Electronic visual display unit

Abstract

An electronic visual display unit 100 such as a monitor, television or digital signage which has a housing 102 with an opening [Figure 3, 104] suitable for a cable [Figure 3, 106] which may be a power

Description

TECHNICAL FILED The invention relates to an electronic visual display unit. BACKGROUND Electronic visual display units (for example, televisions, computer monitors, or digital signage) are typically used to display media (for example, images, animations, or videos) to a viewer of the electronic visual display unit. The media may provide entertainment, advertise goods and services, or otherwise provide information to the viewer. To enable the electronic visual display unit to display the media, the electronic visual display unit typically receives a number of cables, including power cables for providing power to the electronic visual display unit and signal cables for connecting to external devices (for example, media storage devices). The cables are typically connected to the rear side of the electronic visual display unit, opposite to the front side of the electronic visual display unit which displays the media. Due to the differing uses of the cables, the cables may be received in different ports on the rear side of the electronic visual display unit. Moreover, where oversized cables are used, the cables may accumulate as a coil and / or hang down from the rear side. These issues make the electronic visual display unit unsightly, when viewed from the rear. Additionally, given that the cables are exposed and therefore accessible, the cables may easily be unplugged from the electronic visual display unit (disrupting the display of the media) or snagged (resulting in safety concerns). These problems are accentuated if the rear side of the electronic visual display unit is regularly in view and / or accessible (for example, where the electronic visual display unit is used in a window display). It is an object of embodiments of the invention to provide an improved electronic visual display unit, and / or at least mitigate one or more problems associated with known arrangements. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an electronic visual display unit comprising: a housing having a first opening for receiving a cable; a support member coupled to the housing and having a second opening for receiving the cable; and a covered pathway extending from the first opening to the second opening to at least partially enclose the cable when passing therebetween. Providing the covered pathway extending from the first opening to the second opening: a) shields the cable from view, improving the visual appearance of the electronic visual display unit; and / or b) shields the cable from access, preventing the cable being from being unplugged from the electronic visual display unit (avoiding disruption of the display of the media) and / or snagged (mitigating safety concerns). The housing may be absent any further opening for receiving a cable. In certain embodiments, the support member may be coupled directly to the housing. Alternatively, the support member may be coupled indirectly to the housing. In certain embodiments, the electronic visual display unit may comprise a further support member coupling the support member to the housing. In certain embodiments, the support member may provide at least a portion of the covered pathway. In certain embodiments, the further support member may provide a further portion of the covered pathway. In certain embodiments, the second opening may face toward the housing. The first and second openings may face toward one another. The first and second openings may abut one another. In certain embodiments, the first opening may be disposed substantially centrally along a width and / or a height of the housing. In certain embodiments, the electronic visual display unit may comprise a signal terminal for connecting the cable to receive or output the signal from / to an external device, the signal terminal being within the housing. The signal terminal may be for releasably connecting the cable to receive or output the signal from / to an external device. In certain embodiments, the support member may be an elongate hollow tubular member extending beyond an edge of the housing. The elongate hollow tubular member may be for attachment of the electronic visual display unit to a supportive substrate. The supportive substrate may be a floor or a ceiling. In certain embodiments, the further support member may be a channel or box-like member having a central region coupled to the support member and opposing ends coupled to the housing. The opposing ends may be directly coupled to the housing. Alternatively, the opposing ends may be indirectly coupled to the housing. The ends may be closed ends. In certain embodiments, the covered pathway may enclose the cable passing between the first and second openings wholly. In certain embodiments, the electronic visual display unit may comprise a cable passing through each of and between the first and second openings, and extending along the covered pathway such that substantially the entirety of the cable extending between the first and second openings is at least partially enclosed by the covered pathway. In certain embodiments, the display unit may be one of a television, a computer monitor and digital signage, or a subassembly thereof. The features of all the above-described aspects are intended to be, and should be understood to be, combinable with one another, unless mutually exclusive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which: Figure 1 is a partial rear view of an electronic visual display unit of the prior art; Figure 2 is a partial rear view of an electronic visual display unit according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a rear view of a housing of the electronic visual display unit of Figure 2; and Figure 4 is a further partial rear view of the electronic visual display unit of Figure 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 illustrates an electronic visual display unit 10 of the prior art. The electronic visual display unit 10 includes a housing 12 having multiple ports 14 for receiving cables 16 of the electronic visual display unit 10. In this example, the ports 14 are disposed along a part of a side 18 of the housing 12. Each port 14 is configured to receive a corresponding cable 16, as dependent on the use of the cable 16 (for example, powering the electronic visual display unit 10 or providing a signal to the electronic visual display unit 10). The electronic visual display unit 10 includes a support member 