securing or attaching the mounting plate 1 to the wall 25, such as fastenings, may be passed through the wall mounting holes 3 and secured in position such that the mounting plate 1 is secured to the wall 25, for instance as depicted in the side view of Figure 3C. The mounting side 13 of the mounting plate 1 may then advantageously be in direct physical contact with the wall 25, and substantially flat against it, hence creating a low profile low depth mounting arrangement.

[0061] When wall mounting the mounting plate 1, the optional spacers 7 as previously described may be located and positioned between the mounting plate 1 and the wall 25.

The spacers 7 may be specifically dimensioned to maintain the minimum possible distance between the wall 25 and the mounting plate 1 which still ensures that the television 19 can be attached to the mounting plate 1. In particular, the spacers 7 may be specifically dimensioned to account for associated relevant dimensions of the television 19 with which the mounting plate 1 may be provided, for instance to account for the minimum distance from the wall 25 of the tab(s) 5 in order to interface with the mutually dimensioned tab receiving area in the mounting area 21 in the back of the television 19 whilst still allowing sufficient clearance between the wall 25 and the televisions 19 to allow for mounting. [0062] In use, with the mounting plate 1 secured to the wall 25, the user may attach the television 19. In particular, similarly to stand mounting, the user(s) can lift the television 19 and manoeuvre it onto the mounting plate 1 such that the mounting plate 1 is positioned within the mounting area 21 of the television 19. Typically, two users will be required, one holding each side of the television 19 and facing each other along the length of the television 19. However, for smaller televisions 19 a single user may be able to hold the television 19 in their arms alone. Accordingly, the user(s) can then angle and/or lower the television 19 in one fast and simple movement such that the tab(s) 5 of the mounting plate 1 engage with the mutually dimensioned tab receiving area, for instance in the form of slots or holes as previously described. Once completed, the television 19 is securely mounted on the wall 25 by hanging on the mounting plate 1, and is secured in position under gravity by the tab(s) 5 which advantageously prevent the television 19 from detaching or falling from the wall 25. In particular, the removable attachment of the television 19 to the mounting plate 1 in wall 25 mounting is substantially the same as in stand 15 mounting as previously described. Advantageously, the user is therefore only required to familiarize themselves with a single manner of removably mounting the television 19 to the mounting plate 1 according to embodiments of the present invention, and further still this manner of removable attachment is fast, easy and intuitive.

[0063] As described above, spacers 7 may be used to ensure that tab(s) 5 are positioned sufficiently far from the wall that the television 19 can be attached to the mounting plate 1 whilst still allowing sufficient clearance between the wall 25 and the televisions 19 to allow for the mounting. In this configuration, the method of attaching the television 19 to the mounting plate 1 on the wall 25 may be further simplified as the user may be able to simply push the television 19 flat against the wall such that the tab(s) 5 are within the mounting area 21 in the back of the television 19, but below the mutually dimensioned tab receiving area in the upper side of the mounting area 21. Once in position, with the television 19 flat against the wall 25, the user may then be able to simply lower the television 19 such that the tab(s) 5 enters the mutually dimensioned tab receiving area and the television 19 is therefore securely attached to the mounting plate 1 under gravity. This embodiment provides further advantageous simplicity of mounting of the television 19 onto the mounting plate 1 as it avoids any angling of the television 19 that may be required in other instances.

[0064] Referring to Figure 3D, there is shown the television 19 removably mounted on the mounting plate 1 on the wall 25 according to embodiments of the invention, wherein once mounted the mounting plate 1 cannot be seen as it is behind the television 19.

[0065] As previously described, the mounting plate 1 according to embodiments of the invention is configured to be removably attached to a television 19. To remove the television 19 from the mounting plate 1 and to remove the mounting plate 1 from the wall 25, the user(s) can simply perform the above described steps in reverse. For instance, starting with lifting the television 19 off the mounting plate 1, then detaching the mounting plate 1 from the wall 25.

Alternative Embodiments [0066] Whilst the embodiments are described with reference to a television, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited thereto and the invention is equally applicable and advantageous when applied to other display screens. Television screens are typically heavier and larger than other display screens such as monitors, and embodiments of the present invention, though advantageous when applied to display screens in general, may be particularly advantageous when applied to televisions screens.

[0067] The embodiments described above are illustrative of, rather than limiting to, the present invention. Alternative embodiments apparent on reading the above description may nevertheless fall within the scope of the invention.