20 coupled to the housing 12 and having an opening 22 for receiving the cables 16. The support member 20 is arranged such that the opening 22 of the support member 20 faces away from the housing 12. The electronic visual display unit 10 includes a further support member 24 for coupling the support member 20 to the housing 12. The further support member 24 includes multiple openings 26a, 26b for receiving the cables 16 therethrough. As shown in Figure 1, the cables 16 are exposed as they extend from the ports 14 of the housing 12, through the openings 26a, 26b of the further support member 24, and through the opening 22 of the support member 20. The cables 16 are therefore visible and / or accessible. As the cables 16 are visible, the electronic visual display unit 10 is found to be unsightly, when viewed from the rear. Additionally, because the cables 16 are accessible, the cables 16 may easily be unplugged from the ports 14 (disrupting display of media to the electronic display unit 10), or snagged (resulting in safety concerns). Figures 2 to 4 illustrate an electronic visual display unit 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The electronic visual display unit 100 may have particular application for displaying media (for example, images, animations, or videos). The electronic visual display unit 100 may be one of a television, a computer monitor, and digital signage, or a subassembly of any of the aforementioned devices. The electronic visual display unit 100 includes a housing 102 having a first opening 104 for receiving a cable 106 (see Figure 3, in particular). The electronic visual display unit 100 further includes a support member 108 coupled to the housing 102. The support member 108 has a second opening 109 (not shown) for receiving the cable 106. The second opening 109 faces toward the housing 102. As shown in Figure 2, the housing 102 is a substantially trapezoidal prism. In other embodiments, the housing 102 may be cuboidal, or any other suitable shape. The housing 102 has a total width of approximately 705 mm, a total height of approximately 1230 mm, and a total depth of approximately 95 mm. As shown in Figure 3, the first opening 104 is disposed substantially centrally along the width and the height of the housing 102. In other embodiments, the first opening 104 may be disposed substantially centrally along the width and / or the height of the housing 102. A signal terminal (not shown) for receiving or outputting a signal from / to an external device (not shown) may be disposed in the housing 102. The signal, i.e., an electromagnetic or electrical current that carries data, may include data relating to media for displaying on the electronic visual display unit 100. The signal terminal may be configured for releasably connecting the cable 106 so as to receive or output the signal from / to an external device. Additionally, or alternatively, a display screen (not shown) for displaying the media is disposed in the housing 102. The display screen may receive the signal from the signal terminal. The housing 102 may be configured to enclose the signal terminal and / or the display screen, such that the signal terminal and / or the display screen are shielded from view. As shown in Figure 3, in particular, the housing 102 further includes multiple holes for use as heat vents 110a, audio speaker grilles 110b, or holes 110c for fixing further components of the electronic visual display unit 100 to the housing 102. The support member 108 is an elongate hollow tubular member for attachment of the electronic visual display unit 100 to at least one supportive substrate (not shown). The supportive substrate may be a floor, a ceiling, or a wall. In this way, the elongate hollow tubular member may extend beyond an edge 112a, 112b of the housing 102. As shown in Figure 2, the elongate hollow tubular member extends beyond an upper edge 112a and a lower edge 112b of the housing 102 for attachment of the electronic visual display unit 100 to both the floor and the ceiling. The support member 108 is configured to be hollow for receiving the cable 106 therethrough. In other embodiments, the support member 108 may be an elongate hollow box member, an elongate hollow triangular section, or any other shape suitable for receiving the cable 106 therethrough. In yet other embodiments, the support member 108 may include more than one support member, for example two support members, for attaching the electronic visual display unit 100 to the supportive substrate. The electronic visual display unit 100 also includes a further support member 114 coupling the support member 108 to the housing 102. In this way, the support member 108 is coupled indirectly to the housing 102 via the further support member 114. In other embodiments, the electronic visual display unit 100 may not include the further support member 114, and the support member 108 may be coupled directly to the housing 102. The further support member 114 may be a channel or box-like member having a central region 116 coupled to the support member 108 and opposing ends 118a, 118b coupled to the housing 102. The central region 116 may include a clamp or clasp member 120 for disposing around the support member 108 so as to couple the further support member 114 to the support member 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the opposing ends 118a, 118b are indirectly coupled to the housing 102 by way of further components of the electronic visual display unit 100. In other embodiments, the opposing ends 118a, 118b may be directly coupled to the housing 102. The opposing ends 118a, 118b are closed ends. As shown in Figure 4, in particular, the further support member 114 includes an intermediate opening 122 for receiving the cable 106. The electronic visual display unit 100 has a covered pathway extending from the first opening 104 of the housing 102 to the second opening 109 of the support member 108. The covered pathway at least partially encloses the cable 106 when passing therebetween, such that the cable 106 is shielded from view. The cable 106 may be considered to be shielded from view if the cable 106 is not visible when the housing 102 in viewed at a viewing angle between 0 and 80 degrees, normal to the housing 102. Advantageously, at least partially enclosing the cable 106 improves the visual appearance of the electronic visual display unit 100. In some embodiments, the covered pathway may enclose the cable 106 passing between the first and second openings 104, 109 wholly, such that the cable 106 is shielded from both view and access. Advantageously, this configuration prevents the cable 106 from being unplugged from the electronic visual display unit 100 (avoiding disruption of the display of the media), and / or prevents the cable 106 from being snagged (mitigating safety concerns). The covered pathway may be provided according to the following embodiments of the invention. As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the housing 102 and the support member 108 are arranged such that the first opening 104 and the second opening 109 face toward one another. Additionally, the further support member 114 is arranged between the housing 102 and the support member 108, such that the first opening 104 and the second opening 109 also face toward the intermediate opening 122. The openings 104, 109, 122 may be concentric, eccentric, or partially offset, such that at least part of the openings 104, 109, 122 face toward one another. The cable 106 extends from the first opening 104, through the intermediate opening 122, and through the second opening 109. The cable 106 is partially enclosed by the further support member 114, and partially enclosed by the support member 108. In this way, the further support member 114 provides a first portion of the covered pathway, and the support member 108 provides a second portion of the covered pathway. In certain embodiments, the housing 102 and the support member 108 are arranged such that the first and second openings 104, 109 do not face one another. The further support member 114 is arranged between the housing 102 and the support member 108, such that the second opening 109 faces toward the intermediate opening 122. The first and second openings 104, 109 are offset from one another along a width and / or a height of the electronic visual display unit 100. Preferably, the housing 102 and the further support member 114 are arranged such that the first opening 104 is covered and / or enclosed by the further support member 114. The cable 106 extends from the first opening 104, along at least part of the further support member 114, through the intermediate opening 122, and through the second opening 109. The cable 106 is partially enclosed by the further support member 114, and partially enclosed by the support member 108. In this way, the further support member 114 provides a first portion of the covered pathway, and the support member 108 provides a second portion of the covered pathway. In certain embodiments, the electronic visual display unit 100 does not include the further support member 114. The housing 102 and the support member 108 are arranged such that the first and second openings 104, 109 do not face one another. The first and second openings 104, 109 are offset from one another along a width and / or a height of the electronic visual display unit 100. Preferably, the first opening 104 is positioned such that the first opening 104 is covered by the support member 108. The cable 106 extends from the first opening 104 and through the second opening 109. The cable is partially enclosed by the support member 108. In this way, the support member 108 provides the covered pathway. In certain embodiments, the electronic visual display unit 100 does not include the further support member 114. The housing 102 and the support member 108 are arranged such that the first opening 104 and the second opening 109 face toward one another. The openings 104, 109 may be concentric, eccentric, or partially offset, such that at least part of the openings 104, 109 face toward one another. Preferably, the housing 102 and the support member 108 are arranged such that the first and second openings 104, 109 abut one another. The cable 106 extends directly from the first opening 104 and through the second opening 109. The cable is enclosed by the support member 108 wholly. In this way, the support member 108 provides the covered pathway. The openings 104, 109, 122 are shaped to receive the cable 106. As shown in Figure 3, the first opening 104 is substantially oval in shape. As shown in Figure 4, in particular, the intermediate opening 122 is elliptical in shape. In other embodiments, any of the openings 104,109,122 may be circular, elliptical, oval, quadrilateral, triangular, or any other shape suitable for receiving the cable 106. As further shown in Figure 3, the first opening 104 includes a grommet 124 for protecting the cable 106 received therethrough. An outer surface of the grommet 124 engages with a perimeter surface of the first opening 104 to achieve an interference fit. The grommet 124 has flexible members disposed about a perimeter surface of the grommet 124. The flexible members extend inwardly towards a centre point of the grommet 124. The second and intermediate openings 109, 122 may also include a grommet for protecting the cable 106 received therethrough. In certain embodiments, the electronic visual display unit includes the cable 106 passing through each of and between the first and second openings 104, 109, and extending along the covered pathway such that substantially the entirety of the cable 106 extending between the first and second openings 104, 109 is at least partially enclosed by the covered pathway. The cable 106 may be a power cable for powering the electronic visual display unit 100, or a signal cable for providing the signal to the electronic visual display unit 100, for example. As shown in Figure 3, the cable 106 includes multiple cables. Each cable 106 of the multiple cables may be configured for a different use. In some embodiments, the cable 106 may extend along a length of the support member 108. The cable 106 may extend to an end of the support member 108 for releasably connecting to a further component of the electronic visual display unit 100, for example, a power source or an external device. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise”, “contain”, “having” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers, or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise. 5 Features, integers, and characteristics, described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. In particular, the phrase “certain embodiments” is to be understood to mean 10 any embodiment described, illustrated, or otherwise disclosed herein. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention extends to any novel one, 15 or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. An electronic visual display unit comprising:a housing having a first opening for receiving a cable;a support member coupled to the housing and having a second opening for receiving the cable; anda covered pathway extending from the first opening to the second opening to at least partially enclose the cable when passing therebetween.