References 1-mounting plate 2-stand mounting holes 3 -wall mounting holes 5 -tab or lip 7 -spacers 11 -television side 13-mounting side 15 -stand 17 -additional holes 151 -stand base 153-stand pillar 155-stand arm 157-stand plate 19 -television 21-mounting area 23 -stand holes 25 -wall 27-spirit level

Claims (25)

19 Claims 1. A mounting plate for a display screen, configured for direct physical connection of a first side of the mounting plate to a wall, direct physical connection of the first side of the mounting plate to a stand, and direct physical connection of a second side of the mounting plate to a display screen, such that the mounting plate is capable of removably mounting the display screen both to a wall and to a stand.

2. The mounting plate of claim 1, comprising first means for the direct physical connection of the first side of the mounting plate to a wall.

3. The mounting plate according to claim 2, wherein the first means comprises a first plurality of holes allowing fastenings for attachment to a wall to pass therethrough such that the first side of the mounting plate can be removably connected to a wall by the fastenings attached to the wall.

4. The mounting plate according to claim 3, wherein the first plurality of holes comprises at least four holes located near the periphery of the mounting plate.

5. The mounting plate of any preceding claim, comprising second means for the direct physical connection of the first side of the mounting plate to a stand.

6. The mounting plate of claim 5, wherein the second means comprises a second plurality of holes allowing fastenings for attachment to a stand to pass therethrough such that the first side of the mounting plate can be removably connected to a stand by the fastenings attached to the stand.

7. The mounting plate according to claim 6, wherein the second plurality of holes comprises at least four holes located near the periphery of the mounting plate.

8. The mounting plate according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the second plurality of holes further comprises at least two holes located away from the periphery of the mounting plate.

9. The mounting plate of any preceding claim when dependent on claim 3 and claim 6, wherein the mounting plate is removably connectable to a stand by fastenings passing through each of the second plurality of holes and into the stand; and wherein the mounting plate is removably connectable to a wall by fastenings passing through each of the first plurality of holes and into the wall.

10.The mounting plate of any preceding claim, comprising third means for the direct physical connection of the second side of the mounting plate to a display screen.

11.The mounting plate of claim 10, wherein the third means comprises one or more projections onto which a display screen can be hung.

12. The mounting plate of claim 11, wherein the one or more projections are located on an upper edge of the mounting plate.

13.The mounting plate of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the one or more projections extend vertically upwardly from the upper edge of the mounting plate, and away from a main body of the mounting plate.

14. The mounting plate of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the one or more projections are configured to be substantially parallel to a second side of the mounting plate.

15.A stand for a display screen, the stand including the mounting plate of any preceding claim, and further including a stand plate for attachment of the mounting plate thereto.

16.A display screen having a mounting area in the back thereof for receiving the third means of the mounting plate of any one of claims 10 to 14.

17.A method of mounting a display screen on a wall or stand using the mounting plate of any one of claims 1 to 14, the method comprising: removably connecting the mounting plate to a wall or stand; and subsequently removably connecting a display screen to the mounting plate.

18. The method of claim 17 when dependent on claim 2 and claim 5 and claim 10, wherein removably connecting the mounting plate to a wall comprises removably connecting the mounting plate to a wall using the first means, or wherein removably connecting the mounting plate to a stand comprises removably connecting the mounting plate to a stand using the second means; and wherein subsequently removably connecting a display screen to the mounting plate comprises removably connecting a display screen to the mounting plate using the third means.

19. The method of claim 18, when dependent on claim 6, wherein removably connecting the mounting plate to the stand comprises attaching the fastenings to the stand and through the second plurality of holes.

20.The method of any one of claims 19, wherein removably connecting the mounting plate to the stand comprises the first side of the mounting plate being fastened in direct physical contact with the stand.

21.The method of any one of claims 19 to 20 when dependent on claim 7, further comprising additionally attaching the fastenings which are through the second plurality of holes located near the periphery of the mounting plate to the display screen.

22. The method of claim 18 when dependent on claim 3, wherein removably connecting the mounting plate to a wall comprises attaching the fastenings to the wall and through the first plurality of holes.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein removably connecting the mounting plate to the wall comprises the first side of the mounting plate being fastened in direct physical contact with the wall.

24.The method of claim 22, further comprising locating spacers between the mounting plate and the wall.

25. The method of any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein removably connecting the display screen to the third means comprises inserting the third means into a mutually dimensioned slot in the back of the display screen.