2. An electronic visual display unit according to claim 1, comprising a further support member coupling the support member to the housing.

3. An electronic visual display unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support member provides at least a portion of the covered pathway.

4. An electronic visual display unit according to claim 3 when dependent upon claim 2, wherein the further support member provides a further portion of the covered pathway.

5. An electronic visual display unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the second opening faces toward the housing.

6. An electronic visual display unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second openings face toward one another.

7. An electronic visual display unit according to claim 6, wherein the first and second openings abut one another.

8. An electronic visual display unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the first opening is disposed substantially centrally along a width and / or a height of the housing.

9. An electronic visual display unit according to any preceding claim, comprising a signal terminal for connecting the cable to receive or output a signal from / to an external device, the signal terminal being within the housing.

10. An electronic visual display unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the support member is an elongate hollow tubular member extending beyond an edge of the housing.

11. An electronic visual display unit according to any of claims 2 to 10, wherein the further support member is a channel or box-like member having a central region coupled to the support member and opposing ends coupled to the housing.

12. An electronic visual display unit according to claim 11, wherein the ends are closed ends.

13. An electronic visual display unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the covered pathway encloses the cable passing between the first and second openings wholly.

14. An electronic visual display unit according to any preceding claim, comprising a cable passing through each of and between the first and second openings, and extending along the covered pathway such that substantially the entirety of the cable extending between the first and second openings is at least partially enclosed by the covered pathway.

15. An electronic visual display unit according to any preceding claim, whereinthe display unit is one of a television, a computer monitor and digital signage, or a subassembly thereof.s

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